Based on the CISCE ICSE Biology syllabus (Science Paper 3)
ICSE Class 10 Biology: Syllabus, Topics & Sample Practice
Understand the six official CISCE Biology units, how the 80 + 20 two-hour board paper and practical assessment work, and work through a stepped demonstration question — calm, structured preparation for the ICSE board year.
Key Curriculum Facts
- 80 marks
- Theory Paper
- 2-hour written paper
- 20 marks
- Internal Assessment
- Practical work & file
- Own paper
- Examined As
- Science Paper 3, separate from Physics & Chemistry
How ICSE Class 10 Biology Rewards Understanding Over Memorising
ICSE Biology is a two-year course across Classes 9 and 10, assessed at the end of Class 10 as its own Science paper. The board paper rewards clear conceptual understanding, accurate diagrams and careful reasoning far more than rote memorisation.
The CISCE Class 10 syllabus is organised into six units — Basic Biology (cell division and genetics); Plant Physiology; Human Anatomy and Physiology; Population; Human Evolution; and Pollution — each extending the foundations laid in Class 9.
This page shows EduMagik's stepped reasoning approach with a worked demonstration question: a clue first, then a full step-by-step solution, so the concept is understood rather than just answered.
The Six CISCE Biology Units (ICSE Class 10)
The official CISCE Class 10 syllabus is organised into six units — grouped here by theme
Cell Biology & Genetics
-
Ch 1
Basic Biology
The cell cycle and cell division — mitosis and its stages, and meiosis as a reduction division; the structure of the chromosome (chromatin, chromatid, gene, DNA, centromere); and Genetics — Mendel’s three laws, monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, and sex-linked inheritance (haemophilia and colour blindness).
Plant Physiology
-
Ch 2
Plant Physiology
Absorption by roots — osmosis, diffusion, turgidity, plasmolysis and the ascent of sap; transpiration and the factors affecting it (Ganong’s potometer); photosynthesis — the process, the chloroplast, the light and dark reactions and the carbon cycle; and chemical coordination in plants (plant hormones and tropic movements).
Human Anatomy & Physiology
-
Ch 3
Human Anatomy and Physiology
The circulatory system (blood, the heart, double circulation, blood groups and the lymphatic system); the excretory system and the structure of the nephron; the nervous system, reflex action and the sense organs (eye and ear); the endocrine system and its glands; and the reproductive system, fertilisation and the menstrual cycle.
Population, Evolution & Environment
-
Ch 4
Population
Population explosion in India and the need for control — demography, population density, birth and death rates, growth rate, the problems caused, and methods of population control.
-
Ch 5
Human Evolution
A basic introduction to human evolution and human ancestors; and the theories of evolution — Lamarck’s theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics and Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
-
Ch 6
Pollution
Types and sources of air, water, soil, thermal, radiation and noise pollution; biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes; and the effects of pollution (greenhouse effect, global warming, acid rain, ozone depletion) with measures to control it.
A pure-breeding tall pea plant (TT) is crossed with a pure-breeding dwarf pea plant (tt), where tallness (T) is dominant. In the F2 generation, what fraction of the plants will be tall?
Reasoning Clue & Solution
The F1 plants are all Tt. Self-pollinate them and write out the F2 ratio of genotypes, then count how many show the tall phenotype.
The EduMagik 3-Step Hint Ladder
Point to the Concept
Names the idea to reach for (e.g. "Work out the F1 genotype first") without giving the answer.
Guided Reasoning Prompt
Prompts the key step (e.g. "Set up the Tt × Tt cross and write the F2 ratio").
Complete Worked Solution
Shows the full step-by-step reasoning and explains why the answer is correct.
How to Revise Class 10 Biology
Simple, high-impact ways to prepare for the board year
Master the Diagrams
Practise drawing and labelling the heart, nephron, neuron, eye and reflex arc — accurate, well-labelled diagrams earn marks the board paper reserves for them.
Work Through Genetics Crosses
Set out monohybrid and dihybrid crosses step by step and learn the standard ratios — method and clear working matter as much as the final answer.
Take Practical Work Seriously
Internal assessment is 20 marks — confident experiments (osmosis, transpiration, photosynthesis) and a tidy practical file genuinely lift the overall grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main units in ICSE Class 10 Biology?
The CISCE Class 10 syllabus has six units: Basic Biology (cell division and genetics); Plant Physiology; Human Anatomy and Physiology; Population; Human Evolution; and Pollution. Always confirm the current syllabus with CISCE or your school.
How is ICSE Class 10 Biology assessed?
By one written board paper of two hours carrying 80 marks, plus Internal Assessment of practical work carrying 20 marks — totalling 100. Biology is Science Paper 3 within the Science group.
Is Biology a separate paper in ICSE?
Yes. Within the Science group, Biology is examined as its own paper (Science Paper 3), separate from Physics and Chemistry, each with its own 80 + 20 scheme.
Does ICSE Class 10 Biology include genetics?
Yes. The Basic Biology unit covers Genetics — Mendel’s three laws, monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, and sex-linked inheritance such as haemophilia and colour blindness — alongside cell division and chromosome structure.
Related Learning Paths
Ready to Support Your Child's Learning?
Join EduMagik and explore the curriculum with calm, structured guidance.
Join EduMagik Free