ICSE Class 10 Chemistry: Syllabus, Topics & Sample Practice

Periodicity & Bonding

• Ch 1 Periodic Properties and Their Variations

  Periodic properties and their variation in groups and periods — atomic size, metallic and non-metallic character, ionisation potential, electron affinity and electronegativity; and periodicity explained on the basis of atomic number and nuclear charge.

• Ch 2 Chemical Bonding

  Electrovalent, covalent and co-ordinate bonding with electron-dot structures (NaCl, MgCl₂, CaO; hydrogen, chlorine, nitrogen, ammonia, methane); polar covalent compounds based on electronegativity; and the formation of the hydronium and ammonium ions.

Acids, Bases, Salts & Analysis

• Ch 3 Study of Acids, Bases and Salts

  Ions in acids, bases and salts and the use of litmus and pH paper; types of salts (normal, acid and basic); action of dilute acids on salts; and methods of preparation of normal salts with relevant equations.

• Ch 4 Analytical Chemistry

  Action of ammonium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide on solutions of Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb salts; the colour of the hydroxide precipitates formed; and the amphoteric nature of aluminium, zinc and lead revealed by their action with alkalis.

Mole Concept & Electrochemistry

• Ch 5 Mole Concept and Stoichiometry

  Gay Lussac's Law of Combining Volumes and Avogadro's Law; the mole and molar volume (22.4 litres at STP); vapour density and its relation to molecular mass; and simple calculations relating moles to mass, volume and chemical equations.

• Ch 6 Electrolysis

  Electrolytes and non-electrolytes; electrolysis, electrodes, oxidation and reduction, and selective discharge of ions; electrolysis of molten lead bromide, acidified water and copper sulphate solution; and applications — electroplating and the refining of copper.

Metallurgy & Study of Compounds

• Ch 7 Metallurgy

  Occurrence of metals as minerals and ores; the stages of extraction — dressing of the ore, roasting and calcination, and reduction; the extraction of aluminium by Baeyer's and the Hall–Héroult processes; and the composition and uses of common alloys.

• Ch 8 Study of Compounds

  Hydrogen chloride, ammonia (manufacture by Haber's process), nitric acid (Ostwald's process) and sulphuric acid (Contact process) — their laboratory preparation, properties and characteristic reactions.

Organic Chemistry

• Ch 9 Organic Chemistry

  The unique nature of the carbon atom and catenation; structure and isomerism; homologous series and simple nomenclature; alkanes, alkenes and alkynes with their preparation and properties; and alcohols (ethanol) and carboxylic acids (acetic acid).

Point to the Concept

Names the idea to reach for (e.g. "Use the molar volume at STP") without giving the answer.

Guided Reasoning Prompt

Prompts the key step (e.g. "What volume does one mole occupy at STP?").

Complete Worked Solution

Shows the full step-by-step working and explains why the answer is correct.

Learn Reactions as Balanced Equations

The paper rewards correct, balanced equations with conditions — practise them for each named compound rather than memorising descriptions.

Drill the Mole Concept

Molar volume, vapour density and mass–mole conversions appear everywhere; steady numerical practice here pays off across the whole paper.

Take Practical Work Seriously

Internal assessment is 20 marks — confident salt analysis, gas identification and a tidy practical file genuinely lift the overall grade.

What are the main topics in ICSE Class 10 Chemistry?

The CISCE Class 10 syllabus is organised into nine sections: Periodic Properties; Chemical Bonding; Study of Acids, Bases and Salts; Analytical Chemistry; Mole Concept and Stoichiometry; Electrolysis; Metallurgy; Study of Compounds (hydrogen chloride, ammonia, nitric acid and sulphuric acid); and Organic Chemistry. Always confirm the current syllabus with CISCE or your school.

How is ICSE Class 10 Chemistry assessed?

By one 2-hour written theory paper of 80 marks covering the whole syllabus, plus 20 marks of internal assessment for practical work (experiments, a practical file and viva) — totalling 100.

Is Chemistry a separate paper in ICSE?

Yes. Within the Science group, Chemistry is examined as its own paper, separate from Physics and Biology, each with its own 80 + 20 scheme.

Which named compounds are studied in ICSE Class 10 Chemistry?

The "Study of Compounds" section covers hydrogen chloride, ammonia (manufactured by Haber’s process), nitric acid (Ostwald’s process) and sulphuric acid (Contact process) — their preparation, properties and reactions.