ICSE Class 10 Maths: Syllabus, Topics & Sample Practice

Commercial Mathematics

• Ch 1 Commercial Mathematics

  Goods and Services Tax (GST) — computing SGST, CGST and the price paid by the consumer; banking — recurring deposit accounts and maturity value; and shares and dividends (face value, market value, dividend and return).

Algebra

• Ch 2 Algebra

  Linear inequations in one variable; quadratic equations and the nature of roots; ratio and proportion; factorisation of polynomials (factor and remainder theorems); 2×2 matrices; arithmetic and geometric progressions; and coordinate geometry — reflection, section formula, slope and equations of a line.

Geometry & Mensuration

• Ch 3 Geometry

  Similarity of triangles and areas of similar figures; loci — definition, theorems and constructions; and circles — angle, cyclic, tangent and secant properties, with constructions of tangents and circumscribed/inscribed circles.

• Ch 4 Mensuration

  Surface area and volume of the cylinder, cone and sphere; combinations of solids; and direct application problems including cost, inner/outer volume, and melting and recasting (frustum excluded).

Trigonometry

• Ch 5 Trigonometry

  Using identities (sin²A + cos²A = 1, 1 + tan²A = sec²A, 1 + cot²A = cosec²A) to prove simple expressions; and heights and distances — 2-D problems on angles of elevation and depression using trigonometric tables.

Statistics & Probability

• Ch 6 Statistics

  Mean, median and mode for raw, arrayed and grouped data (direct, short-cut and step-deviation methods); histograms and the "less than" ogive; and finding the median, quartiles and inter-quartile range.

• Ch 7 Probability

  Random experiments, sample space and events; the definition of probability; and simple problems on single events.

Point to the Method

Names the tool to reach for (e.g. "Use the discriminant b² − 4ac") without giving the answer.

Guided Reasoning Prompt

Prompts the key idea (e.g. "What does a negative discriminant mean for the roots?").

Complete Worked Solution

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

Spread Practice Across Algebra and Geometry

These two topics are the broadest in the syllabus — steady weekly practice across both pays off most in the paper.

Set Out Working and Units Clearly

ICSE rewards method: show every step, draw clean figures and label units — marks are given for the reasoning, not just the final number.

Practise With Mathematical Tables

Heights-and-distances and logarithm questions use trigonometric and log tables — get fluent with them before the exam so they cost no time.

What topics are in the ICSE Class 10 Maths syllabus?

The CISCE syllabus lists seven topics: Commercial Mathematics, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Statistics and Probability. Always confirm the current syllabus with CISCE or your school.

How is ICSE Class 10 Maths assessed?

By one 2½-hour written board paper of 80 marks covering the whole syllabus, plus 20 marks of internal assessment (a minimum of two assignments, marked 10 by the subject teacher and 10 by an external examiner) — totalling 100.

How long is the ICSE Class 10 Maths paper?

The theory paper is two and a half hours (2½ hours) and carries 80 marks. Some questions may require the use of mathematical tables (logarithmic and trigonometric).

Is “Frustum” or the area of a sector included in ICSE Class 10 Maths?

No. The current syllabus excludes problems on the frustum of a cone, and sectors other than the quarter-circle and semicircle are not included in mensuration. Topics are revised periodically, so always work from the current CISCE syllabus.