Based on the CISCE ICSE Physics syllabus
ICSE Class 10 Physics: Syllabus, Topics & Sample Practice
Understand the six official CISCE Physics sections, how the 80 + 20 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 & viva
- Own paper
- Examined As
- Separate from Chemistry & Biology
How ICSE Physics Rewards Understanding Over Memorising
ICSE Physics is a two-year course across Classes 9 and 10, assessed at the end of Class 10. The board paper rewards clear conceptual understanding and careful numerical working far more than rote memorisation.
The CISCE syllabus is organised into six sections — Force, Work, Power & Energy; Light; Sound; Electricity & Magnetism; Heat; and Modern Physics — each building on 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 Physics Sections (ICSE Class 10)
The official CISCE syllabus is organised into six sections — grouped here by theme
Mechanics & Energy
-
Ch 1
Force, Work, Power and Energy
Turning forces and moment of a force, equilibrium and centre of gravity; uniform circular motion; work, energy and power; and machines as force multipliers (levers, pulleys, mechanical advantage and efficiency).
Waves — Light & Sound
-
Ch 2
Light
Refraction through a glass block and a triangular prism; total internal reflection and the critical angle; converging and diverging lenses and ray diagrams; dispersion and the spectrum; and scattering of light.
-
Ch 3
Sound
Reflection of sound and echoes (including SONAR); natural, damped and forced vibrations and resonance; and the characteristics of sound — loudness, pitch and quality.
Electricity, Magnetism & Heat
-
Ch 4
Electricity and Magnetism
Ohm's law, emf, potential difference and resistance; series and parallel circuits; electrical power and energy; household circuits and safety (fuses, MCBs, earthing); and the magnetic effect of current, electromagnetic induction, the DC motor, AC generator and transformer.
-
Ch 5
Heat (Calorimetry)
Heat capacity and specific heat capacity; the method of mixtures; and latent heat of fusion with heat exchange during a change of state.
Modern Physics
-
Ch 6
Modern Physics (Radioactivity)
Changes in the nucleus and alpha, beta and gamma radiation; background radiation and safety; and an elementary introduction to nuclear fission and fusion.
A ray of light travels from glass into air. Total internal reflection can occur only when the angle of incidence in the glass is:
Reasoning Clue & Solution
Think about which way light bends going from a denser medium (glass) to a rarer one (air), and what happens once it can no longer escape.
The EduMagik 3-Step Hint Ladder
Point to the Concept
Names the idea to reach for (e.g. "Think about the critical angle") without giving the answer.
Guided Reasoning Prompt
Prompts the key step (e.g. "What happens to the ray once it can no longer leave the glass?").
Complete Worked Solution
Shows the full step-by-step reasoning and explains why the answer is correct.
How to Revise Class 10 Physics
Simple, high-impact ways to prepare for the board year
Connect Concepts to Everyday Life
Spot physics around you — a see-saw (moments), a torch beam, a fuse — to make abstract topics concrete.
Take Practical Work Seriously
Internal assessment is 20 marks — a tidy practical file and confident lab work genuinely lift the overall grade.
Practise Numericals and Diagrams
Draw ray diagrams and set out numerical steps clearly — the board paper rewards method, not just the final number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main topics in ICSE Class 10 Physics?
The CISCE syllabus is organised into six sections: Force, Work, Power & Energy; Light; Sound; Electricity & Magnetism; Heat (Calorimetry); and Modern Physics (Radioactivity). Always confirm the current syllabus with CISCE or your school.
How is ICSE Class 10 Physics 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 Physics a separate paper in ICSE?
Yes. Within the Science group, Physics is examined as its own paper, separate from Chemistry and Biology, each with its own 80 + 20 scheme.
Is “Thermionic Emission” still in the ICSE Physics syllabus?
No — thermionic emission is no longer part of the current ICSE Class 10 Physics syllabus. Students should always work from the current CISCE syllabus, as topics are revised periodically.
Related Learning Paths
Ready to Support Your Child's Learning?
Join EduMagik and explore the curriculum with calm, structured guidance.
Join EduMagik Free