ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026-27 PDF: Revised & Deleted Topics

The ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026-27 includes English Language and Literature in English (two separate exams). The syllabus PDF covers grammar, writing skills, and prescribed texts, as set by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations.

English Syllabus for ICSE Class 10 (2026-27)

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English Syllabus Class 10 ICSE Overview: 2026-27

The ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026-27 (part of Group I) is designed to strengthen your language skills, analytical thinking, and literary understanding. It is a compulsory subject assessed in two papers–English Language (Paper 1) and Literature in English (Paper 2).

Both papers carry 80 marks, along with 20 marks internal assessment, making it one of the most scoring subjects.

For the 2026-27 academic year, CISCE continues to emphasize structured writing, grammar accuracy, and deeper textual understanding in the ICSE Class 10 English syllabus 2026-27.

While there are no major changes, there is a slight increase in analytical and competency-based questions.

Key Highlights for English Class 10 ICSE 2026-27

• Strong focus on grammar and structured writing
• Literature questions require critical analysis
• Internal assessment includes speaking & listening skills
• Each paper: 80 marks theory + 20 marks internal
• Balanced mix of objective and subjective questions
• Greater weightage to textual evidence in literature answers

ICSE Class 10 English Unit-Wise Marks Distribution 

English falls in the Group I Category, which has all the compulsory list of subjects to be studied by the ICSE Students. There will be two papers for English:

Part 1: English Language 

The following table outlines the detailed weightage for various topics under the English Language paper:

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To understand the latest marking scheme for these sections, refer to the ICSE Class 10 English Language Specimen Paper for the 2026-27 session.

Also practicing with Tarun Rupani Notes for Class 10 English Language can help in mastering the functional grammar topics.

Part 2: Literature in English 

The table below shows a comprehensive breakdown of prose and poetry covered in Literature in English marks breakdown:

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You can download the English Literature Specimen Paper to see how questions are framed from these prescribed texts.

Sub-Units Covered Under the Syllabus

The ICSE Class 10 English syllabus is divided into English Language (Paper 1) and Literature in English (Paper 2). The detailed sub-units/topics covered under each section are mentioned below:

1. English Language (Paper 1)

• Composition: Writing one essay of 300–350 words from a choice of topics (narrative, descriptive, argumentative, reflective, expository, etc.)
• Letter Writing:
  
  • Formal letters (complaint, enquiry, application, letter to the editor, etc.)
  • Informal/personal letters
• Notice and E-mail Writing:
  
  • Notice writing (school/college events, word limit approx. 50 words)
  • E-mail writing (formal/informal, word limit approx. 50–70 words)
• Unseen Prose Passage: Comprehension of an unseen passage with questions on factual recall, inference, vocabulary, and summary
• Grammar:
  
  • Sentence transformation
  • Active and Passive Voice
  • Direct and Indirect Speech
  • Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms
  • Prepositions, Conjunctions, Articles, Editing/Omission

2. Literature in English (Paper 2)

For Literature in English units, the table above can be followed. 

Deleted Chapter in ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus (2026-27)

For ICSE Class 10 English syllabus 2026-27, no major chapters have been deleted and no alteration within the sub-topics have been done by CISCE. 

How to Prepare for ICSE Class 10 English Exams

To score well in ICSE Class 10 English, follow these simple and effective strategies:

• Follow the latest syllabus - Always study according to the official ICSE Class 10 English syllabus 2026-27 to avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics.
• Practice previous year papers - Solve past year papers regularly to understand the exam pattern, question types, and improve time management.
• Focus on conceptual clarity - Instead of rote learning, focus on understanding - themes and characters in literature, grammar rules and writing formats.
• Strengthen writing skills - Practice essays, letters, and notice/email writing to improve structure, vocabulary, and presentation.
• Revise regularly - Keep revising important chapters, formats, and grammar rules to retain concepts effectively. 

FAQs

Q1. How many papers are there in ICSE Class 10 English?

Ans. There are two papers:

• Paper 1: English Language
• Paper 2: Literature in English 

Q2. Are creative writing skills important for ICSE English exams?

Ans. Yes, creative writing is essential, especially for essays, letters, and answers in literature that require personal response.

Q3. Which book is prescribed for ICSE Class 10 Literature in English?

Ans. Students study Treasure Chest: A Collection of ICSE Short Stories & Poems by Evergreen Publications Ltd., along with the drama, Julius Caesar.

Q4. How important is internal assessment in ICSE English?

Ans. Internal assessment carries 20 marks per paper, making it important for improving overall scores.

Q5. Is grammar asked separately in ICSE Class 10 English?

Ans. Yes, grammar is tested in Paper 1 (English Language) through short answer questions.

Q6. How are ICSE students so good in English?

Ans. ICSE students follow a curriculum that treats English as a primary language rather than a second language. Also, they are introduced to separate emphasis on literature and language concepts.

Q7. Is English Paper 1 language or literature for ICSE Class 10?

Ans. The ICSE Class 10 English Syllabus 2026-27 (part of Group I) is designed to strengthen your language skills, analytical thinking, and literary understanding. It is a compulsory subject assessed in two papers–English Language (Paper 1) and Literature in English (Paper 2).