ICSE Class 10 Chemistry Syllabus 2026-27, Download Syllabus PDF Here

S. No.

Unit

List of topics covered

1

Periodic Properties and Variations of Properties

Atomic size; metallic character; non-metallic character; ionisation potential; electron affinity; electronegativity; periodicity based on atomic number; modern periodic table up to Period 4; nuclear charge and shells; special reference to alkali metals and halogens.

2

Chemical Bonding

Electrovalent bonding; covalent bonding; coordinate bonding; electron-dot structures; NaCl, MgCl₂, CaO; non-polar covalent compounds (H₂, Cl₂, O₂, N₂, CCl₄, CH₄); polar covalent compounds (HCl, NH₃, H₂O); properties and comparison of electrovalent and covalent compounds; lone pairs; formation of H₃O⁺, OH⁻ and NH₄⁺ ions.

3

Study of Acids, Bases and Salts

Definitions and characteristic properties; ions in mineral acids, alkalis and salts; litmus, methyl orange, phenolphthalein and pH paper; hydronium and hydroxyl ions; pH scale; definition and types of salts—normal, acid, basic and complex; action of dilute acids on salts; decomposition of carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, sulphites, hydrogen sulphites and sulphides; methods of preparation of normal salts.

4

Analytical Chemistry

Action of ammonium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide on solutions of iron, copper, zinc and lead salts; colour of salts and precipitates; addition drop by drop and in excess; special action of ammonium hydroxide on copper salts; action of sodium hydroxide on ammonium salts; amphoteric nature of aluminium, zinc and lead, including their oxides and hydroxides.

5

Mole Concept and Stoichiometry

Gay-Lussac’s Law of Combining Volumes; Avogadro’s Law; mole and Avogadro’s number; molar volume at STP; atomicity of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and chlorine; vapour density and relative molecular mass; empirical and molecular formulae; percentage composition; mole and mass relationships; gram atomic mass; gram molecular mass; calculations involving mass, volume, Avogadro’s number and chemical equations.

6

Electrolysis

Electrolytes and non-electrolytes; substances containing molecules, ions, or both; strong and weak electrolytes; electrolysis, electrolyte, electrode, anode, cathode, anion and cation; oxidation and reduction; migration and selective discharge of ions; electrolysis of molten lead bromide, acidified water and aqueous copper(II) sulphate using copper and platinum electrodes; electroplating with nickel and silver; electro-refining of copper.

7

Metallurgy

Minerals and ores; common ores of iron, aluminium and zinc; pulverisation and dressing of ores; hydrolytic method, magnetic separation and froth flotation; roasting and calcination; reduction of metallic oxides; extraction of active metals by electrolysis; electro-refining (reference only); extraction of aluminium by Baeyer’s Process and Hall-Héroult’s Process; alloys and amalgams; composition and uses of stainless steel, magnalium, duralumin, brass, bronze and fuse metal/solder.

8

Study of Compounds

A. Hydrogen Chloride: Laboratory preparation, density, solubility, fountain experiment, preparation of hydrochloric acid, prevention of back suction, reactions with ammonia, acidic properties, aqua regia, precipitation reactions and tests. B. Ammonia: Laboratory preparation, preparation from nitrides and ammonium salts, Haber’s Process, density, solubility, fountain experiment, aqueous ammonia, reactions, catalytic oxidation, uses and tests. C. Nitric Acid: Laboratory preparation, Ostwald’s Process, oxidising properties, acidic properties and test. D. Sulphuric Acid: Contact Process, acidic properties, dibasic nature, oxidising and dehydrating properties, non-volatile nature and tests.

9

Organic Chemistry

Introduction to organic compounds; tetravalency and catenation of carbon; single, double and triple bonds; straight-chain, branched-chain and cyclic compounds; benzene structure; structural formulae; structural isomerism (chain and position); homologous series; IUPAC and trivial nomenclature; alkanes, alkenes and alkynes; preparation, reactions and uses of methane, ethane, ethene and ethyne; addition and substitution reactions; ethanol—preparation, properties and uses; denatured, methylated and spurious alcohol; acetic acid—structure, physical and chemical properties, esterification and uses.

10

Internal Assessment — Practical Work

Identification of gases and ions; action of heat on copper carbonate, zinc carbonate, zinc nitrate, copper nitrate and lead nitrate; analysis of unknown substances using sodium hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide; identification of Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺ and NH₄⁺; distinguishing a dilute acid from an alkali using two tests each; action of concentrated hydrochloric acid on copper oxide and manganese dioxide.

S. No.

Practical Work

Details

1

Identification of Gases

Identification of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, chlorine, hydrogen chloride, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, water vapour and nitrogen dioxide.

2

Identification of Ions

Identification of copper, iron, lead, zinc and ammonium ions, along with carbonate, chloride, nitrate, sulphide, sulphite and sulphate ions.

3

Heating of Metal Carbonates

Heating copper carbonate and zinc carbonate, observing the changes and identifying the products formed.

4

Heating of Metal Nitrates

Heating zinc nitrate, copper nitrate and lead nitrate; observing the changes, identifying the products and drawing conclusions.

5

Action of Alkalis on Salts

Adding sodium hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide to solutions containing Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺ and NH₄⁺ ions, and recording the observations.

6

Distinguishing Acids and Alkalis

Using two tests for each to distinguish between a dilute acid and an alkali.

7

Action of Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid

Warming concentrated hydrochloric acid with copper(II) oxide and manganese dioxide, observing the reactions, identifying the products and drawing conclusions.

S. No.

Evaluation Component

Assessment Focus

1

Experimental Skills

Correct handling of apparatus and careful execution of prescribed experiments.

2

Observation and Recording

Accurate recording of colour changes, precipitates, gas evolution and other observable changes.

3

Identification of Substances

Correct identification of the specified gases, ions and reaction products.

4

Interpretation and Deduction

Drawing appropriate conclusions from experimental observations.

5

Practical Understanding

Demonstrating an understanding of the reactions and procedures involved in the prescribed practical work.