ICSE Class 10 Indian Languages Syllabus 2025–26

Aims

1. To appreciate the language as an effective means of communication.
2. To acquire knowledge of the elements of the language.
3. To develop an interest in the language.
4. To understand the language when spoken at normal conversational speed.
5. To understand the basic structural patterns of the language, vocabulary and constructions.

Indian Languages Class IX & X

Papers will be set in the following languages: Ao-Naga, Assamese, Bengali, Dzongkha, Garo, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Khasi, Kokborok, Lepcha, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Mizo, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Tangkhul, Telugu, Urdu, or any other language of an Indian community approved by CISCE.

Examination Structure

• One paper of three hours duration carrying 80 marks and Internal Assessment of 20 marks.
• The paper will be divided into two sections: Section A (Language - 40 Marks) and Section B (Prescribed Texts - 40 Marks).

SECTION A: LANGUAGE (40 Marks)

This Section will be compulsory.

1. Composition: Candidates will be required to write one composition, in the language, which may include short explanations, directions, descriptions or narratives. There will be a choice of subjects, which may be suggested by language or other stimuli such as pictures and objects.
2. Letter: Candidates will be required to write a letter from a choice of two subjects. Suggestions may be given. The layout of the letter (address, introduction, conclusion, etc.) will form part of the assessment.
3. Comprehension: An unseen passage of about 250 words will be given in the language. Questions on the passage, designed to test understanding, will be set for answers in the language.
4. Grammar: This will consist of tests in use of language vocabulary, syntax and idioms, synthesis in sentence construction, and forming sentences correctly. Knowledge of grammatical terms is NOT required.

SECTION B: PRESCRIBED TEXTS (40 Marks)

Candidates will be required to answer four questions from ONLY two of the prescribed textbooks. All questions and answers will be in the language. The questions will test understanding of the subject matter of the prescribed books.

Note: For list of Prescribed Textbooks, see Appendix - I.

• The Class X – ICSE examination paper will be set on the entire syllabus prescribed for the subject.
• The Class IX internal examination is to be conducted on the portion of this syllabus that is covered during the academic year. CISCE has not prescribed bifurcation of the syllabus for this subject.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

Language and Literature

• Class IX: 2-3 assignments, two of which should be written (one from language, one from literature component).
• Class X: 2-3 assignments, two of which should be written (one from language, one from literature component).

Suggested Assignments

Language

Class IX

• Creative Writing: Students to write short compositions (approx. 300-400 words), based on:
  • a piece of recorded music;
  • a recorded series of sounds;
  • a picture/photograph;
  • an opening sentence or phrase;
  • a newspaper/magazine clipping or report;
• One piece of factual writing (informative/argumentative), one piece of expressive writing (descriptive/imaginative), and a film/book review.
• Aural: Listening to a conversation/talk/short reading, then summarizing the main points or answering given questions.

Class X

• Oral: Prepared speech/declamation; impromptu speech/debate/discussion; report/interview; elocution; role-play/general conversation on selected topics.
• Creative Writing: Short compositions (as above), with the same types of stimuli as in Class IX.
• One piece of factual writing (informative/argumentative), one piece of expressive writing (descriptive/imaginative), and a film/book review.

Literature (Prescribed Texts) – Classes IX and X

• Assignments based on prescribed textbooks, such as:
  • Character/thematic analysis.
  • Socio-economic, cultural, historical relevance/background.
  • Summary/paraphrase.

EVALUATION

Assignments/project work are evaluated by both the subject teacher and an External Examiner (a teacher nominated by the Head of the school, not teaching that section/class).

• Both examiners assess independently.
• Award of Marks (20 Marks total):
  • Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner): 10 marks
  • External Examiner: 10 marks
• Marks are to be sent to CISCE by the Head of the school, responsible for online entry on CAREERS portal by the due date.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN INDIAN LANGUAGES - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES - CREATIVE WRITING
(CLASSES IX & X)

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN INDIAN LANGUAGES - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES - ORAL ASSIGNMENT (CLASS X)

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT IN INDIAN LANGUAGES (LITERATURE - PRESCRIBED TEXTS) - GUIDELINES FOR MARKING WITH GRADES (CLASSES IX & X)