ICSE Chemistry Specimen Paper 2026 Released: Structure, Weightage & What’s New
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has officially released the ICSE Class 10 Chemistry Specimen Question Paper for the March 2026 examination. This release gives students and teachers a clear roadmap of the exam structure, question formats, and the changing focus of assessment.
Let’s take a closer look at what the 2026 specimen paper tells us — and how students should prepare accordingly.
Structure of the ICSE Chemistry Paper 2026
The question paper is divided into two sections — Section A and Section B, carrying a total of 80 marks.
Section A – Compulsory (40 Marks)
This section is mandatory for all students and contains two questions.
Question 1:
Consists of 15 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), including:
- Direct conceptual questions
- Assertion–Reason type questions
These assess recall, understanding, and basic reasoning skills.
Question 2:
Divided into five subparts of 5 marks each, covering a variety of formats such as:
- Figure-based questions
- Fill in the blanks
- Match the following
- Name the following
This section tests conceptual clarity, interpretation, and application.
Section B – Choice-Based (40 Marks)
Section B contains six questions of 10 marks each.
Students are required to attempt any four.
If more than four questions are attempted, the best four answers will be considered for evaluation.
Chapter-wise Weightage (Based on Specimen Paper 2026)
Chapter Topic Marks 1 Periodic Properties 9 2 Chemical Bonding 7 3 Acids, Bases and Salts 12 4 Analytical Chemistry 7 5 The Mole Concept 7 6 Electrolysis 6 7 Metallurgy 13 8 Inorganic Compounds 24 9 Organic Chemistry 15
| Chapter | Topic | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Periodic Properties | 9 |
| 2 | Chemical Bonding | 7 |
| 3 | Acids, Bases and Salts | 12 |
| 4 | Analytical Chemistry | 7 |
| 5 | The Mole Concept | 7 |
| 6 | Electrolysis | 6 |
| 7 | Metallurgy | 13 |
| 8 | Inorganic Compounds | 24 |
| 9 | Organic Chemistry | 15 |
🔹 Inorganic Chemistry carries the highest weightage, followed by Organic and Metallurgy — an important insight for revision planning.
What’s New in the 2026 Chemistry Specimen Paper?
While the overall paper pattern remains similar to previous years, the intent and design of the questions show a clear pedagogical shift.
The 2026 specimen paper is aligned with the first four levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy, indicating a move towards:
- Conceptual understanding
- Skill-based learning
- Competency-oriented assessment
Rather than testing only memory, the paper now encourages students to understand, apply, and analyze chemical concepts.
Understanding Bloom’s Taxonomy in the ICSE Context
Bloom’s Taxonomy is a framework for classifying learning objectives according to cognitive complexity. Originally proposed by Benjamin Bloom (1956) and later revised, it helps educators design balanced assessments.
The Six Levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy:
- Remembering – Recalling facts and definitions
- Understanding – Explaining concepts in one’s own words
- Applying – Using knowledge in new situations
- Analyzing – Identifying patterns, relationships, or causes
- Evaluating – Making judgments with justification
- Creating – Producing original ideas or solutions
In the 2026 Chemistry specimen paper, the focus is primarily on the first three to four levels, especially:
- Remembering
- Understanding
- Applying
- Basic Analysis
Cognitive-Level Distribution (As per Specimen Paper)
Cognitive Level Approx. Weightage Remembering (Recall) 33% Understanding 43% Applying 24%
| Cognitive Level | Approx. Weightage |
|---|---|
| Remembering (Recall) | 33% |
| Understanding | 43% |
| Applying | 24% |
This confirms that rote memorization alone is no longer sufficient. Students must:
- Understand concepts deeply
- Practice numerical and application-based problems
- Learn to interpret data, reactions, and figures
What This Means for Students
To perform well in ICSE Chemistry 2026, students should:
✔ Focus on concept clarity rather than memorization
✔ Practice numericals and application-based questions regularly
✔ Learn to interpret figures, tables, and reaction sequences
✔ Revise chapter-wise based on weightage and Bloom’s levels
Final Thought
The ICSE Chemistry Specimen Paper 2026 reflects a progressive shift towards conceptual, analytical, and skill-based assessment. Students who understand the why behind chemical reactions — not just the what — will be better prepared for both the board exam and future learning.
Used wisely, the specimen paper is not just a sample — it’s a strategy guide for smart preparation.
Students are advised to study the topic in detail and practice similar questions to score well in the 2025 examinations.
"Students are encouraged to refer to the prescribed textbook for a clearer understanding of key concepts. The book also includes a variety of practice questions aligned with the latest exam pattern."
Text Book | ICSE CHEMISTRY | Class 10
