ISC Class 10 Total Marks is 600 marks, but it follows the “best five systems” for the calculation, which shows the total mark out of 500. Each subject is of 100 marks, which is further divided in the ratio of 80:20, with 80 marks for the external board exams and the remaining 20 marks for IA (Internal Assessment) through Practicals, viva and projects. Then come skill-based subjects, with a 50:50 ratio (external: internal).
Students need to appear for 6 to 8 subjects, which leads to a total of 600 marks. Students must score 33 % in each subject so that they can pass the exam. It is essential to clear the cutoff in each subject to successfully clear the ISC Class 10 exam.
Exam Pattern and Question Types:
- ISC Class 10 Total marks: 100 Marks per subject.
- Theory exams last 2-3 hours.
- Questions cover short answers, long answers, application-based problems, and map questions (for Geography).
- Internal assessments test projects, practicals, oral work, and class tests.
- Balanced evaluation encourages understanding and skill development.
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Key Summary
- The ISC Class 10 Total marks for every subject carry marks out of 100, split into 80 marks for the external board exam and 20 marks for internal assessment (practicals, projects, viva).
- Skill-based subjects carry an even split: 50 marks for theory and 50 for internal work.
- Students usually sit for 6 to 8 subjects, which aggregate to around 600 marks.
- To pass, students are required to score 33% in each subject and pass 5 out of 6 subjects altogether.
- Examinations take 2 to 3 hours and consist of various types of questions, such as short answers, long answers, application problems, and map questions, particularly in Geography.
- Internal assessments assess practical abilities, projects, oral work, and classroom tests, striking a balance between testing knowledge and skills.
- Topics are classified under three groups: Group I (English, Second Language, History, Civics, Geography), Group II (Mathematics, Science, Economics, Commercial Studies, Environmental Science), and Group III (Physical Education, Computer Applications, Art, Home Science, Performing Arts).
ISC Class 10 Total Marks Distribution by Subject Group
The table presented below gives an insight into how the internal and external marks are distributed for different groups/ subjects. The duration for Group 1 and Group II exams is 2 - 3 hours. Group 3 exams have a shorter duration of 1 - 2 hours.
| Group | Subject Types | External Marks | Internal Marks | Total Marks | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | English, Second Language, History & Civics, Geography | 80 | 20 | 100 | 2 to 3 hours |
| Group II | Mathematics, Science, Economics, Commercial Studies, Environmental Science | 80 | 20 | 100 | 2 to 3 hours |
| Group III | Physical Education, Computer Applications, Art, Home Science, Performing Arts | 50 | 50 | 100 | 1 to 2 hours |
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ICSE Preparation Tips 2025Why This Grouping Matters
This grouping matters for the following reasons given below:
- Group I and II: Emphasis is on written exams (80 marks) supported by internal assessments (20 marks).
- Group III: Balanced between theory/practical components, as internal project work holds equal importance.
- This allows students to leverage different strengths, not just memorising theory.
ISC Class 10 Total Marks “ Subject-Wise Marks Breakdown
Subject-wise ISC Class 10 Total Marks breakdown will help you further in knowing which subject has higher weightage or lower weightage.
| Subject | External Exam (Theory/Written) | Internal Assessment (Project/Practical) | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| English Literature | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Second Language | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| History & Civics | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Geography | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Science | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Economics | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Commercial Studies | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Environmental Science | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Physical Education | 50 | 50 | 100 |
| Computer Applications | 50 | 50 | 100 |
| Art | 50 | 50 | 100 |
| Home Science | 50 | 50 | 100 |
| Performing Arts | 50 | 50 | 100 |
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ICSE Exam PatternISC Class 10 Total Marks: Passing Criteria Breakdown:
Below is the passing criteria for the ISC Class 10. You need to secure 33% in each subject to pass, and you should clear 5 out of 6 subjects to pass the exam.
| Group | Passing Marks Criteria |
|---|---|
| Group I | Minimum 33% overall; minimum 27 marks out of 80 in external; passing required in both theory and internal. |
| Group II | Same as Group I. |
| Group III | Minimum 33% overall; 35% minimum in internal and external each (split 50:50). |
Also check:
ICSE Class 10 Question PapersISC Class 10 Grading System 2025
The table gives an insight into how the percentage is translated into academic performance for students.
- The percentage ranging between 91 – 100 belongs to the A1 grade, and it is described as outstanding.
- The percentage ranging between 81 – 90 belongs to the A2 grade, and it is described as excellent.
- The percentage below 33 is considered a Fail.
| Grade | Percentage Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 91-100 | Outstanding |
| A2 | 81-90 | Excellent |
| B1 | 71-80 | Very Good |
| B2 | 61-70 | Good |
| C1 | 51-60 | Above Average |
| C2 | 41-50 | Average |
| D | 33-40 | Below Average |
| E | Below 33 | Poor/Fail |
Tips for Using Marks Distribution
- Focus on scoring well in external exams as they carry more weight.
- But do not neglect internal assessments - projects and practicals can boost marks.
- Understand syllabus weightage per subject to allocate study time wisely.
- Practice different question formats, including application-based.
- Balance theory study with practical skill development, especially for Group III.
Passing Marks 2025 out of the ISC Class 10 Total Marks
Group 1 Compulsory Subjects:
| Subject | Internal Assessment | External Exam | ICSE Passing Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| History, Civics, and Geography | 20% | 80% | 35% |
| English | 20% | 80% | 35% |
| Second Language | 20% | 80% | 35% |
Group II - Optional Subjects (Any 2 or 3 Subjects)
| Subject | Internal Assessment | External Exam | ICSE Passing Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | 20% | 80% | 35% |
| Mathematics | 20% | 80% | 35% |
| Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 20% | 80% | 35% |
| Commercial Studies | 20% | 80% | 35% |
| Environmental Science | 20% | 80% | 35% |
| Modern Foreign Language | 20% | 80% | 35% |
| Classical Language | 20% | 80% | 35% |
Group III - Optional Subjects (Any 1 Subject)
| Subject | External Exam | Internal Exam | ICSE Passing Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Applications | 50% | 50% | 35% |
| Computer Applications | 50% | 50% | 35% |
| Economic Applications | 50% | 50% | 35% |
| Performing Arts | 50% | 50% | 35% |
| Art | 50% | 50% | 35% |
| Home Science | 50% | 50% | 35% |
| Yoga | 50% | 50% | 35% |
| Fashion Designing | 50% | 50% | 35% |
| Physical Education | 50% | 50% | 35% |
| Cookery | 50% | 50% | 35% |
| Technical Drawing Applications | 50% | 50% | 35% |
| Environmental Applications | 50% | 50% | 35% |
| A Modern Foreign Language | 50% | 50% | 35% |
ISC Class 10 Total Marks FAQs:
Ques. Are the ICSE total marks 500 or 600?
Ans.ISC Class 10 Total Marks is 600 marks, but it follows the “best five systems” for the calculation, which shows the total mark out of 500
Ques. What are the total marks for the ISC Class 10?
Ans. 100 per subject, in which 20 is for internal and 80 marks for external board exams.
Ques. How to calculate ISC 10th percentage?
Ans. ISC 10th class percentage is calculated by adding 5 subjects and then dividing by 5, and then multiplying by 100 to find out the 10th class percentage.
Ques. Is the ISC percentage the best of 4?
Ans. Yes, ISC includes the best 4 subject marks, including English, among 4 subjects.
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