ICSE 2026 Physics Answer Key: The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) conducted the class 10th Physics exam today, March 9, 2026. The exam was conducted for 80 marks for two hours from 11 AM to 1 PM. Based on the paper analysis, Section B was easier compared to Section A. Furthermore, the numerical calculations were intensive, hence time-consuming. As per the initial reactions of the students, the overall questions were moderate.
Some students reported the multiple-choice questions to be a bit tricky and required an in-depth understanding of concepts. Subject-matter experts and teachers revealed that to solve Physics questions effectively, students required conceptual clarity and logical thinking. Our GMU subject-matter expert has analysed and provided correct responses to objective-type questions below.Â
ICSE 2026 Physics Answer Key Unofficial(Available)
The ICSE 2026 Physics Question Paper will include two distinct parts: Section A (40 marks), which is compulsory and features short-answer questions and MCQs and Section B (40 marks), where students must choose to answer any four out of six long-form questions.Â
| Question | Â | Answer |
| 1) Choose the correct option  i) For a body to be in dynamic equilibrium, its |
 | b) acceleration should be zero |
| ii) The energy transformation taking place during photosynthesis in plants is: | Â | c) light to chemical |
| iii) The velocity ratio of a block and tackle system of two pulleys with the effort in the upward direction is: | Â | c) 3 |
| iv) From the figure given below, the refractive index of medium B will respect to medium A is: |  | d) Sin60°/Sin 45° |
| v) When a blackend bulb thermometer is moved beyond the red region of the visible spectrum, there is a rapid rise in the temperature. This is due to presence of: | Â | a) Infrared radiation |
| vi) A fast-moving cyclist stops pedalling on reaching a hilly track. If he continues to move with the acquired energy, then assuming no loss of energy: | Â | d) his total mechanical energy remains constant |
| vii) The distance of a virtual image formed by a lens of focal length 15cm never exceeds a certain finite value, then this value will be: | Â | d) less than or equal to 15 cm |
| viii) Assertion: Tiny air molecules scatter blue light more than red light. Reason: The refractive index of a medium is greater for blue light than red light |
 | c) both A and R are true but R is not correct explanation of A |
| ix) In the circuit given below, identify the lamp whose failure would not interrupt the power supply to the other lamps | Â | d) L4 |
x) Equal volumes of water are added to the three cylindrical jars A, B and C of same height and radii r₳, rΒ and r¢ respectively with rΒ|  |
c) C |
|
| xi) A metallic wire stretched in such a way that its new length becomes twice the original. How does its specific heat capacity change? | Â | d) remains the same |
| xii) The correct formula to calculate the equivalent resistance of two resistors R1 and R2, when connected in parallel is: | Â | b) R1R2/R1+R2 |
| xiii) The diagram below shows the top view of wire A shown by a cross X carrying current into the plane of the paper, which of the compasses is correctly aligned with the magnetic field, produced by the current carrying wire? | Â | a) only 1 is aligned |
| xiv) Three substances A, B and C of same mass are present at their respective melting points. On heating, if they melt compeltely in 5 minutes, 7 minutes and 3 minutes respectively, then which substance has the highest specifc latent heat? | Â | b) substance B |
| xv) An atom of lithium contains 3 electrons, 3 protons and 4 neutrons. Its mass number is: | Â | c) 7 |
| 2(i). Complete the following by choosing the correct answers from the bracket: a) A car is moving in uniform circular motion. The direction of friction between the tyres and the path is___________ |
 | towards the centre |
| b) When a ray of light passes from a denser to a rarer medium, its wavelength_________ | Â | increases |
| c) The lid of a calorimeter minimises heat loss by_________ | Â | convection |
| d) Quality of sound depends on its_________ | Â | amplitude |
| e) A substance whose resistance becomes almost negligible at a temperature near absolute zero is called a__________ | Â | superconductor |
| f) ____________radiation deviates minimum in a magnetic field | Â | Alpha |
| 2. ii) State two factors on which the position of centre of gravity of a body depends. | Â | 1. Geometric shape of body 2. Distribution of mass within body |
ICSE 2026 Physics Detailed Question Paper Analysis
The Class 12th ICSE Board Physics detailed question paper analysis includes the difficulty level of the overall question paper and its different sections. It is prepared based on the students' feedback and the subject expert’s analysis.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Overall Paper Difficulty Level |
Moderate |
|
Difficult Section |
Section A:Multiple Choice Questions |
|
Easy Section |
Section B |
|
Was the Paper Lengthy? |
No |
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) mandates a minimum score of 35% to pass the subject. This means a student needs to achieve a combined total of at least 35 marks out of 100. Additionally, it is highly recommended to secure at least 28 marks (35%) in the theory component.
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Based on reviews of students and experts collected by our GMU correspondents, no out-of-syllabus questions were asked in the exam. However, questions were a bit challenging and required in-depth knowledge of concepts.
As per student reactions and feedback from teachers, MCQs are aimed at testing students' conceptual understanding. Some of the high-weightage topics include mechanics, sound, electricity and magnetism.
As per the initial reactions on ICSE 2026 Physics paper, the overall difficulty level has been reported as moderate. Some students found the MCQs and numericals a bit challenging.
The ICSE 2026 class 10th Physics exam concluded with the final bell. Invigilators are collecting the answer sheet. Students will exit the examination centres after submitting their answer sheets. Sty tuned for student’s reactions and initial feedback.
- According to subject experts, students should stop starting new long answers and focus on completing the ones they are currently writing.
- Invigilators are advising students to quickly flip through their answer sheet to ensure they haven't missed any sub-parts (like a (i) or (ii) hidden in a question). Ensure all the extra sheets are tied securely and their UID/Index Number is written on every additional page used.
One hour is left until the exams get over. By now, students should be moving into your second or third question in Section B. The exam will conclude at 1 PM.
- Begin with Section A to secure the 15 MCQs and short-answer marks
- Aim to complete the entire 40-mark compulsory section within the first 50 minutes
- Move on quickly from difficult questions and mark it for a later attempt
- Read the four options carefully.
- Write the correct option letter along with the full answer text to avoid any confusion.
- If unsure of an answer, mark the question and come back to it after finishing the rest of Section A
The bell rang at the centres and with this ICSE 2026 Physics exam started at the scheduled time of 11 AM for three hours. The exam is conducted for 80 marks.
Students have entered the examination hall and taken their seats. The exam will commence in 20 minutes at 11 AM.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, digital diaries, and any form of paper or books are completely banned. Even "health bands" or basic digital watches are prohibited.
The exam will begin in an hour. Students have started reporting with their mandatory documents:
- original ICSE 2026 Admit Card
- school identity card
Missing documents can lead to significant delays or even denial of entry to the examination center.
No. Unlike the ISC (Class 12) exams, calculators are strictly prohibited for ICSE Class 10 candidates. Students must perform all numerical calculations manually on the rough-work margin of their answer script. Practice quick multiplication and division for decimals.
- Apply Fleming’s Left Hand Rule for the force on a conductor and the Right Hand Grip Rule for magnetic fields around a wire.
- Understand the difference between a step-up and step-down transformer based on the number of turns in the primary and secondary coils.
- Circuit diagrams often require calculating "Equivalent Resistance" for resistors in series and parallel.
- It is advisable to start with the statement "Heat lost by hot body = Heat gained by cold body" to set up the numerical.
- Use the formula Q=mcΔT for temperature changes and Q=mL for changes in state.
- Double-check your units to ensure masses are in kilograms if the specific heat capacity is given in J/kg°C.
- Ray diagram for a Convex Lens when the object is between the Focus and the Optical Centre (forming a virtual image).
- Review the refraction of light through a Prism at the angle of minimum deviation.
- The "Real and Apparent Depth" diagram.
- MA=Load/Effort
- The relationship between Efficiency, Mechanical Advantage, and Velocity Ratio (η=MA/VR).
- For work and power, use W=Fscosθ and P=Fv.
- For a block and tackle system, the Velocity Ratio is always equal to the total number of pulleys used.
- High specific heat capacity of water
- The use of a fuse in a circuit
- Why does a thick glass tumbler crack with hot water?
- Explain why a diver's air bubbles grow larger as they rise.
- Why is a magnifying glass held close to an object?
- State the Principle of Moments
- The Law of Conservation of Mechanical Energy
- Laws of Refraction
- Total Internal Reflection
- the statement and mathematical expression of Ohm’s Law
Light and Electricity & Magnetism are the most critical units, typically accounting for nearly 45 marks combined. For numerical questions,"Force, Work, Power, and Energy" is a high-priority area.
- Students must use this time to read through the six questions in Section B and select the four they are most confident in.
- It is advisable to not start writing on the answer sheet, but mentally prepare for numerical steps and diagram labels.
- Identifying the easiest questions early helps reduce anxiety once the writing clock starts at 11:00 AM.
The class 10th physics paper is worth 80 marks. It will be divided into two sections:
- Section A (40 marks, all compulsory)
- Section B (40 marks, where you choose 4 out of 6 questions).
The ICSE 2026 Physics theory paper is a 2-hour exam starting at 11:00 AM and ending at 1:00 PM. However, students must be in their seats by 10:45 AM to receive the paper for the mandatory 15-minute reading time.