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NCERT SolutionsCBSE NotesCBSE Exam
ICSE
Class 8
Science
Syllabus and Exam Pattern

ICSE Class 8 Science Syllabus & Exam Pattern: Complete Guide

ICSE Class 8 Science serves as a critical bridge between the introductory concepts of middle school and the specialized, detailed study required in Classes 9 and 10. The subject is typically divided into three distinct and equally important branches: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Note: The ICSE Class 8 examination is a school-level internal assessment, but it strictly follows the content and learning objectives prescribed by the CISCE curriculum.

1.0Examination Pattern and Marking Scheme

Science is generally treated as three separate subjects (P, C, and B) for syllabus coverage, though schools may conduct the final theory paper as one composite Science paper. The assessment follows the standard 80:20 distribution for each branch.

Total Marks Distribution (Per Science Branch)

Particulars

Details

Total Marks per Subject (P/C/B)

100 Marks (i.e., 300 total for Science)

Theory Paper (Summative Assessment)

80 Marks (per branch)

Internal Assessment (Practical/Project Work)

20 Marks (per branch)

Duration of Theory Paper

Typically 2 to 2.5 Hours (per paper or composite paper)

Passing Criteria

Generally 33% to 35% in aggregate (Theory + IA) is required for promotion to Class 9.

2.0Theory Paper Structure (80 Marks)

The theory paper for each branch tests a blend of factual recall, conceptual understanding, diagrammatic representation, and numerical application.

Section

Marks (Typical)

Format & Focus

Preparation Focus

Part I

30 - 40 Marks

Compulsory Short Answer/Objective: Covers all chapters. Includes MCQs, VSA, Fill-in-the-blanks, matching, definitions, and short numericals/calculations.

Master fundamental concepts and facts across the entire syllabus.

Part II

40 - 50 Marks

Descriptive Questions: Long answer questions, detailed explanations of experiments, derivations, and questions requiring neat, labelled diagrams.

Practice explaining principles and solving complex numerical problems.

3.0Detailed ICSE Class 8 Science Syllabus

Physics Syllabus (Major Units)

Physics focuses on classical mechanics, measurement, and an introduction to major forms of energy.

Unit

Major Chapters / Topics / Subtopics

Key Focus Areas

Matter & Measurement

Matter (Kinetic Theory, states of matter, change of state), Physical Quantities & Measurement (Density, Relative Density, Law of Floatation, Archimedes' Principle).

Numericals on Density and Relative Density; understanding the conditions for floatation.

Mechanics & Energy

Force and Pressure (Thrust, Pressure, Atmospheric Pressure, Moment of Force/Torque), Energy (Work, Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy, Energy Transformation).

Calculation of Work, PE, and KE in simple cases; understanding the turning effect of force.

Wave Phenomena

Light Energy (Refraction, Dispersion, Curved Mirrors), Heat Transfer (Conduction, Convection, Radiation, Thermal Expansion), Sound (Pitch, Loudness, Frequency, Amplitude).

Understanding the basic laws of refraction and the different modes of heat transfer.

Electricity

Static Electricity (Conduction, Induction, Lightning Conductor), Current Electricity (Electric Circuits, conductors/insulators, Fuse/Earthing).

Distinguishing between static and current electricity; understanding safety components.

Chemistry Syllabus (Major Units)

Chemistry builds on the language of the subject, chemical changes, and the composition of common substances.

Unit

Major Chapters / Topics / Subtopics

Key Focus Areas

Fundamentals

Matter (Kinetic Theory), Physical and Chemical Changes, Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures (Separation techniques).

Understanding the Law of Conservation of Mass and separation principles.

Atomic Structure

Atomic Structure (Electrons, Protons, Neutrons, Atomic Number, Mass Number).

Understanding the location and charge of sub-atomic particles.

Language & Reactions

Language of Chemistry (Symbols, Formulae, Balancing simple chemical equations), Chemical Reactions (Types: Combination, Decomposition, Displacement; Endothermic/Exothermic).

Proficiency in writing and balancing simple chemical equations.

Applied Chemistry

Hydrogen (Preparation, Properties, Uses, Oxidation/Reduction), Water (Hard/Soft water, Universal Solvent, Solutions/Suspensions), Carbon and its Compounds (Allotropes, CO_2 and CO).

Understanding the preparation of gases and the properties of water.

Biology Syllabus (Major Units)

Biology focuses on cellular transport, human physiology, and ecology.

Unit

Major Chapters / Topics / Subtopics

Key Focus Areas

Plant Life

Transport of Food and Minerals in Plants (Diffusion, Osmosis, Transpiration, Xylem/Phloem), Reproduction in Plants (Asexual/Sexual, Pollination, Fertilization).

Understanding the process and importance of Transpiration and Osmosis.

Human Body

Human Body Systems (Detailed study of Circulatory, Nervous, and Endocrine Systems), Adolescence (Physical and emotional changes, personal hygiene).

Detailed structure and function of the heart (Circulatory System) and the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Ecology & Health

Ecosystems (Biotic/Abiotic factors, Food Chain, Food Web), Health and Hygiene (Communicable diseases, Vaccination, Harmful effects of drugs/alcohol), First Aid.

Understanding ecosystem components and the classification and prevention of diseases.

Food Production

Food Production and Management (Organic Farming, Green Revolution awareness, Animal Husbandry).

Relating biological concepts to practical issues like food security and health.

4.0Internal Assessment (IA) - 20 Marks

The 20 marks for Internal Assessment (IA) are crucial for securing a high overall score and demonstrating practical skills.

  • Assessment Modality: This component involves practical work in the laboratory, maintaining a neat and complete Practical File/Journal (required for each branch), and project-based research/models.
  • Assessment Focus: The IA assesses the student's ability to perform experiments, record data accurately, and apply theoretical knowledge in a practical or project setting, ensuring a holistic evaluation.

Disclaimer: The information provided above represents a commonly followed structure across many ICSE-affiliated schools. However, the exact syllabus, textbook list, marks distribution, assessment methods, paper pattern, internal assessment activities, weightage, and evaluation criteria may vary from one school to another. Students are strongly advised to verify all details, including syllabus topics, exam format, and prescribed books directly with their teachers or school authorities.

ICSE Subject Wise Overview

ICSE Class 8 Science

ICSE Class 8 Maths

ICSE Class 8 English

ICSE Class 8 Social Science


ICSE Class 8 Science Exam Resources

ICSE Class 8 Science Syllabus & Exam Pattern

ICSE Class 8 Science Sample Papers

Preparation Tips for ICSE Class 8 Science


ICSE Exam Classes 6-10

ICSE Class 10

ICSE Class 9

ICSE Class 8

ICSE Class 7

ICSE Class 6

Frequently Asked Questions

They are assessed as three separate components within Science. A student's result is often shown as a single Science grade, but the syllabus coverage, internal assessment (20 marks), and often the theory paper are divided and managed by the respective subject teachers.

It is highly important, especially in Physics. Students must master numericals related to Density and Relative Density, calculations of Kinetic and Potential Energy, and basic problems involving Force and Pressure.

Yes. Biology requires neat, labelled diagrams for systems like the Circulatory and Nervous systems. Physics requires diagrams to explain concepts like reflection/refraction and heat transfer methods.

The key focus is on mastering the Language of Chemistry, which includes writing correct symbols and formulae, understanding the basics of atomic structure, and practicing the balancing of simple chemical equations.

To score maximum IA marks, ensure timely completion of all assigned projects, maintain a neat, accurate, and complete practical file/journal, and actively participate in lab sessions and subject enrichment activities assigned by the teacher.

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