A Guide to ICSE Subjects: Understanding the Group I, II, and III Choices

Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) Board organises the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) Examination every year. Unlike several other boards which have a fixed pattern of subjects, ICSE offers students a choice to select from three groups, Group I, II and III, thus helping them to find a balance between the core knowledge, their interests and the chosen career.

For both students and parents struggling to understand which are the best subjects to choose for the ICSE Class 9 and 10, we’ve created a thorough understanding of each group for you. We’ll explain the subjects with their academic weight, what they build in terms of skills and how to plan your combination strategically.

ICSE Subject Structure at a Glance

At the ICSE level, the subjects are divided into three core groups:

• Group I – Compulsory Core Subjects
• Group II – Optional Academic Subjects
• Group III – Skill-Based or Application Subjects

Students typically take seven subjects:

• Three from Group I
• Two from Group II
• One from Group III
• One additional subject (optional in some schools)

Overall grades are compiled by averaging the best five subjects, with English being compulsory.

It's flexible, but not so much as to sacrifice academic breadth. Every subject has two components: internal and external assessments.

Group I: The Compulsory Core

Subjects in Group I:

• English (Paper 1: Language, Paper 2: Literature)
• Second Language (Hindi / regional / foreign language)
• History, Civics & Geography (combined into one paper)

1. English

English is mandatory and comprises two papers:

• Paper 1: Grammar, composition, letter-writing, and comprehension
• Paper 2: Literature — prose, poetry and drama (typically taken from prescribed texts)

A good understanding of English is mandatory as it is part of the best-of-five score for board assessment.

2. Second Language

Students must choose a second language from one of the following:

• Hindi
• Sanskrit
• French
• German
• Bengali
• Punjabi
• Tamil
• Other known regional or foreign languages

This paper develops grammar, comprehension and writing skills. It is great for achieving bilingual fluency and cultural sensitivity.

3. History, Civics, and Geography

This paper is divided into:

• History & Civics: Indian history, the freedom movement, Indian Constitution
• Geography: Map reading, landforms, climates, industries and resources of the world

This combined paper encourages awareness of political structures and spatial understanding.

Why Group I Matters: Group I subjects are mandatory and form the base of the ICSE assessment. In English and History-Civics-Geography, this language fluency and civic understanding is further encouraged.

Group II: Academic Electives

Students must choose any two subjects from the following list:

• Mathematics
• Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology — combined)
• Economics
• Commercial Studies
• Environmental Science
• Computer Science
• Modern Foreign Languages (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin)
• Classical Languages (e.g., Sanskrit, Pali)

1. Mathematics

Great for students looking to pursue commerce, science, or engineering later. The exam paper includes:

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Statistics
• Trigonometry

2. Science (PCB Combined)

While the topic is assessed as one paper, students study:

• Physics: Laws of motion, electricity, heat
• Chemistry: The Periodic Table of Elements, chemical reactions, acids and bases
• Biology: Human physiology, plants, ecosystems

Great for aspiring doctors, engineers, or science professionals.

3. Economics

Teaches concepts such as:

• Demand and supply
• Cost and inflation
• Types of economies

Suitable for students aspiring for commerce or humanities in Class 11–12.

4. Commercial Studies

Covers fundamentals of:

• Business and commerce
• Banking and finance
• E-commerce and trade

Useful for budding entrepreneurs and students of commerce.

5. Environmental Science

Includes chapters on:

• Ecosystems
• Pollution and sustainability
• Natural resources

Good for students interested in environment or geography.

6. Computer Science

Theory paper covering:

• Programming foundations in Java or Python
• Programming logic
• Computer applications

Perfect for tech-savvy students.

Why Group II Matters: These subjects are academic in orientation and often lead into higher educational specialisation. Choosing wisely here sets the tone for Class 11–12 streams and entrance exam preparation.

Group III: Skills and Interests

Students choose one of the following application- or skill-based courses:

• Home Science
• Fashion Designing
• Computer Applications
• Economic Applications
• Commercial Applications
• Art
• Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama)
• Physical Education
• Yoga
• Cookery
• Technical Drawing
• Mass Media and Communication

Each subject typically has:

• Internal Assessment – 50%
• Theory Paper – 50%

Highlights of Group III Subjects:

• Computer Applications: Hands-on programming, files, logic
• Art/Music/Dance/Drama: Creativity, aesthetics and performance
• Commercial Applications: Business-based case studies
• Yoga/Physical Education: Health, discipline, stress release
• Home Science / Cookery: Life skills, nutrition, household management

Why Group III Matters: These subjects allow students to develop practical skills and explore interests beyond theory. They promote creativity and real-world applications, helping build confidence and uncover hidden talents.

How ICSE Evaluates Subject Combinations

Students are scored out of 700 marks (7 subjects). But only the best 5 scores count, and one of those must be English.

Example:

If a student scores highest in:

• English
• Math
• Science
• History & Civics
• Computer Applications

Then their aggregate is calculated using these five subjects.

Subject-Wise Weightage:

• 80% External (Board Exams)
• 20% Internal (Projects, Tests, Practicals)

Note: Internal assessment in some Group III subjects is up to 50%.

What to Choose for Subjects: Strategy and Tips

1. Understand Your Strengths

• Good in logic and numbers? → Opt for Math and Science
• Into reading, culture, or social issues? → Try History, Literature, Economics
• Love computers or gadgets? → Opt for Computer Science or Applications

2. Think About Future Plans

• Planning for NEET/Engineering? → Choose Science (PCB) and Math
• Interested in CA/Commerce? → Choose Mathematics, Economics, or Business Studies
• Creative stream in mind? → Consider Art, Performing Arts, or Mass Media

3. Balance Heavy and Light Subjects

• Don’t choose only theory-heavy or calculation-heavy subjects
• Group III can help “offset” the load

4. Explore with Teachers

• Talk to school teachers and academic advisors
• Reflect on your performance and feedback from earlier grades

5. Look Ahead

• Subject choices in Class 9–10 can affect Class 11–12 streams.
• Choose foundation subjects aligned to your long-term goals. For expert guidance and tuition, check out these ICSE courses designed to help you excel.

FAQs: ICSE Subject Selection

Q. Can I choose more than 7 subjects in ICSE? Yes, some schools allow additional subjects, but board results are based on 7 subjects only.

Q. Is English compulsory in best-of-five calculation? Yes, English is always counted in the final score aggregation.

Q. What if I score low in Group III? It will affect your best-of-five only if it's among your top scores. Otherwise, it won’t be counted.

Q. Can I change subjects in Class 10? Usually no. Subjects are chosen in Class 9 and continue into Class 10.

Why the Choices Matter

The ICSE subject selection process is flexible yet structured. It gives a chance for pupils to bring to the fore their academic interests, practical abilities, and plans for the near future. With a selection from Group I, II and III, you can customise your academic path for success in board exams, higher education, and life.

The ICSE curriculum gives students the space and freedom to shape their education—whether targeting science, commerce, arts, or creative fields. It empowers exploration and helps every learner perform at their best. To discover more resources for your academic journey, visit the AllRounder homepage.