ICSE Geography Syllabus | Class 10 | H.C.G. Paper 2 | CISCE

GEOGRAPHY

H.C.G. - Paper 2 | Class X (ICSE)

Theory: 80 Marks Internal Assessment: 20 Marks 2 Hours

Core Objectives

• Understand geographical terms, concepts & principles
• Explain cause-effect of natural phenomena
• Analyze resources & regional development
• Interpret maps, sketches & diagrams

Additional Aims

• Resource availability & conservation in India
• Practical map reading skills
• Use of sketches, graphs & photographs

Candidates must use sketches, diagrams, and interpret geographical photographs.

PART I: MAP WORK

1. Interpretation of Topographical Maps

📍 Grid References & Scale

• Four-figure & six-figure grid references
• Contour interval, spot height, triangulated height
• Distance measurement & cardinal directions

⛰️ Landform Identification

• Steep/gentle slope, ridge, valley, escarpment, watershed
• Relative height & interpretation of physical features

🗺️ Symbols & Settlement Patterns

• Conventional symbols, colour tints, drainage patterns
• Land use, communication & rural/urban settlement

2. Map of India – Marking & Naming

🏔️ Mountains & Plateaus

• Himalayas, Karakoram, Aravali, Vindhyas, Satpura
• Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Nilgiris, Deccan Plateau
• Mt. Godwin Austin, Kanchenjunga

💧 Rivers (Himalayan)

• Indus, Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra
• Ravi, Beas, Satluj, Ghaghra, Kosi

🏞️ Peninsular Rivers

• Narmada, Tapti, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery
• Chambal, Damodar, Tungabhadra

🌊 Water Bodies & Passes

• Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Strait
• Chilka Lake, Wular Lake, Karakoram Pass, Nathu-La

📍 Latitudes & Monsoon Winds

• Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N), Standard Meridian
• SW Monsoon branches (Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal)
• NE Monsoon & Western Disturbances

⛏️ Minerals, Soils & Cities

• Iron (Singhbhum), Coal (Jharia), Oil (Mumbai High)
• Alluvial, Black, Red, Laterite soils
• Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru

PART II: THEORY SYLLABUS (Detailed)

📍 3. Location, Extent & Physical Features

• India's position, extent & physical divisions (mountains, plains, rivers through map)
• Major physiographic regions interpretation

🌤️ 4. Climate – Monsoon & Seasons

• Distribution of temperature & rainfall, factors affecting Indian climate
• Mechanism of monsoon: onset, advance, retreat
• Seasons: Summer, Monsoon, Retreating, Winter

🌱 5. Soil Resources

• Alluvial, Black, Red, Laterite soils – composition, distribution & crops
• Soil erosion: causes, prevention & conservation methods

🌳 6. Natural Vegetation

• Importance of forests, types: Tropical Evergreen, Deciduous, Desert, Littoral, Mountain forests
• Forest conservation measures & afforestation

💧 7. Water Resources

• Surface water & groundwater, need for conservation, rainwater harvesting
• Irrigation importance & methods (well, canal, tank)

⚡ 8. Mineral & Energy Resources

• Minerals: iron ore, manganese, bauxite, copper – uses & distribution
• Conventional: Coal, Petroleum, Natural gas, Hydel (Bhakra Nangal, Hirakud)
• Non-conventional: Solar, wind, tidal, nuclear, biogas

🌾 9. Agriculture – Types & Crops

• Farming types: subsistence, commercial, plantation, mixed
• Rabi, Kharif, Zayad seasons; major crops: rice, wheat, millets, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, jute, tea, coffee, oilseeds
• Agrarian reforms & problems

🏭 10. Manufacturing Industries

• Agro-based: sugar, textile (cotton & silk)
• Mineral-based: Iron & Steel plants (TISCO, Bhilai, Rourkela, Vizag), Petrochemicals, Electronics

🚛 11. Transport – Modes & Importance

• Roadways, railways, airways, waterways – advantages & limitations
• Economic significance & distribution network

🗑️ 12. Waste Management

• Impact of waste accumulation: pollution, health hazards
• Methods: segregation, composting, recycling, reducing, reusing
• Need for sustainable waste disposal

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – Project Work (20 Marks)

📋 Suggested Assignments (choose any one)

🏘️ Local Geography

• Land use pattern in different regions of India
• Survey of local market & services

🌿 Environment & Wildlife

• Wildlife conservation efforts in India

🌍 Tourism in India

• Development of tourism, eco-tourism impacts

🚂 Transport Networks

• Road, rail, water & air route development

🏭 Industries & Pollution

• Case study: raw material, waste disposal & pollution control

Evaluation: Internal Examiner 10 marks + External Examiner 10 marks. Project to be uploaded on CAREERS portal.

📊 Marking Scheme (Grade-wise)

Grade I (4)
Complete theoretical info, geographical terms, resourceful investigation

Grade II (3)
Adequate information, sound methodology, routine presentation

Grade III (2)
Minimal references, descriptive analysis, correct placement of maps

Grade IV (1)
Intent without relevant terms, superficial conclusion

📝 Project Evaluation Criteria

• Preparation: Theoretical information, defined objectives
• Procedure: Source material, methodology & resourcefulness
• Observation: Data collection & valid statements
• Inference: Conclusion aligned with objectives
• Presentation: Neat, maps/diagrams correctly placed

Suggested Practical Activities

• Visit water treatment plant / sewage plant / vermicomposting site – study working model
• Industrialization impact on economy: latest trends in India

Prescribed Guidelines: Use of sketches, diagrams, graphs & photograph interpretation is mandatory. Map work remains fundamental (Topographical sheets & outline maps).

This syllabus strictly follows CISCE (ICSE) Class X Geography H.C.G. Paper 2 curriculum.

ICSE Geography Syllabus 2025 | Class X | H.C.G. Paper 2 | Complete as per CISCE official curriculum