The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations is a non-governmental board of school examinations headquartered in New Delhi. It has reduced the syllabus for the year 2021 for every class owing to the Covid 19 pandemic. The mathematics syllabus for class 9 has eight major units, further subdivided into topics that we will discuss in detail. These eight chapters will lay the basis of two 80-mark papers, one in each term. In addition to these theory papers, every student must submit two assignments, which can be internally assessed for 20 marks. The class 9 exam is not conducted by the board externally; it is organized at the school level. This syllabus is meant to be fun and interactive to increase a student’s interest in Math. This provides a foundation for the mathematical concepts that will be taught in classes 10 and 11.

Theory Syllabus of ICSE Maths Class IX

The ICSE Maths Class 9 Syllabus contains the following eight units:

The ICSE Maths Class 9 syllabus is supposed to be completed over two terms. Some schools may choose to conduct one exam of 80 marks at the end; the percentage weightage of units will remain the same in that case. This syllabus is a good mix of concepts that can be applied to a wide variety of practical problems.

The exact marks distribution depends on the individual teacher, and these are guidelines, not mandatory rules. We recommend that students pay special attention to equations in two variables, circles, measurement, and trigonometry chapters. These carry a considerable weightage in the exams.  Specifically, review topics like the mid-point theorem, Pythagoras theorem, circle theorems, area and surface area problems, and applications of trigonometric ratios. These will be very useful in classes 11^th and 12^th as well. Pure Arithmetic, Mensuration, and Statistics are relatively easy, and you can study them without spending too much time. Practice sketching clear graphs with a sharp pencil for coordinate geometry problems. Also, practice diagrams to prove circle theorems clearly with precisely drawn angles.

Some students may already be familiar with specific essential topics, such as rational and irrational numbers and the Pythagoras theorem. Still, we recommend that they review these topics properly, as they can score easily in those topics.

ICSE Mathematics Class 9 Assignment Topics

Since Mathematics does not have a laboratory section like the sciences, students will be asked to choose any TWO out of the following suggested topics:

1.   Conduct surveys of students in your class based on height, weight, number of family members, pocket money, etc.

2.   Plot the correlation between body weight and body height

3.   Plan the most optimum delivery routes for mail carriers, milkmen, etc.

4.   Run a tuck shop or canteen, show the financial records for the same.

5.   Visit a few stores where sales are being offered and investigate – cost price, market price, selling price, discount, profit/loss

6.   Study ways of raising a loan to buy a car or house, e.g., find out about personal loans, car loans, etc.

Additionally, the teacher may suggest another assignment topic of equal complexity. The students must try out the activity given, e.g., visit a store, document the data provided by the shopkeeper, and present the calculations based on that data. Your school may ask a group to do the task together for many such activities, such as running a tuck shop and then making individual calculations. Your teacher will assign the timings and deadlines. However, both assignments must be completed and submitted by mid-January. Your teacher will declare the marks that you receive.

FAQs of Class 9 ICSE Mathematics

1.  Do all schools have to follow the term-1 and term-2 prescribed pattern?

This pattern is mandatory for class 10. However, at the class 9 level, this pattern is advised but not a hard rule. Your school can make a few changes based on their teaching patterns. It can choose to have a single exam of 80 marks in March.

2.  I cannot visit any shops or run a tuck shop owing to Covid 19 restrictions. What should I do about my assignments?

You can still attempt the data-driven assignments, such as finding the correlation between body weight and body height for your classmates. You can also try out the study-based questions, such as finding different methods to raise a loan. Discuss with your teacher and attempt assignments that suit your current situation.

3.  Which books shall I study for the ICSE Math 9 Syllabus?

Many ICSE textbooks are available for Mathematics, such as the textbook by S.Chand publishers. You can follow R.D. Sharma and M.L. Agarwal for extra practice, as well as for more complex questions.

4.  How long is the 80-mark theory exam?

The theory exams are 2.5 hours long each. However, for students with learning difficulties, an extra half an hour may be provided. Scribes and other aides will also be provided to visually impaired students.

5.  Will class 9 marks be carried forward or added to my class 10 grade?

No, ICSE does not follow cumulative grading. Many international systems, such as the IGCSE system, consider all marks accumulated over two years; however, ICSE is not one of those boards. However, we recommend studying the class 9 syllabus properly to lay the foundation for the topics you will learn in the next few years.