ICSE Class 10 Maths can be like a tightrope walk. The preliminary step to developing an intelligent studying schedule among many students is to determine which chapters require more time to study and which ones can be learned in a shorter amount of time. The guide will assist you in distinguishing the most difficult and easy chapters according to the real experience of students, the tendencies of past papers, and the depth of concepts.
This blog will assist you in planning your study time whether you are self-studying or on a coaching schedule. We will also demonstrate how the question bank of class 10 ICSE and the class 10 ICSE math book help you in your chapter wise preparation.
Why Is the Difficulty Level of Every Chapter Important to Know?
All the chapters of ICSE Maths Class 10 are not of equal importance or difficulty. Some of them are simple calculations, whereas others involve conceptual understanding, several steps, and innovative thinking.
You can:
• Manage time properly
• Emphasize difficult chapters of high weightage
• Get maximum marks in simpler areas
• Gain confidence with initial victories
Read More: How to Write Top-Scoring Essays & Letters in ICSE Class 10 English
Division of ICSE Class 10 Maths Chapters
The table below categorizes the chapters as Easiest, Moderate, and Toughest according to the student feedback, level of difficulty, and frequency of occurrence in the board exams:
Difficulty Level of ICSE Class 10 Maths Chapters
Difficulty Level |
Chapters |
Easiest |
Linear Equations, Ratio and Proportion, Probability, GST, Banking |
Moderate |
Quadratic Equations, Similarity, Mensuration, Statistics, Geometry |
Toughest |
Trigonometry, Circles, Heights and Distances, Factorization, Locus |
In-Depth Analysis: Toughest Chapters in ICSE Class 10 Maths
Let’s break down the chapters that students often find challenging.
1. Trigonometry
Trigonometry stands out as the most feared chapter. With multiple identities to remember, application-based questions, and diagram interpretation, students often feel overwhelmed.
Common Struggle: Misapplication of identities and unit confusion.
Scoring Tip: Practice all variations repeatedly using a question bank for class 10 ICSE to cover standard and tricky formats.
2. Circles
This chapter requires a deep understanding of theorems and properties of tangents and chords. Questions often blend concepts from geometry, making them tricky.
Why It’s Tough: Questions test multiple concepts in one diagram.
Best Approach: Focus on proofs and construction-based questions from the class 10 ICSE math book thoroughly.
3. Heights and Distances
This subtopic of trigonometry involves real-world problems, often requiring imagination and correct figure sketching.
Common Mistake: Misunderstanding angles of elevation and depression.
Solution: Regular diagram-based practice from the best book for class 10 ICSE helps build visual clarity.
4. Factorization
While this chapter seems basic, advanced factorization techniques involving rational expressions and higher-degree polynomials make it tough.
What Makes It Difficult: Identifying the right method – splitting middle term, algebraic identities, or factor theorem.
5. Locus
A conceptual chapter requiring geometric imagination, locus problems are abstract and often skipped, but they do appear in exams.
Which is the hardest chapter in Class 10 ICSE Maths?
Most students and educators agree that Trigonometry is the hardest chapter in ICSE Class 10 Maths. This is due to the need for accurate identity application, understanding angular relationships, and solving real-world problems involving angles and distances. Circles Heights, and Distances follow closely in terms of difficulty due to their conceptual complexity.
Which chapters carry the most weightage in ICSE Class 10 Maths?
Some of the high-weightage chapters include:
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Trigonometry (10–12 marks)
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Mensuration (8–10 marks)
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Geometry: Circles & Constructions (10 marks)
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Statistics and Probability (8–10 marks combined)
Prioritizing these can help you score higher with strategic effort.
Easiest Chapters in ICSE Class 10 Maths
Now let’s look at chapters that students generally find more approachable and easy to score.
1. Probability
With simple concepts and formulas, this is the chapter you should not miss if you're aiming for full marks.
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Concept: Only a basic understanding of outcomes and events is needed.
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Scoring Tip: Practice all previous year questions to spot trends.
2. GST (Goods and Services Tax)
This is a straightforward commercial arithmetic chapter. Once formulas are understood, questions are predictable.
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Why It’s Easy: Simple percentage and tax calculations.
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Time to Master: 1–2 days of focused practice.
3. Banking
Another arithmetic-based topic with real-life relevance. It involves an understanding of simple interest and recurring deposits.
4. Ratio and Proportion
Simple conceptual questions, often involving direct calculation and little theory.
5. Linear Equations
This foundational topic has simple algebraic manipulation. Most students find it easy if their basics are clear.
Can I score full marks in the easy chapters?
Absolutely. Chapters like Probability, GST, and Banking are consistent in pattern. You can score full marks by practicing from a question bank for class 10 ICSE and ensuring you understand basic formulas.
How should I plan my preparation?
Break your preparation into three parts:
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Concept Mastery: Use the class 10 ICSE math book to understand all formulas and theorems.
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Practice: Use sample questions from a reliable question bank for class 10 ICSE.
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Revision: Revisit easy chapters regularly for speed and confidence.
Time Management Strategy
Based on difficulty and importance, here’s a recommended study time distribution:
Recommended Time Allocation per Chapter Type
Chapter Category |
Study Time Allocation (%) |
Toughest |
50% |
Moderate |
30% |
Easiest |
20% |
This strategy ensures you put enough effort into challenging chapters without neglecting the easy ones that help boost your overall score.
Tips to Handle Tough Chapters More Effectively
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Break into Subtopics: Tackle chapters like Trigonometry and Circles in smaller chunks—identities, applications, and word problems.
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Visual Practice: Use diagrams often, especially for Geometry and Heights and Distances.
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Daily Formula Revision: Keep a pocket-sized formula chart for quick review.
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Peer Teaching: Teach a tough concept to a friend. It enhances your understanding.
For ICSE Class 10 Online Courses for the 2026 Board Exams
For Free ICSE Class 10 Online Mock Test Sample Paper for 2026 Board Exams
How Important is Solving Past Papers?
Solving past year papers and mock papers is crucial because:
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You become familiar with the format
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You learn time management
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You can identify your weak chapters
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You reduce exam anxiety
If you’re using the best book for class 10 ICSE, it likely includes solved past papers. Combine that with a question bank for class 10 ICSE to ensure complete exposure.
Final Thoughts
Scoring high in ICSE Class 10 Maths isn’t about studying harder—it’s about studying smarter. Identify the chapters you find tough, allocate your time accordingly, and leverage tools like your class 10 ICSE math book, past paper collections, and question banks.
The easiest chapters can give you a head start and boost your confidence. The toughest chapters require strategy, practice, and consistency. By knowing the terrain ahead, you can chart a path to success in the ICSE Maths exam.
Stay consistent. Practice regularly. And remember — even the toughest chapter can be mastered with the right mindset!