ICSE Yoga Class 09 Syllabus 2025-26
There are two papers in the subject. Paper I (Theory) is of 2 hours duration carrying 100 marks. The paper is divided into four sections - (i) Human Biology (40 marks), (ii) Sages of India (20 marks), (iii) Concepts of Yoga (20 marks), (iv) Psychology and Physiology of Yoga (20 marks).
Section I is compulsory. Candidates are required to attempt all the questions from this section. There is no choice of questions. Sections II, III and IV have a choice of questions. Candidates are required to attempt two questions from each section.
Section I: Human Biology
1. The Human Skeleton
Functions and classification; axial and appendicular skeletal system; types of joints.
2. The Muscular System
Types of muscles, how muscles are attached, their role in movement. Important muscles of the human body, importance of a good posture.
3. The Respiratory System
Parts of the respiratory system: role of intercostal muscles, diaphragm, ribs and sternum; role of yoga in culturing breath and improving respiration.
4. The Digestive System
The alimentary canal and the importance of a healthy diet.
Section II: Sages of India
Candidates are expected to know about the lives and teachings of the following sages of India:
- Valmiki
- Kabir
- Mirabai
- Ramakrishna Paramhansa
Section III: Concepts of Yoga
1. Guru and Shishya
Importance of Guru in yoga, qualities of Guru, types of shishya and relationship between the Guru and shishya.
2. The four Purusharthas, the four Ashramas
Basic understanding of the above.
3. The four Margas (Bhakti, Karma, Raja, Jnana)
Bhakti yoga: the path of emotions: love devotion and worship, types of bhakti: saguna, nirguna and para bhakti, various ways of worshipping: navdha bhakti, concept of personal god.
Karma yoga: the path of actions, various concepts of karma like (i) Karma kaushalam (excellence in work), (ii) Nishkama karma (abandonment of expectations for the results and selfish motives), (iii) Samatvam(equanimity), (iv) faith and surrendering ego, types of karma, black, white and black and white, karmashaya and how it builds up, role of karma as cause of bondage and salvation
Raja yoga: the path to inner world through concentration and will to control the mind and its modifications, ashtanga yoga
Jnana yoga: the path of wisdom, knowledge and intellect
4. Patanjali and his contributions to Yoga
A brief story of his life, contribution to Sanskrit grammar, Ayurveda and the Yoga sutras.
5. Ashtanga Yoga as defined in the Yoga Sutras
Bahiranga and Antaranga sadhna.
The Five Yamas
Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmcharya, Aparigraha.
The Five Niyamas
Saucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svadhyaya, Ishwar Pranidhana.
A note on Kriya Yoga as explained in sutra 2.1
- Asanas
- Pranayama
- Pratyahara
- Dharana
- Dhyana
- Samadhi
Section IV: Psychology and Physiology of Yoga
1. An Understanding of Yoga
Definition of yoga: according to Patanjali, as explained in the Bhagvad Gita. (yoga is excellence in action\works)
How is yoga different from other forms of physical exercise? To be discussed with respect to the interconnection between mind, body, and spirit and how yoga brings these into harmony with each other. Yoga also addresses imbalances and illnesses at an organic level (the action of yoga reaches the inner organs and heals chronic ailments from the roots).
2. Hatha Yoga
(a) Understanding the roots
(b) Breath
(c) Nadis
3. Psychological aspect of an asana practice
Reactivity threshold; psychological aspects of: Meditative and relaxing postures, forward bending asanas, back bending asanas, standing asanas, balancing asanas and inverted asanas.
4. Pancha Koshas
Panch Koshas - a concept from the Taittiriya Upanishad: Annamaya Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya, Anandamaya kosha.
5. Pancha Pranas
Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, Vyana
6. The Seven Chakras
Muladhara, Swadishthana, Manipura, Anahata, Visuddhi, Ajna, Sahasrara
7. Sutras
Sutras 2.29. 2.46
8. Yogachara: wellness through the four pillars of yoga
(i) Ahar (diet)
(ii) Vihar (relaxation and recreation)
(iii) Achar
(iv) Vichar (thoughts)