ICSE Class 9 Hindi Syllabus 2026-27 — Complete Guide with Sahitya Sagar Stories, Poems & Tips

What's New in 2026-27?

The ICSE Class 9 Hindi syllabus for 2026-27 uses the Sahitya Sagar textbook published by Evergreen Publications, which contains a rich collection of Hindi prose (stories) and poetry. The syllabus tests students on literary appreciation, comprehension, and grammar (Vyavharik Vyakaran). CISCE expects students to demonstrate understanding of themes, characters, and literary devices in Hindi literature, alongside practical command of Hindi grammar including letter writing, essay composition, and grammatical applications.

Hindi carries 80 marks for the theory examination and 20 marks for Internal Assessment. Duration: 2 hours.

Syllabus Overview

Section	Content	Approximate Marks
Gadya (Prose/Stories)	7 prescribed stories from Sahitya Sagar	~25 marks
Padya (Poetry)	7 prescribed poems from Sahitya Sagar	~25 marks
Vyavharik Vyakaran (Grammar)	Letter writing, essay, grammar exercises	~30 marks

Prescribed Stories (Gadya — Prose)

1. Baat Athanni Ki

A thought-provoking story about the value of money and human relationships. The narrative explores how a small amount of money can reveal the true nature of people — their generosity, greed, and social behaviour. Students should focus on the theme of materialism vs. human values, character motivations, and the moral message of the story.

2. Kaki

A poignant story that highlights the condition of elderly people in Indian families. Kaki is an old woman who is neglected by her relatives despite her dependence on them. The story raises questions about family duty, compassion, and the treatment of the elderly. Key themes: empathy, social responsibility, generational conflict, and the loneliness of old age.

3. Mahayagya Ka Puruskar

This story revolves around the concept of sacrifice and its rewards. It explores the idea that true selflessness and dedication bring their own spiritual and moral rewards. Students should understand the cultural significance of 'yagya' (sacrifice) in Indian tradition and how the story reinterprets this concept in a modern context.

4. Neta Ji Ka Chashma

A story about patriotism and national pride seen through the metaphor of a pair of spectacles on a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The story explores how ordinary citizens express their love for the nation in simple but meaningful ways. Key themes: patriotism, civic responsibility, symbolism, and the spirit of nationalism in everyday life.

5. Apna-Apna Bhagya

A narrative about fate, destiny, and human effort. The story contrasts the lives of different characters to examine whether our destiny is predetermined or shaped by our choices and actions. Students should analyse the philosophical undertone of the story and the author's perspective on free will vs. determinism.

6. Bade Ghar Ki Beti

Written by Premchand, this story explores the themes of family honour, forgiveness, and the power of a woman's patience and wisdom in resolving family conflicts. The protagonist, a young bride from a wealthy family, demonstrates remarkable grace in handling domestic disputes. Key themes: family dynamics, social hierarchy, women's strength, and reconciliation.

7. Sandeh (Doubt)

A story that examines the destructive power of suspicion and doubt in human relationships. Doubt can erode trust and destroy even the strongest bonds. Students should focus on the psychological aspects of the characters, the escalation of suspicion, and the eventual consequences. Key themes: trust, suspicion, communication, and the fragility of relationships.

Prescribed Poems (Padya — Poetry)

1. Sakhi

Devotional poetry expressing the soul's longing for the divine. The poem uses the metaphor of a friend (sakhi) to convey deep spiritual yearning. Students should study the use of symbolism, metaphor, and the bhakti tradition reflected in the poem.

2. Giridhar Ki Kundaliyan

Kundaliyan (a doha-based poetic form) by the poet Giridhar. These verses contain practical wisdom about life, human behaviour, and social morality. Each kundali begins with a doha and expands into a roha. Students should memorise key verses and understand their moral teachings.

3. Swarg Bana Sakte Hain

A poem about the potential of human effort to create a paradise on earth. The poet argues that heaven is not a distant concept but can be achieved through hard work, compassion, and righteous living. Key themes: optimism, human potential, social harmony, and moral responsibility.

4. Wah Janambhoomi Meri

A patriotic poem celebrating the beauty and glory of the poet's motherland. The poem describes the natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual heritage of India. Students should study the use of imagery, emotional appeal, and the poet's deep connection to the homeland. Key themes: patriotism, national pride, natural beauty.

5. Megh Aaye

A poem about the arrival of monsoon clouds, personified as a bridegroom arriving at the bride's home. The poem beautifully captures the excitement and anticipation of the rainy season using vivid imagery and metaphor. Students should analyse the use of personification, simile, and cultural symbolism (baraat metaphor). Key themes: nature, monsoon, celebration, metaphor.

6. Sur Ke Pad

Devotional poems by the great Bhakti poet Surdas, describing the childhood of Lord Krishna. These pads capture Krishna's playful nature, his interactions with Yashoda, and the devotee's love for God in child form. Students should understand the Bhakti movement context, use of Braj Bhasha, and literary devices. Key themes: devotion, innocence, divine play (leela), mother's love.

7. Vinay Ke Pad

Devotional poems of humility and supplication addressed to God, in the tradition of Bhakti poetry. The poet expresses his unworthiness and seeks divine grace and forgiveness. Students should study the tone of humility, the use of metaphor, and the spiritual message. Key themes: devotion, humility, surrender, divine grace.

Grammar — Vyavharik Vyakaran

Grammar Topics Covered

• Nibandh (Essay Writing) — Descriptive, narrative, and argumentative essays on social, cultural, and environmental topics. 200-250 words.
• Patra Lekhan (Letter Writing) — Formal letters (to principal, editor, officials) and informal letters (to friends, family). Correct format with date, salutation, subject, body, and closing.
• Anuched Lekhan (Paragraph Writing) — Short paragraphs on given topics with clear structure.
• Apathit Gadyansh (Unseen Passage) — Comprehension of an unseen Hindi prose passage with questions.
• Shabd Bhandar (Vocabulary) — Synonyms (paryayvachi), antonyms (vilom), one-word substitutions (anekarthi shabd).
• Muhavare aur Lokoktiyan — Hindi idioms and proverbs with meanings and usage in sentences.
• Alankar (Figures of Speech) — Upma (simile), Rupak (metaphor), Utpreksha (hyperbole/imagery), Anupras (alliteration), Yamak, Shlesh.
• Ras (Rasa) — Shringar, Hasya, Karuna, Raudra, Veer, Bhayanak, Vibhatsa, Adbhut, Shant — identification in given verses.
• Samas (Compound Words) — Types: Dwandwa, Tatpurusha, Karmadharaya, Bahuvrihi, Avyayibhava, Dwigu.
• Sandhi and Sandhi Vichchhed — Swar Sandhi, Vyanjan Sandhi, Visarg Sandhi — joining and separating words.
• Kriya Bhed (Verb Types) — Sakarmak (transitive), Akarmak (intransitive). Kaal (tenses) — Bhootkaal, Vartmankaal, Bhavishyatkaal.
• Vachan, Ling, Karak — Singular/plural, gender rules, case markers (karta, karma, karana, sampradaan, apadaan, sambandh, adhikaran, sambodhan).

Exam Pattern 2026-27

Component	Details	Marks
Section A — Gadya (Prose)	Context questions and essay-type questions from stories	~25 marks
Section B — Padya (Poetry)	Context questions and appreciation from poems	~25 marks
Section C — Vyakaran (Grammar)	Essay, letter, comprehension, grammar exercises	~30 marks
Internal Assessment	Periodic tests, oral work, project	20 marks
Total		100 marks

Prescribed Textbooks

• Sahitya Sagar — Evergreen Publications (prescribed textbook for stories and poems)
• Vyavharik Vyakaran aur Rachna — Grammar workbook as recommended by the school
• Hindi grammar guides by Evergreen or Morning Star for additional practice

Preparation Tips

1. Read every story and poem at least 3 times — First reading for overall understanding, second for themes and characters, third for literary devices and key quotes. Hindi Literature requires deep familiarity with the text.
2. Maintain a character and theme notebook — For each story, note the key characters, their traits, the central theme, and the moral. For each poem, note the poet, theme, poetic devices, and key lines.
3. Memorise key verses — For poetry questions, you may need to quote from the text. Memorise 2-3 key lines from each poem, especially from Giridhar Ki Kundaliyan and Sur Ke Pad.
4. Practise letter and essay writing weekly — Write one formal letter and one essay per week in Hindi. Get them reviewed for grammatical errors and format accuracy.
5. Learn muhavare and lokoktiyan — Memorise at least 30 common muhavare (idioms) and 20 lokoktiyan (proverbs) with their meanings. Practise using them in sentences.
6. Master sandhi and samas — These are rule-based and scoring. Learn the rules for each type and practise 20+ examples. Sandhi vichchhed (splitting) is frequently tested.
7. Practise unseen passages — Read Hindi newspaper articles and practise answering comprehension questions. This improves reading speed and vocabulary simultaneously.