Table of Contents
Introduction
About ISC Board
About CISCE Board
What is the ISC Board?
Main Traits of the ISC Board:
ISC Board Exam Updates
Exam Dates & Timetable
Syllabus Changes
Additional Important Notices
CISCE Registration Process
School’s Role
Major Points for Students
ISC 2026 Date Sheet
ISC 12th Admit Card
ISC 12th Syllabus
ISC Board Exam Pattern
ISC 12th Specimen Sample Papers 2025
CISCE Affiliated Schools
Conclusion
Introduction:
ISC – Indian School Certificate, a prestigious educational board in India. It is majorly for students who have completed Class 10th under the ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) or any equivalent board. The ISC examination is conducted for Class 12th and is considered equivalent to Higher Secondary or Pre-University exams offered by other Indian boards.
The ISC syllabus focuses to deliver a well-rounded education across disciplines such as Science, Mathematics, Humanities, and Languages. It places strong emphasis on nurturing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and analytical skills. Additionally, it prioritises English language proficiency to ensure students are well-prepared for higher education and future careers.
About CISCE:
CISCE – Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. It is a national-level private board of education in India that conducts the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) Examination for Class 10th and the Indian School Certificate (ISC) Examination for Class 12th.
About ISC:
ISC – Indian School Certificate. It’s a higher secondary school leaving certificate awarded by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). It is known for its precise academic standards and focus on real education.
What is the ISC Board?
The ISC Board – the Indian School Certificate Board, is a renowned educational board in India. It is authorized for conducting the Indian School Certificate (ISC) examination for Class 12th students. It is known for its precise academic quality, focus on realistic education and analytical skills.
Main Traits of the ISC Board:
Realistic Syllabus: The ISC syllabus covers various subjects, including Science, Mathematics, Humanities, and Languages.
Prominence on Analytical Skills: This board promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
World Wide Outlook: This syllabus incorporates a global outlook, exposing students to diverse cultures and ideas.
Practical Learning: The board encourages practical learning through projects, experiments, and field trips.
Language Expert: The board places significant emphasis on English language proficiency.
Prestige Certification: The ISC certificate is widely recognised by universities and institutions in India and abroad.
ISC Board Exam Updates:
Here are the key updates for the CISCE ISC (Class 12th) Board Exam 2026 cycle, which students, schools and others should mark accordingly:
Exam Dates & Schedule:
- The ISC Class 12th exams are scheduled around 12th February 2026 and 6th April 2026.
- The ICSE (Class 10th) exams will start from 17 February 2026 – 30 March 2026.
- The schedule was updated on 13th November 2025 on the official CISCE website.
- Exams will be in manual format, proper timings and subject‑wise schedules will be provided via date sheet.
Syllabus Changes:
The ISC Class 12th syllabus for 2025–26 (applicable to the 2026 examination batch) has been updated across multiple subjects. Significant revisions have been introduced in areas like Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Accounts, Commerce, History, Political Science, Sociology and Psychology etc.
The official circular from April 2024 outlines revised syllabi for Classes 11th & 12th for 2025, 2026 examinations.
Students are highly recommended to download the updated PDF syllabus from the CISCE website and plan your study with the revised scope.
Additional Important Points:
For 2026, a consistent examination fee structure has been implemented. For example, the fixed fee for ISC applicants/students was declared to be INR 5,450 (in specific zones).
For schedules, curriculum and circulars, schools and students must check only on official CISCE communications (via cisce.org), unofficial versions should not be treated as final.
Procedure for CISCE Registration:
The registration process for students taking the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education – ICSE for Class 10th and the Indian School Certificate – ISC for Class 12th exams are managed by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations – CISCE. The many CISCE-affiliated colleges/institutes are typically in charge of coordinating this process. The schools are ideally responsible for the CISCE registration process.
Here’s a basic overview of the procedures:
The role of the school:
School Registration: Schools must have a CISCE board affiliation. This involves fulfilling certain requirements and going through a particular registration process.
Student Registration: For the ISC exams, schools register the eligible candidates. Usually, this involves gathering the required data, including subject selections, biographical information, and photos.
Internet portal: Schools use the CISCE’s online portal to submit student registration details, fees, and other required documents.
Important Information for Students:
Students must have finished their Class 10th at an ICSE or any similar board for the eligibility.
Subject Selection: For the ISC exams, students select their subjects.
Exam costs: Students need to pay the exam cost; which schools then submit to the CISCE.
Admit Card: Student’s admit cards are sent to schools, who then give them to the students.
It’s always suggested to check the official CISCE website or speak with your school administration for the most precise and current information on the registration procedure.
ISC 2026 Date Sheet:
Here is the ISC Class 12th for the year 2026 Date Sheet extracted from the official CISCE PDF:
| Date | Day | Time | Subject / Paper |
| 12 Feb 2026 | Wednesday | 2:00 PM | Psychology Paper 1 |
| 13 Feb 2026 | Thursday | 2:00 PM | English – Paper 1 (Language) |
| 14 Feb 2026 | Friday | 2:00 PM | History Paper 1 |
| 17 Feb 2026 | Monday | 2:00 PM | Political Science Paper 1 |
| 18 Feb 2026 | Tuesday | 2:00 PM | Economics Paper 1 |
| 19 Feb 2026 | Wednesday | 2:00 PM | Accountancy Paper 1 |
| 20 Feb 2026 | Thursday | 2:00 PM | English – Paper 2 (Literature) |
| 21 Feb 2026 | Friday | 2:00 PM | Sociology Paper 1 |
| 24 Feb 2026 | Monday | 2:00 PM | Physics Paper 1 |
| 25 Feb 2026 | Tuesday | 2:00 PM | Chemistry Paper 1 |
| 26 Feb 2026 | Wednesday | 2:00 PM | Biology Paper 1 |
| 27 Feb 2026 | Thursday | 2:00 PM | Mathematics Paper 1 |
| 28 Feb 2026 | Friday | 2:00 PM | Computer Science Paper 1 |
| 3 Mar 2026 | Monday | 2:00 PM | Psychology Paper 2 |
| 4 Mar 2026 | Tuesday | 2:00 PM | History Paper 2 |
| 5 Mar 2026 | Wednesday | 2:00 PM | Political Science Paper 2 |
| 6 Mar 2026 | Thursday | 2:00 PM | Economics Paper 2 |
| 7 Mar 2026 | Friday | 2:00 PM | Accountancy Paper 2 |
| 10 Mar 2026 | Monday | 2:00 PM | Sociology Paper 2 |
| 11 Mar 2026 | Tuesday | 2:00 PM | Physics Paper 2 |
| 12 Mar 2026 | Wednesday | 2:00 PM | Chemistry Paper 2 |
| 13 Mar 2026 | Thursday | 2:00 PM | Biology Paper 2 |
| 14 Mar 2026 | Friday | 2:00 PM | Mathematics Paper 2 |
| 17 Mar 2026 | Monday | 2:00 PM | Computer Science Paper 2 |
| 6 Apr 2026 | Monday | 2:00 PM | Geography Paper 1 |
Important Notes:
- Practical exams are fixed separately by schools.
- Each exam is almost for 02–03 hours as per the subject.
- Students must always carry the admit card and follow all the exam guidelines.
ISC 12th Admit Card:
The first week of February 2025 is when the ISC 12th Admit Card 2025 is anticipated to be made available. It will be accessible through the school login on the official CISCE website.
Process:
- Website: Visit cisce.org, the CISCE’s official website.
- To access the admission card portal, enter your school’s login information.
- Get the principal of the school to sign the admit card after downloading it.
Note: Students required to carry the physical copy of admit cards from their schools.
Syllabus for ISC 12th:
Student can visit the official CISCE website or other websites to obtain the comprehensive syllabus for ISC Class 12th for the 2025 exams. These resources will give you the particular content, exam format, and weighting for each subject.
However, the following is a broad detail of the main topics and their essential elements:
| Subject | Key Topics |
| English Language | Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Grammar, Vocabulary |
| English Literature | Analysis of prescribed texts, Character Analysis, Themes, Literary Devices |
| Physics | Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents, Electromagnetic Waves, Optics, Dual Nature of 1 Radiation and Matter, Atoms and Nuclei, Electronic Devices 2 |
| Chemistry | Solid State, Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements, p-block Elements, d- and f-block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Haloalkanes and Haloarenes, 3 Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones, and 4 Carboxylic Acids, Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen, Biomolecules, Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life |
| Mathematics | Relations and Functions, Algebra, 5 Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Vectors and 3D Geometry, Linear Programming, Probability |
| Biology | Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology and its Applications, Ecology 6 and Environment |
| History | Indian History, World History, Project Work |
| Geography | Physical Geography, Human Geography, India: Physical Environment, Population and Human Settlements, Resources and Development, Map Work, Project Work |
| Economics | Indian Economic Development, Indian Economic Development since Independence, Planning and Economic Reforms in India, Money and Banking, International Economics, Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainable Development, Project Work |
| Commerce | Business Organizations, Business Finance, Marketing, Project Work |
| Computer Science | Programming Concepts, Data Structures, Algorithms, Database Management Systems, Networking Concepts, Web Technologies, Project Work |
Note: The specific syllabus for each subject may differ a bit year to year. It’s important to consult the official syllabus uploaded by the CISCE for the most accurate information.
ISC Board Exam Pattern:
The ISC Exam pattern for 2025 entails a combined theory exams and practical/project work. Here’s a general overview:
| Component | Details |
| Theory Exams | |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Question Type | A mix of objective (MCQs, short answer) and subjective (long answer) questions |
| Marking Scheme | Varies by subject, but typically includes section-wise weightage |
| Practical/Project Work | |
| Weightage | Varies by subject, but typically contributes to the final score |
| Components | Practical experiments, projects, presentations, or other relevant activities |
ISC 12th Sample Papers 2025:
The CISCE has updated the ISC Class 12th Question Papers for the Year 2025 Examination. These sample papers are made to offer students with a clear understanding of the exam pattern or format, types of questions, and marking schemes.
For accessing the ISC Class 12th Sample Papers for 2025, you can refer to the following trustworthy sources:
CISCE Official Website:
- The CISCE is the official body which is responsible for the ISC exams.
- Student can visit their official website and check for the latest updates and sample papers.
Educational Websites:
Many educational websites such as Jagran Josh, College dunia and Educart offer access to ISC papers.
These websites often provide sample papers as per subject with solutions, helps you understand the exam pattern and question types.
CISCE Affiliated Schools:
To find a CISCE-affiliated school in a specific location, you can use the following methods:
CISCE Official Website:
Council-Affiliated School: Check the CISCE website and use the school locator tool. You can filter your search by country, state, district, city, or locality name.
Link: CISCE Result
Online Catalogue: Several online catalogues list CISCE-affiliated schools. Student can search using keywords such as “CISCE schools in (city name)” or “ICSE schools in (city name).” Famous search engines such as Google can be helpful too.
Local Inquiries: For any local enquiries,get in touch with your local education board or district education office. They can give information on nearby CISCE-affiliated schools.
Tips for Choosing a CISCE School:
Academic Image: Research the school’s academic performance, including board exam results and extracurricular achievements.
Faculty: Look for experienced and qualified teachers who can provide quality education.
Student-Teacher Ratio: A lower student-teacher ratio can lead to better individual attention.
Infrastructure: Consider the school’s facilities, such as classrooms, laboratories, library, and sports facilities.
Fee Structure: Consider the school’s fee structure and whether it fits your budget.
Location and Transportation: Ensure the school is conveniently located and accessible.
School Culture and Values: Visit the school to get a sense of its culture, values, and discipline.
By following these steps and considering the factors mentioned above, you can find a suitable CISCE-affiliated school for your child.
Conclusion:
The ISC Board gives a comprehensive and precise syllabus/curriculum made for furnishing students for higher studies and future career goals. By familiarizing themselves with important details like exam dates, syllabus, sample papers, and the registration process, students can prepare and plan accordingly for their ISC Class 12th exams. Constant efforts, proper preparation and smart use of available resources are main for achieving success.
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FAQs:
Que 1: Which board exams are difficult in India?
Ans: Deciding about the difficult board in India is largely subjective, as it varies as per a student’s learning capability and preferences. Both CBSE & ISC boards are often regarded as demanding due to their precise syllabus and competitive academic environment.
Que 2: Is CISCE & ICSE the same board?
Ans: Both the boards are related to Indian board education, but they are still not the same. CISCE is the governing body. ISCE is the exam conducted by CISCE for 10th class.
Que 3: How to check ICSE affiliation of a school? Ans: Visit the official website of CISCE and search for a school. An individual can also contact the school directly or check with local education boards.