Overview
▼ What is ISC? Understanding the Indian School Certificate Examination
The Indian School Certificate (ISC) is a Class 12 examination conducted by the Council of Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). The ISC is a prestigious national-level examination that is recognized across India and internationally. It is designed to assess students' knowledge and skills across various subjects in the Science, Commerce, and Arts streams.
The CISCE board conducts the ISC examination annually for students in schools affiliated with the council. The ISC examination is known for its comprehensive curriculum, emphasis on analytical thinking, and holistic development of students. Around 1 lakh students appear for the ISC exams every year.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Indian School Certificate (ISC) |
| Conducting Body | Council of Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) |
| Exam Level | Class 12 (Senior Secondary) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Written) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours per paper |
| Streams Offered | Science, Commerce, Arts |
| Compulsory Subject | English |
| Elective Subjects | 3, 4, or 5 subjects |
| Maximum Subjects | 6 subjects (including English) |
| Annual Students | Approximately 1 lakh |
| Official Website | cisce.org |
▼ ISC 2026 Exam: Key Highlights and Information
The ISC Class 12 examination for 2026 is being conducted by CISCE. Here are the key highlights of the ISC 2026 exam:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Full Name | Indian School Certificate (ISC) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Council of Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) |
| Exam Dates | February 12 - April 6, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Written) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours per paper |
| Admit Card Release | January 27, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | April-May 2026 (Expected) |
| Time Table Release | November 13, 2025 |
| Total Students Appearing | Approximately 1 lakh |
| Passing Marks | 35% in 4 or more subjects (including English) |
YouTube Video - ISC Exam Overview
▼ Exam Structure and Pattern
The ISC examination follows a structured pattern with emphasis on comprehensive assessment. All candidates must enter for English (compulsory), with three, four, or five elective subjects. A candidate cannot select more than six subjects in total.
Subject Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Compulsory Subject | English (Mandatory for all candidates) |
| Elective Subjects | 3, 4, or 5 subjects |
| Total Subjects | Maximum 6 subjects (including English) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours per paper |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Written) |
Streams and Subject Groups
- Science Stream: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physical Education, etc.
- Commerce Stream: Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science, etc.
- Arts Stream: History, Geography, Political Science, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, etc.
Question Paper Pattern
The ISC question papers are designed to test students' understanding, analytical skills, and application of knowledge. The papers typically include a mix of objective and subjective questions, with emphasis on comprehensive assessment and practical application of concepts.
▼ Eligibility Criteria for ISC 12th
To appear for the ISC Class 12 examination, students must satisfy the following eligibility criteria set by CISCE:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | No specific minimum age limit |
| Educational Qualification | Must have passed ICSE Class 10 or equivalent |
| School Affiliation | Must be enrolled in a CISCE affiliated school |
| Attendance Requirement | Regular attendance as per school norms |
| Subject Selection | Must select English (compulsory) + 3-5 elective subjects |
| Application Submission | Must submit examination form through school |
| Fee Payment | Must pay examination fee before due date |
| Private Candidates | Can contact CISCE directly for application form |
▼ Important Dates and Exam Schedule 2026
The following are the important dates for the ISC Class 12 examination 2026. Students should mark these dates to ensure they don't miss any crucial deadlines:
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Time Table Release | November 13, 2025 | Released on official website |
| Admit Card Release | January 27, 2026 | Through school login portal |
| Exam Start Date | February 12, 2026 | First paper scheduled |
| Exam End Date | April 6, 2026 | Last paper scheduled |
| Result Declaration | April-May 2026 | Expected announcement |
| Revaluation Application | May 2026 | Application window |
| Improvement Exams | May-June 2026 | For improvement candidates |
| Improvement Result | June 2026 | Expected announcement |
▼ ISC Subjects and Streams Available
ISC offers three main streams with various subject combinations. Students can choose subjects based on their interests and career aspirations. All candidates must select English as a compulsory subject.
Science Stream Subjects
| Subject | Type |
|---|---|
| English (Compulsory) | Language |
| Physics | Core Science |
| Chemistry | Core Science |
| Biology | Core Science |
| Mathematics | Elective |
| Computer Science | Elective |
| Physical Education | Elective |
Commerce Stream Subjects
| Subject | Type |
|---|---|
| English (Compulsory) | Language |
| Accountancy | Core Commerce |
| Business Studies | Core Commerce |
| Economics | Core Commerce |
| Mathematics | Elective |
| Computer Science | Elective |
Arts Stream Subjects
| Subject | Type |
|---|---|
| English (Compulsory) | Language |
| History | Elective |
| Geography | Elective |
| Political Science | Elective |
| Philosophy | Elective |
| Psychology | Elective |
| Sociology | Elective |
▼ Result Declaration and Passing Criteria
The ISC Class 12 result is declared on the official website cisce.org. Students can check their results using their UID (Unique Identification) and index number. The result comprises the student's details along with the marks secured in all subjects.
Passing Standards
| Criteria | Marks/Details |
|---|---|
| Passing Requirement | Minimum 35% marks in 4 or more subjects |
| Compulsory Subject | English must be one of the passing subjects |
| Result Declaration | April-May 2026 (Expected) |
| Result Website | cisce.org |
Result Declaration
Result Components
- Student's Name and UID
- Index Number and School Code
- Marks Obtained in Each Subject
- Total Marks
- Grade/Division
- Qualifying Status (Pass/Fail)
Revaluation and Improvement
Students who are not satisfied with their marks can apply for revaluation of their answer scripts. The revaluation application window typically opens in May 2026. Additionally, students can appear for improvement exams in May-June 2026 to improve their marks in any subject. The better score will be considered for the final result.
Revaluation application: May 2026
Improvement / Compartment exams: May-June 2026
Official Result Website
- cisce.org (Official CISCE website)