The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has introduced a series of significant changes to the Indian School Certificate (ISC) examination system, set to take effect from 2027. These reforms include revised pass criteria, syllabus modifications, the introduction of new subjects, and streamlined result documentation. The initiative aims to enhance academic clarity and adapt to evolving educational requirements.
Key Revisions in ISC Examination System
Revised Pass Criteria & Result Documentation
The terms “Pass Certificate Awarded” (PCA) and “Pass Certificate Not Awarded” (PCNA) will be replaced with “Qualified” and “Not Qualified,” respectively. Additionally, the Statement of Marks and Pass Certificate will be combined into a single document, “Pass Certificate-cum-Statement of Marks.” Candidates who do not qualify will receive a separate Statement of Marks, while those appearing for supplementary exams will be issued a “Supplementary Statement of Marks.”
Syllabus Updates for ISC Examination
Significant syllabus revisions have been announced for six subjects:
– Chemistry
– Biology
– History
– Political Science
– Psychology
– Legal Studies
Other subjects remain unchanged.
New Pass Criteria
Students must now pass in five or six subjects instead of the previous four. English or Modern English will be compulsory, along with a passing grade in Socially Useful Productive Work (SUPW) and Community Service, which will be internally assessed by schools.
Changes in Subject Selection & Nomenclature
Students will now choose English/Modern English plus four or five elective subjects, instead of three to five. The subject “Accounts” (code 858) has been renamed “Accountancy” (code 858). Certain subject combinations, such as Physics with Engineering Science and Mathematics with Applied Mathematics, will no longer be permitted.
New Streams in English & Mathematics
English and Mathematics will now be offered in two distinct streams, catering to different academic and career pathways.
Support for Students with Special Needs
CISCE will continue to provide exemptions and accommodations for students with learning and physical disabilities. Schools and candidates can refer to the CISCE Guidelines for Comprehensive Support Measures in Examinations, available on the CISCE website.
Introduction of New Subjects at ICSE & ISC Levels
At the ICSE (Class 10) level, students can now choose from five new subjects:
– Artificial Intelligence
– Robotics
– Applied Mathematics
– Modern English
– Bhutia Language
At the ISC (Class 12) level, Bhutia Language has been introduced as a new subject.
Extensive Syllabus Revisions
Syllabus updates have been implemented for multiple subjects:
– ISC Level (Class 12): Mathematics, Elective English, Biology, Commerce, Accountancy, History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Chemistry, Physics, and Legal Studies.
– ICSE Level (Class 10): History & Civics, Geography, Chemistry, Economics, Economic Applications, Commercial Studies, Assamese, Marathi, Carnatic Music, Robotics & Artificial Intelligence.
CISCE has instructed all school heads to distribute printed copies of the revised syllabus and regulations to students and teachers for better academic planning. Updated syllabi and examination guidelines are also available for download on the CISCE website.
These reforms underscore CISCE’s commitment to academic excellence, aiming to make the examination system more student-friendly, transparent, and structured.
