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ICSE Board Overview: Classes 9 to 12

Governing Body: Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)

Offers two major school-level examinations:
- ICSE (Class 10) – Indian Certificate of Secondary Education
- ISC (Class 12) – Indian School Certificate

Class 9 (Foundation Stage)

Programme Purpose:
- Prepare students for Class 10 ICSE board exam
- Build foundational knowledge in sciences, mathematics, and languages
Core Subjects (Typically Mandatory):
1. English Language and Literature
2. Second Language (Hindi / Regional / Foreign)
3. History & Civics + Geography
4. Mathematics
5. Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
6. Environmental Education / Commercial Studies / Economics / Computer Applications (School-specific)
7. SUPW & Internal Assessment
Evaluation System:
- Internal exams based on ICSE pattern
- Formative + summative assessment
- Grading is indicative, not standardized by CISCE at this level

Class 10 (ICSE Board)

Subjects Divided into 3 Groups:

Group	Subject Type	Key Details
Group I	Compulsory	English, Second Language, History & Civics, Geography
Group II	Choose any 2 subjects	Mathematics, Science (PCB), Economics, Commercial Studies, etc.
Group III	Choose any 1 subject	Computer Applications, Art, Performing Arts, Yoga, Home Science, etc.

Exam Pattern:
- External Examination: 80% weightage (conducted by CISCE)
- Internal Assessment: 20% weightage (project work, practicals)
Grading System:
- Scores out of 100 per subject
- Minimum passing marks: 33% per subject
- Final result based on best five subjects including English
Recognition:
- Recognized globally and accepted in all Indian state/national boards and universities

Class 11 (ISC Board)

Purpose:
- Stream-based specialization begins: Medical / Non-Medical
Subject Streams:
- Medical Stream (Biology Focus):
  - English (Compulsory)
  - Physics
  - Chemistry
  - Biology
  - Mathematics / Psychology / Biotechnology / Electives
- Non-Medical Stream (Maths/Engineering Focus):
  - English (Compulsory)
  - Physics
  - Chemistry
  - Mathematics
  - Computer Science / Economics / Electives

Class 12 (ISC Board)

Final Year of School Education
- Subjects continue from Class 11 stream
Medical Stream:
- English
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Optional: Math / Psychology / Environmental Science
Non-Medical Stream:
- English
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Optional: Computer Science / Economics / Physical Education
ISC Board Exam Pattern:
- External Exams (CISCE): 80% Theory
- Internal Assessment: 20% (Projects / Practicals / Assignments)
- Minimum Passing Marks: 35% per subject
Marking Scheme:
- Marks awarded out of 100 per subject
- English is compulsory for passing and calculation of percentage

General Notes for Classes 9–12 (ICSE/ISC)

Medium of instruction: English only.
Emphasis on analytical writing, lab work, and project-based learning
SUPW (Socially Useful Productive Work) compulsory for ICSE and ISC
Detailed syllabi with internal deadlines set by the Council
Mathematics and Science are rigorous and concept-driven, ideal for NEET/JEE aspirants
Accepted by top universities in India and abroad

Get Ahead in School Exams with CGP Edu!

ICSE Board Overview: Classes 9 to 12

Class 9 (Foundation Stage)

Class 10 (ICSE Board)

Class 11 (ISC Board)

Class 12 (ISC Board)

General Notes for Classes 9–12 (ICSE/ISC)

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