Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)

Welcome to the CISCE Board

CISCE is a national-level privately owned board for secondary education in India. It is the body that administers the I.C.S.E. (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) exam for Grade X and the I.S.C. (Indian School Certificate) exam for Grade XII. Known for credibility, both of these exams are highly recognized by universities in India and abroad.

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What is CISCE?

Established with a vision to serve the nation’s children with quality education, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is the result of creating an Indian alternative to the overseas Cambridge School Certificate Examination. Today, it is one of the most respected Indian education boards with global recognition for its academic standards.

It was founded in 1958, officially registered in 1967, and listed as a body conducting "public" examinations in the Delhi School Education Act in 1973. With its foundation laid by national education leaders like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the body administers the curriculum and exam of the ICSE (Class 10), ISC (Class 12), and CVE (Class 12 – Vocational).

Catering to a diverse range of students, CISCE-affiliated schools and boarding schools are often the choice for families seeking a strong academic foundation, a broad subject selection, and a holistic education that prepares children for both Indian and global futures.

FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT CISCE Board
  • There are over 2,700 CISCE-affiliated schools worldwide.
  • Along with India, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is in five nations, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.
  • CISCE is one of the first Indian boards to showcase results online on the Council’s website for ICSE and ISC in March 1999.
  • The main reason why CISCE was born was to provide an Indian alternative to the overseas Cambridge School Certificate Examination, so an All India Certificate Examinations Conference was held in 1952 under the Chairmanship of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Minister for Education.
  • This school is particularly best for students who are more interested in arts, literature, or humanities, as its curriculum places more emphasis on English language skills.
About

Best ICSE Boarding Schools in India

Since 1988
Sharada Residential School, Udupi

Sharada Residential School, Udupi

Annual Fees175000
BoardSTATE BOARD, CISCE...
School TypeCo-Ed
GradeVI - XII
Since 1859
Bishop Cotton School, Shimla

Bishop Cotton School, Shimla

Annual Fees610000
BoardCAMBRIDGE, ICSE
School TypeBoys
GradeIV - XII
Since 1996Admission Open
Abhyasa International Residential School, Medak

Abhyasa International Residential School, Medak

Annual Fees200000
BoardCISCE, ICSE
School TypeCo-Ed
GradeIV - XII
Since 1994
MU College, Aligarh

MU College, Aligarh

Annual Fees270000
BoardCISCE
School TypeBoys
GradeNursery - XII
Since 1997
Madhusthali Vidyapeeth Madhupur, Ranchi

Madhusthali Vidyapeeth Madhupur, Ranchi

Annual Fees320000
BoardCISCE, ICSE
School TypeCo-Ed
GradeIII - XII
Since 1803
Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Dalhousie

Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Dalhousie

Annual Fees350000
BoardCISCE, ICSE
School TypeCo-Ed
GradeIII - XII
Since 1984
Rockvale Academy, Kalimpong

Rockvale Academy, Kalimpong

Annual Fees260000
BoardICSE
School TypeCo-Ed
GradeI - XII
Since 1992
FIITJEE World School, Hyderabad

FIITJEE World School, Hyderabad

Annual Fees200000
BoardSTATE BOARD, ICSE...
School TypeCo-Ed
GradeVI - XII
Since 2013
Redbridge International Academy, Bengaluru

Redbridge International Academy, Bengaluru

Annual Fees280000
BoardCAMBRIDGE, ICSE...
School TypeCo-Ed
GradeI - XII
Since 1997
Sacred Heart School, Siliguri

Sacred Heart School, Siliguri

Annual Fees320000
BoardICSE
School TypeCo-Ed
GradeIII - XII
Since 2004
J G International School, Ahmedabad

J G International School, Ahmedabad

Annual Fees300000
BoardCAMBRIDGE, ICSE...
School TypeCo-Ed
GradeI - XII
Since 1900Admission Open
The International Sahaja Public School, Talnoo, Dharamshala

The International Sahaja Public School, Talnoo, Dharamshala

Annual Fees300000
BoardCISCE, CAMBRIDGE...
School TypeCo-Ed
GradeI - XII
Since 1880
Baldwin Boys High School, Hosur

Baldwin Boys High School, Hosur

Annual Fees150000
BoardICSE
School TypeBoys
GradeI - XII
Since 2011
Arvind International School, Bengaluru

Arvind International School, Bengaluru

Annual Fees146400
BoardCISCE
School TypeCo-Ed
GradeV - XII
Since 1983
Gems English School, Rohtas

Gems English School, Rohtas

Annual Fees240000
BoardICSE
School TypeCo-Ed
GradeIII - XII
Since 2007
Singapore International School, Mumbai

Singapore International School, Mumbai

Annual Fees579000
BoardCISCE, IB
School TypeCo-Ed
GradeIII - XII
why CISCE is the best education board for your child?
  • Extensive SyllabusIn ICSE board-affiliated boarding schools for girls and boys, the curriculum follows a spiral approach, presenting the specific fundamentals of the subjects to ensure that these basic concepts are ingrained in a student's long-term memory.
  • Progressive learning methodsICSE attaches significant importance to language and literature, with the perfect balance of STEM subjects, concentrating more on application rather than rote learning.
  • Promote extra-curricular interestsCo-curricular activities can be selected from an extensive list of subjects like fashion design, agriculture, and home science according to their interests. A flexible education is promoted by the board, so extracurricular activities are encouraged alongside the chosen subjects.
  • Strong Academic BaseStudents do better on examinations like the TOEFL or other scholarship exams when the English language has placed a greater emphasis on quality education than quantity.
  • Globally recognized CurriculumCertificates are equivalent to high school diplomas in other countries. Most foreign universities accept an ICSE credential, which is a benefit to students who want to study abroad.
CISCE Curriculum Overview

The subjects in the ICSE curriculum are diverse and are mostly split into two main levels:

ICSE Level
  • Core Subjects
    • English
    • a second language
    • History
    • Civics
    • Geography
    • Mathematics
    • Science
  • Elective Subjects
    • Computer Applications
    • Economics
    • Physical Education
ISC Level
  • Compulsory Subjects
    • English (Paper 1 – Language, Paper 2 – Literature)
  • Elective Subjects (depends on the school offerings)
    • Science Stream
    • Physics, Chemistry, Biology
    • Mathematics
    • Computer Science
    • Environmental Science
  • Commerce Stream
    • Accountancy
    • Business Studies
    • Commerce
    • Economics
    • Mathematics
    • Marketing
  • Humanities Stream
    • History
    • Political Science
    • Sociology
    • Psychology
    • Geography
    • Economics
    • Art, Music, Home Science
    • Modern/Indian Languages
The syllabuses and the examinations in CISCE Schools
ICSE (Class 10) Assessment
  • Structure & Weightage for Group I & II Subjects (Compulsory & Electives):
    • 80% External Exam
    • 20% Internal Assessment (projects, practicals, class tests)
  • Structure & Weightage for Group III Subjects (Applied/Creative):
    • 50% External + 50% Internal
  • Passing Criteria
    • Minimum 33% in each subject and 35% overall aggregate required to pass
    • Minimum 27/80 in external exam mandatory per subject
  • Grade Scale for External Exam (1–9):
    • 1 & 2 = Outstanding; 3–5 = Credit; 6–7 = Pass; 8–9 = Fail
  • Grade Scale for Internal Assessment (A–E):
    • A = Excellent; B = Good; D = Fair; E = Fail. Only A–D are recorded in the certificate.
  • Percentage Calculation
    • Based on the best five subjects (including English): total marks ÷ 5 × 100
ISC (Class 12) Assessment
  • Structure & Weightage for Core subjects:
    • 80% External, 20% Internal Assessment
  • Structure & Weightage for Optional subjects like Art, Music, Home Science:
    • Assessment may vary (e.g., 50/50 split in practice-based subjects)
  • Passing Criteria
    • At least 35% in each subject, including mandatory English
    • Must pass a minimum of four subjects to gain certificate eligibility
  • Grade Scale for External Exam (1–9):
    • 1–2 = Very Good, 3–5 = Credit, 6–7 = Pass, 8–9 = Fail
  • Grade Scale for Internal Assessment (A–E):
    • A–E letter grades; only A–D shown on final result
Benefits of ICSE Board for your child
Benefits

    Holistic Global Curriculum

    The ICSE board has devised a curriculum that empowers its students to excel in all areas of life. It prepares your child to tackle challenges worldwide and equips them to be global citizens.

    Perfect Fit for Foreign University Aspirants

    ICSE is an excellent board for those planning to send their child to a foreign university. Its syllabus is specifically designed for universities abroad, which expect students to display a strong work ethic.

    Deeper Learning Through Application-Based Approach

    As compared to CBSE, ICSE has more application-based syllabuses that result in the students learning concepts in a much deeper manner. This is since it emphasizes science, arts, and languages. ICSE, being comprehensive, is considered more difficult than CBSE and State boards, and ICSE follows a higher level of English.

    Stronger English & Smaller Class Sizes

    Compared to CBSE and the state board, the teacher-student ratio is smaller, which facilitates personalized consideration to each student.

    Creative Development Through Art Therapy

    As part of the program, the board also provides art therapy, which develops visual-spatial abilities of youth.

FAQ’s

Curriculum Followed by Boarding Schools in India

Boarding Schools in India are normally affiliated to the following boards. It is most important to know the details of what each education board offers and how it is different from the others. Check out these links to get complete insight before you admit your child to a specific board.

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