ISC Board Exam Exam Pattern 2026
ISC Board Exam Exam Pattern
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has announced the exam pattern for the ISC Class 12 examination in 2025. The new pattern includes more questions based on understanding and critical thinking.
These changes are in line with NEP 2020. From 2024 onwards, the ISC Class 12 question paper will contain HOTS (High Order Thinking Skills) and critical analysis questions. CISCE has advised schools to include these types of questions in regular assessments as well.
The board has not announced any changes in the marking scheme or ISC Class 12 Syllabus 2024-25. The total marks for each subject will be 100. Depending on the subject, the total marks will be divided into theory and project or practical work. Students will get 3 hours to write the exam.
Students must score at least 35% marks to be declared pass in ISC Class 12. They must pass in each subject as well as in aggregate to obtain the pass certificate. Candidates who fail in any subject can appear for ISC Class 12 Improvement Exams. Only students who pass English and any other two subjects can take compartment exams.
ISC Class 12 board exams 2025 are expected to begin in February 2025 and end in April 2025. The final ISC Class 12 Date Sheet 2025 will be released on the official website in December 2024.
Key Details of ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025
The table below contains key highlights of ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | ISC Class 12 Exams 2025 |
| Mode of Examination | Offline |
| Duration of Exam | 3 Hours |
| Types of Questions | Subjective-type Questions |
| Medium of Questions | English (for the academic subjects) |
| Maximum Marks for a Subject | 100 |
| Passing Marks | 35% |
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025: Group Distribution
Subjects in ISC Class 12 are categorised into various groups depending upon the mark distribution:
| Groups | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Group I (80% marks external exam + 20% marks internal exam) |
|
| Group II (80% marks external exam + 20% marks internal exam) |
|
| Group III (50% marks external exam + 50% marks internal exam) |
|
Students can choose subjects from these 3 groups as per the conditions below:
- Group I contains 4 compulsory subjects.
- Group II allows choosing 2 optional subjects.
- Group III allows students to choose additional optional subjects.
Candidates need to choose optional subjects during their ISC Class 12 Registration. No change in the subject will occur after registration.
ISC Class 12 Percentage Calculation
For the ISC Class 12 percentage, the best of 4 subjects is considered, and English is compulsory in this calculation. Add the marks of the best 4 subjects, divide the total by 400, and multiply by 100 to get the percentage.
Do Questions Repeat in ISC Class 12?
There is some repetition of questions in ISC Class 12. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) does not repeat the same questions every year, but a clear trend can be seen in the topics, forms, and question types.
Preparation Strategy for ISC Class 12 Board Exams
Students can follow the strategies below to prepare for the ISC Class 12 Exams 2024.
- Make a schedule: Create a proper study schedule to finish the syllabus at least a couple of months before the exams.
- Go through the syllabus: Check the syllabus of all subjects to understand the chapter-wise weightage and important topics.
- Reduce stress: Stay calm and do exercises for mental and physical health so stress does not disturb your preparation.
- Tips for Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry: Make a list of formulae, physics derivations, and experiments, and revise them. Practice numerical problems from sample papers.
- Previous Years’ Papers: Solve previous years’ question papers or practice papers. Analyze your answers to find your mistakes and weak areas.
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025: Marks Distribution
Students appearing for ISC Class 12 Exams 2025 can choose 4 or 5 subjects apart from English. English is a compulsory subject, and including English, students cannot appear for more than 6 subjects.
The subject-wise mark distribution as per the ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025 is given below:
| Subject | Paper | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | English Language | 100 |
| English | Literature in English | 100 |
| Maths | Theory | 80 |
| Maths | Project Work | 20 |
| Physics | Theory | 70 |
| Physics | Practical | 15 |
| Physics | Project Work | 10 |
| Physics | Practical File | 05 |
| Chemistry | Theory | 70 |
| Chemistry | Practical | 15 |
| Chemistry | Project Work | 10 |
| Chemistry | Practical File | 05 |
| Biology | Theory | 70 |
| Biology | Practical | 15 |
| Biology | Project Work | 10 |
| Biology | Practical File | 05 |
| Commerce | Theory | 80 |
| Commerce | Project Work | 20 |
| Accounts | Theory | 80 |
| Accounts | Project Work | 20 |
| Economics | Theory | 80 |
| Economics | Project Work | 20 |
| History | Theory | 80 |
| History | Project Work | 20 |
| Geography | Theory | 70 |
| Geography | Practical and Project Work | 30 |
ISC Class 12 English Exam Pattern
ISC Class 12 English has two papers – English Language and Literature in English. The exam pattern for each paper is given below:
| Part | Sections | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Theory Paper | Section 1 | 20 Marks |
| Theory Paper | Section 2 | 25 Marks |
| Theory Paper | Section 3 | 15 Marks |
| Theory Paper | Section 4 | 20 Marks |
| Project Work | Section 1 | 10 Marks |
| Project Work | Section 2 | 10 Marks |
ISC Class 12 Maths Exam Pattern
The question paper pattern for ISC Class 12 Maths is as follows:
| Part | Sections | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I (Theory Paper) | Section A | 65 Marks |
| Paper I (Theory Paper) | Section B OR Section C | 15 Marks |
| Paper II (Project Work) | Section A (one project) | 10 Marks |
| Paper II (Project Work) | Section B or Section C (one project) | 10 Marks |
Topic-wise marks distribution for ISC Class 12 Maths is also available for students to check.
ISC Class 12 Mathematics Exam Pattern
The ISC Class 12 Mathematics paper is for 80 marks. It has a compulsory Section A and a choice between Section B and Section C.
| Unit | Unit Name | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Section A: 65 Marks | ||
| 1. | Relations and Functions | 10 |
| 2. | Algebra | 10 |
| 3. | Calculus | 32 |
| 4. | Probability | 13 |
| Section B: 15 Marks | ||
| 5. | Vectors | 05 |
| 6. | Three-Dimensional Geometry | 06 |
| 7. | Applications of Integrals | 04 |
| OR Section C: 15 Marks | ||
| 8. | Application of Calculus | 05 |
| 9. | Linear Regression | 06 |
| 10. | Linear Programming | 04 |
| Total | 80 | |
ISC Class 12 Chemistry Exam Pattern
The ISC Class 12 Chemistry exam has two papers. Paper I is the theory paper for 70 marks, and Paper II is project work for 30 marks.
| Part | Section | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I (Theory Paper – 70 Marks) | Physical Chemistry | 25 Marks |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 14 Marks | |
| Organic Chemistry | 31 Marks | |
| Paper II (Project Work – 30 Marks) | Practical | 15 Marks |
| Project Work | 10 Marks | |
| Practical File | 05 Marks |
The unit-wise marks weightage for the ISC Class 12 Chemistry theory paper is given below.
| Units | Unit Name | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Chemistry | ||
| 1. | Solutions | 25 |
| 2. | Electrochemistry | |
| 3. | Chemical Kinetics | |
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| 4. | d- and f-Block Elements | 14 |
| 5. | Coordination Compounds | |
| Organic Chemistry | ||
| 6. | Haloalkanes and Haloarenes | 31 |
| 7. | Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers | |
| 8. | Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids | |
| 9. | Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen | |
| 10. | Biomolecules | |
| Total | 70 | |
ISC Class 12 Physics Exam Pattern
The ISC Class 12 Physics exam pattern for 2025 is provided below. The exam is divided into a theory paper and a project work paper.
| Part | Section | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I (Theory Paper – 70 Marks) | No further sections | 70 Marks |
| Paper II (Project Work – 30 Marks) | Practical | 15 Marks |
| Project Work | 10 Marks | |
| Practical File | 05 Marks |
The unit-wise marks weightage for the ISC Class 12 Physics theory paper is as follows.
| Units | Unit | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Electrostatics | 15 |
| 2. | Current Electricity | |
| 3. | Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism | 16 |
| 4. | Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents | |
| 5. | Electromagnetic Waves | 02 |
| 6. | Optics | 18 |
| 7. | Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter | 12 |
| 8. | Atoms and Nuclei | |
| 9. | Electronic Devices | 07 |
| Total | 70 | |
ISC Class 12 Biology Exam Pattern
The total marks for the ISC Class 12 Biology exam are 100. This total is divided between a theory paper and project work.
| Part | Section | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I (Theory Paper – 70 Marks) | No further sections | 70 Marks |
| Paper II (Project Work – 30 Marks) | Practical | 15 Marks |
| Project Work | 10 Marks | |
| Practical File | 05 Marks |
The unit-wise marks distribution for the ISC Class 12 Biology theory paper is given below.
| Unit | Unit | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Reproduction | 16 |
| 2. | Genetics and Evolution | 15 |
| 3. | Biology and Human Welfare | 14 |
| 4. | Biotechnology and its Applications | 10 |
| 5. | Ecology and Environment | 15 |
| Total | 70 | |
ISC Class 12 History Exam Pattern
The question paper pattern for ISC Class 12 History is provided in the source material.
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025
The ISC Class 12 exam pattern for History is divided into a theory paper and project work. The theory paper carries 80 marks and the project work carries 20 marks.
| Part | Section | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Theory Paper | Section A – Indian History | 20 Marks |
| Section B – World History | 60 Marks | |
| Project Work | One project work | 20 Marks |
ISC Class 12 Grading System 2025
The ISC Class 12 exam uses a nine-numbered grading scale, where 9 is the lowest and 1 is the highest. Students must secure Grade 7, the minimum passing grade, to get the passing certificate. Only Grades 1 to 7 are recorded on certificates.
External Examination
The grading system for external exams is given below.
| Grade | Standard |
|---|---|
| 1 2 | Very Good |
| 3 4 | Credit |
| 6 7 | Pass |
| 8 9 | Fail |
Internal Assessment
Internal assessment is calculated based on performance in SUPW and community service. SUPW stands for Socially Useful Productive Work, where Grade A is the highest and Grade E is the lowest. Only Grades A to D are recorded in certificates.
| Grade | Standard |
|---|---|
| A | Very Good |
| B | Good |
| C | Satisfactory |
| D | Fair |
| E | Fail |
Guidelines for Subject Choice in ISC Board
Students cannot opt for the same or related subjects of different groups simultaneously. Certain subject combinations are not allowed while choosing optional subjects.
- Group II Physics and Group III Engineering Science
- Group III Geometric and Mechanical Drawing and Group III Geometric and Building Drawing
- Group II Economics and Group III Economic Applications
- Group II Commercial Studies and Group III Commercial Applications
- Sanskrit as a second language subject in Group I and Sanskrit as a classical language in Group II
- Different Modern Foreign Languages shall be opted from each group (II and III)
Students also need to keep the following points in mind:
- Optional subjects can be chosen only at the time of class 11 registration. Subjects cannot be changed in class 12.
- Students are allowed to choose one additional subject other than the optional subjects in Group II.
- Students can also opt for an additional secondary language if Hindi is chosen as one of the second language subjects.
ISC Class 12 Exams 2025: Important Instructions
Students should follow these guidelines on the day of the final board examination.
- Students should reach the exam centre 30 minutes prior to the exam.
- Students need to bring all the necessary documents and personal stationery with them.
- Students are advised to use black ink while filling up the details on the exam booklet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. When will ISC Class 12 Exam 2025 be conducted?
Ans. ISC class 12 exams will be conducted from February 12 to April 3, 2025.
Ques. What will be the maximum marks for a subject as per the latest ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025?
Ans. There is no change in the maximum marks for any subject or the overall marks. A total of 100 marks have been allotted for each subject, of which 30% marks will be allotted to practical exams and internal assessments. For some subjects, the theory paper will carry 80% weightage while 20% of marks will be for practical exams.
Ques. How many marks are carried by the practical exam in ISC Class 12 Exams 2025?
Ans. The practical exam for a subject will be conducted for 30 marks. Candidates have to visit the school to perform the lab activities as a part of their practical exam.
Ques. What are the minimum passing marks for ISC Class 12 Exams 2025?
Ans. The minimum marks required to pass ISC Class 12 Exam is 33% in every subject and 33% aggregate marks. If any candidate secures 33% aggregate marks but below 33% in a subject, then he/she has to appear for the compartmental examination for that particular subject.
ISC Class 12 Exam 2025 Dates
ISC Class 12 exams will be conducted from February 12 to April 3, 2025.
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025
There is no change in the maximum marks for any subject or the overall marks. A total of 100 marks have been allotted for each subject.
- 30% of marks will be allotted to practical exams and internal assessments.
- For some subjects, the theory paper will carry 80% weightage.
- For some subjects, 20% of marks will be for practical exams.
Practical Exam Marks
The practical exam for a subject will be conducted for 30 marks. Candidates have to visit the school to perform the lab activities as a part of their practical exam.
Minimum Passing Marks
The minimum marks required to pass ISC Class 12 Exam is 33% in every subject and 33% aggregate marks. If any candidate secures 33% aggregate marks but below 33% in a subject then he/she has to appear for the compartmental examination for that particular subject.
