How to prepare for ISC Board Exams 2026 in 60 days

Indian School Certificate 2026 ( ISC )

nitesh
nitesh singh
Senior Executive
Updated on Dec 3, 2025 19:17 IST
This guide gives a 60-day plan for ISC Class 12 exams, covering important chapters, smart study tips, recommended resources, and last-minute strategies. Learn how to focus on high-scoring topics and avoid common mistakes for top results. Check complete details here

Prepare for ISC Class 12 board exams in 60 days with easy tips, high-scoring topics, study plan, recommended materials, and common mistakes to avoid for better marks.

ISC Class 12 Board Exams are not far, you have just above 2 months to finalise your preparation to score ful marks. Shiksha offers you a practical, and doable two‑month study plan for last 60 days.

This ISC Class 12 Board Study Plan consists of all that you need form weekly goals, high‑scoring topics, smart study tips to study materials.

The CISCE follows a split between theory and internal assessment (practical/project), 80 marks theory + 20 marks internal for many subjects, while Science subjects are 70 + 30, and English Paper 2 is assessed entirely on theory (100).

This 60 day plan is made on the basis of consideration of above given fact, and allocate time to specific units that fetch maximum marks in the 3‑hour papers.

Table of contents
  • Complete 60‑Day ISC Board Class 12 Study Plan
  • Extra ISC Exam 2026 Study Tips For Better Scores
  • Required Study Material For ISC Class 12 Exams
  • Few Don'ts For ISC Students

Complete 60‑Day ISC Board Class 12 Study Plan

ISC Class 12 exams will be taken from mid‑February to early April 2026, so the study plan should end a week before your first paper for buffer.

Ideal Day in your study must have:

  • 2 study blocks  for 2 hours each- (core subjects)
  • Another 1 block for 1 hour -(English/optional)
  • One 30-minute block for revision/test analysis

 Weeks 1: Understand Syllabus and Your Weak and Strong Areas

Follow these tips in your first week:

  • Download the official syllabus and sample papers for all your subjects. Make a list for each unit so you know what to study.
  • Check the marks distribution. Find out which topics has more weightage in the 80 or 70 marks theory exam and 20 marks for internal assessment.
  • Solve one previous year question paper of each subject under exam conditions. This will help you find your weak areas. Always use the latest specimen papers if they are available.
  • Start with your weak subjects. Pick your two weakest subjects and begin rebuilding your concepts. Make formula sheets, data sheets, and short summary notes for quick revision.

Weeks 2–6: Complete Full Syllabus and Prioritize Important Areas

Mathematics (80 marks theory + 20 marks project):

Start with topics that give you more marks and are easy to score. These include Calculus (Differentiation, Integration, and Applications), Probability, Vectors and 3D Geometry, and Matrices and Determinants.

Physics (70 marks theory + 30 marks practical):

Pay attention to Electrostatics and Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects and Electromagnetic Induction, Optics, and Modern Physics. These chapters are important and often have predictable questions. Also, make sure your practical file, project, and viva notes are ready because they carry 30 marks.

Chemistry (70 marks theory + 30 marks practical):

Focus on Physical Chemistry topics like Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics, and Electrochemistry because they have numerical questions that are easy to score. In Organic Chemistry, learn all the named reactions and mechanisms. For Inorganic Chemistry, study coordination compounds .

Biology (70 marks theory + 30 marks practical):

Give more time to Genetics and Evolution, Biotechnology, Human Physiology, and Ecology. These chapters are very important. Practice questions from the latest model papers so you understand the question style.

Commerce / Accounts / Economics (80 marks theory + 20 marks project):

In Accounts, practice Partnership Accounts, Company Accounts, and Cash Flow Statements.

In Commerce, learn topics like Marketing, Business Environment, and Finance. Also, practice writing case studies.

In Economics, focus on Micro topics like Elasticity and Market Types, and Macro topics like National Income and Money & Banking. Always check the latest exam pattern for marks distribution.

English (Paper 1 and Paper 2):

For Language Paper, practice essay writing, directed writing, and grammar exercises. For Literature Paper, make short notes for each text and learn important quotes. Follow the paper structure so you don’t waste time. Weeks 5–6: Practice, Past Papers & Speed.

 Weeks 7–8: Final Answer Writing Practice and Solving Full Model Paper

Here are a few things you must do in last phase

  • Practice full 3-hour sample papers for each subject just like the real exam. Check how much time you spend on each section and how accurate your answers are.
  • Revise your weak areas and make one-page quick notes for each chapter with key points, common mistakes, and sample solutions.
  • Improve answer writing through long answers. Always label diagrams properly, show all steps in numerical problems, and use headings and subheadings in essays.
  • Last 5 days before the exam, do a quick revision of the most important topics. Use flashcards and review solved papers. Do not start any new or difficult topics at this time.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which is the toughest paper in ISC?
A: 

According to ISC students who appeared for the ISC board exam last year, the Economics and mathematics subjects appeared to have been the toughest papers for both the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and the Indian School Certificate (ISC) students.

Q:   Will ISC board exam 2026 be difficult?
A: 

CISCE is going to increase questions that require understanding and critical thinking in ICSE and ISC Exams 2026. The aim is to enable students to go beyond rote learning & memorisation of facts and move towards the development of conceptual understanding. 

Thus, students are advised to practise and get their basics clear so that they are able to attempt such questions without any problem.

Q:   How can I prepare for ISC exams 2026 using ISC date sheet?
A: 

Students appearing for ISC Board Exam must understand the strategy to utilize ISC date sheet for preparation of ISC Board Exams 2026. ISC Board Exam 2026 is conducted. Now, let us understand ways to use ISC date sheet for ISC preparation 2026.  

Prepare a subject-wise list for ISC Class 12

List down all the subjects of ISC Class 12 Board Exam. Students appearing for ISC Class 12 Board Exam will commonly be appearing for English, Mathematics, Physics, Accounts, History etc.

List down ISC syllabus and list of topics to cover

Students are advised to cover the complete ISC syllabus. It is important for students to cover the whole syllabus to score well in board exams. Students must also not forget to make note of important topics to cover to avoid last minute hassles.

Know your subject-wise strengths and weakness

Prioritize the subjects you think you are weak in. Try to cover the whole syllabus using time management. It is important to cover weak subjects before the ones you feel confident about. Use the ISC 12th timetable to know the number of preparatory days allotted to each subject. Try and cover lengthy subjects much prior to any other subjects.

Make Notes for Revision

While preparing for ISC Board Exams Class 12, students are advised to make notes for all the subjects. The short notes prepared during the preparation process will help students in last-minute revisions.

Don't forget to test yourself!

 While preparing for ISC Class 12 Board Exam, students are advised to keep testing themselves. Practice as many ISC Class 12 Sample Paper. Use previous year question papers to revise and practice for ISC board exams. Practicing sample papers will not only help students understand their preparation level but also teach them time management while making under the ISC exam pattern.

Q:   Can you cheat in ISC class 12 board exam?
A: 

CISCE board is strictly against the practise of using any unfair means during the examinations. The board is actively working to prevent and discourage any malpractice during board examinations every year. 

So, you are advised to go through the ISC 12th syllabus and solve as many previous years question papers and sample papers to avoid cheating during the ISC 12th board exams.

Extra ISC Exam 2026 Study Tips For Better Scores

The points given below will help you in being consistent and practical in your preparation.

  • Before starting any chapter, see if it is in the latest syllabus and how important it is. Don’t waste time on topics that are removed.
  • Write answers the way examiners like them, so start with the definition, then write the law or theorem, then show steps or derivation, and finally answer with units and assumptions. This matches the marking scheme.
  • Solve Model Question papers of the latest question pattern. Solve them before past papers to understand the pattern.
  • Practical, project, and viva marks are easy to score. Complete your files neatly, prepare answers for viva, and follow the given rules.
  • Time management is extremely important. Write a complete paper in 3 hours. For that, divide the time for each section and keep 10 minutes for review. Focus that there is step-wise marking, even if the final answer is wrong; you'll get marks.
  • Revise through flashcards for formulas, reactions, and definitions. Make a timeline of revision after certain days, such as 3, 7, and 14 days, for better memory.
  • Make neat and properly labelled diagrams in Biology and Physics. Draw to scale in Geography and add captions. Good diagrams earn extra marks.
  • In English, have the exact format of all types of answers, whether long, short, or very short and follow that. For essays, make a quick outline in 1 minute (main idea + 3 points + ending), and use short quotations.
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Required Study Material For ISC Class 12 Exams

  • CISCE-certified Books and Reference Books For Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology
  • Sample ISC Question Papers
  • ISC Previous Year Question Papers
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How tough is the ISC exam?
A: 

The difficulty level of the ISC exam is considered to be high, or tough. However, with systematic and strategic preparation, candidates will be able to ace the test. Students must go through the ocmplete syllabus and plan finishing all the topics and units before the release of time table. They must make notes of all important points while preparing. 

Q:   How to prepare for ISC board exams 2026 in 20 days?
A: 

ISC board exams 2026 can be prepared in the following way.

  • Cover the whole Syllabus
  • Read Text books only
  • Utilise ISC 12th Time Table 2026
  • Focus on Revision
  • Practice ISC Sample Papers
  • Make short Notes:
  • Relax
Q:   How to score 100 percent in class 12 ISC?
A: 

To score 100 percent in ISC board exams, you must complete all the topics mentioned in the syllabus and be thorough with the concepts. You can follow the points below that will help you score cent per cent-

1.     Study Plan to Complete the Syllabus on Time.

2.     Manage Time for Revision.

3.     Keep One Sample Paper & Mock Test To Solve Each Day

4.     Identify Mistakes & Rectify Them

5.     List Down Important Topics

6.     Master Good Writing Skills

7.     Stop Cramming, Understand the Concept

Q:   How should I prepare for ISC board exams?
A: 
Hi Nilanjana, A few helpful tips that should work out for you - 1. Study regularly, take out time for at least three subjects in a day. Work more on those subjects, in which you feel you are weaker than other subjects. Follow the syllabus, NCERT books are best. 2. Do not leave any subject for more than 2-3 days. Every subject should be taken up for study at least in every alternate day. 3. Devote at least 6-7 hours for self study. Take out a bit of time for relaxing and entertaining also. 4. Keep checking previous years papers, sample papers etc. 5. Class tests are important so don't miss any.

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Few Don'ts For ISC Students

Here are a few things you should avoid when preparing.

  • Don’t use old syllabi: Some subjects have changed. Always check the latest 2025–26 syllabus PDF before studying.
  • Don’t ignore internal marks: Those 20–30 marks from projects, practicals, and viva can boost your overall grade a lot.
  • Don’t skip specimen papers: They show the latest question style and what skills are tested. Solve them first.
  • Don’t write essays without structure: Examiners want a clear introduction, main points in the body, and a proper conclusion in English papers.
  • Don’t leave out steps or units in numericals: ISC gives marks for steps. Show your working and include correct units.
  • Don’t neglect diagrams: In Science and Geography, neat diagrams with labels can earn easy marks.
  • Don’t cram new topics in the last week: Instead, revise quickly, fix mistakes from your error log, and do short recalls.
  • Don’t ignore sleep and water: Your brain needs rest and hydration for memory and focus.
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About the Author
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nitesh singh
Senior Executive
Nitesh Singh, a science graduate and content creator, specializes in developing engaging Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics resources for the K-12 segment. He crafts precise and pedagogically sound Q&As, comprehens Read Full Bio
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ISC exam dates 2026 were announced by the examination authority on its website. The same were made available in PDF form. It comprises the entire schedule related to the exam.

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