ISC Syllabus 2026 (Released): Download Latest Class 12 ISC Syllabus PDF Here!

Indian School Certificate 2026 ( ISC )

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ISC Improvement Exam Date 2026

15 Jun '26 - 1 Jul '26

Anangsha Patra
Updated on May 18, 2026 18:26 IST

By Anangsha Patra, Deputy Manager – Editorial

Overview

ISC Syllabus 2026 is prescribed by CISCE for Arts, Science and Commerce. Students need to be thorough with the entire syllabus. The queston paper is framed based on the topics given in the ISC syllabus. The council introduced a revised syllabus for 12 major subjects. ISC Class 12 exams for 2026 carries a total of 100 marks per subject. It is distributed between theory paper, practical work, project work, and internal assessments. ISC syllabus helps students to prepare effectively for their board exams. Along with the syllabus, students must also know the ISC 12th exam pattern 2026 to understand the marking scheme, number, and types of questions asked in the exam, duration, and much more.

Table of contents
  • ISC Syllabus 2026 PDFs for all subjects
  • Subject-Wise ISC syllabus 2026
  • ISC Exam Pattern 2026
  • ISC Preparation Tips
  • FAQs on ISC Syllabus 2026
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ISC Syllabus 2026 PDFs for all subjects

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   Where can I get ISC specimen question papers 2026?
A: 

ISC specimen question papers 2026 are released on the official website - cisce.org. Students are advised to download and practice the ISC specimen papers 2026 from our ISC question papers page. Practicing these sample papers help them to be familiar with the exam pattern and ISC marking scheme. 

Q:   What are the important points to read in ISC syllabus to get a score above 90 percent?
A: 

To begin with, know the complete ISC syllabus and exam pattern 2025. Check the weightage given to each chapter. Pick up the chapters which have a higher weightage and study them well. Similarly, you can pick up chapters and topics of importance. After completing the syllabus, you must download the ISC specimen sample papers and start solving them. These will give you an idea of the difficulty level and the types of questions that are asked frequently.  

Get all your dowbts cleared soon as they arise. Make notes of the important points and this practice shall help you obtain over 90 percent in your ISC 12th board exams 2025.

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Subject-Wise ISC syllabus 2026

The subject-wise ISC syllabus is given below.

ISC English Syllabus 

Subject Important Topics Marks
English
  • English Language
    - A composition
    - Directed writing and Proposal Writing
    - Short-answer questions to test grammar, structure and usage
    -Comprehension
80
  • Literature in English
  • Questions from the prescribed textbook
80
Project Work 20
History
  • Towards Independence and Partition: the Last Phase (1935-1947).
  • Establishment and development of Indian democracy (1947 – 1966)
  • Challenges to Indian democracy (1964 – 1977)
  • Changing face of the Indian democracy (1977 – 1986)
  • India’s Foreign Policy
  • Movements for Women’s Rights
  • World War II
  • De-colonisation – in Asia (China) and Africa (Ghana & Kenya)
  • Cold War 1945-91– origin, course, end and impact
  • Protest Movements
  • Middle East: Israeli-Palestine conflict
80
Project work 20
Geography
  • Physical Environment
  • Population and Human settlements
  • Resources of India and their Utilisation
  • Infrastructural Resources
  • Industries
  • Regional Economic Development
  • Map Work
70
Project work 30
Economics
  • Micro Economic Theory
  • Theory of Income and Employment
  • Money and Banking
  • Balance of Payment and Exchange Rate
  • Public Finance
  • National Income
80
Project Work 20
Commerce
  • Business Environment
  • Financing
  • Management
  • Marketing
80
Maths
  • Relations and Functions
  • Algebra
  • Calculus
  • Probability
  • Vectors
  • Three - Dimensional Geometry
  • Applications of Integrals
  • Application of Calculus
  • Linear Regression
  • Linear Programming
80
Project Work 20
Physics
  • Electrostatics
  • Current Electricity
  • Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
  • Electromagnetic Induction and AlternatingCurrents
  • Electromagnetic Waves
  • Optics
  • Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
  • Atoms and Nuclei
  • Electronic Devices
70
Practical 15 marks
Project Work 10 marks
Practical File 5 marks
Chemistry
  • Solid State
  • Solutions
  • Electrochemistry
  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Surface Chemistry
  • General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
  • p -Block Elements
  • d -and f -Block Elements
  • Coordination Compounds
  • Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
  • Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids
  • Organic Compounds containing nitrogen
  • Biomolecules
  • Polymers
  • Chemistry in Everyday Life
70
Practical 15 marks
Project Work 10 marks
Practical File 5 marks
Biology
  • Reproduction
  • Genetics and Evolution
  • Biology and Human Welfare
  • Biotechnology and its Applications
  • Ecology and Environment
70
Practical 15 marks
Project work 10 marks
Practical file 5 marks

Click on the link to download the ISC English Syllabus 2026

ISC Business Studies Syllabus 

The ISC syllabus 2026 class 12 for Business Studies is provided below. The tables comprise a glimpse of the complete syllabus of ISC 12th. There are two papers in the subject:

Paper I - Theory: 3 hours. The total marks will be 80.
Paper II- Project Work for 20 marks.

The names of the chapters included in ISC Business Studies syllabus 2025 are given below:

1. Human Resource Management

2. Business Communication and Correspondence

3. Business Size and Finance

4. Globalisation and recent trends in Business

5. Business Regulators and Intermediaries

Click on the link to download the ISC Business Studies Syllabus 2026

ISC Maths Syllabus 2026

Unit Topics Marks
Section A    
Relations and Functions Types of relations, one-to-one and onto functions, inverse of a function, inverse trigonometric functions, elementary properties of inverse trigonometric functions 10
Algebra Matrices – order, equality, types of matrices, transpose of a matrix, symmetric and skew-symmetric matrices, operation on matrices, invertible matrices. Determinants – determinant of a square matrix, minors, co-factors, adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, consistency, inconsistency, and number of solutions of a system of linear equations, Martin’s rule 10
Calculus Continuity, differentiability, and differentiation, derivative of composite functions, chain rule, derivatives of inverse trigonometric functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, logarithmic differentiation, second-order derivatives, applications of derivatives, integrals, differential equations 32
Probability Conditional probability, multiplication theorem on probability, Bayes’ theorem, random variable, and its probability distribution 13
Section B    
Vectors Vectors and scalars, direction cosines and direction ratios of a vector, types of vectors, position vector, scalar (dot) product of vectors, vectors (cross) product of vectors 05
Three-Dimensional Geometry Direction cosines and direction ratios, cartesian equation and vector equation of a line, cartesian equation and vector equation of a plane, angle between two lines, two planes, and a line and a plane, lines, plane 06
Applications of Integrals Application in finding the area bounded by simple curves and coordinate axis, area enclosed between two curves, application of definite integrals, simple curves 04
Section C    
Applications of Calculus Application of Calculus in Commerce and Economics in cost functions, average cost, marginal cost and its interpretation, revenue function, profit function, and break-even point 05
Linear Regression Lines of regression of x on y and y on x, scatter diagrams, method of least squares, lines of best fit, regression coefficient, properties of regression lines 06
Linear Programming Types of linear programming, mathematical formulation of LP problems, feasible and infeasible regions, feasible and infeasible solutions 04

ISC Physics Syllabus 

Unit Topics Marks
Electrostatics Electric charges and fields, Coulomb’s law, electric dipole and dipole moment, Gauss’s theorem, electrostatic potential, potential energy, and capacitance, dielectric constant 15
Current Electricity Mobility, drift velocity, Ohm’s law and its proof, internal resistance of a cell, Kirchhoff’s law, free electron theory  
Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism Moving charges and magnetism, Oersted’s experiment, Biot-Savart law, Ampere Circuital Law, torque, moving coil galvanometer, magnetism and matter, force on a moving charged particle in magnetic field 16
Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents Electromagnetic induction, alternating current, self-induction, variation of voltage and current in an AC circuit, power associated with LCR circuit, AC generators  
Electromagnetic Waves Displacement current, electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic spectrum 02
Optics Ray optics and optical instruments, reflection of light, refraction of light, refraction through a prism, refraction at a single spherical surface, ray diagram and derivation of magnifying power of a simple microscope 18
Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter Wave front and Huygen’s principle, interference, Young’s double-slit experiment, fringe width, single slit Fraunhofer diffraction 12
Atoms and Nuclei Alpha-particle scattering experiment, Rutherford’s Atomic Model, Bohr’s Atomic Model, hydrogen spectrum, composition and size of nucleus, mass-energy relation, mass defect, nuclear reactions, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, atomic masses, and nuclear density, nuclear energy  
Electronic Devices Semiconductor electronics, semiconductor diode, energy bands in solids, junction diode and its symbol, LED 07

ISC Chemistry Syllabus

Unit Topics Marks
Solutions Normality, molality, molarity, mole fraction, solubility of gases in liquids (Henry’s Law), Raoult’s Law for volatile solutes and nonvolatile solutes, colligative properties, osmotic pressure, abnormal molecular mass, Van’t Hoff factor 25
Electrochemistry Electrolytic and electrochemical cells, electromotive force (emf) of a cell, Nernst equation and its application to chemical cells, relation between Gibbs energy change and emf of a cell, Kohlrausch's Law of electrolysis and Faraday’s Laws of electrolysis, Galvanic cells
Chemical Kinetics Rate of a reaction, factors affecting rate of reaction, rate law and specific rate constant, integrated rate equations and half-life, concept of threshold and activation energy, Arrhenious equation, law of mass action
d and f-Block Elements Position in the periodic table, transition metals, general trends in properties of the 3d-series of transition metals, preparation and properties of K2Cr2O7 and KMnO4, Lanthanoids and actinoids 14
Coordination Compounds Definition of ligands, coordination number, isomerism, Werner's theory, VBT and CFT, valence bond theory of coordination compounds, crystal field theory, stability of coordination compound
Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Nature of C–X bond, nomenclature, substitution reactions, uses and environmental effects of - dichloromethane, trichloromethane, tetrachloromethane, iodoform, freons and DDT, nucleophilic substitution reactions, elimination reaction (Saytzeff’s rule), Wurtz’s reaction, Grignard’s reagent preparation, Chloroform and iodoform, structure of freons, preparation of haloarenes by Sandmeyer’s and Gattermann’s reaction, by electrophilic substitution 31
Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers Alcohol – Classification, general formula, structure and nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties (of primary alcohols only), identification of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols, mechanism of dehydration, uses with special reference to methanol and ethanol  
Phenols – Classification and nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, acidic nature of phenol, electrophilic substitution reactions, uses of phenols, preparation of phenol from diazonium salt, chlorobenzene (Dow’s process), manufacture from Cumene, Bromination, nitration and sulphonation (Electrophilic substitution reactions), Kolbe’s reaction (formation of salicylic acid), Reimer – Tiemann reaction  
Aliphatic Ethers – General formula, structure and nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, uses, Williamson’s synthesis  
Aryl Ethers – Physical properties, preparation of anisole (Williamson’s synthesis), electrophilic substitution (halogenation, nitration and Friedel-Crafts reaction)  
Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids Aldehydes and Ketones – Nomenclature, structure of methods of preparation of aldehydes and ketones, physical and chemical properties, mechanism of nucleophilic addition, reactivity of alpha hydrogen in aldehydes and uses, aromatic aldehyde (Benzaldehyde) lab preparation from toluene by oxidation with chromyl chloride  
Carboxylic Acids – Classification, general formula and structure of carboxylic group, nomenclature, acidic nature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties and uses, classification of mono and di carboxylic acids with examples  
Organic Compounds containing Nitrogen Aliphatic Amines – General formula and, classification of amines, structure of the amino group, nomenclature, methods of preparation, physical and chemical properties, uses, identification of primary, secondary and tertiary amines  
Aniline – Preparation reduction of nitrobenzene, physical properties, chemical properties, Cyanides and Isocyanides, diazonium salts  
Biomolecules Carbohydrates – Definition, classification (aldoses and ketoses), monosaccahrides (glucose and fructose), D-L configuration oligosaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose), polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, glycogen), importance of carbohydrates, test for glucose and fructose, disaccharides – structures of sucrose, maltose and lactose (glycosidic linkage), polysaccharides – starch, cellulose, glycogen  
Proteins – structural units of proteins, basic idea of - amino acids, peptide bond, polypeptides, proteins, structure of proteins - primary, secondary, tertiary structure and quaternary structures (qualitative idea only), denaturation of proteins, enzymes, hormones - elementary idea only  
Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K: classification (fat soluble and water soluble), deficiency diseases  
Nucleic Acids – DNA and RNA  

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Commonly asked questions
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:   Is ISC exam pattern 2026 released?
A: 

Yes, ISC 12th pattern 2026 is released on the official website - cisce.org. Students can download the ISC pattern 2026 from the official web page. ISC has released the revised ISC syllabus 2026 on the official website. Check the ISC syllabus 2026 page for the revised pattern. 

Q:   What are the important documents to carry on ISC board exam days?
A: 

Candidates must carry their ISC 12th admit card with them. Students failing to bring the hard copy of the admit card will not be allowed to take the examination. Students must not bring electronic devices such as calculators, mobile phones, or smartwatches with them to the examination hall.

Along with the ISC admit card, students must also carry their pens, pencils, ruler. geometry box etc.

View Syllabus
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ISC Exam Pattern 2026

The table below shares the ISC exam pattern. According to ISC Syllabus 2026, some subjects like English, Maths, etc only have a theory paper. Other subjects will have one theory paper and one practical paper or project work. The weightage for each paper is different. The exam duration of theory paper is 3 hours.

ISC Exam Pattern

Subject Paper Marks
English English Language 100
Literature in English 100
History Theory 80
Project Work 20
Geography Theory 70
Practical and Project Work 30
Economics Theory 80
Project Work 20
Commerce Theory 80
Project Work 20
Accounts


Theory 80
Project Work 20
Maths Theory 80
  Project Work 20
Physics Theory 70
Practical 15
Project Work 10
Practical File 5
Chemistry Theory 70
Practical 15
Project Work 10
Practical File 5
Biology Theory 70
Practical 15
Project Work 10
Practical File 5
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Commonly asked questions
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.

Q:   Should I time and answer the ISC specimen question papers within the stipulated time?
A: 

Yes, it is preferred that the sample papers/ question papers should be practiced within the specified time. This habit will let you strategise as to which questions one must answer first and others that can be answered later. Also, it will let lone know if they need to increase their writing speed so as to answer the paper within time.

Q:   I do not know the answers to some of the questions given in ISC sample papers 2026. What to do?
A: 

In case you are unaware of the answers to certain questions, you must connect with your teachers/peers to understand the concept and then know the answer. This will help you prepare for the board exams. While reading/studying, you must make notes of the important points which can be referred later, a day before the exam.

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ISC Preparation Tips

Students can check preparation strategy for ISC exam.

  • Go through the updated ISC syllabus carefully and check all the important topics that carry more weightage. Prepare them first and then move to other topics
  • Practice ISC 12th question papers to know the exam pattern, marking scheme, and difficulty level of questions asked in previous years
  • Make notes of all important points. This will be helpful for revision.
  • Revise the topics at regular intervals. Do not skip anything mentioned in ISC syllabus class 12. This will help fetch good marks.
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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:   What is the passing criteria for ISC exam?
A: 

All students need to score at least 40 per cent in all subjects to clear ISC exams. They also need to have a minimum of 75% of attendance. 

Q:   How do I prepare for ISC board exams 2026 in such a short time?
A: 

Students must read the strategy below to score well in Class 12 exams 2026.

  • Complete the syllabus
  • Cover textbooks thoroughly
  • Follow ISC timetable
  • Focus on Revision
  • Practice ISC Sample Papers 2026
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FAQs on ISC Syllabus 2026

Students can check the FAQs on ISC syllabus 2026 below:

Q:   What happens if we paste money in the ISC board exam?
A: 

Students must not stick any money in their exam sheet. This is considered cheating and could result in the cancellation of exam or child being expelled from school.

Q:   What all things are prohibited to be carried at ISC exam centre?
A: 

Students must go through the points below to avoid the ISC board exam-day hassles:

  • All communication devices like mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, headphones, pagers, fitness bands, cameras, etc., are barred from carrying to the examination hall.
  • Accessories like wallets, goggles, handbags, and purses are not to be carried.
  • Students must not forget to carry all the stationary items that are required to appear for the ISC 12th board exams as sharing of stationery is not allowed
  • However, do not forget to carry your ISC hall ticket on all exam days
  • Students without the hall ticket will not be allowed to write their ISC board exams
Q:   What if I reach the ISC exam centre late?
A: 

Students are advised to reach the ISC exam centre at least half an hour before the commencement of exams. The exam timings are mentioned in the Maha ISC hall ticket. In case a student gets late in reaching the exam centre, he/she must understand that they will not be given any extra time to write the exam. 

Thus, it is advised that students leave for the exam centre early considering the traffic or any other deterrent. 

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:   Is the ISC specimen question papers 2026 released?
A: 

Yes, ISC specimen question papers 2026 are released on the official website - cisce.org. Students can download and practice the ISC specimen papers 2026 from our ISC question papers page. Students can practice these papers to familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and ISC marking scheme. 

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:   Can I request for a change in ISC time table 2026?
A: 

No, the board officials decide on the ISC exam dates after carefully considering all events, holidays etc. Thus, no request for changes willn be entertained. 

Students must prepare for the board exams according to the date sheet released. The ISC 12th board exams 2025 were held between February 12 and April 6, 2026. The exams will be held in offline or pen and paper format.   

Q:   How will ISC specimen question papers help me prepare better for the exams?
A: 

Solving ISC sample papers 2026 will make one familiar with the exam pattern, marking scheme, the difficulty level and the kind of questions asked. Thus, it is always advised to answer as many sample papers as possible to score well in board exams.

Q:   How can I improve my writing and presentation skills for ISC board exams?
A: 

Following are some tips to improve the writing and presentation skills for the ISC 12th board exams.

  • Students must write the answers neatly. The hand writing should be legible.
  • Write the answers with proper heading and subheading.
  • Highlight your important points.
  • Cross out the errors neatly with single line.
  • Divide the time for each question to avoid rushing.  
  • Practice writing the previous year question papers.
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:   What is the last month preparation strategy to score over 90 percent in ISC 12th board exams?
A: 

To score over 90 percent in ISC 12th board exams, you should finish your syllabus. Know the exam pattern well and start solving the previous years' question papers and sample papers too.

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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Answered 2 months ago

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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Anangsha Patra

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