Overview of the Indian School Certificate (ISC) Examination Structure and Format
Introduction
Overview of the Indian School Certificate (ISC) Examination Structure and Format : The Indian School Certificate (ISC) examination, conducted by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), is a pivotal stage for students in their higher secondary or 12th-grade education. This examination is renowned for its competitiveness and comprehensive evaluation, setting a high standard for school-leaving assessments in India. The Aryan School in Dehradun, known for its zestful environment and commitment to strategic mental development, emphasizes the significance of excelling in the ISC examinations.
History and Introduction of ISC Examination
The ISC examination has a rich history, established in 1958 as a replacement for the Cambridge School Certificate Examination. The Local Examinations Syndicate of Cambridge University played a crucial role in its creation. Post-independence, there was a necessity for a pan-India examination board, leading to the inception of ISC to fulfill this need. Over the years, ISC has evolved into one of the most popular and respected school-leaving examinations, boasting over 2,500 affiliated schools across India and abroad.
Examination Structure
Subjects
The ISC examinations cover a wide array of subjects. Students are required to take five compulsory subjects, including English, Hindi, History, Civics, and Geography, Mathematics or Economics, and Science or Commercial Studies. Additionally, students can choose one optional subject from Home Science, Physical Education, Computers, or Arts.
Exam Pattern
The examination structure comprises a written paper of 80 marks and a 20 marks project/practical component for each subject. The duration of the written exam is 2 hours, except for Mathematics (2.5 hours) and Hindi (3 hours). The question paper includes various types of questions, such as short and long answer questions, designed to assess students’ knowledge, comprehension, and application of concepts. For subjects involving practical work, like Sciences, the written exam includes a theory component of 80 marks and a practical component of 20 marks, internally conducted by the school.
Evaluation System
ISC follows a 9-point grading system (A1 to D), with A1 being the highest and D the lowest. Each paper in the written exam is scored out of 100 marks. To pass, students must secure a minimum of Grade D in all five compulsory subjects, with at least 33% marks in each paper. The final grade is computed by combining the marks obtained in the written exam (80% weightage) and the project/practical marks (20% weightage).
Pass Criteria
To successfully pass the ISC examinations, students must meet the following criteria:
- Obtain a minimum Grade D or above in all five compulsory subjects (33% marks in each).
- Achieve an overall aggregate of 40% marks in the best six subjects, including English.
Revised ISC Exam Pattern
In 2019, CISCE introduced a revised exam pattern for ISC examinations starting from 2020. The key changes include:
Exam Structure
The single ISC exam conducted annually is now divided into two semesters. Semester 1 is held around November-December, and Semester 2 is held around February-March. Each semester requires students to appear for exams in only 3-4 subjects, dividing the entire course content across two exams.
Question Paper Format
Semester 1 employs a multiple-choice questions (MCQ) format with 50-60 questions per paper. Semester 2 reverts to the conventional ISC exam pattern, including both long and short answer questions. For languages, the Reading Comprehension component is covered in Semester 1, while the writing sections, such as essay writing, are in Semester 2.
Marking Scheme
For MCQ-based papers in Semester 1, each question carries 1 mark with no negative marking. Semester 2 follows the conventional ISC marking scheme with long answer and short answer questions carrying 3-5 marks and 1-2 marks, respectively.
Result Declaration
Students receive a combined final score after Semester 2, aggregating marks from both semesters. The 9-point grading scale is applicable for the final subject scores.
Recommendations for ISC Exam Preparation
To excel in ISC examinations, students are advised to:
- Thoroughly analyze the syllabus and exam pattern to understand topics and difficulty levels.
- Solve previous year question papers to become familiar with the exam pattern and format.
- Focus on strengthening core concepts through rigorous practice and revision.
- Write mock exams periodically in exam-like conditions to practice time management.
- Work on writing skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and sentence formation.
- Develop effective study notes, formulas, or summaries for quick revision before exams.
- Seek help from reference books, sample papers, and online resources to clear doubts.
- Manage stress and anxiety through meditation, yoga, relaxing hobbies, and adequate sleep.
By starting preparation early, managing time efficiently, revising thoroughly, and taking mock tests, students can perform well in the ISC examinations.
Conclusion
Overview of the Indian School Certificate (ISC) Examination Structure and Format : The ISC examination conducted by CISCE stands as one of the most prestigious school leaving certificate examinations in India. Its broad curriculum, comprehensive exam pattern, and rigorous evaluation ensure that students are thoroughly tested on a wide variety of subjects at the end of Class 12. The revised two-semester exam pattern introduces more objectivity through MCQ format questions. By understanding the examination structure and format in-depth and preparing systematically, students can excel in the ISC exams.
Why Choose The Aryan School
At The Aryan School, students are offered unparalleled support and resources to excel in the ISC examinations. The experienced faculty and tailored study programs ensure that every student reaches their full potential. The emphasis on a comprehensive curriculum at The Aryan School prepares students not just for examinations but for a successful academic future.
FAQs on ISC Examination Structure and Format
Q1: How many subjects are there in the ISC board exam?
A1: There are 5 compulsory and 3 elective subjects, making a total of 8 subjects for the ISC board exams.
Q2: What is the duration of the ISC exam?
A2: Each ISC exam paper is 2 hours long.
Q3: What is the passing mark for ISC?
A3: The minimum passing mark is 33% in each subject, with an overall 40% across 6 subjects.
Q4: How are marks divided in ISC?
A4: Marks are divided with 80% weightage to the written exam and 20% to practical/project marks.
Q5: Is ISC marking lenient?
A5: ISC has a rigorous evaluation system and is not lenient in marking. Students need to work hard to score well.