National board
CISCE (ICSE and ISC)
A private, non-government national board based in New Delhi.
Overview
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations is a private, non-government national board based in New Delhi. It has conducted examinations since 1958.
Schools are often called "ICSE schools" after the Class X exam, even when they also teach Classes XI and XII for the ISC.
Exams
ICSE: Indian Certificate of Secondary Education
The Class X examination.
ISC: Indian School Certificate
The Class XII examination.
How assessment works
- Written exams are held in the first months of the year. In 2026 both ICSE and ISC results were declared on 29 April.
- Subjects include internal assessment marked by the school alongside the written papers.
- CISCE does not publish a toppers list.
After school: college admissions
- An ISC (Class XII) certificate is accepted for admission by universities across India.
- Entrance exams such as JEE, NEET and CUET are open to ISC students who meet each exam's subject rules.
By the numbers
3,300+Affiliated schoolsSource: CISCE official website, checked October 2026
2,58,721ICSE candidates in 2026Source: Free Press Journal, ICSE and ISC results 2026, checked October 2026
Board results
Choosing a CISCE school: what to check
- Ask whether the school offers ISC for Classes XI and XII or only ICSE up to Class X.
- Check which ISC subject combinations are available for the stream your child wants.
CISCE schools on The School Chronicles
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ICSE and ISC?
Both are run by CISCE. ICSE is the Class X exam and ISC is the Class XII exam.
How many schools are affiliated to CISCE?
CISCE lists 3,300+ affiliated schools on its website (checked October 2026).
Sources
Figures are as published by the board or the cited source when checked. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Have a question about CISCE? Ask us.
