CISCE releases ICSE-ISC 2026 timetable, exams to begin in February

Published: Friday, November 14, 2025 at 5:54 am

CISCE Announces 2026 ICSE and ISC Exam Timetable

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has unveiled the official timetable for the ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) board examinations scheduled for 2026. This year's exams are slated to commence earlier than in previous years.

The ISC Class 12 exams will begin on February 12, 2026, while the ICSE Class 10 exams will commence on February 17, 2026. The ICSE exams are scheduled to conclude on March 30, and the ISC exams will run until April 6.

The timetable encompasses over 75 subjects for ICSE and 50 subjects for ISC, providing students with a comprehensive range of options. Students are advised to arrive at the examination centers 30 minutes before the exam start time, with 15 minutes allocated for reading the question paper.

Exam durations vary, with most papers lasting 2 to 3 hours. Language and mathematics exams will be 3 hours long. Many subjects will incorporate both theory and internal assessment components.

Key dates for the ICSE exams include English Language on February 17, English Literature on February 20, Mathematics on March 2, and Environmental Science on March 30. For ISC, notable dates include Psychology on February 12, English Paper 1 on February 13, Mathematics on March 9, and Geography on April 6.

Approximately 2.6 lakh students are expected to take the ICSE exams, while around 1.5 lakh will appear for the ISC exams. Admit cards will be available for download from the CISCE website in January 2026. Results are anticipated to be released in April-May 2026.

CISCE Secretary Dr. Joseph Emmanuel emphasized that the timetable represents a framework for student preparation and well-being, aiming to balance academic rigor with student mental health.

BNN's Perspective:

The early release of the exam timetable is a positive step, providing students with ample time to prepare. The inclusion of internal assessments alongside theory is a welcome approach, potentially reducing exam-related stress. While the exam schedule is demanding, the CISCE's focus on student well-being is encouraging.

Keywords: ICSE, ISC, 2026, timetable, exams, CISCE, Class 10, Class 12, board exams, dates, schedule, admit cards, results, education, India, exam dates, exam schedule, exam preparation

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