ISC Class 12 exams! The grand finale of every high schooler’s journey in the Indian School Certificate (ISC) system. It’s that time when students wave goodbye to carefree days and prepare to step into the world of adulting. While most students are busy cramming the night before, we’re here to make sure you’re as prepared as a pro. From the exam pattern to passing marks, we’ve got it all covered in a fun and engaging way. So, grab a snack, sit back, and dive into the details! 📚✨
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025: Overview 📅
Before you start revising your notes, let’s take a moment to understand the overall exam pattern for ISC Class 12 2025. The pattern is quite structured and follows the basic format of written exams for most subjects, with a twist! You’ll be faced with two types of assessments – internal assessment and external examination.
Particulars | Details |
Name of Exam | Indian School Certificate (ISC) |
Name of Board | Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) |
Official Website | cisce.org |
Level of the Exam | National Level |
Frequency | Once in a year |
- External Exam: This is the main event, the big show where you’ll face the written exam. Each subject carries a different weightage of marks.
- Internal Assessment: Some subjects will include assessments conducted throughout the year. Think of it as your teacher’s way of tracking your progress!
The exams are usually conducted in February and March every year, and the result is declared in May, giving you enough time to plan your next big move. 🌟
ISC Class 12 Blueprint 2025 📊
Now, let’s break down the blueprint. What’s the format like? How are the exams structured? 🤔
The total marks for ISC Class 12 subjects range from 80 to 100, depending on the subject. Most subjects have a theory paper that counts for around 70 marks, and an internal assessment that accounts for the remaining marks.
Here’s a typical breakdown:
- Theory Paper: The main exam that tests your knowledge.
- Practical Paper: Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science have practical exams where you show off your hands-on skills.
- Internal Assessment: Based on your performance throughout the year, this assessment adds a little extra to your final marks.
With this basic outline in mind, let’s dive into each subject’s detailed pattern. Ready? Let’s go! 🎉
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025: Subject Wise Breakdown 📖
Here comes the juicy part – the subject-wise exam pattern! Whether you’re cramming for English or stressing about Physics, we’ve got the details you need. Grab your notes, and let’s start.
English Language 📝
Ah, English! The subject that has been both a friend and foe to many. The English Language exam will consist of a 3-hour written paper and will have a total of 80 marks. The paper is divided into:
Question | Description | Details |
Question 1 | Composition Writing | Select one topic from six options: narrative, descriptive, reflective, argumentative, discursive, or original short story. |
Length: 400-450 words | ||
Question 2 | Directed and proposed writing | (a) Directed Writing: |
– Length: 250-300 words | ||
– Topics: feature article, book review, speech, report, statement of purpose | ||
– Skills: amplifying, describing, re-stating | ||
(b) Proposal Writing: | ||
– Format: Introduction, Objectives, Measures, Conclusion | ||
– Must follow CISCE format | ||
Question 3 | Grammar & Structure | – Transformation of sentences |
– Phrasal verbs | ||
– Verbs/tenses | ||
Question 4 | Comprehension Passage | – Passage: 700 words |
– Analytical, vocabulary, and inference-based questions | ||
– Summary question with word limit |
- Section A: This section will test your grammar skills, like fill-in-the-blanks, sentence transformation, and direct/indirect speech. Fun stuff, right?
- Section B: Comprehension passages – the “read and answer” kind. Here, you get a chance to show off how well you can read between the lines (literally).
- Section C: Writing skills – essays, letters, and reports. Get ready to channel your inner Shakespeare (or at least a well-spoken version of yourself).
Don’t forget to keep an eye on the internal assessment component, which typically carries around 20 marks. 😊
English Literature 📚
English Literature is for those who find joy in reading and analyzing poetry, prose, and drama. The written exam is structured as:
Section | Content | Details |
I. Drama | Macbeth by William Shakespeare | Focus: Acts III, IV, V |
II. Short Stories (PRISM) | Published by Evergreen Publications (India) Ltd., New Delhi | 1. Atithi / Guest – Rabindranath Tagore |
2. The Cookie Lady – Philip K. Dick | ||
3. There Will Come Soft Rains – Ray Bradbury | ||
4. Indigo – Satyajit Ray | ||
5. The Medicine Bag – Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve | ||
III. Poems (RHAPSODY) | Published by Evergreen Publications (India) Ltd., New Delhi | 1. Telephone Conversation – Wole Soyinka |
2. Tithonus – Alfred, Lord Tennyson | ||
3. Beethoven – Shane Koyczan | ||
4. Small Towns and the River – Mamang Dai | ||
5. Death be not Proud – John Donne |
- Section A: Questions on the prescribed novels and plays.
- Section B: Poetry analysis, where you’ll dissect metaphors and similes like a pro. No pressure!
You’ll also have an internal assessment based on your class participation and assignments, so make sure you’re actively engaging with the material.
History 📜
History – for the ones who love to dig into the past and make sense of how we got to this point! The History exam is usually divided into:
Section | Chapters / Topics |
SECTION A: Indian History | 1. Towards Independence and Partition (1935-1947) |
2. Establishment of Indian Democracy (1947-1966) | |
3. Development of Indian Democracy (1964-1977) | |
4. Changing Face of Indian Democracy (1977-1986) | |
5. India’s Foreign Policy | |
6. Movements for Women’s Rights | |
SECTION B: World History | 7. World War II |
8. De-colonization – Asia (China) and Africa (Ghana & Kenya) | |
9. Cold War (1945-91) – Origin, Course, End, and Impact | |
10. Protest Movements (Civil Rights, Anti-Apartheid, Feminist Movement) | |
11. Middle East: Israeli-Palestine Conflict (1916-1993) |
- Part I: Section A is for your modern history knowledge, covering topics like the Indian Independence Movement, the World Wars, and more. Time to impress with your knowledge of dates and events!
- Part II: Section B will ask you questions about historical sources and interpretations. Think of it like CSI, but with ancient documents. 🕵️♂️
Practical assessments might include fieldwork or project-based evaluations. The internal assessment, which counts for 20 marks, will judge your overall understanding of the subject throughout the year.
Political Science 🗳️
Political Science – for those who dream of becoming the next Prime Minister (or at least understand how governments work). The exam pattern is divided into:
Section | Chapters / Topics |
SECTION A: Constitution and Government | 1. Forms of Government |
2. Constitution | |
3. Franchise and Representation | |
4. The Legislature | |
5. The Executive | |
6. The Judiciary | |
SECTION B: Indian Democracy | 7. Indian Constitution |
8. Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles | |
9. Local Self-Government | |
10. Democracy in India – A Perspective of the Challenges Faced |
- Section A: Indian Government and Politics – a detailed exploration of the Indian political system.
- Section B: Comparative Politics – here, you’ll compare different political systems globally. Maybe you’ll get a question on how the US and India handle elections. 🏛️
The internal assessment is based on assignments and project work, carrying around 20 marks.
Geography 🌍
Geography exams are for those who know the world like the back of their hand (or at least where the Himalayas are). The exam has two sections:
Chapter Name | Section |
1. Physical Environment | (i) Locational setting |
(ii) Structure of India | |
(a) Geological evolution | |
(b) Physiographic divisions | |
(c) Drainage systems | |
(iii) Climate | |
(iv) Natural vegetation | |
2. Population and Human Settlements | (i) Population of India |
(ii) Patterns of population distribution | |
(iii) Population growth pattern | |
(iv) Migration trends | |
(v) Demographic attributes | |
(vi) Rural settlements | |
(vii) Urban settlements | |
3. Resources of India and their Utilisation | (i) Environmental management |
(ii) Land resources | |
(iii) Water resources and irrigation | |
(iv) Agriculture | |
(v) Fishing in India | |
(vi) Sources of Energy | |
(a) Minerals and power resources | |
(b) Conventional energy sources | |
(c) Non-conventional energy sources | |
4. Infrastructural Resources (Transport and Communication) | (a) Modes of transport |
(b) Communication systems | |
5. Industries | (a) Location and distribution of industries |
(b) Major industrial regions | |
(c) Specific industries | |
(i) Agro-based industries | |
(ii) Mineral-based industries | |
(d) Tourism industry | |
6. Regional Economic Development (Case Studies) | 1. Area development in Chhattisgarh |
2. Electronics industry in Bengaluru | |
3. Growth of Haldia port | |
7. Map Work | Identification, labeling, and location of geographical features based on topics 1-6 |
- Section A: Physical Geography, which includes topics like climate, soil, and landforms.
- Section B: Human Geography – the study of human populations, settlements, and economic activities.
Practical assessments will involve map reading and fieldwork, so don’t be caught off-guard. And of course, the internal assessment counts for 20 marks.
Sociology 👥
Sociology – for those interested in how society functions and why people behave the way they do. The exam is divided into:
Unit | Sections |
1. Social Institutions | (i) Definition and features of Social Institutions |
(ii) Types of Social Institutions: Kinship, Marriage, and Family | |
2. Religion and Society | (i) Definition and concepts of religion and science |
(ii) Theories of religion | |
(iii) Functions and dysfunctions of religion | |
(iv) Morality and social control | |
3. Political Organization | Political Organization and its role in bringing about change in society |
Definition of political organization; Panchayati Raj | |
4. Economic Organisation | (i) Economic Organisation |
(ii) Economies of Indian tribes | |
(iii) Agrarian Economy, Jajmani system, and MGNREGA | |
(iv) Traditional Markets | |
5. Tribal India – Past, Present, and Future | (i) Definition of tribe, features |
(ii) Dormitories in Tribal India | |
(iii) Present conditions, problems, and solutions | |
6. Social Stratification | (i) Social stratification: the elements |
(ii) Caste: The caste system | |
(iii) Gender: Difference between sex and gender | |
7. Social Change and Development | (i) Social change and Development |
(ii) Aspects of Development | |
(iii) Social Movements: Meaning, causes, and role | |
(iv) Role of Education in creating Social change | |
(v) Role of Mass Media in creating Social change |
- Section A: Sociological Theories and thinkers. Time to show off your knowledge of Durkheim, Marx, and Weber.
- Section B: Contemporary social issues – caste, gender, and globalization. You’ll need to analyze these topics critically.
Expect a 20-mark internal assessment, which will focus on your project work and class participation.
Psychology 🧠
Psychology is the perfect subject for those who are fascinated by the human mind. The exam will test your understanding of:
Unit | Section Name |
1. Intelligence and Ability | (i) Intelligence |
(ii) Aptitude, Achievement and Interest | |
2. Personality | (i) What is meant by Personality |
(ii) Theories of Personality | |
(iii) How personality is assessed | |
3. Lifespan Development | (i) Meaning of Development, growth and maturation |
(ii) Infancy- motor, cognitive development, socio-emotional development | |
(iii) Childhood – motor, cognitive development, socio-emotional development | |
(iv) Adolescence – physical changes, cognitive development, socio-emotional development; some major concerns | |
4. Stress and Stress Management | (i) Meaning of stress – its basic nature |
(ii) Common causes of stress | |
(iii) Effects of stress on health and performance | |
(iv) Stress management – ineffective and effective strategies of handling stress | |
5. Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy | (i) Meaning of “Abnormal behaviour” |
(ii) Characteristics of some psychological, behavioural and developmental disorders | |
(iii) Schizophrenia – meaning; main types; characteristics | |
(iv) Psychotherapy – Psychoanalysis; Client-centred; Behavioural, Social Rehabilitation | |
6. Social Thought and Social Behaviour | (i) Social Perception – attribution or the process through which people try to understand behaviour |
(ii) Social Influence – how people try to change others’ behaviour; social norms; conformity and obedience | |
7. Attitudes | (i) Meaning of “Attitude” – how attitudes are formed and changed |
(ii) Prejudice – meaning of “prejudice” and discrimination; the origins of prejudice; how to combat prejudice | |
8. Psychology in Relation to the Environment and Social Concerns | (i) Meaning and nature of counseling |
(ii) Environmental effect on human behavior | |
(iii) Promoting Pro-environmental behavior | |
(iv) Adverse effects of poverty and deprivation |
- Section A: Basic psychological concepts, theories, and applications.
- Section B: Psychological research methods and their applications in real life.
Practical exams include experiments and case studies, and the internal assessment will be based on your understanding and assignments.
Commerce 💼
For all the aspiring business tycoons, the Commerce stream is where you’ll shine. The exam will typically cover:Section A: Principles of Business Management and Economics.
- Section B: Accountancy and other financial subjects.
The internal assessment focuses on projects and assignments, so make sure to keep those Excel sheets handy! 💻
Accountancy 📈
Accountancy – the subject that turns you into a number-crunching wizard. The exam pattern includes:
S. No. | UNIT | TOTAL WEIGHTAGE |
SECTION A: 60 Marks | ||
1 | Partnership Accounts | |
A. Fundamentals of Partnership | 11 Marks | |
B. Goodwill | 15 Marks | |
C. Reconstitution of Partnership | ||
I. Admission | ||
II. Retirement and Death of a Partner | ||
III. Dissolution of a Partnership Firm | 8 Marks | |
2 | Joint Stock Company Accounts | |
A. Issue of Shares | 11 Marks | |
B. Issue of Debentures | 8 Marks | |
C. Redemption of Debentures | ||
D. Final Accounts of Companies | 7 Marks | |
SECTION B (MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING): 20 Marks | ||
3 | Financial Statement Analysis | 4 Marks |
4 | Cash Flow Statement | 8 Marks |
5 | Ratio Analysis | 8 Marks |
OR SECTION C (COMPUTERISED ACCOUNTING): 20 Marks | ||
6 | Accounting Application of Electronic Spread Sheet | 10 Marks |
7 | Database Management System (DBMS) | 10 Marks |
TOTAL | 80 Marks |
- Section A: Financial accounting principles and procedures.
- Section B: Partnership and Company accounts – think of it like balancing the budget for your dream startup!
Like most subjects, there’s an internal assessment that will test your practical skills and assignments.
Mathematics ➗
Mathematics – the subject that makes everyone break into a cold sweat. The Mathematics exam is divided into:
S. No. | UNIT | TOTAL WEIGHTAGE |
SECTION A: 65 MARKS | ||
1 | Relations and Functions | 10 Marks |
2 | Algebra | 10 Marks |
3 | Calculus | 32 Marks |
4 | Probability | 13 Marks |
SECTION B: 15 MARKS | ||
5 | Vectors | 5 Marks |
6 | Three-Dimensional Geometry | 6 Marks |
7 | Applications of Integrals | 4 Marks |
OR | ||
SECTION C: 15 MARKS | ||
8 | Application of Calculus | 5 Marks |
9 | Linear Regression | 6 Marks |
10 | Linear Programming | 4 Marks |
TOTAL | 80 MARKS |
- Section A: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and more. Get ready to solve those equations like a math wizard! ✨
- Section B: Vectors, Probability, and other advanced concepts. You’ll need your thinking cap on for this one!
The internal assessment for Math is usually project-based and helps lighten the load. 😊
Physics ⚛️
Physics – for those who want to understand how the world works, from Newton’s laws to quantum mechanics. The exam is divided into:
S. No. | UNIT | TOTAL WEIGHTAGE |
1 | Electrostatics | 14 Marks |
2 | Current Electricity | |
3 | Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism | 16 Marks |
4 | Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents | |
5 | Electromagnetic Waves | 2 Marks |
6 | Optics | 18 Marks |
7 | Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter | 7 Marks |
8 | Atoms and Nuclei | 6 Marks |
9 | Electronic Devices | 7 Marks |
TOTAL | 70 Marks |
- Section A: Theory – covering topics like mechanics, thermodynamics, and electricity.
- Section B: Practical – experiments and lab work. Make sure you know how to use the equipment!
The internal assessment will assess your lab skills and project work.
Chemistry 🔬
Chemistry – the subject that’s all about reactions (in more ways than one). The Chemistry exam covers:
S. No. | UNIT | TOTAL WEIGHTAGE |
1 | Solutions (Physical Chemistry) | 25 Marks |
2 | Electrochemistry | |
3 | Chemical Kinetics | |
4 | d -and f -Block Elements (Inorganic Chemistry) | 14 Marks |
5 | Coordination Compounds | |
6 | Haloalkanes and Haloarenes (Organic Chemistry) | 31 Marks |
7 | Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers | |
8 | Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids | |
9 | Organic Compounds containing Nitrogen | |
10 | Biomolecules | |
TOTAL | 70 Marks |
- Section A: Physical Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry.
- Section B: Organic Chemistry and Applications.
You’ll also face practical exams, so be sure to get comfortable with the periodic table! The internal assessment will focus on lab reports and assignments.
Biology 🧬
Biology – for those who are passionate about life sciences. The exam pattern is divided into:
S. No. | UNIT | TOTAL WEIGHTAGE |
1 | Reproduction | 16 Marks |
2 | Genetics and Evolution | 15 Marks |
3 | Biology and Human Welfare | 14 Marks |
4 | Biotechnology and its Applications | 10 Marks |
5 | Ecology and Environment | 15 Marks |
TOTAL | 70 Marks |
- Section A: Cell Biology, Genetics, and Physiology.
- Section B: Ecology, Evolution, and more.
Expect practical exams involving dissections (don’t worry, you’re not going to need to cut anything alive 😅), and the internal assessment will focus on lab work and assignments.
ISC Class 12 Passing Marks 2025 🎉
We know what you’re thinking – what’s the magic number to pass this marathon of an exam? Well, here’s the good news – the passing marks for ISC Class 12 are:
- Theory Exam: You need to score 33% in the theory exam for each subject.
- Practical Exam: You also need to score 33% in practical exams.
- Aggregate Marks: To pass overall, you must secure 40% in aggregate, which includes theory and practicals. Phew! 🥳
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025: Grading System 📊
Wondering how your hard work will be converted into grades? The grading system for ISC Class 12 is as follows:
- A1 – 90-100% (Excellent)
- A2 – 80-89% (Very Good)
- B1 – 70-79% (Good)
- B2 – 60-69% (Above Average)
- C1 – 50-59% (Average)
- C2 – 40-49% (Pass)
So, aim for that A1, and you’ll be the star of the batch! 🌟
External Examination 📚
As we mentioned earlier, the external examination is where you’ll face the ultimate test. This is the big stage, the final showdown! The questions will be a mix of objective and descriptive types. Prepare for a variety of formats, including multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answer questions, and long answer questions. Think of it like an epic battle, and you’re the hero. 🏆
FAQs 🤔
- Q: Can I skip the practical exams?
- A: Nope! Practical exams are mandatory for subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science.
- Q: How do I prepare for the internal assessment?
- A: Stay consistent throughout the year! Complete your assignments on time, participate actively in class, and don’t miss out on projects.
- Q: Is the ISC Class 12 exam tough?
- A: Well, it’s challenging, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can totally ace it. 💪
And there you have it! A comprehensive guide to the ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2024-25. Now, go ahead, start your prep with confidence, and make your teachers (and parents) proud! 📚🎉