Is ICSE and ISC Same? What is the Difference Between ICSE and ISC?

In India, there are primarily 4 boards of schools education, namely CBSE, ICSE, State Boards and IB. Nowadays, parents are more conscious about their children’s studies, and thus they want to get all the details before selecting any board for their children. Before getting their child admitted to any board, they do all the research work such as comparing the syllabus of different boards, textbooks, internal activities, extracurricular activities etc. Although parents are mostly aware, sometimes they get confused as to what is the difference between ICSE and ISC. Here we have explained in detail the difference between ICSE and ISC board.

Overview of CISCE

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations known as CISCE is a private board of school education in India. The Council was listed in the Delhi School Education Act 1973, as a body conducting “public” examinations in the year 1973. It aims to serve the nation’s children through high-quality education by creating exciting learning opportunities, with a commitment to excellence and thus empower children to contribute towards a humane society.

Examinations

CISCE conducts three examinations, as mentioned below:

  1. The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE – Class X)
  2. The Indian School Certificate (ISC – Class XII)
  3. The Certificate in Vocational Education (CVE – Year 12)

The subject choices and syllabuses prescribed for these examinations are different. Let us look into it to know more.

ICSE (Class 10)

The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education popularly known as ICSE is an examination conducted by CISCE for class 10 students. The subjects under ICSE Class 10 curriculum are categorized into 3 groups in which Group I consists of compulsory subjects. In Group II, students need to choose 2 subjects and in Group 3 any one subject.

GROUP I (Compulsory)

  1. English
  2. Second Languages
    (a) Indian Languages

OR
(b) Modern Foreign Languages

  • History, Civics and Geography

GROUP II (Any two of the following subjects)

  1. Mathematics
  2. Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
  3. Economics
  4. Commercial Studies
  5. Modern Foreign Language
  6. Classical Language
  7. Environmental Science

GROUP III (Any one of the following subjects)

  1. Computer Applications
  2. Economic Applications
  3. Commercial Applications
  4. Art
  5. Performing Arts
  6. Home Science
  7. Cookery
  8. Fashion Designing
  9. Physical Education
  10. Yoga
  11. Technical Drawing Applications
  12. Environmental Applications
  13. Modern Foreign Languages
  14. Mass Media and Communication

ISC Board

ISC stands for Indian School Certificate. It is an examination conducted by CISCE for class 12 students. The ISC Board curriculum consists of English as a compulsory subject, and there is a list of elective subjects which are mentioned below.

Compulsory Subject

English

Elective Subjects

  1. Indian Languages
  2. Modern Foreign Languages Chinese
  3. French
  4. German
  5. Tibetan
  6. Spanish
  7. Classical Languages Arabic
  8. Sanskrit
  9. Persian
  10. Elective English
  11. History
  12. Political Science
  13. Geography
  14. Sociology
  15. Psychology
  16. Economics
  17. Commerce
  18. Accounts
  19. Business Studies
  20. Mathematics
  21. Physics
  22. Chemistry
  23. Biology
  24. Home Science
  25. Fashion Designing
  26. Electricity and Electronics
  27. Engineering Science
  28. Computer Science
  29. Geometrical and Mechanical Drawing
  30. Geometrical and Building Drawing
  31. Art
  32. Music
    (a) Indian Music – Hindustani
    (b) Indian Music – Carnatic
    (c) Western Music
  33. Physical Education
  34. Environmental Science
  35. Biotechnology
  36. Mass Media & Communication
  37. Hospitality Management
  38. Legal Studies

C.V.E (YEAR 12)

The Certificate of Vocational Education Examination is known as CVE – 12. This examination can be taken by candidates after a two-year course of studies beyond the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (Year 10) examination or its equivalent examination, through the medium of English. The C.V.E. course is intended to prepare students for specific vocations. Private candidates are not permitted to appear for these examinations.

We hope that after going through this information, students and parents must have got the clarity of the ICSE and ISC board. We recommend students to keep learning and exploring things around them. Happy Learning!