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 of 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

1. 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 that 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!