What is CISCE? A Simple Guide for Students and Parents

If you are an Indian student or parent who’s looking for a good education system, you have probably heard of CISCE. What is CISCE? Why do so many people seek CISCE? Here is a simplified description of the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). Understand what it is, what it does, how it works, and how this body is helping students to achieve success in what will be life beyond school.

What is CISCE?

CISCE is associated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. It is a private board in education in India. This board was established in 1958 and stands as one of the most trusted and reliable school boards in the country. This makes it different from the government boards that knew no independence. The major examinations these independent boards conduct are:

• ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) for Class 10
• ISC (Indian School Certificate) for Class 12

Both the respective exams are accepted in India as well as many other countries across the world. A good deal of the top schools in India are CISCE affiliated.

Main Goals of CISCE

CISCE desires to provide students both “education with an edge” and a well-rounded modern education. Consequently, the board emphasizes not only what is written in textbooks but also focuses on nurturing skills that relate to real-life situations. Some of the primary objectives include:

• Assisted students in clear and creative thinking.
• Enhanced their speaking and writing skills, particularly in English.
• Promoted equity and equal opportunity for all students.
• Encouraged projects, research, and team efforts.

Subjects in ICSE and ISC

ICSE Subjects (Class 10)

There is a wide range of subjects that are covered by the ICSE. Children learn about science, languages, history, and so forth. Here are the introductions:

• English (Compulsory)
• Second Language (Like Hindi, Bengali, or French)
• Math
• Science – Divided into Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
• History and Civics
• Geography
• Environmental Science
• Computer Applications or Commercial Studies (Students can choose)

The ICSE board wants students to understand topics in detail, not just memorize facts.

ISC Subjects (Class 12)

ISC is for senior students. It allows more subject choices. Students can select what suits their plans. Common streams are:

• Science – Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Math
• Commerce – Business Studies, Economics, Accounts
• Arts/Humanities – Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Literature

Also, students can choose subjects such as Computer Science or Environmental Science.

Benefits of Studying Under CISCE

There are many reasons why students prefer CISCE. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Strong English Skills

With due emphasis given to English by CISCE, students gain all-around confidence in their speaking, reading, and writing skills. This helps them in career interviews, international examinations, and higher studies.

2. All-Round Development

CISCE is not just about marks. It also helps in developing soft skills, including communication, leadership, and teamwork, through a variety of projects, group work, and presentations.

3. Wide Recognition

ICSE and ISC certificates are accepted by:

• Indian universities
• Colleges in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and more
• Competitive exams like the SAT, GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL

4. Subject Flexibility

Students at the ISC levels can select subjects of their choice. The establishment of a career, however, depends on the choice of subjects, which may be in the fields of science, business, arts, or even the creative sectors of design or media.

5. Better Thinking Skills

The CISCE board examinations touch not only comprehension but also the application of the understanding gained. Hence, learners have to solve different problems and justify their actions instead of writing what they would have memorized.

How are CISCE Exams Conducted?

Examination schedules are carefully arranged by the council. Candidates are required to register themselves through their schools. The pattern of examination includes:

• Internal Assessment (20-30%) – Projects, classwork, practicals
• Final Exams (70-80%) – Written papers

Practical exams are conducted in Science subjects of ISC as well. Marks are given in percentages, and the grading system works quite fairly and absorbedly.

How to Register for ICSE or ISC Exams

Okay, so it’s basically about what all you need to do if studying in a school affiliated to CISCE.

•  Fill up the form given by your school for registration
•  Get your certificates, like a birth certificate, photos, and all such stuff.
•  Pay the exam fees within time.
• Collect your admit card before the exams.
•  Remember: Only CISCE-affiliated schools’ students can take such exams.

CISCE Affiliated Schools

The CISCE has affiliated thousands of schools across the country and abroad. Most of these schools are from the private sector and missionary schools. AI Block-1: Praised for:

• Good infrastructure
• Trained teachers
• English-speaking environment
• Modern labs and libraries

Changes and Updates in CISCE

Continuously, CISCE has been improving its system, which goes in tune with the world. It has: 

•  Shortened the syllabus for all classes, particularly during the pandemic-affected years. 
•  Commenced online learning programs. 
•  Added coding and other AI-inclusive papers. 
•  Paid more emphasis on internal assessment. 
•  Given flexibility in dates for appearance in examinations in special cases. 

The above transformations benefit the learners in adapting to the newly changed patterns and being successful.

CISCE vs CBSE: Which One is Better?

Both CISCE and CBSE are good in their way. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	CISCE	CBSE
Focus	In-depth study and English	National entrance exams
Exams	Application and reasoning-based	Direct and fact-based
Language	English-heavy	English and Hindi
Subject Choice	Very flexible (especially in ISC)	Limited in comparison
Best for	Foreign studies, overall development	JEE, NEET, Indian government jobs

Well, then, if you are in India with an all-around education or become a good English speaker, CISCE is reputed to be the best. If government examinations favored CBSE, it would become a more suitable one for you to take.

How to Do Well in ICSE and ISC Exams

1. Understand the Syllabus

Make a note on what topics are covered in this chapter. Made chapters to come.

2. Follow a Study Plan

Make a sampling timetable that allocates reasonable periods to study the more difficult subjects. Hold fast to this timetable by practice consistently, and leave unallocated at any time a free block.

3. Practice Writing Answers

Don’t just study, write the answers, and get some practice on your own. This will be of great help in the actual examination.

4. Revise Regularly

The monthly revisions you apply may serve as a reinforcement for retention. You will feel very relaxed when you go to write an examination.

5. Take Help When Needed

Be sure to maximize every opportunity to improve your brainpower; put yourself in an environment that continually reminds you of the things you’re more anxious about, even hurtful words coming from somewhat less-than-reachable people, such as your teachers or friends. Either ask questions directly or solve them from online tutorials or educational apps.

Conclusion

This board is one of the finest educational boards that can rightly cater to students looking for a strong academic background and equally important life skills. Being English medium, it has a reasonably designed syllabus along with enough flexibility for the subjects, making it suitable for studying in the country and abroad. This knowledge will prove useful for students and parents to make wise future decisions by understanding the structure and advantages of CISCE.