ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027: Papers and Marks by Subject
ISC Class 12 exam pattern for 2027 from CISCE's syllabus: theory, practical and project marks for English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and commerce.
In the ISC (Class 12) 2027 exam, every subject is out of 100: a 3-hour theory paper plus project and, for the sciences, practical work. English is compulsory, and you need 35% in each subject to pass. Here is the pattern for the main subjects, from CISCE's ISC 2027 syllabus.
Paper Pattern by Subject
| Subject | Theory paper | Other components |
|---|---|---|
| English | Two papers: English Language (80, 3 h) and Literature in English (80, 3 h) | Project work: 20 marks for each component |
| Mathematics | 80 marks, 3 h | Project work 20 |
| Physics | 70 marks, 3 h | Practical exam 15 (3 h), project work 10, practical file 5 |
| Chemistry | 70 marks, 3 h | Practical exam 15 (3 h), project work 10, practical file 5 |
| Biology | 70 marks, 3 h | Practical exam 15 (3 h), project work 10, practical file 5 |
| Accounts, Commerce, Economics, Business Studies | 80 marks, 3 h | Project work 20 |
For subjects not listed here, download the ISC 2027 syllabus for that subject from cisce.org.
Rules Worth Knowing
- Subjects: English (or Modern English) is compulsory, with four or five elective subjects; no more than six in total.
- Pass mark: 35% in each subject, plus a pass grade in SUPW and Community Service.
- Practicals: if a subject has a practical paper, you must take it, or the subject counts as incomplete.
- What the Class 12 paper covers: in English Literature, for example, the ISC paper is set only on the Class 12 portion of the prescribed texts.
- Improvement Examination: in the same year, in up to two subjects; the higher mark counts.
Unit Weightage
The ISC syllabus gives unit-wise marks for the theory papers of many subjects. See our pages for Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and the English paper pattern.
Preparation Tips
- Use CISCE's specimen papers and past ISC papers to learn how questions are framed.
- Write structured answers — clear steps in numericals, labelled diagrams and organised long answers.
- Practise full 3-hour papers so the length of the paper doesn't surprise you.
- Don't neglect project and practical work — up to 30 marks per subject come from it.
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Start freePaper patterns are from CISCE's ISC syllabuses for the 2027 examination; subject and pass rules are from the ISC 2027 regulations.
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Start freeFrequently Asked Questions
How is each ISC subject marked?
Every subject is out of 100, split between a 3-hour theory paper and school-assessed work. In the ISC 2027 syllabus, English, Maths and the commerce subjects are 80 theory + 20 project work, while Physics, Chemistry and Biology are 70 theory + 15 practical exam + 10 project work + 5 practical file.
What is the pass mark in ISC?
35% in each subject. English is compulsory, and you also need a pass grade in SUPW and Community Service. You take English plus four or five electives, up to six subjects in all.
Does CISCE publish chapter-wise weightage for ISC?
For many subjects the ISC syllabus gives marks by unit for the theory paper. For example, ISC 2027 Maths gives Calculus 35 of 80 marks, and Physics gives Optics 18 of 70. See our subject weightage pages for the full tables.
Is there an improvement exam in ISC?
Yes. CISCE holds an Improvement Examination in the same year. Under the ISC 2027 regulations you can take it in up to two subjects, and the higher of your two marks counts.