ICSE/ISC Exam 2025: The ICSE Class 10 board exams are a big deal for students all over India. Starting in 2026, the exam schedule is getting a major overhaul. The goal? Give students more flexibility and a better shot at doing their best. In this blog, I’ll walk you through what’s changing—like the new dual-exam system, updated exam dates, application timelines, some smart prep tips, and what you really need to remember on exam day.
ICSE/ISC Exam 2025: Overview
Starting in 2026, students get two chances each year to take their board exams. One round happens in February, and the other comes up in April or May. Thanks to the new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, students can keep whichever score is higher.
The old system of supplementary exams is out. Now, with two regular exam slots each year, students who want another shot can retake the tests in the same academic year.
As for the schedule, the full ICSE Class 10 timetable for 2026 will be up on the official CISCE website (cisce.org) in November 2025. Keep an eye out for it.
ICSE 2026 Exam Dates (Expected)
| Session | Tentative Exam Period |
| First Attempt | February – March 2026 |
| Second Attempt | April/May 2026 |
ICSE Class 10 Time Table 2026 (Expected)
| Date | Time | Subject | Duration |
| Tuesday, Feb 18 | 11:00 AM | English Language (Paper 1) | 2 hours |
| Friday, Feb 21 | 11:00 AM | Literature in English (Paper 2) | 2 hours |
| Tuesday, Mar 5 | 11:00 AM | Mathematics | 3 hours |
| Thursday, Mar 6 | 11:00 AM | Hindi | 3 hours |
| Monday, Mar 10 | 11:00 AM | History & Civics | 2 hours |
| Wednesday, Mar 12 | 11:00 AM | Geography | 2 hours |
| Monday, Mar 17 | 11:00 AM | Physics (Science Paper 1) | 2 hours |
| Friday, Mar 23 | 11:00 AM | Chemistry (Science Paper 2) | 3 hours |
| Monday, Mar 24 | 11:00 AM | Biology (Science Paper 3) | 2 hours |
| Thursday, Mar 27 | 11:00 AM | Environmental Science | 2 hours |
Steps to Download the ICSE 2026 Schedule
- Go to the official CISCE website at cisce.org.
- Navigate to the “Notifications” tab.
- Select “ICSE (Class X) Year 2026 Examination Timetable.”
- Download the PDF and print it out for reference.
Application Dates for ICSE 2026
- The application period for the 2026 ICSE exams is expected to be in Nov-Dec 2025.
- Example: For 2025, applications were accepted from Nov 19 to Dec 10.
Dual Board Exams Coming in 2026: What You Need to Know
- Starting in 2026, students get two shots at the board exams. Here’s the deal:
- Two Chances, Best Score Stays: You sit for the boards once in February and again in April or May. Only your best score matters. That means you can go for a second try without worrying it’ll hurt your record.
- Supplementary Exams Are Gone: If things don’t go your way the first time, no sweat. You just show up for the second session that same year and give it another go.
- Less Pressure, More Choice: The whole point is to make things a little easier. With two chances, there’s less stress and more freedom to show what you’re really capable of.
Exam Day Guidelines for Students
Get to the exam center at least 30 minutes before your test starts. Don’t forget your admit card, and it’s smart to bring a couple of extra copies, just in case. Leave your phone, calculator, or any other gadgets at home—those aren’t allowed inside. You’ll have an extra 15 minutes to read through the questions before you start writing, so use that time well. And, seriously, don’t try to cheat. If you do, you’re out.
ICSE 2026 Preparation Tips
- Finish your syllabus early. Aim to wrap it up at least a month before exams start. That way, you have time to breathe and review.
- When you’re revising, don’t just read everything. Focus on your own notes, dig into the topics that matter most, and check out old question papers to spot patterns.
- Sleep matters—seriously. Get a full 8 hours before every exam. You’ll think more clearly.
- Don’t try to stuff in new topics at the last minute. Use that time to review what you already know. It’s way more effective.
- And hey, get your uniform and stationery ready the night before. Saves you a panic in the morning.
2026 ICSE Improvement Examinations
- Students aiming to improve their scores can take the improvement exams in July 2026.
- After the declaration of results, the board provides the option for re-evaluation and re-checking of answer scripts.
FAQs: ICSE/ISC Exam 2025
Q1. When are the ICSE and ISC 2026 exams happening?
The board will run two rounds of exams for ICSE and ISC in 2026. The first one lands around February to March, and the second round comes up in April or May.
Q2. What’s this new dual-exam system from CISCE?
From 2026, CISCE is rolling out board exams twice a year—one in February, another in April or May. Students get to pick their best score from the two, so there’s a real shot at improving within the same year.
Q3. How do I get the ICSE 2026 timetable?
Just head to cisce.org, jump to the “Notifications” section, and look for “ICSE (Class X) Year 2026 Examination Timetable.” You can download it from there.
Q4. When does the ICSE 2026 application process start?
Applications kick off in November 2025 and stay open until December 2025.
Q5. Are there still supplementary exams?
No, CISCE scrapped the old supplementary exams. Now, if you want another go, you just take the second regular session in the same academic year to try for better marks.
Q6. What’s the best way to prep for the ICSE 2026 exams?
Finish your syllabus at least a month ahead, tackle past years’ papers, focus on key topics during revision, get enough rest before each exam, and skip last-minute cramming. It really helps.
Q7. Any must-know tips for exam day?
Get to the center at least 30 minutes early, bring your admit card (plus a backup, just in case), leave electronics at home, and use the 15-minute reading window to plan your approach to the paper.
Q8. Is there an improvement exam for ICSE 2026?
Yes. If you’re not happy with your score, you can sign up for improvement exams in July 2026, once the main results are out.
Q9. Can students ask for re-evaluation or re-checking?
Definitely. After results are announced, students can request re-evaluation or re-checking through the CISCE website—just make sure to apply within the given deadline.
Q10. What’s the main upside of this dual-exam system?
It takes some of the heat off. Students know they’ve got a second shot in the same year, so there’s less pressure and more room to do their best.