Big Change Ahead for CISCE Board – Find Out Now!

Big Change Coming: CISCE May Allow Three or More Improvement Papers for ICSE and ISC Board Exams

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is considering a significant change that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The proposal aims to allow students to write more improvement papers in their board examinations, reducing the “high-stakes” nature of these tests.

Currently, CISCE permits students in Classes 10 and 12 to take improvement papers in two subjects if they are dissatisfied with their performance. This limit may be extended to at least three subjects starting in 2026, with the possibility of allowing even more in the future, according to an official statement.

While this proposal is under consideration, it has yet to undergo the council's formal approval process. The improvement exams are typically scheduled for July, and this timeline is expected to remain unchanged. The higher of the two marks obtained will be considered the final score.

This year, the Class 10 exams began on February 18 and concluded on March 27, while the Class 12 exams ran from February 13 to April 5. The proposed increase in the number of improvement papers will apply to students in both Classes 10 and 12.

Earlier this year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced a draft plan to conduct two board exams for Class 10 starting in 2026. This initiative would give students the option to take one or both sets of papers. The CBSE has suggested compressing the exam schedule, likely providing students with only a day or two between papers. The first set of exams is proposed to take place from February 17 to March 6, with the second set following from May 5 to May 20.

Regarding the possibility of CISCE implementing two board exam sessions, the official noted that it might be challenging for the council to manage two sets of papers, considering the academic schedule and the focus on admissions that students will need to address after their board exams.

The statement reiterates, “To further eliminate the ‘high-stakes’ aspect of board exams, all students will be allowed to take board exams on up to two occasions during any given school year: one main examination and one for improvement if desired. Over time, boards may also develop additional viable models of board exams that help reduce pressure and the influence of coaching culture. Possibilities may include a system of annual, semester, or modular board exams, which would assess less material and be conducted immediately after each corresponding course, thereby alleviating some of the pressure from exams.”