ICSE Exam Date Sheet 2026 Out – ICSE and ISC Timetable Announced by CISCE

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is a national-level education board in India that conducts two major school-leaving exams: ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12). It’s known for its rigorous academic standards and a well-rounded curriculum.

ICSE vs ISC — A Quick Overview

ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) is for Class 10 students.

ISC (Indian School Certificate) is for Class 12 students.
Although both are under CISCE, the exam formats, syllabus, and academic pressure differ significantly.

Breaking News: ICSE Exam Date Sheet 2026 Out

Announcement from CISCE

CISCE has officially released the board exam schedule for 2026, covering both ICSE Class 10 and ISC Class 12.

According to CISCE, about 2.6 lakh students are expected to take the ICSE, while around 1.5 lakh will appear for ISC.

Official Release Date

The date sheet was made public in November 2025, via CISCE’s official website.

Key Highlights of the 2026 Date Sheet

ICSE (Class 10) Exam Dates

Start Date: February 17, 2026

End Date: March 30, 2026

ISC (Class 12) Exam Dates

Start Date: February 12, 2026

End Date: April 6, 2026

Number of Subjects Covered

For ICSE: 75 subjects.

For ISC: 50 subjects.

Detailed ICSE Class 10 Timetable

Start and End Dates

As mentioned, ICSE exams run from 17 February to 30 March 2026.

Subject-wise Schedule

Here are some key exams from the ICSE timetable:

Feb 17, 2026: English Language – Paper 1.

Feb 20, 2026: English Literature – Paper 2.

Feb 21, 2026: Art Paper 1 (Still Life).

Feb 23, 2026: Elective Group III (like Robotics, AI, etc.)

Feb 26 or 25 (depends on source): Hindi.

Mar 2, 2026: Mathematics.

Later in March: Science papers (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), History, Geography, and Electives.

Duration and Timings

Most exams start at 11:00 AM

Some papers (especially art) are scheduled at 9:00 AM.

Duration varies: for instance, English papers are 2 hours, while art papers may go up to 3 hours.

Important Instructions from CISCE

Reading Time Before Exams

CISCE is continuing its format of giving students 15 minutes of reading time before each written exam begins.

Dress Code Policy

This year, CISCE has set a dress code:

Regular school students must wear school uniforms.

Private or non-regular students are asked to wear light-coloured clothes. This is aimed at maintaining uniformity and discipline during the exam sessions.

Exam Conduct Guidelines

The timetable release came with a reminder about fair conduct. CISCE has warned that exams may be canceled or disqualified if students are found using unfair means.

Implications for Schools and Teachers

Preparing Internally for Practical Exams

Some ICSE subjects include practicals or internal assessments. Schools must finalize these before the written exams begin, ensuring students are ready.

Communicating with Students

Teachers can use this date sheet to guide their students, pointing out critical dates, and helping them organize their study timetable accordingly.

Administrative Readiness

Schools will also need to coordinate with CISCE on logistics — exam halls, invigilators, dress code enforcement, and exam center arrangements.

Admit Card & Result Timeline

When Admit Cards Are Expected

According to reports, CISCE is likely to issue admit cards in January 2026.

Expected Result Declaration Window

Results for both ICSE and ISC are expected between April and May 2026.

Preparation Tips for ICSE & ISC 2026

Making a Study Calendar

Now that dates are fixed, make a weekly/monthly study calendar aligned with the exam schedule. Prioritize subjects based on their exam dates.

Focus on Weaker Subjects

Use early gaps to work on challenging or weaker areas. For example, if Mathematics or Science is on your tough list, start revising them first.

Using the Date Sheet for Mock Tests

Simulate exam conditions: pick days on your calendar similar to the real ones, and attempt full-length mock tests. This helps build stamina and timing.

Risks and Things to Watch Out For

Changes or Updates to Schedule

Although the date sheet is out, CISCE might make changes. Students should regularly check official notifications for any updates.

Misleading or Fake Timetables

Be wary of fake or unverified timetables circulating on social media. Always cross-check with the official CISCE PDF.

Backup Plans for Unexpected Events

Have a contingency plan — in case physical school reopens/closes, or there are local disruptions. Flexibility in your study plan can be a lifesaver.

Conclusion

The ICSE Exam date sheet 2026 is officially out, and that’s a major relief for thousands of students gearing up for their board exams. With the ICSE exams starting on 17 February 2026 and wrapping up on 30 March 2026, there’s now a clear timeline to plan, prepare, and perform. CISCE’s thoughtful scheduling — with sufficient gaps and clear subject-wise breakdowns — shows they’re balancing rigor with student well-being.

This date sheet isn’t just a set of dates on a PDF — it’s your guide. Use it wisely. Build your study plan, plan your mocks, and make sure you stay up to date with any circulars from CISCE. With the right strategy and hard work, you’re already on the road to success.