ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26: Subject-Wise Question Paper Format, Marking Scheme, and Weightage

Nov 26, 2025, 17:06 IST

Check the latest ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-26 with revised question paper pattern, detailed subject-wise marking scheme, section-wise weightage, and key changes for Science, Commerce, and Humanities. Prepare effectively for the 2026 board exams.

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern: In this article we are providing students with the essential subject-wise marking scheme and weightage required for strategic preparation. This confirms the continuation of the rigorous dual-component assessment system, which divides total marks between an external Written Theory Paper and a compulsory Internal Assessment/Practical component.

Science stream students must prepare for the established 70 marks Theory + 30 marks Practical split, while subjects like Mathematics and Commerce adhere to an 80 marks Theory + 20 marks Project structure. This final, official marking scheme is the roadmap for all students, detailing the exact unit-wise weightage that will dictate the focus of the 3-hour theory examinations. Mastering this pattern is the single most effective way to optimize revision and ensure high scores in the 2026 final results.

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2026: 

Understanding the examination structure is the first step to achieving academic success. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) follows a clear, two-part assessment system for most subjects in the ISC Class 12 curriculum.

Core Components of the ISC Class 12 Assessment

The evaluation for most subjects is based on a total of 100 marks and is divided into two broad elements:

  1. Written Examination Theory Paper: The primary component assessing conceptual knowledge.

  2. Internal Assessment / Practical Work / Project Work: Evaluates application skills, laboratory work, and in-depth project research.

The following table shows the general weightage assigned to each component.

General Marking Structure of ISC Class 12 

The ISC Class 12 examination evaluates each subject on a scale of 100 total marks. The assessment is divided into two primary parts, and the split depends on the subject stream:

Component

Standard Subjects (Commerce/Humanities)

Science Subjects

English (Paper 2)

Written Theory Paper

80 Marks (80% Weightage)

70 Marks (70% Weightage)

100 Marks (100% Weightage)

Internal/Practical/Project

20 Marks (20% Weightage)

30 Marks (30% Weightage)

0 Marks

Total Marks

100

100

100

Note: The Medium of Examination for all papers is English, and the Duration of the Theory Exam for most subjects is 3 hours.

ISC Class 12 Detailed Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2025-26

Preparation strategy must align with the official mark split, particularly the change from 80/20 to 70/30 for Science subjects:

Science Stream

Subject

Theory Marks

Practical Marks

Practical Breakdown

Physics

70

30

Practical (15) + Project Work (10) + Practical File (5)

Chemistry

70

30

Practical (15) + Project Work (10) + Practical File (5)

Biology

70

30

Practical (15) + Project Work (10) + Practical File (5)

Mathematics

80

20

Internal Assessment/Project Work

ISC Class 12 Physics Exam Pattern 2025-26:

Component

Marks Allocated

A. Written Theory Paper (Paper I)

70 Marks

Section A (Compulsory)

14 Marks

Section B

14 Marks

Section C

27 Marks

Section D

15 Marks

B. Internal Assessment (Paper II)

30 Marks

Practical Examination

15 Marks

Project Work

10 Marks

Practical File

5 Marks

TOTAL MARKS

100 Marks

ISC Class 12 Chemistry Exam Pattern 2025-26:

Component

Marks Allocated

I. Written Theory Paper (Paper I)

70 Marks

Physical Chemistry

25 Marks

Inorganic Chemistry

14 Marks

Organic Chemistry

31 Marks

II. Practical & Project Work (Paper II)

30 Marks

Practical Examination

15 Marks

Project Work

10 Marks

Practical File

5 Marks

TOTAL

100 Marks

ISC Class 12 Maths Exam Pattern 2025-26:

Component

Marks Allocated

I. Written Theory Paper (Paper I)

80 Marks

Section A (Compulsory)

65 Marks

Section B (Optional)

15 Marks

Section C (Optional)

15 Marks

II. Project Work (Paper II)

20 Marks

Total Marks

100 Marks

ISC Class 12 Biology Exam Pattern 2025-26:

Component

Marks Allocated

A. Written Theory Paper (Paper I)

70 Marks

B. Practical, Project & File (Paper II)

30 Marks

Practical Examination

15 Marks

Project Work

10 Marks

Practical File

5 Marks

TOTAL MARKS

100 Marks

Commerce & Humanities Stream

Subject

Theory Marks

Internal/Project Marks

Accounts

80

20 (Project Work)

Business Studies

80

20 (Project Work)

Commerce

80

20 (Internal Assessment)

History / Political Science

80

20 (Project Work)

Language Subjects

Subject

Theory Marks

Internal Assessment

English Paper 1 (Language)

80

20 (Listening & Speaking Skills)

English Paper 2 (Literature)

100

0

Key Takeaway for ISC 2026 Students

  • Science students must allocate significant time to Practical and Project work, as it constitutes 30% of the total score.

  • Non-Science students benefit from the consistent 80/20 split, where the 20 marks from Internal/Project Work are critical for boosting the final percentage.

The ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2025-2026 is meticulously designed to ensure comprehensive evaluation across conceptual knowledge and practical application. By strategically mastering the official subject-wise marking scheme paying close attention to the 70/30 or 80/20 mark distribution and the precise unit weightage students can optimize their study schedules.

Apeksha Agarwal
Apeksha Agarwal

Content Writer

Apeksha Agarwal, a passionate and aspiring journalist, is dedicated to delivering impactful stories and insightful reports. As an education beat writer, she focuses on providing well-researched and engaging news content. Apeksha's strong foundation in journalism and media is complemented by her creativity, dedication, and attention to detail. Her goal is to inform and inspire audiences through meaningful narratives while continuously adapting to the ever-changing media landscape. She can be reached at apeksha.agarwal@jagrannewmedia.com.

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