Archive · 3 Aug 2026
ISC Exam Shift: Five Subjects Required from 2027
The ISC exam, which students take in their final year of high school, is changing.
Starting in 2027, students will need to pass English plus four other subjects instead of just three.
Schools are adding extra classes, more practice questions, and stressing attendance to help students keep up.
Some schools now suggest students take six subjects for extra safety.
The change matters more for commerce and humanities students, who need good marks in all subjects, than for science students who focus on entrance exams.
The exam board is also putting more emphasis on thinking and applying knowledge rather than memorizing facts.
From 2027, ISC students must pass English plus four other subjects, up from three.
Schools are adding extra classes, MCQ practice, and attendance emphasis to prepare students.
Many schools now advise students to take six subjects for a buffer.
The change affects streams differently; commerce/humanities need all subjects, science less so.
CISCE is increasing application‑oriented questions, reducing rote learning emphasis.
- Who
- Students, school principals, and CISCE officials
- What
- Change in ISC exam pattern requiring five subjects
- When
- Effective from 2027
- Where
- India, across schools nationwide
- Why
- To increase rigor, critical thinking, and reduce easy pass
- Effective year
- 2027
- New subject requirement
- English + 4 other subjects
- Old requirement
- English + 3 other subjects
- CISCE
- Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations
- Focus shift
- Application‑oriented learning