Archive · 11 Nov 2025
India's CISCE Board Formed Inspired by Education Minister Maulana Azad's Vision
Imagine India after it became a country and wanted its own school tests instead of using tests from England.
India's first Education Minister, Maulana Azad, had a big idea to create a new board called CISCE to make these tests.
At first, England still helped set and grade the tests, even though CISCE was in India.
This was because the British system was known for being very good, and India was still building its own systems.
Over time, Indian teachers learned how to create and grade the tests themselves.
By 1975, all the tests were made and checked by Indians.
This was like India growing up and doing things its own way, just like Maulana Azad had dreamed, while still making sure the education was world-class and respected India's culture.
CISCE was founded in 1958 in New Delhi, inspired by India's first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
Initially, ICSE and ISC examinations were set and evaluated in England under the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate.
The transition to fully Indian-set and marked examinations was completed by the academic year 1975.
The move towards autonomy aimed to reflect India's cultural identity and reduce colonial dependence in education.
CISCE is currently aligning its curriculum with the National Education Policy 2020, focusing on modern educational practices.
- Who
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India's first Education Minister, and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE).
- What
- Formation of the CISCE as an independent Indian examination board, moving away from British supervision.
- When
- Founded in 1958, with a full transition to Indian-set and marked examinations by 1975.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- To establish an Indian examination body that reflected India's cultural identity and ensured academic rigour, free from colonial dependence.
- Founding Year
- 1958
- Founding Location
- Dholpur House, New Delhi
- Initial Affiliations
- Inherited approx. 300 schools from Cambridge
- Transition to Indian Examiners
- Fully implemented by 1975
- Current Curriculum Alignment
- National Education Policy 2020
- 2025 Class 10 Candidates
- Over 2.5 lakh
- 2025 Class 12 Candidates
- 99,551