ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 varies for different subjects. There is a 3-hour theory paper for every subject, combined with internal assessments such as project work, practicals, and files. For all ISC Class 12 subjects, the total marks is 100, with the distribution differing from subject to subject. English, History, Accounts, Business Studies and Mathematics follow a theory-plus-project format, with a theory paper of 80 marks and project work of 20 marks, while Physics, Chemistry and Biology include theory, practical work, project work and practical file assessment.

Mathematics, History, Accounts and Business Studies carry 80 marks for theory + 20 marks for project.
Physics, Chemistry and Biology carry 70 marks for theory + 15 marks for practical + 10 marks for project + 5 marks for practical file.
Mathematics has 32 marks for Calculus.
Accounts has a compulsory 60-mark Section A and a choice between Management Accounting and Computerized Accounting for 20 marks.
Chemistry theory carries 25 marks for Physical Chemistry, 14 marks for Inorganic Chemistry and 31 marks for Organic Chemistry.
Physics gives 20 marks to Optics, the highest theory weightage group.
Biology gives 16 marks to Reproduction, followed by 15 marks each for Genetics and Evolution, and Ecology and Environment.

Table of Contents

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for English
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for History
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Accounts
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Business Studies
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Mathematics
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Chemistry
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Physics
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Biology
ISC Class 12 2027 Specimen Paper
What Are The Major Changes In The ISC Exam In 2027?
ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 FAQs

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 varies by subject, but the broad structure includes a written theory examination and school/project/practical-based assessment. The theory paper is generally of 3 hours. Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Geography) carry 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practical work, project, and file. Commerce & Humanities subjects (English, Mathematics, Accounts, Business Studies, Economics, History, Political Science) carry 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for project work or internal assessment.

CISCE has introduced 40% competency-based questions in ISC 2027, up from 25% in 2025, with a target of 50% by 2028. These questions test application, analysis, and critical thinking, and are asked in the form of case studies, data interpretation, and scenario-based problems.

Subject

Topics Covered

Marks Allotted Topic-Wise

English Language

Composition, directed writing, proposal writing, grammar, comprehension; listening, speaking and writing skills

Theory: 80
Project Work: 20

Literature in English

Macbeth, Prism short stories, Rhapsody poems; literary analysis project

Theory: 80
Project Work: 20

History

Indian History, World History, project based on 20th-21st century India/ World topics

Theory: 80
Project Work: 20

Accounts / Accountancy

Partnership accounts, company accounts, management accounting or computerised accounting

Theory: 80
Project Work: 20

Business Studies

Human Resource Management, communication, finance, globalisation, business regulators

Theory: 80
Project Work: 20

Mathematics

Relations and functions, algebra, calculus, vectors, 3D geometry, linear programming, probability

Theory: 80
Project Work: 20

Physics

Electrostatics, current electricity, magnetism, optics, modern physics, practical experiments

Theory: 70
Practical: 15
Project: 10
Practical File: 5

Chemistry

Physical, inorganic and organic chemistry, practical analysis and experiments

Theory: 70
Practical: 15
Project: 10
Practical File: 5

Biology

Reproduction, genetics, biotechnology, ecology, human welfare, practical biology

Theory: 70
Practical: 15
Project: 10
Practical File: 5

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for English

ISC Class 12 English is the only subject and is assessed through two separate papers—English Language (Paper 1) and English Literature (Paper 2)—each carrying 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for project work. Each component carries 100 marks, making the grand total 200 marks for English. Both papers are compulsory for all ISC candidates.

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Paper 1 English Language

The ISC Class 12 Exam 2027 English Language theory paper is divided into four broad questions. Question 1 tests composition; Question 2 tests directed writing and proposal writing; Question 3 tests functional grammar; and Question 4 is based on comprehension. CISCE recommends approximately 45 minutes for Question 1, 55 minutes for Question 2, 30 minutes for Question 3, and 50 minutes for Question 4. Proposal Writing in Paper 1 carries 25 marks. In English Language, all questions are compulsory.

Component

Topics Covered

Marks Allotted

Composition

Essay writing with choice of topics (narrative, descriptive, reflective, argumentative, discursive topics or short story; 400–450 words)

Directed Writing

Blog Writing (added in 2027), Article, book review, formal letter, film review, cultural programme review, speech, report, personal profile, statement of purpose
Proposal writing: introduction, objectives and measures

Short Answer Questions

Functional English grammar, structure and usage, sentence transformation, vocabulary, reordering, editing

Comprehension

Unseen passage (factual or discursive) with questions, vocabulary, inference, main ideas and summary writing

Total Theory

Project Work

Language-based project (survey, analysis, creative writing portfolio)
Listening skills, speaking skills, and writing skills of about 500 words

Listening Skills: 5
Speaking Skills: 5
Writing Skills: 10

Grand Total

100

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Paper 2 English Literature

For Literature in English, the ISC 2027 paper will be set only on the Class 12 portion: Macbeth Acts III to V, five prescribed short stories and five prescribed poems. Prescribed texts for 2027 include Shakespeare's The Tempest (or an alternative play), short stories by authors such as W. Somerset Maugham, Satyajit Ray, John Galsworthy, Kate Chopin, and poems by Thomas Hardy, Carol Ann Duffy, Sarojini Naidu, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Bob Dylan, Matthew Arnold, and others.

Component

Unit

Topics Covered

Marks Allotted Topic-Wise

Theory

Section A

MCQs/ Fill in the Blanks on prescribed texts (Shakespeare’s Drama: Macbeth Acts III, IV and V; Prism short stories; Rhapsody poems)

20 marks

Section B

Long answer questions on Drama, Prose, Poetry (character analysis, themes, literary devices)

60 marks

Total Theory

80 marks

Project Work

Literature-based project (critical analysis, creative adaptation, comparative study)
One written assignment of 1000-1500 words based on drama, short stories or poems

20 marks

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for History

ISC Class 12 History carries 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for project work. The theory paper is divided into two parts: Part 1 (20 marks) with objective-type questions (MCQs), fill-in-the-blanks, and one-liner questions on Indian and World History and World History, and Part 2 (60 marks) with five long-answer questions (12 marks each) with internal choice. Internal assessment (20 marks) is split into 10 marks for teacher evaluation (process, understanding, application, analysis, presentation) and 10 marks for visiting examiner evaluation (choice of technique, analysis, viva).

Component / Unit

Topics Covered

Marks Allotted Topic-Wise

Paper I: Theory

Section A: Indian History; Section B: World History

80 marks collectively

Indian History (Section A)

Towards Independence and Partition (1935–1947): Provincial autonomy, Cripps Mission, Quit India Movement, Cabinet Mission, Mountbatten Plan
Establishment of Indian Democracy (1947–1966): Refugee problem, first general election (1952), role of political parties
Development of Indian Democracy (1964–1977): Syndicate role, Naxal movement, JP Movement, Emergency (1975–76)
Changing Face of Indian Democracy (1977–1986): Centre-state relations, Punjab, North-East demands, Mizoram movement
India's Foreign Policy: Non-Aligned Movement, Sino-Indian War (1962)
Movements for Women's Rights

Included in 80 marks

World History

World War II: Causes, course, American entry, defeat of Axis powers
De-colonisation in Africa: Ghana and Kenya
Cold War (1945–91): Origins, Berlin Blockade, NATO, Warsaw Pact, Cuban Missile Crisis, collapse of USSR
Protest Movements: Anti-apartheid (South Africa), Feminist Movement (USA)
Middle East: Israeli-Palestine Conflict (1916–1993)

Included in 80 marks

Paper II: Project Work

One project from 20th-21st century Indian or World History, including politics, military, economy, society, culture or religion

20 marks

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Accounts

ISC Class 12 Accounts carries 80 marks for theory (Paper I) and 20 marks for project work (Paper II). The theory paper has three sections: Section A (60 marks, compulsory) on Partnership Accounts and Joint Stock Company Accounts, and students choose either Section B (Management Accounting, 20 marks) or Section C (Computerized Accounting, 20 marks). Partnership Accounting carries roughly 34 marks of the theory paper.

Component / Unit

Topics Covered

Marks Allotted Topic-Wise

Paper I: Theory

Section A compulsory + either Section B or Section C

80 marks

Section A: Partnership Accounts

Fundamentals of Partnership

10 marks

Goodwill, reconstitution of partnership, admission, retirement and death of a partner

15 marks

Dissolution of a partnership firm

8 marks

Section A: Joint Stock Company Accounts

Issue of shares

11 marks

Issue of debentures and redemption of debentures

9 marks

Final accounts of companies

7 marks

Section B: Management Accounting

Financial Statement Analysis

4 marks

Cash Flow Statement

8 marks

Ratio Analysis

8 marks

Section C: Computerized Accounting

Accounting Application of Electronic Spreadsheet

10 marks

Database Management System

10 marks

Paper II: Project Work

Two projects (10 marks each) from topics covered in theory; assessed by teacher and visiting examiner

20 marks

Project work evaluation: Overall format (1 mark), Content (4 marks), Findings (2 marks), Viva-voce (3 marks) per project.

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Business Studies

ISC Class 12 Business Studies has one 80-mark theory paper and 20 marks for project work. Business Studies carries 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for project work. The theory paper is divided into Part 1 (30 marks) with compulsory short-answer questions testing fundamental knowledge, and Part 2 (50 marks) with seven questions, out of which candidates answer five (10 marks each). Paper I (Theory) is built around Human Resource Management; Business Communication and Correspondence; Business Size and Finance; Globalization and recent trends in Business; Business Regulators and Intermediaries. Part 1 contains short-answer compulsory questions on fundamental concepts across all units for 30 marks, and Part 2 contains 7 long-answer questions (attempt any five), each carrying 10 marks, making the total marks for this part 50.

Component / Unit

Topics Covered

Marks Allotted Topic-Wise

Paper I: Theory

80 marks collectively

Human Resource Management

HRM, job and manpower planning, recruitment, selection, training, morale, motivation, remuneration, leadership, appraisal, promotion, transfer, separation and emerging HR trends

25–30 marks

Business Communication and Correspondence

Communication process, methods, barriers, business letters, reports, email and video conferencing, formal/ informal

20–25 marks

Business Size and Finance

Small business, sources of finance, financial institutions

15–17 marks

Globalization and Recent Trends

MNCs, liberalization, privatization, globalization, e-business, outsourcing, BPO, KPO, LPO and online business models

15–20 marks

Business Regulators and Intermediaries

Regulatory bodies like RBI, SEBI, IRDA, FSSAI and BIS, intermediaries, consumer protection

10–15 marks

Paper II: Project Work

Two projects (10 marks each) from any topic covered in theory

20 marks

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Mathematics

ISC Mathematics carries 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for project work. The theory paper has three sections: Section A (65 marks, compulsory) covering Relations and Functions, Algebra, Calculus, and Probability; Section B (15 marks) on Vectors, Three-Dimensional Geometry, and Applications of Integrals; and Section C (15 marks) on Applications of Calculus, Linear Regression, and Linear Programming. Students attempt Section A and choose either Section B or Section C. Calculus has the highest weightage in Section A with 32 marks. Internal choices are provided in Section A (two 2-mark, two 4-mark, and two 6-mark questions) and in Section B or C (one question each).

Component

Topics Covered

Marks Allotted

Section A (Compulsory)

Relations and Functions

Algebra (Matrices, Determinants)

Calculus (Continuity, Differentiation, Integration, Applications)

Probability (Conditional Probability, Bayes' Theorem, Random Variables)

Section B (Optional)

Vector Algebra

Three-Dimensional Geometry

Applications of Integrals

Section C (Optional)

Applications of Calculus (Cost, Revenue, Profit Functions)

Linear Regression

Linear Programming

Total Theory

Project Work

Two projects from Section A and one from Section B or C (10 marks each)

Grand Total

100

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Chemistry

ISC Class 12 Chemistry has two papers: Paper I Theory for 70 marks and Paper II Practical for 15 marks. Project Work and Practical File together carry another 15 marks. The theory paper is divided into four sections with a mix of MCQs, short answer, analytical, and long answer questions. Organic Chemistry has the highest share in the Chemistry theory paper with 31 marks. Physical Chemistry carries 25 marks and Inorganic Chemistry carries 14 marks. One question each in Sections B, C, and D has internal options.

Component

Topics Covered

Marks Allotted

Section A

MCQs (one correct option) – Physical, Organic, Inorganic Chemistry

Section B

Short answer questions (2 marks each)

Section C

Analytical / application questions (3 marks each)

Section D

Long answer / numerical questions (5 marks each)

Total Theory

Practical Work

Experiments from Physical, Organic, Inorganic Chemistry

Project Work

Investigatory project (synthesis, analysis, environmental study)

Practical File

Record of all experiments with observations, calculations, viva

Grand Total

100

Unit-Wise Marks Distribution for ISC Class 12 Chemistry

Component / Unit

Topics Covered

Marks Allotted Topic-Wise

Paper I: Theory

Physical Chemistry: Solid State, Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry

23–25 marks

Organic Chemistry: Haloalkanes, Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, Amines, Biomolecules, Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life

28–30 marks

Inorganic Chemistry, Coordination Compounds, p-Block, d- and f-Block Elements, Metallurgy

15–17 marks

Paper II: Practical

Volumetric analysis, rate of reaction, organic functional group tests, carbohydrate and protein tests, pH experiments, electrochemistry, qualitative analysis

15 marks

Project Work

Investigatory project (synthesis, analysis, environmental study)

10 marks

Practical File

Record of all experiments with observations, calculations, viva

5 marks

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Physics

ISC Class 12 Physics follows the 70+30 model: 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practical/project/file assessment. Physics includes a 15-mark practical, a 10-mark project, and a 5-mark practical file. Optics carries the highest weightage.

Component / Unit

Topics Covered

Marks Allotted Topic-Wise

Paper I: Theory

Electrostatics and Current Electricity: Electric charges, fields, potential, capacitance, current, resistance, Kirchhoff's laws

16–18 marks

Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Moving charges, Biot-Savart, Ampere's law, magnetic materials

12–14 marks

Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents, Faraday's law, Lenz's law, AC circuits, transformers

10–12 marks

Electromagnetic Waves and Optics, EM waves, ray optics, wave optics, interference, diffraction, polarization

12–14 marks

Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation, Atoms and Nuclei: Photoelectric effect, Bohr model, nuclear physics, radioactivity

10–12 marks

Optics

20 marks

Electronic Devices: Semiconductor devices, diodes, transistors, logic gates

6–8 marks

Paper II: Practical

Experiments mainly from ray optics and current electricity, graph work and observation-based assessment

15 marks

Project Work

Physics project/assignment

10 marks

Practical File

Practical record assessment

5 marks

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 for Biology

Biology carries 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practical work, project, and file. The theory paper has five units covering the full syllabus from Reproduction to Ecology. Reproduction carries the highest weightage in Biology with 16 marks, followed closely by Genetics and Evolution and Ecology and Environment at 15 marks each.

Component

Topics Covered

Marks Allotted

Reproduction

Sexual reproduction in flowering plants, human reproduction, reproductive health

16 marks

Genetics and Evolution

Mendelian inheritance, molecular basis of inheritance, evolutionary theories

15 marks

Biology and Human Welfare

Human health and diseases, immunity, microbes in human welfare

14 marks

Biotechnology and Its Applications

Genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, applications in agriculture and medicine

10 marks

Ecology and Environment

Ecosystems, biodiversity, environmental issues and conservation

15 marks

Practical Examination

Slide preparation, spotting, experiments

15 marks

Project Work

Investigatory project

10 marks

Practical File

Laboratory record

5 marks

ISC Class 12 2027 Specimen Paper

ISC Class 12 Specimen Question Papers 2027 have been uploaded by the CISCE on the official website, cisce.org, and these are currently the most reliable indicators of how the actual board papers will be structured. The specimen papers cover English Language, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Accountancy, Business Studies, History, and most other major subjects offered under the ISC Class 12 stream combinations. It is the board's own blueprint for question distribution, section-wise choice, and question typology for the year. Each specimen paper comes with a marking scheme attached.

What Are The Major Changes In The ISC Exam In 2027?

CISCE has introduced some significant changes for ISC Class 12 examinations from 2027, as mentioned below:

New Subjects Introduced for ISC 2027: CISCE has introduced Modern English (Literature in English), Applied Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics as new subjects for the ISC 2027 Examination.
Stricter Passing Criteria: From 2027, ISC students must pass in English and four other subjects (instead of English + 3) to clear the board examination, raising the minimum passing requirement.
40% Competency-Based Questions: The proportion of application and analytical skill-based questions has increased to 40% across all subjects (up from 25% in 2025), with a target of 50% by 2028, aligning with NEP 2020.
Updated specimen papers: CISCE has released specimen question papers for newly introduced and revised subjects to familiarise students with the structure and assessment approach, the number of sections and questions, question types, marks allotted, choices offered and competencies assessed.
Revised syllabuses: The syllabi for 12 subjects at the ISC level have been revised, including Mathematics, Elective English, Biology, Commerce, Accountancy, History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Chemistry, Physics, and Legal Studies.

ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern 2027 FAQs

What is the total duration of the ISC Class 12 Exam 2027 for each subject?

Each ISC Class 12 Exam 2027 paper has a duration of 3 hours for the theory component.

How are marks distributed in the ISC Class 12 English Exam 2027?

The ISC Class 12 English Exam 2027 includes a theory paper of 80 marks and a project work of 20 marks.

What is the marks distribution for the ISC Class 12 History Exam 2027?

The ISC Class 12 History Exam 2027 has a theory paper of 80 marks and project work worth 20 marks.

How is the ISC Class 12 Mathematics Exam 2027 structured?

The ISC Class 12 Mathematics Exam 2027 includes a theory paper of 80 marks and project work worth 20 marks. Students must complete projects from Section A and either Section B or C.

What is the mark allocation for the ISC Class 12 Chemistry Exam 2027?

The ISC Class 12 Chemistry Exam 2027 comprises a 70-mark theory paper and 30 marks for practical and project work combined.

How much is the project work weightage in the ISC Class 12 Physics Exam 2027?

The ISC Class 12 Physics Exam 2027 includes 10 marks for project work assessed by the teacher and an external examiner.

What topics are covered in the ISC Class 12 Biology Exam 2027 theory paper?

The ISC Class 12 Biology Exam 2027 theory paper covers topics like Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology, and Ecology.

How many marks are assigned to practicals in the ISC Class 12 Chemistry Exam 2027?

The ISC Class 12 Chemistry Exam 2027 includes 15 marks for practical work, along with 10 marks for project work and 5 marks for the practical file.

What is the structure of the ISC Class 12 English theory paper for 2027?

The ISC Class 12 English Exam 2027 theory paper is divided into four sections: composition, article/report/proposal writing, short questions with grammar, and unseen passages, totalling 80 marks.

How is the ISC Class 12 Project Work evaluated in 2027?

In ISC Class 12 Exam 2027, project work is assessed by the subject teacher and a visiting examiner, and the evaluation is approved by the council.

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