ISC Class 12 Exam Pattern: All Subjects
Every ISC Class 12 subject is marked out of 100: a theory paper of three hours, plus practical work or project work assessed separately. Here are all seven subjects side by side; open one for its sections, marks and the choices it gives.
All subjects at a glance
| Subject | Theory marks | Practical or project marks | What the practical is | Theory paper layout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 70 | 30 | Practical: Java program (planning + examination session) | Part I compulsory; Part II: three sections, any two questions from each |
| Physics | 70 | 30 | Practical 15, project 10, file 5 | 20 compulsory questions in Sections A to D |
| Chemistry | 70 | 30 | Practical 15, project 10, file 5 | 21 compulsory questions in Sections A to D |
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 | Two projects of 10 marks | 2027 specimen: 20 compulsory questions in Sections A to D |
| English Language | 80 | 20 | Project work | four compulsory questions |
| English Literature | 80 | 20 | Project work | five compulsory questions on the prescribed texts |
| Physical Education | 70 | 30 | Continuous evaluation 10, visiting examiner 20 | Sections A, B (compulsory) and C (two games out of nine) |
What is the same in every paper
- Three hours for the theory paper, with 15 minutes of reading time before it; you must not start writing during reading time.
- The marks for each question or part are printed in brackets [ ].
- In every multiple-choice question you write only one option as the answer.
- There is a paper for the exam year in two forms: the specimen paper that CISCE publishes before the exam, and the board paper that is the exam itself.
Common questions
How many marks is each ISC Class 12 subject out of?
Every subject is out of 100. The theory paper is 70 marks in Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry and Physical Education (with 30 marks of practical work), and 80 marks in Mathematics, English Language and English Literature (with 20 marks of project work).
How long is an ISC Class 12 theory paper?
Three hours, with an extra fifteen minutes of reading time in which you may read the paper but not write.
Which ISC Class 12 papers have a choice of questions?
Computer Science (any two of three questions in each of three sections), Physical Education (any two of nine games in Section C), and the internal either-or choices in the science, Mathematics and English papers.
Is the Mathematics paper different in 2027?
The 2027 specimen paper has twenty compulsory questions in four sections (A to D), while the 2026 board paper had a compulsory Section A and a choice between Sections B and C.
One subject in detail
Checked against the printed instructions of the 2026 board papers and the 2027 specimen papers, and CISCE’s ISC 2027 syllabus. Last checked 2026-10-16.