The Indian School Certificate (ISC) examination is conducted by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) for Class 11 and Class 12 students. The ISC curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education across a wide range of subjects, preparing students for higher education and professional careers. The academic year for CISCE-affiliated schools typically runs from mid-March to early June, though some schools may begin in February.
This guide provides the complete subject list, subject combination rules, and preparation guidance for ISC Class 11 (2025-26 academic year | ISC 2026 Examinations).
ISC Class 11 – Subjects & Combination Rules
For the ISC Class 11 examination, students must select subjects according to the following rules:
- English is a compulsory subject for all students.
- Students must choose three, four, or five elective subjects.
- The maximum number of subjects a student may appear for is six (including compulsory English).
- Socially Useful Productive Work (SUPW) and Community Service is a compulsory graded subject, evaluated internally by the school.
- The minimum passing marks in each subject is 35%.
Prohibited Subject Combinations
The following subject combinations are not permitted:
- Physics with Engineering Science
- Geometrical & Building Drawing with Geometrical & Mechanical Drawing
ISC Class 11 – Complete List of Elective Subjects
Languages
- Indian Languages: Hindi, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and others approved by CISCE
- Modern Foreign Languages: Chinese, French, German, Tibetan, Spanish
- Classical Languages: Arabic, Sanskrit, Persian
- Elective English
Humanities & Social Sciences
- History
- Political Science
- Geography
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Economics
Commerce
- Commerce
- Accounts
- Business Studies
Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Home Science
- Fashion Designing
- Electricity & Electronics
- Engineering Science
- Computer Science
Vocational & Technical
- Geometrical & Mechanical Drawing
- Geometrical & Building Drawing
- Art
- Music (Indian or Western)
- Physical Education
- Mass Media & Communication
- Hospitality Management
- Legal Studies
ISC Class 11 – Syllabus Information
The detailed syllabus for each subject is prescribed by CISCE and is based on the NCERT curriculum with additional topics as specified by the Council. Students are advised to:
- Refer to the official CISCE website – Visit www.cisce.org for the latest curriculum updates and syllabus notifications.
- Consult your school – Your school will provide the specific syllabus and textbooks recommended for each subject.
- Obtain the ISC curriculum booklet – CISCE releases a detailed curriculum booklet for Class 11 and 12, available through affiliated schools.
The syllabus for ISC Class 11 covers all essential topics and chapters as prescribed by the Council. Students must ensure they have access to the correct syllabus for their chosen subjects before beginning their preparation.
ISC Class 11 – Sample Papers
Practicing sample papers is essential for understanding the exam pattern, question types, and marking scheme. Students can access sample papers through:
- Official CISCE website – Sample papers are often published on the CISCE website for reference.
- School resources – Your school may provide subject-wise sample papers and practice material.
- Reference books – Various publishers release ISC practice books with sample papers and previous years’ questions.
Solving sample papers regularly helps students improve speed, accuracy, and confidence before the final examination.
ISC Class 11 – Study Plan to Maximize Score in 2026 Exams
Consider these essential points to obtain excellent marks in your ISC Class 11 examinations:
- Create a realistic study schedule: Planning can be daunting, but a proper study plan eases the burden. Set aside specific hours for study each day and stick to your routine.
- Start early and be consistent: Begin your preparation as early as possible. Commit to regular study sessions – for example, 5-6 hours on weekdays and 9-10 hours on weekends.
- Know your syllabus thoroughly: Obtain the official syllabus for each subject from your school and keep it handy. Mark important topics and prioritize them.
- Finish syllabus early: Aim to complete the entire syllabus at least one month before the exams. This leaves ample time for revision and practice.
- Practice numerical problems regularly: For Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, consistent practice is essential. Solve problems from each chapter, including previous years’ questions.
- Make short notes: Create concise notes of important topics, formulas, and key concepts. Use these for quick revision during exams.
- Solve previous years’ question papers: Practice at least 5-10 years of ISC question papers under timed conditions. This helps you understand the exam pattern, marking scheme, and frequently asked questions.
- Take mock tests: Simulate exam conditions by taking full-length mock tests. Analyze your performance and work on weak areas.
- Take regular breaks: Avoid studying continuously. Take short breaks between study sessions to refresh your mind and improve concentration.
- Focus on weak areas: After completing the syllabus, identify your weakest topics and dedicate extra time to mastering them.
- Stay healthy: Eat nutritious food, sleep 7-8 hours daily, and practice relaxation techniques to manage stress.
ISC Class 11 – Preparation Tips
- Check the timetable: Once the ISC Class 11 exam timetable is released, plan your study schedule accordingly, allocating more time to subjects with early exams.
- Identify important topics: Note the essential topics and frequently asked questions from each subject. Practice them thoroughly.
- Use sample papers: Practice ISC sample papers regularly and review them to improve speed and accuracy.
- Revise regularly: Set aside time for daily, weekly, and monthly revision. Regular revision is essential to retain information and recall it during exams.
- Understand concepts, don’t just memorize: Focus on understanding the underlying concepts, especially in Science and Commerce subjects. This helps in solving application-based questions.
- Seek help when needed: If you are stuck on a concept, do not hesitate to ask your teachers, friends, or family for help.
Competitive Exams after Class 11 (2026–2027)
Class 11 is a crucial year for students aspiring to appear in various competitive examinations after Class 12. Starting early preparation is highly recommended.
Major Competitive Exams for Class 11 Students
- ISC Class 12 Board Exams – The most important examination after Class 11.
- National Olympiad Exams – Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, Mathematics (conducted by HBCSE/IAPT).
- National Defense Academy (NDA) Exam – For students aspiring to join the defense forces.
- BITSAT – Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (after Class 12).
- JEE Main / JEE Advanced – For admission to IITs, NITs, IIITs, and CFTIs (after Class 12).
- NEET-UG – For admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH courses (after Class 12).
- CUET (Common University Entrance Test) – For admission to central universities (after Class 12).
- CLAT – For admission to law universities (after Class 12).
- CA Foundation – For students interested in chartered accountancy.
Important Notes and Disclaimers
- This page is updated for ISC Class 11 – Academic Year 2025-26 | ISC 2026 Examinations based on the official curriculum prescribed by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE).
- The subject combinations and syllabus may vary slightly depending on the affiliated school. Students are advised to refer to the syllabus provided by their respective schools and teachers.
- For the latest updates, circulars, and official notifications, students must regularly visit the official CISCE website (https://www.cisce.org).
- For specific queries related to subject combinations, textbooks, or examination dates, students should contact their school authorities.
This page is for informational purposes only. ALLEN Overseas has verified the information from official sources (cisce.org). However, students must refer to official notifications from CISCE and their respective schools for final confirmation.
