CISCE Introduces Major Reforms: Board Certificates to Include Marks
One Integrated Certificate to Replace Separate Mark Sheet and Pass Certificate from 2026
New NEP-Aligned Curriculum, Optional Subjects, and Student Assessment Programs Announced
Jamshedpur, Nov 22: The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has announced a series of major academic reforms aimed at improving student convenience, enhancing transparency, and strengthening the school education framework in India. These changes were approved during the 68th annual meeting of the Association of Schools for the Indian School Certificate (ASISC), held in Chandigarh on Friday. Principals and senior officials from ICSE and ISC schools across the country, including Jamshedpur, attended the meeting.
Integrated Certificate from 2026
For the first time, CISCE will issue a single consolidated document that combines both the mark sheet and pass certificate for students appearing in board examinations. This new format will include subject-wise marks and the official pass declaration on the same certificate.
Currently, CISCE issues two separate documents: a mark sheet and a passing certificate. The new system, applicable from the 2026 board examinations, aims to simplify documentation for students and align CISCE with global best practices. With this reform, CISCE will become the first national board in India to integrate both documents into a single certificate.
Officials stated that the decision was taken keeping in mind the long-term benefits for students, especially during college admissions and international applications where consolidated certificates are preferred.
English Plus Best Four Subjects Mandatory from 2027
A significant academic change has been introduced for ISC (Class 12) students appearing for their board examinations in 2027. Under the new rule, students will now be required to pass English along with their best four subjects. The total marks will be 500.
Until now, English was one of four required subjects. With the revised structure, English becomes compulsory, and students must additionally clear four other subjects to obtain their pass certificate.
CISCE Chief Executive and Secretary Joseph Emmanuel, along with ISC Deputy Secretary Sangeeta Bhatia and ICSE Deputy Secretary Ekta Kaundal Parihar, shared detailed updates on the reform agenda during the meeting.
New NEP-Aligned Curriculum and Optional Subjects
The Council also announced that all CISCE-affiliated schools will fully implement the National Education Policy (NEP) from the upcoming academic session. In line with NEP guidelines, the curriculum has been restructured and several new optional subjects have been introduced for students of Classes 9 to 12.
Six new courses have been added, including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Health Education, and Hospitality Management. These subjects are designed to offer students a wider academic choice and prepare them for emerging career opportunities.
Under a new initiative called the RISE Program, Sports Education has been introduced as an optional subject for students of Classes 8 to 12. Students opting for Sports Education will receive weightage during college admissions, helping promote physical education and sports as viable academic pathways.
Award for Best Overall Student and New Student Evaluation System
A new system of recognition has also been launched. Similar to awards given during annual school functions, the Council will now issue certificates to students who demonstrate the best overall performance in academics and co-curricular activities. This initiative will begin in the next academic year.
Additionally, under a program named SIGN, CISCE teams will assess and counsel students of Classes 5 and 8. These evaluations will take place outside school premises and aim to support early academic and emotional development.
Together, these reforms mark one of the most comprehensive transformations introduced by CISCE in recent years, setting a refreshed direction for student-focused education across the country.
