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ICSE Full Form

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Last updated date: 17th Apr 2024
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What does ICSE Stand for?

ICSE stands for the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education. Conducted by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), ICSE is an examination that is held every year for Class 10 students. ICSE is a private board of school education in India that was set up in compliance with the New Education Policy 1986. The board of education was formed to improve the quality of general education in India. 


The mode of education and examination that ICSE follows all over the country is English. The regular students who belong to the affiliated schools and colleges of ICSE are only allowed to appear for this examination. Any other students won’t be allowed for the same. 

Subjects in ICSE

Students can divide the subjects offered by ICSE into three categories: 

  • Compulsory subjects: The compulsory subjects include English, History, Civics, Geography and Indian Languages like Hindi, Sanskrit etc. 

  • Elective subjects: Students can select any two subjects from the list of given 

Subjects:

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Environmental Science

  • Agriculture Science

  • Computer Science

  • Technical Drawing

  • Commercial Studies

  • Economics

  • A Modern Foreign Language

  • A Classical Language

Elective subject: Students can select any one subject from the list of following subjects:

  • Computer Applications 

  • Economic Applications 

  • Commercial Applications

  • Home Science

  • Art

  • Performing Arts

  • Cookery

  • Fashion Designing

  • Physical Education

  • Yoga

  • Technical Drawing Applications

Students need to note that 20% weightage is for internal assessment in Category 1 and Category 2 and 50% weightage is there in Category 3.

Advantages of ICSE Board Curriculum

  1. Learning is designed to focus on the child's overall growth and academic development

  2. The syllabus is designed in such a way that it is detailed and give importance to every subject

  3. The course structure is flexible and allows flexibility to select specific subjects

  4. The concepts involved in each subject is fairly detailed and the board gives importance to the English language

  5. CISCE is a widely renowned and accepted council that regulates many schools and colleges across the world

  6. The ICSE syllabus is well-structured and comprehensive. It is designed to improve problem-solving skills, analytical skills and practical knowledge of students.

Difference between CBSE and ICSE

While CBSE is an older board than ICSE, the syllabus of ICSE is wide and lengthy. ICSE is comparatively less popular than CBSE as it is a newer board of examination. CBSE has more number of scholarships and talent search exams. However, ICSE has fewer scholarships and talent search exams as it is a newer board of education.

Well, parents can opt for which board they want their children to get enrolled as both have their own set of perks. ICSE Class 10 examination tests students’ knowledge and aptitude in different subjects. 


ICSE stands for the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education. Conducted by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), ICSE is an examination that is held every year for Class 10 students. ICSE is a private board of school education in India that was set up in compliance with the New Education Policy 1986. The board of education was formed to improve the quality of general education in India. 


The mode of education and examination that ICSE follows all over the country is English. The regular students who belong to the affiliated schools and colleges of ICSE are only allowed to appear for this examination. Any other students won’t be allowed for the same. 

Subjects in ICSE

Students can divide the subjects offered by ICSE into three categories: 

  • Compulsory subjects: The compulsory subjects include English, History, Civics, Geography and Indian Languages like Hindi, Sanskrit etc. 

  • Elective subjects: Students can select any two subjects from the list of given 

Subjects:

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Environmental Science

  • Agriculture Science

  • Computer Science

  • Technical Drawing

  • Commercial Studies

  • Economics

  • A Modern Foreign Language

  • A Classical Language

Elective subject: Students can select any one subject from the list of following subjects:

  • Computer Applications 

  • Economic Applications 

  • Commercial Applications

  • Home Science

  • Art

  • Performing Arts

  • Cookery

  • Fashion Designing

  • Physical Education

  • Yoga

  • Technical Drawing Applications

Students need to note that 20% weightage is for internal assessment in Category 1 and Category 2 and 50% weightage is there in Category 3.

Advantages of ICSE Board Curriculum

  1. Learning is designed to focus on the child's overall growth and academic development

  2. The syllabus is designed in such a way that it is detailed and give importance to every subject

  3. The course structure is flexible and allows flexibility to select specific subjects

  4. The concepts involved in each subject is fairly detailed and the board gives importance to the English language

  5. CISCE is a widely renowned and accepted council that regulates many schools and colleges across the world

  6. The ICSE syllabus is well-structured and comprehensive. It is designed to improve problem-solving skills, analytical skills and practical knowledge of students.

Difference between CBSE and ICSE

While CBSE is an older board than ICSE, the syllabus of ICSE is wide and lengthy. ICSE is comparatively less popular than CBSE as it is a newer board of examination. CBSE has more number of scholarships and talent search exams. However, ICSE has fewer scholarships and talent search exams as it is a newer board of education.

Well, parents can opt for which board they want their children to get enrolled as both have their own set of perks. ICSE Class 10 examination tests students’ knowledge and aptitude in different subjects. 



FAQs on ICSE Full Form

Q1. Which is Better: CBSE or ICSE?

Ans: Both the board of examinations have their own set of advantages. On one hand, the syllabus prescribed under CBSE board is more apt for qualifying various competitive examinations including the medical and engineering entrance exams. On the other hand, The syllabus of ICSE is more detailed and demands a lot of concentration and memory to remember the concepts. Basically,  CBSE is comparatively easier than ICSE. 

Q2. Is it More Difficult for ICSE Students to Crack NEET?

Ans: It is not. ICSE students can also qualify for NEET exam as the books that ICSE students follow and refer are similar to those followed by CBSE students. However, ICSE students need to refer to NCERT books as they are the main reference books to crack NEET.