The ISC (Indian School Certificate) Supplementary Exam 2027 — commonly referred to as the ISC Compartment Exam — is conducted by CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) for Class 12 students who fail in one or two subjects in the main board examination. As the ISC 2027 main exam is expected in February–April 2027, the supplementary exam is expected to be held in June–July 2027, following the declaration of main results. CISCE officially replaced the term "Compartment Exam" with "Supplementary Examination" from the 2024 cycle onward.
CISCE introduced key policy changes from 2024: the traditional Compartment Exam was replaced by the Supplementary Exam (for students who fail in 1–2 subjects) and the Improvement Exam (for students who want to improve their scores) — these are two distinct processes with separate schedules. Students who fail in three or more subjects, or who fail English (the compulsory subject), must repeat the full academic year at a CISCE-affiliated school and are not eligible for the supplementary exam.
The ISC supplementary exam gives eligible students a second opportunity to pass failed subjects without losing an entire academic year. After clearing the supplementary exam, students receive their ISC pass certificate with a "Pass (Supplementary)" designation and are eligible for college admissions.
- Students who fail in 1 or 2 subjects in ISC Class 12 are eligible to appear in the supplementary exam.
- The ISC 2027 supplementary exam is expected in June–July 2027, roughly 4–6 weeks after results are declared.
- Registration for the supplementary exam is handled through your school/institution within a short window after results.
- You must score a minimum of 35% marks in both theory and practical/internal components separately to pass each subject.
- Passing the supplementary exam earns you a Pass (Supplementary) designation on the ISC mark sheet.
- If you fail the supplementary exam, you must repeat the entire academic year as a regular student from an affiliated school.
- The expected supplementary exam fee is approximately ₹500 per subject, paid through your school (subject to official CISCE notification for 2027).
ISC Supplementary/Compartment Exam 2027: Key Facts
In the ISC 2026 cycle, CISCE released the supplementary exam schedule on April 30, 2026, opened registration on May 8–14, 2026, and conducted the supplementary exam from June 15, 2026 onward — results were declared in the last week of July 2026. The 2027 cycle is expected to follow a similar timeline. As of November 2026, the ISC 2027 main examination has not yet taken place and all 2027 supplementary exam dates are projections based on this historical pattern.
- ISC Supplementary Exam Important Dates 2027
- ISC Compartment Exam Admit Card 2027
- ISC Compartment Exam Syllabus
- ISC Compartment Exam Pattern 2027
- Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions
- ISC Compartment Exam Eligibility Criteria 2027
- ISC Compartment Exam Fee Structure
- ISC Passing Marks Criteria 2027
- ISC Grading System
- ISC Compartment Exam FAQs
ISC Supplementary Exam Important Dates 2027
CISCE typically releases the supplementary exam schedule within 2–4 weeks after the main ISC results are declared. All dates listed below are expected based on the 2026 cycle; the official 2027 schedule will be published on cisce.org after the main results are announced. In 2026, the schedule was released on April 30, 2026, with registration opening May 8–14, 2026, and exams beginning June 15, 2026.
| Event | Expected Date (2027) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ISC 2027 Main Examination | February – April 2027 | (Upcoming) |
| ISC 2027 Main Results | April – May 2027 | (Upcoming) |
| Supplementary Exam Schedule Release | Expected April – May 2027 | (Soon) |
| Supplementary Exam Registration Window | Expected May 2027 | (Soon) |
| ISC Supplementary Exam (Theory Papers) | Expected June – July 2027 | (Soon) |
| ISC Supplementary Practical Exams | Expected June – July 2027 | (Soon) |
| ISC Supplementary Exam Result 2027 | Expected July – August 2027 | (Soon) |
Note: ISC theory papers are typically conducted in the afternoon session starting at 2:00 PM. The official admit card will specify the exact date, time, and venue for each subject. Always cross-check the CISCE official website for updated timings before the exam.
ISC Compartment Exam Admit Card 2027
The ISC supplementary exam hall ticket (admit card) is issued by CISCE through the student’s affiliated school. Unlike CBSE, ISC students do not download the admit card themselves from the portal — CISCE dispatches hall tickets to affiliated schools, which then distribute them to eligible students before the examination. The hall ticket is expected to be available 1–2 weeks before the supplementary exam dates, based on the 2026 cycle pattern.
- Regular Students: Hall ticket is received through the school. Contact your school’s examination in-charge at least one week before the exam if you have not received it.
- Students Who Changed Schools After Main Exam: Contact your original affiliated school or the nearest CISCE regional office to arrange the hall ticket for the supplementary exam.
- What to Carry: Hall ticket (admit card), a valid photo ID, and a black or blue ballpoint pen. No electronic devices are permitted inside the exam hall.
Where are ISC supplementary exams held?
ISC supplementary exams are conducted at CISCE-designated examination centres across India and abroad. In most cases, the exam centre is the same affiliated school where the student originally appeared for the main ISC examination. CISCE may also designate separate regional examination centres. The specific centre address and hall number are printed on each student’s admit card — confirm with your school if any changes are made to the venue before exam day.
ISC Compartment Exam Syllabus
The ISC supplementary exam syllabus is identical to the main ISC Class 12 board examination syllabus. CISCE makes no reductions or modifications to the syllabus for the supplementary exam — students must prepare the complete CISCE-prescribed syllabus for their failed subject(s), covering every unit and topic included in the main exam. The official ISC syllabus for each subject is available on the CISCE website at cisce.org under the "Examinations" section.
| ISC Subject Group | Download Syllabus PDF |
|---|---|
| English Language (Paper 1) and Literature in English (Paper 2) | Download from cisce.org |
| Science Subjects – Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics | Download from cisce.org |
| Commerce Subjects – Accounts, Commerce, Economics | Download from cisce.org |
| Humanities – History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology | Download from cisce.org |
| Computer Science / Informatics Practices | Download from cisce.org |
| Other Elective Subjects (Geography, Art, Home Science, etc.) | Download from cisce.org |
Note: CISCE occasionally updates the ISC syllabus between examination cycles. Always download the latest syllabus PDF directly from cisce.org and confirm it is for the 2027 examination cycle before beginning your preparation.
ISC Compartment Exam Pattern 2027
The ISC supplementary exam follows the same pattern and structure as the main ISC Class 12 board examination. All subjects have both a theory component and a practical/internal assessment component, and students must pass each component separately — a high score in theory cannot compensate for failing the practical component, and vice versa. Theory papers are conducted offline in pen-and-paper mode for a duration of 3 hours. Some subjects also include an additional 15 minutes of reading time before the exam begins.
| Subject | Theory Marks | Practical / Internal Assessment | Key Sections | Types of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language (Paper 1) | 80 Marks | 20 Marks (Internal) | Composition, Comprehension, Language Skills | Long answer, Short answer, Grammar |
| English Literature (Paper 2) | 80 Marks | 20 Marks (Internal) | Prose, Poetry, Drama | Long answer, Short answer, Extract-based |
| Physics (Paper 1 – Theory) | 70 Marks | 30 Marks (Practical) | Mechanics, Electricity, Optics, Modern Physics | MCQs, Short answer, Long answer |
| Chemistry (Paper 1 – Theory) | 70 Marks | 30 Marks (Practical) | Organic, Inorganic, Physical Chemistry | MCQs, Short answer, Long answer |
| Mathematics | 80 Marks | 20 Marks (Internal) | Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Statistics | Short answer, Long answer, Problem-solving |
| Biology (Paper 1 – Theory) | 70 Marks | 30 Marks (Practical) | Botany, Zoology | MCQs, Short answer, Long answer, Diagram-based |
| Accounts | 80 Marks | 20 Marks (Internal) | Financial Accounting, Company Accounts, Cost Accounting | Problem-solving, Short answer |
| Commerce | 80 Marks | 20 Marks (Internal) | Business Studies, Marketing, Management | Short answer, Long answer |
| Economics | 80 Marks | 20 Marks (Internal) | Micro Economics, Macro Economics, Statistics | Short answer, Long answer, Data analysis |
| Computer Science | 70 Marks | 30 Marks (Practical) | Programming (Java), Data Structures, Boolean Algebra | MCQs, Short answer, Coding problems |
| History | 80 Marks | 20 Marks (Internal) | World History, Indian History (Modern Era) | Long answer, Source-based |
ISC Compartment Exam 2027 Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Duration (Theory) | 3 hours (plus 15 minutes reading time for select papers) |
| Exam Language | English only |
| Total Marks per Subject | 100 (Theory + Practical/Internal combined) |
| Passing Marks | Minimum 35% separately in theory and practical/internal |
| Maximum Subjects Allowed | Up to 2 failed subjects |
| Exam Session | Afternoon (typically 2:00 PM onward) |
| Conducting Body | CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) |
| Official Website | cisce.org |
Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions PDF
Practising previous year ISC question papers is one of the most effective strategies for supplementary exam preparation. These papers give you a clear sense of the question format, section weightage, and difficulty level. The supplementary exam uses the same question paper format as the main ISC exam, so previous main exam papers are the right resource to practise from.
How to Use Previous Year Papers for ISC Supplementary Preparation
Focus on the last 3–5 years of ISC main exam papers for your failed subject. Solve full papers under timed conditions (3 hours), identify weak units, and cross-reference your answers against the official marking scheme. CISCE releases official question papers through affiliated schools; they are also available on the CISCE website after the main examination cycle concludes each year.
| ISC Question Paper Year | Download PDF |
|---|---|
| ISC Class 12 Question Papers 2026 | Available at cisce.org |
| ISC Class 12 Question Papers 2025 | Available at cisce.org |
| ISC Class 12 Question Papers 2024 | Available at cisce.org |
| ISC Class 12 Question Papers 2023 | Available at cisce.org |
| ISC Class 12 Question Papers 2022 | Available at cisce.org |
Note: CISCE does not release a separate question paper for the supplementary exam. The supplementary exam uses a fresh paper with the same format and syllabus as the main ISC board exam. Practise from main exam papers across recent years for the best preparation.
ISC Compartment Exam Eligibility Criteria 2027
To be eligible for the ISC 2027 Supplementary Examination, students must have appeared in the main ISC 2027 board examination and failed in one or two subjects only. Students who fail in English (the compulsory subject) or in three or more subjects are not eligible for the supplementary exam and must repeat the full academic year as a regular student at a CISCE-affiliated school.
CISCE’s 2024 policy revision clearly separated the Supplementary Exam from the Improvement Exam. Only students who have NOT passed all required subjects are eligible for the Supplementary Exam — students who have passed all subjects but want to improve their scores must apply for the separate Improvement Examination instead. Both eligibility and subject selection must be confirmed through the student’s school at the time of registration.
| Criteria | Details | Key Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Main Exam Participation | Must have appeared in the ISC 2027 main board examination. | Students who were absent for the entire main exam are not eligible for supplementary. |
| Number of Failed Subjects | Failed in 1 or 2 subjects (not in English). | Failing in 3 or more subjects disqualifies students from the supplementary exam entirely. |
| English Requirement | Must have passed English Language (compulsory subject). | Failing English means repeating the full year — no supplementary option is available. |
| School Affiliation | Must be enrolled in a CISCE-affiliated school. | Students must be registered through their school; there is no direct individual registration with CISCE. |
| Absent in Subjects (Medical) | Students absent in 1–2 subjects due to valid medical reasons may be considered. | Medical certificates and school recommendation are required. CISCE verifies eligibility case by case. |
| Passing Criteria | Minimum 35% marks required in both theory and practical/internal components separately. | Theory and practical must each be cleared independently — combined marks alone are not sufficient. |
What is the rule of the compartment/supplementary exam in ISC?
- Failed in 1–2 subjects (excluding English): Eligible for the Supplementary Exam. Must appear for and pass the failed subject(s) to earn the ISC pass certificate with "Pass (Supplementary)" designation.
- Failed in English: Not eligible for the supplementary exam. Must repeat the entire academic year as a regular student at a CISCE-affiliated school.
- Failed in 3 or more subjects: Not eligible for the supplementary exam. Must repeat the full year from a CISCE-affiliated school.
- Passed all subjects: Not eligible for the Supplementary Exam. Must apply separately for the Improvement Exam if wanting to improve scores.
- Absent in 1–2 subjects (medical grounds): May be considered for supplementary, subject to school recommendation and CISCE approval at the time of registration.
How many chances are given in the ISC compartment exam?
CISCE conducts one supplementary exam per cycle, held in June–July after the main ISC results. Within a given year (e.g., ISC 2027 cycle), there is only one supplementary attempt. Students who fail the supplementary exam, or who miss it, must enrol as regular students at a CISCE-affiliated school and appear in the next year’s main ISC examination (ISC 2028). The marks from a failed supplementary exam do not carry forward — students start fresh in the subsequent year’s main exam.
ISC Compartment/Supplementary Exam: Number of Attempts
| Attempt | Tentative Schedule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Attempt (Supplementary Exam) | June – July 2027 | For students who failed in 1–2 subjects in ISC 2027 main exam. Registration through school only. |
| 2nd Attempt (ISC Main Exam, Next Year) | February – April 2028 | Students who fail supplementary must appear in ISC 2028 main exam as a regular student from an affiliated school. |
| Subsequent Attempts | Subsequent ISC cycles | Contact CISCE or your school for details on eligibility after two failed attempts. Rules may vary by circumstance. |
ISC Compartment Exam Fee Structure
The ISC supplementary exam fee is paid through the student’s affiliated school — there is no direct payment channel to CISCE. CISCE announces the official fee structure after the main results are declared, usually alongside the supplementary exam schedule. Based on the 2026 supplementary exam cycle, the expected fee is approximately ₹500 per subject, though students should confirm the exact amount with their school at the time of registration as CISCE may revise fees annually.
| Category | Expected Fee per Subject | Late Fee (If Applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| Schools in India | ₹500 per subject (Expected; subject to official CISCE notification for 2027) | As per CISCE circular at time of registration |
| Schools Outside India | As per CISCE international fee schedule (To be announced) | As per CISCE circular |
Note: All supplementary exam fees are collected by the school on behalf of CISCE and submitted as a consolidated remittance. Students should retain the payment receipt. Do not make any direct payments to CISCE for supplementary exam registration — the school is the only valid payment channel.
ISC Passing Marks Criteria 2027
To pass the ISC supplementary exam, students must secure a minimum of 35% marks in each subject — separately in both the theory and practical/internal assessment components. Passing is not based on combined marks: a student who scores 50 out of 70 in theory but only 9 out of 30 in practical has NOT passed the subject, even though the combined 59 out of 100 would seem sufficient. Additionally, to be declared "Pass" in ISC overall, students must pass in English (compulsory) and at least three other subjects.
| Subject | Theory Marks | Practical / Internal Marks | Passing Marks (Theory) | Passing Marks (Practical / Internal) | Total Passing Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language (Paper 1) | 80 | 20 | 28 | 7 | 35 |
| English Literature (Paper 2) | 80 | 20 | 28 | 7 | 35 |
| Physics | 70 | 30 | 25 | 11 | 36 |
| Chemistry | 70 | 30 | 25 | 11 | 36 |
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 | 28 | 7 | 35 |
| Biology | 70 | 30 | 25 | 11 | 36 |
| Accounts | 80 | 20 | 28 | 7 | 35 |
| Commerce | 80 | 20 | 28 | 7 | 35 |
| Economics | 80 | 20 | 28 | 7 | 35 |
| Computer Science | 70 | 30 | 25 | 11 | 36 |
| History | 80 | 20 | 28 | 7 | 35 |
Is 25 marks a passing score out of 70 in ISC?
Yes, 25 marks out of 70 is the minimum passing score for ISC theory papers with a 70-mark component — this applies to subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science. The 35% threshold on 70 marks works out to 24.5, which rounds up to 25 marks. However, reaching this minimum means you are at the borderline. You must also independently pass the corresponding 30-mark practical component with a minimum of 11 marks. Failing either component — theory or practical — means the subject is not passed, regardless of the combined total.
ISC Passing Marks Quick Reference
| Total Marks (Component) | 35% Threshold (Exact) | Minimum Passing Marks (Rounded) |
|---|---|---|
| Out of 70 (Theory – Science/CS subjects) | 24.5 | 25 marks |
| Out of 80 (Theory – Arts/Commerce/Math subjects) | 28.0 | 28 marks |
| Out of 30 (Practical – Science/CS subjects) | 10.5 | 11 marks |
| Out of 20 (Internal Assessment – most other subjects) | 7.0 | 7 marks |
| Out of 100 (Combined per subject) | 35.0 | 35 marks |
ISC Grading System
ISC (Class 12) results are reported in marks and percentage. Unlike CBSE, CISCE does not assign letter grades (such as A1, B2) on the ISC mark sheet — the report card shows raw subject scores, aggregate percentage, and an overall pass/fail classification. Students scoring 75% and above overall are awarded the "Distinction" classification on their mark sheet, and all students who pass each subject with 35% or more in both theory and practical components are declared "Pass." Students who clear the supplementary exam are designated separately as "Pass (Supplementary)" regardless of their aggregate percentage.
| Performance Classification | Aggregate Percentage | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75% and above | Top-tier performance; mentioned on CISCE mark sheet |
| Merit | 60% – 74% | Above-average performance; eligible for most merit-based admissions |
| Pass | 35% – 59% | Must score 35% separately in theory and practical of each subject |
| Pass (Supplementary) | Pass after clearing supplementary exam | Awarded to students who clear supplementary; valid for all higher education admissions |
| Fail – Supplementary Eligible | Failed in 1–2 subjects (excluding English) | Eligible to appear in the ISC Supplementary Exam; must register through school |
| Fail – Must Repeat Year | Failed in English, or in 3+ subjects | Not eligible for supplementary; must repeat the academic year from a CISCE-affiliated school |
ISC Compartment Exam FAQs
Ques. What is the ISC compartment/supplementary exam?
Ans. The ISC Supplementary Exam — commonly called the ISC Compartment Exam — is a second-chance examination conducted by CISCE for Class 12 students who fail in one or two subjects in the main board exam. From 2024 onward, CISCE officially replaced the term "Compartment Exam" with "Supplementary Examination." Students who pass this exam receive their ISC pass certificate with the designation "Pass (Supplementary)," which is accepted for college admissions across India.
Ques. Who is eligible for the ISC 2027 supplementary exam?
Ans. Students who appeared in the ISC 2027 main board examination and failed in a maximum of two subjects — but have passed English (the compulsory subject) — are eligible. If you failed in English, or in three or more subjects, you are not eligible and must repeat the academic year at a CISCE-affiliated school.
Ques. When will the ISC compartment exam 2027 be held?
Ans. The ISC 2027 supplementary exam is expected to be held in June–July 2027, approximately 4–6 weeks after the main ISC 2027 results are declared. In the 2026 cycle, CISCE conducted the supplementary exam from June 15, 2026 onward, with results in the last week of July. The 2027 schedule will be officially published on cisce.org after the main results are announced.
Ques. What is the fee for the ISC 2027 supplementary exam?
Ans. The expected fee for the ISC 2027 supplementary exam is approximately ₹500 per subject, based on the 2026 fee structure. This fee is paid through your school — students do not pay CISCE directly. The official 2027 fee will be announced by CISCE after the main results are declared. Confirm the exact amount and payment deadline with your school’s examination department.
Ques. What are the passing marks for the ISC compartment exam?
Ans. To pass the ISC supplementary exam, you must score a minimum of 35% in both the theory and practical/internal components of each subject — independently. For subjects with 70-mark theory papers (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science), the minimum is 25 marks. For 80-mark theory papers (English, Mathematics, Accounts, Economics, Commerce, History), the minimum is 28 marks. For 30-mark practicals, you need at least 11 marks; for 20-mark internal assessments, the minimum is 7 marks.
Ques. What is the difference between the ISC supplementary exam and the improvement exam?
Ans. From 2024, CISCE introduced two distinct post-result exams. The Supplementary Exam is for students who failed in 1–2 subjects and need to pass them to earn the ISC pass certificate. The Improvement Exam is for students who have already passed all subjects but want to improve their marks in specific subjects. Both are conducted in June–July, but serve different purposes and have separate eligibility criteria. If you have failed even one subject, you cannot apply for the Improvement Exam — you must appear in the Supplementary Exam.
Ques. What happens if I fail the ISC compartment/supplementary exam?
Ans. If you fail the ISC supplementary exam, there is no second supplementary attempt for the same cycle. You must enrol as a regular student at a CISCE-affiliated school and appear for the next year’s main ISC examination (ISC 2028). The marks obtained in the failed supplementary exam do not carry forward — you start fresh in the subsequent year’s main exam for that subject.
Ques. How do I apply for the ISC 2027 supplementary exam?
Ans. You apply through your school — there is no direct registration option with CISCE for the supplementary exam. After the main ISC 2027 results are declared, CISCE opens a registration window (typically 5–7 days). Your school submits the consolidated registration to CISCE on behalf of eligible students. Submit your request to your school’s examination in-charge before the internal deadline, pay the required fee (approximately ₹500 per subject), and confirm the subject(s) you are registering for.
Ques. Can I apply to colleges with a Pass (Supplementary) result from ISC?
Ans. Yes. Students who pass the ISC supplementary exam receive a valid ISC pass certificate and are eligible to apply for college admissions. However, since supplementary results are declared in July–August, students may miss the first round of admissions at many colleges. It is advisable to check the specific admission calendar of colleges you are targeting and apply immediately once your supplementary result is out. Many colleges run a final admissions round in August–September that accommodates supplementary result holders.
Ques. Where can I check the ISC compartment/supplementary exam result?
Ans. The ISC supplementary exam result is published on the official CISCE result portal at results.cisce.org. You can check your result using your UID (Unique Identification Number) and date of birth. CISCE also makes results available through DigiLocker and via SMS. Your school is simultaneously notified and can share results directly with students. The result is typically declared in the last week of July or early August following the June–July supplementary exam.
Disclaimer: The information on this page about the ISC 2027 Compartment/Supplementary Exam is based on official CISCE guidelines and historical data from previous cycles. All 2027 dates, fees, and schedules are projections based on the 2026 cycle and are subject to change as per CISCE’s official notifications. Always verify the latest information from the official CISCE website at cisce.org before making any decisions related to exam registration or preparation.
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