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CISCE has released specimen question papers and answer keys for selected subjects of the ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) 2027 exams, and for some Class 9 and Class 11 subjects. In these subjects, questions that test higher-order skills (apply, analyse, evaluate and create) will carry about 50% of the marks in 2027. This is from CISCE's circular of 9 October 2026.
Which subjects have new specimen papers?
ICSE (Class 10) 2027: English Language (English Paper 1), Literature in English (English Paper 2), History and Civics, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Assistant Beauty Therapist, and Assistant Hair Stylist.
ISC (Class 12) 2027: Modern English (Literature in English), Elective English, Political Science, Geography, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Paper 1 (Theory) of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
ICSE (Class 9) 2027: French, German and Spanish (as second language and as Group II elective), Environmental Science and Computer Applications.
ISC (Class 11) 2027: Business Studies, Accountancy, Entrepreneurship, Computer Science Paper 1 (Theory), Environmental Science and Biotechnology Paper 1 (Theory).
For all other subjects, CISCE says the 2026 rubrics and assessment structure still apply.
How should you use the specimen papers?
CISCE says the papers show the exact structure, section distribution and question formats of the 2027 exams, along with marks, choices and the skills being tested. It also says the real board papers may not be identical to the specimen papers, and that the topic-wise weightage in the official Regulations and Syllabuses for 2027 will be followed strictly.
Download the specimen paper and answer key for each of your subjects from cisce.org.
Note the sections, question types and marks, and plan your revision around them.
Practise the higher-order questions under time, and check your answers against the official answer key.
Check the topic weightage in the 2027 Regulations and Syllabuses for your subject.
Are the 2026 question papers available?
Yes. CISCE has also put the question papers of the ICSE and ISC 2026 main and improvement exams on its website, cisce.org. For questions, CISCE's email is council@cisce.org.
