Yes, it is mandatory to pass in all subjects which are taken into account in calculating the aggregate in ISC Class 12 Board Exams 2026. We shall take it step by step to make you see what the passing requirements are, how the marks are counted and what occurs when a student fails in one or several subjects.
What Is the Passing Criteria for ISC Class 12 Board Exams?
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has set the following minimum passing criteria for ISC:
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
Minimum marks to pass |
35% in each subject |
|
Compulsory subjects |
English + any 3 elective subjects |
|
Number of subjects considered |
Best 4 (English + 3 others) |
|
Internal Assessment/Practical |
Must pass separately if applicable |
To pass the ISC board exam, a student must obtain at least 35% in each subject—both in theory and internal/practical where applicable.
What Happens If I Fail in One Subject in ISC Class 12?
A failure in one subject does not qualify as a failure in the board. This is dependent on whether such a subject is one of the four subjects needed to determine the total aggregate.
|
Scenario |
Result |
|
Fail in English |
Fail (English is compulsory) |
|
Fail in 1 elective subject (but pass 3 others including English) |
Pass (if aggregate of 4 subjects is above 35%) |
|
Fail in more than one subject |
Fail (compartment may apply if eligible) |
Those students who fail in English or two or more subjects are said to have failed but they can be given an opportunity to appear in a compartmental examination (according to the council guidelines).
Read More: ISC 12 Board Exam Paper Pattern & Marking Scheme Explained
Do Internal Assessments Matter in ISC?
Yes, they do. For subjects with both theory and internal/practical components, students must score the minimum 35% separately in both parts. For example:
|
Subject |
Theory Marks |
Practical/Internal Marks |
Result |
|
Physics |
40/70 |
10/30 |
Fail (Internal below 35%) |
|
Chemistry |
60/70 |
25/30 |
Pass |
Even if you score well in theory, a low score in the internal component can result in an overall fail in that subject.
How to Prepare Effectively to Pass All Subjects?
It is recommended that students studying to take the board examinations in 2026:
• Study by solving ISC Class 12 previous year question papers
Revision tests to strengthen weak areas
• Pay attention to both theory and practical/internal tests
• Topics wise practice and self-assessment can be done using ISC question bank class 12
• Read ISC Class12 Books that are prescribed by the council to go through the entire syllabus
Can Compartment Exams Help If I Fail in One Subject?
Yes. CISCE usually permits the students to take compartment exams in case they fail in a single subject only. This presents a chance to get better and pass the exam without having to repeat the whole year.
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Final Verdict: Is It Mandatory to Pass in All Subjects?
In summary:
• Yes, you have to pass in all subjects that would be counted in your aggregate.
• Failure in English or failure in more than one subject can cause failure.
Students are supposed to pay equal attention to theory, internals and practical tests.
• ISC question bank class 12, ISC Class 12 previous year question papers, and ISC Class12 Books are some of the resources that are needed to make sure that one is fully prepared.
Stay updated, keep revising, and ensure your basics are strong in every subject. ISC doesn’t just test memory—it tests clarity and application. Make sure you are prepared thoroughly to avoid any setbacks!
