ICSE & ISC Admit Card 2026: Release Date, Rules, Verification & Exam Day Guide

The ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) Admit Card for 2026 is more than just a piece of paper—it is your official examination license. Without it, entry into the examination hall is strictly prohibited.

As of January 22, 2026, the admit cards have not yet been publicly released but are expected imminent release by the Council. This guide covers everything you need to know about collecting, verifying, and using your admit card effectively.

Critical Dates: Mark Your Calendar

The “No-Download” Rule for Students

A common misconception is that students can download the admit card from the website. This is incorrect.

1. Schools Only: Only the Head of the School has access to the CISCE “Careers Portal” to download the batch of admit cards.
2. Physical Collection: You must physically go to your school to collect the hard copy.
3. Authentication: The printout is invalid unless it bears:
   • The Principal’s Signature.
   • The official School Stamp/Seal.

The 5-Point Verification Checklist

Do not leave the school office until you have verified these five specific details. Errors here can lead to result withholding.

1. UID (Unique ID): This 7-digit number is your permanent identity with CISCE. It remains the same for all your papers.
2. Index Number: This indicates your specific school and center code (e.g., T/4567/009).
3. Name Spelling: Check against your birth certificate. A typo here means a typo on your final pass certificate.
4. Subjects: Ensure every subject you are sitting for is listed. (e.g., If you dropped Math for EVS, ensure Math is not listed).
5. Signature: Ensure the printed signature image matches your actual signature.

⚠️ Found an Error?

• Do not panic.
• Inform the School Principal immediately.
• The school will contact the Council to issue an official correction letter or a duplicate corrected card.

Exam Day “War Room” Protocol

1. The “15-Minute” Golden Rule

• Arrival: Reach the center 30-45 minutes before the exam. Gates often close 15 minutes prior.
• Reading Time: Question papers are distributed at 10:45 AM (for 11:00 AM exams). You have 15 minutes strictly for reading.
  • Strategy: Use this time to choose your optional questions (e.g., “Attempt 3 out of 5”). Do not pick up your pen to write until 11:00 AM.

2. Allowed & Banned Items

3. Dress Code

• Regular Candidates: You must wear your official school uniform.
• Private Candidates: Light-colored, formal/decent attire.

Troubleshooting: “What If…?”

Q: I lost my Admit Card a day before the exam!

• Action: Contact your School Principal immediately. They can issue a duplicate card or an emergency letter of authorization allowing you to sit for the exam.
• Prevention: Keep a photocopy at home and a photo of it on your parent’s phone.

Q: My center is not my school.

• Action: Visit the external center one day before the exam to figure out the travel time and exact location. Do not rely on Google Maps on the morning of the exam.

A Note for Parents

• Do Not Laminate Yet: Invigilators often need to sign the admit card during the exam. Laminate it only after the exams are over (for keeping it safe for the future).
• Safety Net: Take 2-3 photocopies of the signed admit card. Keep one in the car/bag as a backup.
• Preserve It: This document is required to check the Results in May and for future college admissions.

Next Step for You

Since the ISC exams begin on Feb 12 and ICSE on Feb 17, you have roughly 3-4 weeks left.

FAQs

What is the ICSE/ISC Admit Card 2026?
It is the official document issued by CISCE through schools that permits a student to appear in the ICSE (Class 10) or ISC (Class 12) board examinations.

Is the ICSE/ISC Admit Card mandatory for the exam?
Yes, without the original admit card, students are not allowed to enter the examination hall under any circumstances.

When will the ICSE and ISC Admit Cards 2026 be released?
They are expected to be released in the last week of January 2026 or the first week of February 2026.

Can students download the ICSE/ISC Admit Card online?
No, students cannot download the admit card themselves. Only schools can access and print them.

Who downloads the admit card from the CISCE portal?
Only the Head of the School (Principal) can download admit cards from the CISCE Careers Portal.

How do students collect their admit cards?
Students must physically visit their school and collect the hard copy issued by the school.

Is a digital copy or photocopy of the admit card acceptable?
No, only the original hard copy with official authentication is valid.

What makes an admit card valid?
It must have the Principal’s signature and the official school stamp or seal.

What details should be verified on the admit card?
UID, Index Number, correct spelling of name, subjects listed, and the printed signature.

What is the UID on the admit card?
UID is a 7-digit Unique Identification Number that remains the same for all CISCE examinations.

What is the Index Number?
It identifies the student’s school and examination center and is required for all official records.

What happens if the name is misspelled on the admit card?
The error can appear on the final pass certificate if not corrected, so it must be reported immediately.

What should be done if a subject is wrongly mentioned?
Inform the school immediately so they can request a correction from the Council.

What if there is an error in any detail on the admit card?
The student should inform the Principal, who will coordinate with CISCE for correction or reissue.

Will CISCE issue a corrected admit card if there is a mistake?
Yes, CISCE can issue a correction letter or a duplicate corrected admit card through the school.

When do ISC Class 12 exams begin in 2026?
ISC examinations start on February 12, 2026.

When do ICSE Class 10 exams begin in 2026?
ICSE examinations start on February 17, 2026.

What is the exam mode for ICSE and ISC 2026?
All exams are conducted offline in pen-and-paper mode.

What time should students reach the exam center?
Students should reach 30–45 minutes early, as gates often close 15 minutes before the exam.

Is there reading time before writing the exam?
Yes, students get 15 minutes strictly for reading the question paper.

Can students write during reading time?
No, writing during reading time is strictly prohibited.

What items must be carried to the exam center?
Original admit card, permitted stationery, and a transparent water bottle.

Are mobile phones allowed inside the exam hall?
No, mobile phones, smartwatches, and electronic devices are strictly banned.

Are calculators allowed in ICSE exams?
Generally, calculators are not allowed for ICSE (Class 10) exams.

Are calculators allowed in ISC exams?
Yes, for subjects like Mathematics and Physics, approved scientific calculators are allowed.

Is there a dress code for the examinations?
Regular candidates must wear school uniform, while private candidates should wear formal attire.

What happens if a student loses the admit card before the exam?
The student must immediately contact the school, which can issue a duplicate or authorization letter.

Can students appear for the exam with a duplicate admit card?
Yes, if it is officially issued by the school with proper authentication.

Should the admit card be laminated?
No, it should not be laminated before exams, as invigilators may need to sign it.

Why should parents keep photocopies of the admit card?
Photocopies act as a backup in case the original is misplaced.

Is the admit card required after exams?
Yes, it is needed to check results and for future admission and verification purposes.

When are ICSE and ISC 2026 results expected?
Results are expected to be declared in May 2026.

Can parents help in correcting errors on the admit card?
Yes, parents can coordinate with the school to ensure corrections are requested promptly.

Is visiting the exam center in advance recommended?
Yes, especially if the center is not the student’s school, to avoid last-day confusion.

Does CISCE communicate directly with students regarding admit cards?
No, all communication is routed through schools only.

What is the most important thing students should remember about the admit card?
It is their examination license and must be kept safe, verified, and carried to every exam.