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The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), a private board formed to administer exams for the General Education course in accordance with the suggestions made by the New Education Policy,1986, administers the ICSE test. Continue reading to learn more about the best ICSE Schools in India, their Eligibility Criteria, the Admission Process and more.
Table of Contents
Must Read: ICSE vs CBSE
What is ICSE Board?
The Indian Certificate of Secondary Examination is known by its full name, ICSE. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), a private board established to provide education in conformity with the New Education Policy 1986 recommendations, oversees the ICSE Board (India). In 1958, the CISCE was created. Every year, the ICSE Board administers the English-medium ICSE Class 10 and ICSE Class 12 exams.
The below table shows a few highlights of the ICSE Board:
| Board Name | Indian Certificate of Secondary Education. |
| Type | Non- government school board of Education |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Establishment Year | 1958 |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Mode of Examination | Offline |
| Conducting Authority | The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) |
Why Study In ICSE Schools in India?
The ICSE board’s curriculum is designed to help pupils develop their analytical skills by giving them hands-on experience with the subjects they are studying.
- ICSE-affiliated schools are more beneficial for students opting for foreign universities and schools.
- The ICSE Board has Nationally and globally recognized certification.
- The board is famous for its comprehensive syllabus & excellent subject options.
Relevant Read: English ICSE Class 10 Syllabus
List Of Best ICSE Schools in India
These are some top ICSE schools in India:
- Jamnabai Narsee School, Mumbai
- Mallya Aditi International School, Bangalore
- The Valley School, New Delhi
- La Martiniere For Boys, Kolkata
- Abacus Montessori School, Chennai
- Hiranandani Foundation School, Mumbai
- Bishop Cotton School, Shimla
Top 5 ICSE Schools in India
Here are key details of the 5 best ICSE schools in India.
Jamnabai Narsee School, Mumbai
Founded in 1971, Jamnabai Narsee School offers a blend of academics and holistic development in Mumbai. This co-educational institution prepares students for the ICSE (10th Grade) and International Baccalaureate Diploma (12th Grade).
Beyond academics, the school fosters creativity and innovation through facilities like art rooms, fashion design labs, and an “Innovation Lab” equipped for robotics and 3D printing. Well-equipped science labs, a library, and dedicated spaces for music and dance further enrich the student experience.
Mallya Aditi International School, Bangalore
Established in 1984, Mallya Aditi International School (MAIS) is a co-educational institution renowned for its top-tier education. Affiliated with CISCE and offering AICE & IGCSE qualifications, MAIS fosters a global perspective through its curriculum and internationally trained teachers.
With a focus on holistic development, the school boasts a spacious five-acre campus featuring well-equipped libraries, science labs, a technology centre, and sports facilities. This award-winning environment empowers students to become confident innovators, preparing them for success in further studies and future endeavours.
Bishop Cotton School, Shimla
Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, a renowned English medium boarding school affiliated with the CISCE, offers a holistic educational experience for boys. By balancing academics and extracurriculars, the school provides coaching in various sports and fosters interest through clubs like quizzing and creative writing. Also, this Shimla-based school prioritises hygiene by ensuring daily bathing, laundry facilities, and fresh clothing among students.
In addition, the academic institution embraces diversity by teaching students to respect all religions. This is evident in its inclusive chapel services and celebration of Christian and Hindu festivals. This comprehensive approach sets Bishop Cotton School apart, nurturing well-rounded individuals.
La Martiniere For Boys, Kolkata
Established in 1836, La Martiniere for Boys in Kolkata is a renowned all-boys school known for its academic excellence and holistic development approach. It caters to students up to the Higher Secondary level, following the ICSE and ISC curriculum.
Students are encouraged to excel in academics and various co-curricular activities, fostering well-rounded individuals. The school boasts a rich legacy and a strong reputation, consistently ranking among the top schools in India.
Hiranandani Foundation School, Mumbai
Hiranandani Foundation School, located in Mumbai, India, is a highly respected educational institution affiliated with the Hiranandani Foundation, which oversees many schools and educational projects. Founded by the esteemed Hiranandani Group, a major real estate company in India, the school is dedicated to providing top-notch education and overall development to its students.
It follows the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) curriculum, known for its thorough and comprehensive approach to learning. From kindergarten to higher secondary levels, the school offers a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities, including sports and arts, to nurture students’ talents. Situated in Powai, Mumbai, the school benefits from a prime location in a well-developed suburb, serving as a center for educational institutions, IT firms, and residential areas.
Major Subjects In ICSE Schools in India
Group 1 consists of all the compulsory subjects, while you are allowed to opt for any two or three subjects from the second group and one subject from Group 3.
The table below displays the subjects of Class IX and X.
| Group I | Group II | Group III |
| English | Mathematics | Drama |
| Second Language | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Dance |
| History, Civics & Geography | Economics | Art |
| Science Application | Modern Foreign Language | Technical Art |
| Environmental Science | Mass Media Communication | |
| One Classical Language | Computer Application | |
| Physical Education | ||
| Environmental Application |
Relevant Read: Class 10 ICSE Maths
Admission Process For ICSE Schools in India
- By enrolling in any school or organisation connected to the ICSE Board, candidates can get entrance into the board.
- The ICSE Board advises that students exclusively enrol through ICSE-associated universities and forbids external or private students.
- Depending on the institution and its behaviour code, the admissions process will change.
- Registration: A candidate is registered for the ICSE Board Examination through their school or institution as soon as they enrol in an ICSE Affiliated school or institution.
List of Some Best ICSE Schools With a Fee Structure
Here is a list of some of the best ICSE Schools in India with their fee structure. Check them out:
| Schools | Class | Avg. Fee Structure | Location |
| Missouri Girls & boys school | Nursery to 10th | 7,200 annual fees | Delhi |
| Swami Hariharanand school | Nursery to 10th | 14,400 annual fees | Delhi |
| The Frank Anthony Public School | Nursery to 12th | 57,540 annual fees | Delhi |
| Bal Bhawan school | Nursery To 12th | 90,900 annual fees | Delhi |
| Blue Bell School International | Nursery To 12th | 1,04,000 annual fees | Delhi |
Grade-Wise Fee Structure
| Grade | Average Fee |
| Grade UKG up to Grade 5 ranges | INR 42,672 to 47,376 per annum. |
| Grade 6 up to Grade 9 ranges | INR 50,976 to 54,828 per annum. |
| Grade 10 up to Grade 12 ranges | INR 60,912 to 72,372 per annum. |
Relevant Read: Class 10 ICSE Physics
ICSE Board: Exam Sessions
The best ICSE Schools in India follow the ICSE Board dates. The exam session for the academic years and exam sessions grade-wise is given below:
ICSE Board Class 6th – 12th Academic Year
With the exception of the Hill station schools, which may start their academic year as early as early February, every school associated with the ICSE Board is urged by the council to start their academic year in the second to the third week of March and in the first week of July.
ICSE Board Class 6th – 12th Exam Sessions
ICSE conducts terminal exams for classes 6th – 12th in the months of November to December and February to March.
| Term I End | November- December |
| Term II End Annual | February – March |
Relevant Read: Class 10 ICSE Chemistry
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FAQs
Ans. The ICSE curriculum will be advantageous for pupils who want to take entrance exams for international studies and are considering doing so. It emphasises topics including the arts, language, and sciences. It is the best option for students who want to pursue jobs in administration, the arts, or literature.
Ans. While ICSE emphasises practical knowledge, the CBSE curriculum is more focused on theoretical principles. While ICSE Board places equal weight on all academic streams, including Art, Language, Science, Mathematics, and even Humanities, CBSE places a strong emphasis on math and science.
Ans. The ICSE Board, on the other hand, offers pupils a thorough and practical-based curriculum to help them gain a deep understanding of the subject. This is one of the main causes behind ICSE’s reputation as India’s toughest board.
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