ICSE Board Admissions 2026: Application Dates, Eligibility, and Process

If you (or your child) want to take admissions under ICSE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) for 2026, there are some things to check: eligibility, deadlines, and documents. And yes, you should also find out if the school you want has its own rules or extra steps. This guide will help you follow what usually happens for ICSE admissions.

Important Dates

Here are the tentative dates for ICSE Admissions 2026. These dates may change depending on the school, so always check the school’s official site as well.

Who Can Apply (Eligibility)

Here’s what you usually need to be eligible, though individual ICSE schools may add extra things.

• To apply for Class 9, you should have passed Class 8 from a recognised board or school.

• For Class 10, you typically should have passed Class 9 from an ICSE-affiliated school. If you are from a different board, direct admission to ICSE Class 10 is usually not allowed except in special cases. You will need to check with the school.

Application Process

Here’s how the ICSE admission process for 2026 tends to go, step by step:

1. Obtain the application form
   Schools often provide application forms either online (on the school’s website) or in person.

2. Fill out the form and submit documents
   You will have to provide certain documents (more below). Some schools require you to pay a fee along with the application.

3. Entrance test / Interview (if needed)
   Many schools hold a written test to see if students can follow the ICSE style of study. After tests, some may call candidates for interviews or interactions. This helps the school assess if the student is ready for the ICSE curriculum.

4. School decision and admission finalisation
   If you pass the test (and interview, if required), then the school confirms your admission. If a school has a last date for regularising admission (like July 31, 2026, for Class 9), make sure all documents are in order by then.

Documents You Will Need

Here’s a list of documents usually asked for by ICSE schools when you apply. Always double-check with the specific school because some might ask for more.

• Birth certificate of the student

• Aadhaar card of the student (and sometimes of parents/guardians)

• Previous academic records (marksheet of the earlier class)

• Transfer certificate (if coming from another school)

• Migration certificate (if moving from a different board)

• Passport-sized photographs

• Proof of address for parents/guardians

Things to Keep in Mind

• Even though there is a tentative schedule, exact dates can vary from school to school. Some schools might start applications earlier or later than the schedule above. So, check the school’s official website or contact them.

• Admission rules for switching boards (for example, from CBSE or a State Board to ICSE) are stricter in some schools. Always ask the school if they allow direct admission in Class 10 from a different board.

• Schools may have extra tests or interviews beyond the basic entrance test. Be ready for that.

Why Some Students Choose ICSE

Lots of students like ICSE because:

• The curriculum is comprehensive and gives a wide range of subjects to choose from.

• It is known for emphasising English language skills, project work, and application-based learning (not just theory).

• ICSE is often well recognised in many parts of India and also abroad. So if you move cities or countries, the certificate often holds value.

What to Do Now

If you’re interested, here are steps you can take today:

• Find some ICSE-affiliated schools in your area. See what their admission schedules are.

• Note down which documents you already have and which you will need to get (like a migration certificate, transfer certificate).

• Keep checking the school’s official website for updates. Schools often publish notices about exact dates, fees, test patterns, etc.

• Prepare for tests or interviews—try to practice sample questions, and improve your writing in English if needed.