The June 24 deadline for students to decide whether they will write their remaining ICSE/ISC papers or be assessed on the basis of their school performance has “ceased to exist”, the ICSE council told its schools on Wednesday.

The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations said it would not take action against schools for failing to send data on students’ choice within the deadline. But action will be taken against schools forcing students to make a choice, the council said.

In the circular issued to school heads, the council said a decision on the pending exams would depend on the outcome of the cases at Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court.

The council on Wednesday was to submit before Bombay High Court the methodology it intended to use to grade students who opt to be assessed on pre-board exams.

The matter came up for hearing in the high court on Wednesday.

The council’s advocate told the court that the methodology was ready. A case regarding the remaining papers of the CBSE would come up for hearing in the apex court on Thursday. So, if the court allows, the council will submit its report after the apex court’s hearing, the council’s advocate told the high court.

The court gave the council its permission.

The council circular cautioned schools against forcing students to make a choice regarding the remaining exams. “(The) CISCE wishes to clarify that no such action is proposed by the CISCE against schools. Further, it wishes to reassure principals that no such coercive action as apprehended will be taken against schools and on the contrary, if candidates are being forced to make a choice then in that event CISCE may take action against such schools,” the circular said.

The council has asked schools to forward a copy of the circular to all students.