The ICSE council has decided to introduce project work carrying 20 marks in Indian languages, Elective English and several other subjects for students appearing for Class XII (ISC) examinations in 2021.

In a letter on Friday, Gerry Arathoon, the chief executive and secretary of the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), informed heads of schools presenting candidates for the ISC 2021 about the change.

“Please note that from ISC Examination Year 2021 onwards, instead of one theory paper of 100 marks, there will be two papers in the following subjects, comprising a theory paper of 80 marks and project work of 20 marks,” Arathoon said.

The subjects are: Indian languages, Elective English, Classical Languages (Arabic, Sanskrit, Persian), Modern Foreign Languages, Electricity & Electronics, Engineering Science, Geometrical and Mechanical Drawing, Geometrical and Building Drawing.

Indian languages include Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, Malayalam and other languages that students who choose a second language paper for the Plus II course study.

In January, the council had announced 20-mark projects in English language, English literature and Mathematics for the 2021 ISC examination.

The council has said it will share the sample question papers with the schools shortly.

Several school heads feel the introduction of project work in these subjects would ease the load for students.

“This means students will get three hours to appear for the 80- mark theory paper. The 20-mark project would make the subjects more scoring for the students,” said Sujoy Biswas, principal of Rammohan Mission High School.

“It is going to help students, especially this year, when there is no face-to-face learning. Students will also be able to expand their scope of learning,” said Seema Sapru, principal of The Heritage School.