Is 70% a Good Score in ICSE?

Yes, 70% in ICSE Class 10 is a passing score and good enough for several opportunities. But whether it is truly "good" depends on your goals. It keeps most options open, but it may limit access to Science stream in competitive schools and certain scholarships. Read on to get the full, honest picture.

ICSE Grading System Explained

Before judging any score, you need to understand how ICSE actually grades students. CISCE uses a 9-point grading scale for external (board) examinations, where Grade 1 is the highest and Grade 9 is the lowest.

Percentage Range	Grade (External)	What It Means
90% and above	1	Outstanding
80% – 89%	2	Very Good
70% – 79%	3	Good / Pass with Credit
60% – 69%	4	Pass with Credit
50% – 59%	5	Pass with Credit
40% – 49%	6	Pass
33% – 39%	7	Pass (Borderline)
Below 33%	8 or 9	Fail

Is 70% Actually Good in ICSE?

The honest answer is: it depends on what you compare it to and what you want to do next.

Compared to the Pass Mark

The minimum passing mark in ICSE is 33% aggregate, with at least 35% in each individual subject. Scoring 70% means you are 37 percentage points above the pass mark. That is a significant buffer and reflects solid academic work.

Compared to the Average Student

In the ICSE Class 10 Result 2025, over 2.52 lakh students appeared and the overall pass percentage was 99.09%. The majority of students who pass score between 60% and 85%. Scoring 70% places you in the middle-to-upper portion of this range — solidly average to above average nationally.

Compared to Toppers

ICSE toppers typically score 97% to 99.8%. Students scoring 90% and above are considered high achievers. At 70%, you are not in the top bracket, but you are not in the bottom either. Think of it as a respectable, solid performance.

Key Takeaway: 70% in ICSE is good enough to pass, move to Class 11, and access most streams. It is above average nationally but below the highly competitive tier.

Which Stream Can You Get with 70% in ICSE?

Stream selection is where your ICSE percentage matters most. Here is a realistic guide:

Stream	Typical Cut-Off	Is 70% Enough?
Science (PCM – Engineering)	75% – 90%+	Borderline — depends on school
Science (PCB – Medical)	75% – 90%+	Borderline — depends on school
Commerce	60% – 75%	Yes — comfortably eligible
Humanities / Arts	50% – 65%	Yes — strong candidate
Vocational / Diploma Courses	45% – 60%	Yes — very comfortable

Science stream is the most competitive. Many good schools in cities set cut-offs at 75% to 85% or higher for Science, especially for PCM. At exactly 70%, you may just miss the Science stream in competitive urban schools but can access it comfortably in smaller towns or less-selective schools.

Commerce and Humanities are entirely within reach at 70%. These streams offer strong career paths in fields like business, law, economics, media, and social sciences.

Subject Marks Matter More Than Overall Percentage

In ICSE, stream eligibility often depends on your performance in specific subjects, not just your overall percentage. Schools frequently set subject-wise minimums alongside the overall cut-off.

For Science Stream

Most schools require at least 65% to 75% in Mathematics and Science individually. Even if your overall score is 70%, a low Maths score (say, 55%) can block you from Science stream at many schools.

For Commerce Stream

Good performance in English and Mathematics (or Economics) is preferred. A 70% overall with decent English marks works well for Commerce admission at most schools.

For Humanities Stream

English performance carries significant weight here. Strong marks in History, Civics, or Geography alongside 70% overall make you a good candidate for Humanities.

Tip: Do not just look at your overall percentage. Check your individual subject marks against the specific cut-offs of the schools you are applying to. These vary school by school.

Can You Get a Scholarship with 70% in ICSE?

Scholarships are one area where 70% starts to show its limitations. Most merit-based scholarships have higher eligibility thresholds:

Scholarship	Minimum Marks Required	Eligible at 70%?
CISCE Merit Scholarship	75% and above	No — just below threshold
State Government Merit Scholarships	70% – 75% (varies by state)	Possibly — check your state
Private School / Coaching Scholarships	60% – 70% (varies)	Yes — often eligible
INSPIRE Scholarship (Science)	80% and above in Class 10	No

At 70%, you may not qualify for top national scholarships, but state-level and private scholarships are still possible. Always check the specific eligibility criteria as requirements vary by year and institution.

What Should You Do If You Scored 70% in ICSE?

Accept It and Move Forward

70% in ICSE is a valid, passing result. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Board results are one data point, not a life sentence. Many students who scored 70% in Class 10 have gone on to score 90%+ in Class 12 and build strong careers.

Choose Your Stream Carefully

Be realistic about stream selection. If you want Science and your subject marks support it, apply for it. If not, Commerce or Humanities can open equally strong doors depending on your career goals. Do not pick Science just for social pressure if your marks or interest do not support it.

Focus Hard on Class 11 and 12

Class 12 board results carry far more weight for college admissions than Class 10. A student with 70% in ICSE who scores 90% in ISC Class 12 is in a significantly better position than a student who scored 85% in Class 10 but slipped in Class 12.

Consider the Improvement Exam

CISCE offers an improvement exam (usually held in July) for students who want to improve their scores in up to two subjects. If a low mark in one subject is pulling your percentage down or blocking stream access, this is worth considering.

Is 70% in ICSE the Same as 70% in CBSE?

The short answer is no — they are not directly comparable.

ICSE is widely considered more difficult than CBSE, especially in English, Science, and History. The syllabus is broader, questions are more application-based, and the marking is typically stricter. As a result, 70% in ICSE often reflects stronger subject understanding than 70% in CBSE.

Most colleges and universities that consider Class 10 marks understand this distinction. However, for stream cut-offs and scholarship eligibility, the percentage threshold is usually applied uniformly regardless of board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 70% a pass in ICSE Class 10?

Yes, absolutely. The ICSE pass mark is 33% aggregate with at least 35% in each subject. 70% is well above the passing threshold.

Can I get Science stream with 70% in ICSE?

It depends on the school. In smaller cities, 70% may be enough for Science. In metro cities or top schools, cut-offs are often 75% to 90%+. Check your specific school’s requirements.

What grade is 70% in ICSE?

70% falls in Grade 3 on the ICSE external grading scale, classified as “Good” or “Pass with Credit”. It is recorded positively on your marksheet.

Is 70% in ICSE good for college admissions?

Class 10 marks rarely affect college admissions directly. Colleges primarily look at Class 12 results and entrance exam scores. Focus your energy on performing well in Class 11 and 12.

What is the average score in ICSE Class 10?

Most students who pass ICSE score between 60% and 85%. Scoring 70% places you in the solid middle range nationally. Students scoring 90% and above are considered high achievers in ICSE.

Should I appear for the ICSE improvement exam at 70%?

It depends on your goals. If a specific subject score is blocking stream access or a scholarship you need, the improvement exam is worth considering. If 70% meets your requirements, you can move forward without it.

Final Verdict

70% in ICSE Class 10 is a good, solid score. Here is the summary in plain terms:

•        It is a Grade 3 (Pass with Credit) on the ICSE scale — well above the pass mark.

•        It places you in the middle-to-upper range among students nationally.

•        Commerce and Humanities streams are fully accessible at this score.

•        Science stream depends on your individual subject marks and your school’s cut-off.

•        Top merit scholarships may be out of reach, but private and state-level options exist.

•        Class 12 performance matters far more than Class 10 for college and career outcomes.

If you scored 70%, celebrate the pass, be smart about stream selection, and shift your focus to performing strongly in Class 11 and 12. That is where the real academic journey begins.

Remember: ICSE is a rigorous board. Scoring 70% here reflects genuine effort and understanding. Do not underestimate what you have achieved.