The CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 is scheduled for July 15, 2026. With the CBSE Class 12 main board results declared on May 13, 2026, students placed in the Compartment category can now register for the second board examination. The List of Candidates (LOC) registration window is currently open and closes on June 17, 2026 — schools must submit all student details before this deadline without fail.
A compartment exam gives students a second opportunity to pass in the subject(s) they failed, without losing the entire academic year. Students who pass the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 receive a supplementary mark sheet showing "Pass (Compartment)," which is accepted for college admissions and higher studies across India. Students who fail the compartment exam retain one further attempt before being classified as Essential Repeat.
CBSE provides a maximum of three board-level attempts: the original main exam and up to two compartment sittings spread across subsequent years. Students who exhaust all three attempts may consider enrolling in NIOS as an alternative route to complete Class 12.
- Students who fail in 1 or 2 subjects in CBSE Class 12 2026 are eligible for the compartment exam; failing 3 or more subjects results in "Essential Repeat" status with no compartment chance.
- The CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 is scheduled for July 15, 2026 — you appear only for your failed subject(s).
- The LOC registration window is open from June 2 to June 17, 2026; regular students must apply through their school immediately.
- The admit card is expected around July 7, 2026 on the official CBSE portal at cbse.gov.in.
- You must score at least 33% marks separately in both theory and practical/internal assessment to pass each subject.
- CBSE allows a maximum of 3 total board attempts to clear Class 12 (original main exam plus up to 2 compartment sittings).
- Passing compartment updates your result to Pass (Compartment), fully valid for undergraduate admissions.
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026
CBSE declared the Class 12 main board results for 2026 on May 13, 2026. Students placed in the Compartment category — those who failed in exactly one or two subjects — are now eligible to register for the July 2026 compartment exam through their school. Improvement candidates who passed all subjects but wish to improve marks in one subject may also appear. For students from the 2025 batch appearing in their second compartment sitting, this is the final opportunity before being classified as Essential Repeat and required to repeat the full academic year.
- CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Date Sheet 2026
- CBSE Class 12 Compartment Admit Card 2026
- CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Syllabus
- CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Pattern 2026
- Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions
- CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026
- CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Fee Structure
- CBSE Class 12 Passing Marks Criteria 2026
- CBSE Class 12 Grading System
- CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam FAQs
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Date Sheet 2026
The CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 is scheduled for July 15, 2026. Each student appears only for the subject(s) in which they were placed in Compartment — you do not re-sit subjects you have already cleared. The complete subject-wise datesheet will be published on cbse.gov.in ahead of the exam; check the official website regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Time | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 2026 | Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 (All Compartment Subjects) |
Note: Students receive an additional 15 minutes of reading time from 10:15 AM to 10:30 AM. You must reach the exam centre before 10:00 AM. The subject-wise schedule for all streams will be published on cbse.gov.in before the exam.
The following table shows all important dates for the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 cycle. Upcoming events are listed first in chronological order, followed by past events.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| LOC / Registration Deadline (Schools) | June 17, 2026 | (Open — Closes June 17) |
| Admit Card Release | ~July 7, 2026 | (Expected) |
| Compartment Exam | July 15, 2026 | (Upcoming) |
| Result Declaration | August 2026 | (Expected) |
| Main Board Result Declared | May 13, 2026 | (Over) |
| LOC / Registration Opens | June 2, 2026 | (Over) |
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Admit Card 2026
The CBSE Class 12 Compartment Admit Card 2026 is expected to be released approximately one week before the exam — around July 7, 2026 — on the official CBSE portal at cbse.gov.in. You must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid government-issued photo ID to the exam centre; entry is not permitted without it.
- Regular Students: Your school will download and distribute the admit card on your behalf through the CBSE portal. Follow up with your school’s exam coordinator if you have not received it by July 10, 2026.
- Private Candidates: Download the admit card directly from cbse.gov.in using your roll number and registration credentials provided during the LOC submission process.
- Improvement Candidates: The admit card process is the same as for compartment students; your school will handle the download and distribution.
Where are CBSE Class 12 compartment exams held?
The CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 is held at the same government-designated examination centres used for the main board exam. Regular students are allotted centres in or near their school’s district. Private candidates are assigned centres based on their registered address at the time of application. Your exam centre address is printed on the admit card — verify the route and travel time well in advance so you reach before the 10:00 AM reporting time on July 15, 2026.
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 is identical to the main board exam syllabus — the same rationalised curriculum that applied to the February–March 2026 board exams. No syllabus changes or reductions are made specifically for compartment students; every chapter, unit, and sub-topic from the main board syllabus is in scope.
CBSE publishes official subject-wise syllabus PDFs on its Academic website (cbseacademic.nic.in). Use these as your primary reference. Focus specifically on high-weightage units and practice the question types (MCQs, case-based, short answer, long answer) specified in the official sample paper for each subject.
| CBSE Class 12 Subject | Download Syllabus PDF |
|---|---|
| English Core | Download from CBSE Academic Portal |
| Hindi Core | Download from CBSE Academic Portal |
| Mathematics | Download from CBSE Academic Portal |
| Physics | Download from CBSE Academic Portal |
| Chemistry | Download from CBSE Academic Portal |
| Biology | Download from CBSE Academic Portal |
| Accountancy | Download from CBSE Academic Portal |
| Business Studies | Download from CBSE Academic Portal |
| Economics | Download from CBSE Academic Portal |
| History | Download from CBSE Academic Portal |
| Geography | Download from CBSE Academic Portal |
| Political Science | Download from CBSE Academic Portal |
| All Other Subjects | Visit CBSE Academic Portal for full list |
Note: The syllabus published on cbseacademic.nic.in for the 2025–26 academic session is the authoritative reference for the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026. The same unit weightage and chapter list that applied to the main board exam apply here.
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Pattern 2026
The CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 follows the same pattern as the main board exam held in February–March 2026. Each subject carries 100 marks total, split between a theory paper (70 or 80 marks, depending on the subject) and internal assessment or practical work (20 or 30 marks) — and the compartment exam covers only the theory paper component. Practical and internal assessment marks from the original main board exam are carried forward unchanged.
Theory papers are 3 hours long and include a mix of objective (MCQ), case-based, short answer, and long answer questions as per the official sample paper format for each subject. No negative marking applies to any section.
| Subject | Theory Marks | Practical / Internal Assessment | Key Sections | Types of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Core | 80 | 20 (Internal) | Reading, Writing & Grammar, Literature | MCQ, Short Answer, Long Answer |
| Hindi Core | 80 | 20 (Internal) | Apathit Gadyansh, Lekhan Kaushal, Sahitya | MCQ, Short Answer, Long Answer |
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 (Internal) | Calculus, Algebra, Vectors & 3D, Probability | MCQ, Case-Based, Short Answer, Long Answer |
| Physics | 70 | 30 (Practical) | Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Optics, Modern Physics | MCQ, Case-Based, Short Answer, Long Answer |
| Chemistry | 70 | 30 (Practical) | Physical, Organic, Inorganic Chemistry | MCQ, Case-Based, Short Answer, Long Answer |
| Biology | 70 | 30 (Practical) | Reproduction, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology | MCQ, Case-Based, Short Answer, Long Answer |
| Accountancy | 80 | 20 (Project) | Partnership Accounts, Company Accounts, Financial Statements Analysis | MCQ, Short Answer, Long Answer |
| Business Studies | 80 | 20 (Project) | Management, Marketing, Finance, Consumer Protection | MCQ, Short Answer, Long Answer |
| Economics | 80 | 20 (Project) | Micro Economics, Macro Economics | MCQ, Case-Based, Short Answer, Long Answer |
| History | 80 | 20 (Project) | Ancient, Medieval, Modern Indian History; Source Analysis | MCQ, Source-Based, Short Answer, Long Answer |
| Geography | 70 | 30 (Practical) | Human Geography, Indian Geography, Map Work | MCQ, Short Answer, Long Answer, Map-Based |
| Political Science | 80 | 20 (Project) | Contemporary World Politics, Indian Constitution & Politics | MCQ, Short Answer, Long Answer |
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Reading Time | 15 minutes (10:15 AM – 10:30 AM) |
| Total Marks per Subject | 100 (Theory + Practical/Internal) |
| Component Examined in Compartment | Theory paper only; practical/internal marks from main exam are carried forward |
| Passing Marks | Minimum 33% separately in theory and practical/internal |
| Medium of Exam | English, Hindi, and applicable regional languages |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Exam Date | July 15, 2026 |
Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions PDF
Solving previous year CBSE Class 12 Compartment question papers is one of the most effective ways to prepare. These papers reveal the exact difficulty level, question distribution, and recurring topics that the Board tests in the compartment sitting. CBSE publishes official question papers and marking schemes on cbse.gov.in — use these as primary reference material alongside the current year’s sample paper.
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Question Papers with Solutions
| CBSE Class 12 Compartment Question Paper | Download PDF |
|---|---|
| CBSE Class 12 Compartment Question Papers 2025 | Download PDF |
| CBSE Class 12 Compartment Question Papers 2024 | Download PDF |
| CBSE Class 12 Compartment Question Papers 2023 | Download PDF |
| CBSE Class 12 Compartment Question Papers 2022 | Download PDF |
| CBSE Class 12 Official Marking Schemes (All Years) | Download PDF |
Note: CBSE compartment question papers from 2022 onward reflect the rationalised syllabus. Papers from 2021 and earlier may include chapters removed from the current curriculum — filter carefully before using them as practice material.
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026
To appear in the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026, students must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Board. Only students whose CBSE Class 12 result shows "Compartment" — meaning they failed in exactly 1 or 2 subjects in the main board exam held in February–March 2026 — are eligible to register. Students who failed in 3 or more subjects are classified as "Essential Repeat" and are not permitted to appear in the compartment exam; they must re-enroll as regular students for the 2026–27 academic session.
Regular school students register through their school’s LOC submission on the CBSE portal. Private candidates register independently via cbse.gov.in. Students from the 2025 batch who failed their first compartment sitting are now in their second (and second-last) attempt — failing again means one more chance in July 2027, after which Essential Repeat classification becomes unavoidable.
| Criteria | Details | Key Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Failed Subjects | Failed in 1 or 2 subjects in the CBSE Class 12 main board exam 2026 | Failing 3 or more subjects leads to "Essential Repeat" — no compartment opportunity |
| Result Status on Marksheet | Result must explicitly show "Compartment" status | Students with "Pass," "Distinction," or "Fail (Essential Repeat)" on their marksheet are not eligible |
| Improvement Candidates | Students who passed all subjects but wish to improve marks in one subject | Only one subject permitted for improvement; the higher of the two marks is recorded on the final marksheet |
| 2025 Batch (Second Attempt) | Students who received Compartment status in 2025 and failed their first compartment sitting | This is their second board attempt; one more attempt (July 2027) remains before Essential Repeat classification |
| Total Permitted Attempts | Maximum 3 attempts (original main exam + 2 compartment sittings) | All three attempts must be in consecutive years; CBSE does not allow gaps between attempts for the same batch |
| Attendance Requirement | No fresh attendance requirement for the compartment registration | Compartment students already fulfilled the 75% attendance threshold during their regular academic year |
| Passing Criteria | Minimum 33% marks in both theory and practical/internal independently | A high theory score cannot compensate for a failing practical — both components must be cleared separately |
What is the rule of compartment exam in CBSE Class 12?
- Regular Students: Students who fail in 1 or 2 subjects in the CBSE Class 12 board exam are placed in Compartment. They register for the compartment exam through their school, which submits the List of Candidates (LOC) on the CBSE portal. Regular students cannot register independently.
- Private Candidates: Private candidates who receive Compartment status may register directly on cbse.gov.in, submitting their original marksheet, valid ID proof, and passport-size photographs along with the requisite fee.
- Improvement Candidates: Students who passed CBSE Class 12 but wish to improve their score in one subject may appear as improvement candidates alongside compartment students. Only one subject is permitted for improvement per sitting, and the higher of the two marks is retained in the final result.
How many chances are given in CBSE Class 12 compartment?
CBSE provides a total of three board-level attempts for Class 12 — the original main exam in February–March, plus up to two compartment sittings in subsequent Julys. A student placed in Compartment after the main exam gets the July compartment exam as their second attempt. If they fail the July compartment, they receive one final attempt — the following year’s July compartment — before CBSE classifies them as Essential Repeat, after which the only path is re-enrollment as a regular student or pursuing NIOS.
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam: Number of Attempts
| Attempt | Tentative Schedule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Attempt (Main Exam) | February – March 2026 | Regular CBSE Class 12 Board Exam; failing 1–2 subjects places you in Compartment; failing 3+ means Essential Repeat |
| Second Attempt (First Compartment Sitting) | July 15, 2026 | For 2026 batch students placed in Compartment; LOC registration closes June 17, 2026 |
| Third Attempt (Second and Final Compartment Sitting) | July 2027 | Final opportunity for 2026 batch students who fail the July 2026 compartment; failing this leads to Essential Repeat classification |
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam Fee Structure
The CBSE Compartment Exam fee is collected per subject and paid through schools on behalf of regular students during the LOC submission process. Students appearing in two compartment subjects pay the per-subject fee twice; no flat-rate combined fee exists. Late LOC submission, if permitted by CBSE, attracts an additional late fee over and above the base per-subject amount.
| Candidate Category | Fee per Subject | Late Fee (Additional) |
|---|---|---|
| Schools in India (Regular Students) | ₹320 | ₹2,000 |
| Nepal (Schools in Nepal) | ₹1,100 | ₹2,000 |
| Schools Outside India (excluding Nepal) | ₹2,200 | ₹2,000 |
| Private Candidates (India) | ₹320 | ₹2,000 |
Note: Fee amounts above are based on CBSE’s standard structure for the 2025–26 academic session. Always verify the exact applicable fee on cbse.gov.in before payment, as CBSE may revise amounts via official notification. Fee is payable online through the CBSE portal only — no cash payments are accepted at regional offices or exam centres.
No refund of the compartment exam fee is issued once the LOC has been submitted — verify all student details for accuracy before final submission.
CBSE Class 12 Passing Marks Criteria 2026
CBSE requires students to independently clear both the theory and practical/internal components of each subject to be declared Pass. The minimum passing mark is 33% in the theory paper AND 33% in the practical/internal assessment separately — a high theory score cannot compensate for a failing practical component. For subjects with an 80-mark theory paper (languages, mathematics, commerce, and most humanities subjects), students need at least 26 out of 80 in theory. For subjects with a 70-mark theory paper (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography), students need at least 23 out of 70.
| Subject | Theory Marks | Practical / Internal Marks | Passing Marks (Theory) | Passing Marks (Practical / Internal) | Total Passing Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Core | 80 | 20 | 26 | 7 | 33 |
| Hindi Core | 80 | 20 | 26 | 7 | 33 |
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 | 26 | 7 | 33 |
| Physics | 70 | 30 | 23 | 10 | 33 |
| Chemistry | 70 | 30 | 23 | 10 | 33 |
| Biology | 70 | 30 | 23 | 10 | 33 |
| Accountancy | 80 | 20 | 26 | 7 | 33 |
| Business Studies | 80 | 20 | 26 | 7 | 33 |
| Economics | 80 | 20 | 26 | 7 | 33 |
| History | 80 | 20 | 26 | 7 | 33 |
| Geography | 70 | 30 | 23 | 10 | 33 |
| Political Science | 80 | 20 | 26 | 7 | 33 |
Is 23 a passing mark out of 70 in CBSE Class 12?
Yes. 23 out of 70 equals 32.86%, which CBSE rounds up to meet the 33% threshold — making 23 the minimum passing mark in theory papers worth 70 marks (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Geography). Any score of 23 or above out of 70 in the theory component satisfies the passing criterion for that component. However, students must also independently pass the practical (minimum 10 out of 30) to be declared Pass in the subject overall — clearing one component but not the other results in a fail for the entire subject.
CBSE Class 12 Passing Marks — Quick Reference
| Component | Maximum Marks | 33% Threshold | Minimum Passing Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory (Languages, Maths, Commerce, Humanities) | 80 | 26.4 | 26 |
| Theory (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography) | 70 | 23.1 | 23 |
| Internal Assessment | 20 | 6.6 | 7 |
| Practical Examination | 30 | 9.9 | 10 |
Overall, a student must pass in at least 5 subjects to be declared "Passed" in CBSE Class 12. In the compartment scenario, clearing the compartment subject(s) brings the total passed-subjects count to 5 or more, converting the result from Compartment to Pass (Compartment).
CBSE Class 12 Grading System
CBSE uses a 9-point grading scale for Class 12, assigned subject-by-subject based on the marks obtained. Grades A1 through D represent passing performance (33% and above), while grades E1 and E2 indicate failure and carry no grade point. When a student passes the compartment exam, CBSE issues a supplementary marksheet reflecting the revised grade for the cleared subject — typically upgrading from E1 or E2 to D or higher, depending on compartment exam performance.
| Grade | Marks Range | Grade Point | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 91 – 100 | 10 | Outstanding |
| A2 | 81 – 90 | 9 | Excellent |
| B1 | 71 – 80 | 8 | Very Good |
| B2 | 61 – 70 | 7 | Good |
| C1 | 51 – 60 | 6 | Above Average |
| C2 | 41 – 50 | 5 | Average |
| D | 33 – 40 | 4 | Pass |
| E1 | 21 – 32 | — | Fail (Compartment eligible) |
| E2 | 00 – 20 | — | Fail (Essential Repeat range) |
Students who pass the compartment exam receive a separate supplementary marksheet from CBSE while the original marksheet is retained. Both documents together constitute the complete Class 12 result, and the "Pass (Compartment)" status is accepted by all CBSE-affiliated colleges and universities for undergraduate admissions across India. The supplementary marksheet shows the revised marks and updated grade for the compartment subject.
CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam FAQs
Ques. What is the last date to register for CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026?
Ans. The last date for schools to submit the List of Candidates (LOC) for the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 is June 17, 2026. The registration window opened on June 2, 2026, and is currently live. Schools must complete the LOC submission and fee payment before the deadline — CBSE does not accept applications after June 17, 2026, in any form or through any mode.
Ques. Who is eligible for the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026?
Ans. Students whose CBSE Class 12 result (declared May 13, 2026) shows "Compartment" — meaning they failed in exactly 1 or 2 subjects — are eligible. Improvement candidates who passed all subjects but wish to raise their marks in one subject may also apply. Students who failed 3 or more subjects are classified as Essential Repeat and are not eligible for the compartment exam; they must re-enroll as regular students for 2026–27.
Ques. When is the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026?
Ans. The CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 is scheduled for July 15, 2026. The exam is held offline (pen and paper), runs for 3 hours from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, with 15 minutes of reading time before the writing begins. Students appear only for the specific subject(s) in which they received Compartment status — not for subjects already cleared.
Ques. How many attempts does CBSE allow to clear the Class 12 compartment?
Ans. CBSE allows a total of 3 board-level attempts for Class 12: the original main exam plus up to 2 subsequent compartment sittings held in July of the following two years. Students who fail all three attempts lose the right to appear further under that batch year and must either re-enroll as fresh regular students or consider NIOS as an alternative pathway to complete Class 12.
Ques. What happens if you pass the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026?
Ans. If you pass, CBSE issues a supplementary marksheet reflecting your updated marks and grade for the cleared subject(s). Your overall result changes to "Pass (Compartment)" and is accepted by all universities and colleges that recognise CBSE Class 12 — including Delhi University, central universities, and state board universities — for undergraduate admissions. Your original marksheet is retained; both documents together form your complete Class 12 result.
Keep in mind that compartment results are typically declared in August 2026, after most regular college admission rounds close. You may need to apply in the second or later rounds of undergraduate admissions.
Ques. What happens if you fail the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026?
Ans. Failing the July 2026 compartment exam leaves you with one final board attempt — the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam in July 2027. If you fail that attempt as well, CBSE classifies you as "Essential Repeat" and you must re-enroll as a full regular student from the start of the Class 12 academic year. Alternatively, NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) offers a flexible open-schooling pathway to complete Class 12 without repeating an entire year at a regular school.
Ques. What are the passing marks in CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026?
Ans. The minimum passing mark is 33% in each component separately. For an 80-mark theory paper (English, Hindi, Mathematics, Commerce and most Humanities subjects), you need at least 26/80. For a 70-mark theory paper (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography), you need at least 23/70. For 20-mark internal assessment, you need at least 7/20; for 30-mark practicals, at least 10/30. Clearing the theory but not the practical — or vice versa — counts as a fail for that subject.
Ques. How do regular students register for the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026?
Ans. Regular school students cannot register on their own. Your school submits your details and fee through the List of Candidates (LOC) on cbse.gov.in. The LOC window for the 2026 compartment exam is open from June 2 to June 17, 2026. If you are unsure whether your school has registered you, contact your school’s exam coordinator immediately — missing the June 17 deadline means losing the opportunity to appear in July 2026.
Ques. When will the CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 result be declared?
Ans. The CBSE Class 12 Compartment Exam 2026 result is expected in August 2026, typically within 3–4 weeks of the exam date (July 15). CBSE will announce the result on cbse.gov.in. Students can check their result using their roll number and school number. The supplementary marksheet for students who pass is dispatched to schools after result declaration.
Ques. Can compartment students apply to colleges before the result is declared?
Ans. Most undergraduate college admissions — including DU, BHU, and state university counselling — conclude their first rounds in July, before the compartment result arrives in August. Some colleges and universities do reserve seats or hold special late-admission rounds for compartment students. Students are advised to track the official admission portals of their target colleges from August onward and apply immediately once the compartment result is declared. Certain professional courses (Engineering, Medicine) have separate late-stagger admission timelines that may accommodate compartment results.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on CBSE’s official guidelines, circulars, and historical patterns for the 2025–26 academic session. Exact dates, fee amounts, and procedures are subject to revision as per official CBSE notifications. Always verify the latest information directly on the official CBSE website at cbse.gov.in before taking any registration or examination-related action.
Comments
Found 1 Comment
Since you are preparing for JEE Main 2027, your focus should be on rebuilding Mathematics step by step while improving overall CBSE board marks. Aim for daily consistency, NCERT mastery, PYQs, and regular mock tests. Even after a compartment in Maths, scoring 75% is achievable with disciplined study, proper revision, and balanced attention to Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.