In a pattern shift, the ICSE board conducted practical examinations in its schools this year instead of following its usual practice of evaluating the papers at centralised marking centres.

"This year the practical examinations were evaluated in schools on the days of the respective exams as opposed to the earlier practice of evaluating them at centralised marking centres," a senior Board official said.

The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has also reduced the passing mark for students of class X from 35 per cent to 33 per cent and for class XII to 35 per cent from 40 per cent this academic session.

A total of 1,84,253  candidates are appearing for the ICSE Class X examination this year while 81,758 candidates have registered for ISC Class XII exam 2018.