ISTC Entrance Exam 2027: Pattern and Marking
The ISTC entrance exam is a pen-and-paper (OMR) test of 100 multiple-choice questions in 100 minutes, at Class 10 level, covering Mathematics, Science, Aptitude, English and General Knowledge. Each correct answer earns 1 mark and each wrong answer loses 0.25 marks.
- Questions
- 100 multiple choice
- Duration
- 100 minutes
- Marking
- +1 correct, minus 0.25 wrong, 0 unattempted
- Level
- Class 10
- Subjects
- Mathematics, Science, Aptitude, English, General Knowledge
- Centres (2026)
- Chandigarh and New Delhi (Delhi only if at least 50 candidates)
- 2026 exam date
- Sunday 05 July 2026
Strategy for negative marking
With 1 mark for a right answer and minus 0.25 for a wrong one, a blind guess across four options has an expected value of zero. If you can eliminate even one option, guessing becomes worthwhile. Never guess blindly on many questions: a negative total makes you ineligible.
Time plan
You get about one minute per question. A practical approach: first pass through English and GK (quick), then Science, then Mathematics and Aptitude, which need calculation. Keep 10 minutes to check your OMR bubbling.
Exam centres
In 2026, the exam was held in Chandigarh and New Delhi. The New Delhi centre runs only if at least 50 candidates choose it; otherwise everyone writes the exam in Chandigarh. Plan travel accordingly.
Next: syllabus topics and practice questions.
Frequently asked
Is there negative marking in the ISTC exam?
Yes. One quarter of a mark (0.25) is deducted for each wrong answer. Unattempted questions score zero.
How many questions are in the ISTC entrance exam?
100 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 100 minutes.
Is the ISTC exam online or offline?
Offline, on an OMR answer sheet. The OMR sheet and answer key are uploaded on the website after the exam.
Where is the ISTC entrance exam held?
In Chandigarh, and in New Delhi if at least 50 candidates opt for it (2026 rule).
Last verified against istc.ac.in and the official 2026 Information Brochure on .