Higher Secondary Examination (also known as HSC) is a centralised examination that students in India take up after class 12 (12th Grade). All the State School Education Boards, CBSE, CISCE and NIOS conducts exams during the period of March-April every year. The number of subjects, type of examination (theoritical, practical or both) and grading methods differ among the boards and states. Clearing HSC is mandatory for pursuing Higher education.
CBSE calls it All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE).
CISCE calls it Indian School Certificate Examination (ISC).
NIOS calls it National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
Not all states have separate State Education Boards. CBSE , CISCE and NIOS have schools which follow their scheme of education all over the country.