Ever stared at a college or job application and wondered what the official name for your 12th class qualification in India should be? You’re not alone. The answer changes depending on your school board, and it can get awkward if you write something that's not recognized.

Here’s the thing: there isn’t just one universal term for this degree. The name shifts depending on whether you studied under CBSE, ICSE, or a state board. Getting it right actually matters—especially when you're filling out competitive exams, university applications, or passport documents. Mess it up and your documents might get rejected, or worse, land in the never-ending 'verification pending' pile.

• What Is the 12th Class Degree Actually Called?
• Different Names in Different Education Boards
• Why Does the Name Matter for Applications?
• Handy Tips for Certificates and Next Steps

What Is the 12th Class Degree Actually Called?

If you’ve just finished your 12th class in India, you might wonder what this achievement is called officially. Here’s the plain answer: there isn’t one single label, but a few widely accepted names pop up across India. The most common term is “Higher Secondary” or “Senior Secondary.” You’ll see that phrase on most certificates from the CBSE board: “All India Senior School Certificate Examination.” If you studied under ICSE, they use “Indian School Certificate (ISC)” for 12th standard pass-outs.

In government forms or university applications, you’ll often fill in “12th Pass,” “Higher Secondary,” or “Senior Secondary.” Some people call it “Intermediate,” especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh. But, no one writes just “Class 12” as their qualification. That would look odd and may even confuse some officials.

Here’s what the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) says on its certificate:

"This is to certify that [Name] has passed the All India Senior School Certificate Examination conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education."

So, if you’re filling out a form and stuck at the ‘Name of Qualification’ box, pick one of these depending on your board:

• CBSE: Senior Secondary or Higher Secondary (All India Senior School Certificate)
• ICSE: Indian School Certificate (ISC)
• State Boards: Higher Secondary, Intermediate, or the board’s exact wording

Make sure you match what’s printed on your actual certificate. That’s the safest move and saves you from unnecessary hassles later on.

Different Names in Different Education Boards

Here’s where a lot of confusion starts: every education board in India seems to have its own way of naming the 12th class qualification. If you check your certificate or marksheet, you’ll spot different terms depending on where you studied.

Let’s break it down:

• CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education): The term you’ll see is “Senior School Certificate,” but people also call it “Class 12” or “12th Standard.” On official forms, write it as “Senior Secondary (Class XII)” or “12th CBSE Board.”
• ICSE/ISC (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations): Here, after finishing 10th you get an “ICSE” certificate, but for 12th it’s “ISC” – “Indian School Certificate.” On applications, just write “ISC” or “12th ISC Board.”
• State Boards (like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, UP, etc.): The name shifts around, but “Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)” or “Pre-University Course (PUC)” are common. In Karnataka, you’ll hear “PUC,” while Maharashtra sticks to “HSC.”

One tricky part is college forms asking for the ‘Name of Exam Passed.’ Here’s a quick tip: always copy the term as it appears on your official certificate or marksheet. That way, there’s less chance of a verification mismatch. If you’re unsure, double-check with your school office or look at your board’s official website.

Different names, same stage of education—just make sure you use the one that matches your board to avoid confusion later on.

Why Does the Name Matter for Applications?

When you fill out an online admission form or a job application, you’ll notice a field asking for your 12th class qualification. Writing the right name isn’t just about sounding smart—it actually affects how your documents get processed. Mess up the title and sometimes, your form doesn’t match the board records, slowing things down or even getting it rejected.

Let’s break it down with an example. If you select “Higher Secondary Certificate” when your board actually calls it “Senior School Certificate Examination,” there’s a chance your details won’t match with your submitted mark sheet. For CBSE students, the official term is “Senior School Certificate (Class XII)” or “All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE).” State boards use “Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)” or “Intermediate.” Each name matches a specific result format in board records.

Most college admission panels and job recruiters want these names to match exactly with your certificate. Otherwise, you might have to explain the mismatch by providing extra affidavits or certificates. This can eat up time and add extra steps to the application process.

It’s especially important when it comes to government competitive exams—think NEET, JEE, and UPSC. These forms ask for precise board names and exam titles. Any mix-up can cost your application or delay your admit card. Even for things like applying for a passport or scholarships, these technicalities matter.

• Always read the instructions on forms to check what name they want for your qualification.
• Look at your marksheet—use the name printed there, not the one everyone casually uses.
• If you’re from a state board, double-check you’re not confusing “Intermediate” with “Higher Secondary”—some states use one, some use the other.

Using the exact, board-approved name for your 12th class qualification saves you hassle and keeps your application moving smoothly.

Handy Tips for Certificates and Next Steps

Your 12th class certificate isn’t just another piece of paper—it’s the ticket to college, jobs, and even a bunch of government exams. Don’t underestimate how much hinges on this single document. Here’s what you really need to know.

First off, make sure you collect your original 12th standard marksheet and passing certificate from your school. These usually arrive a month or two after results. Do not lose them. Without these, admissions and job verifications can hit a dead-end. If originals are lost, you’ll have to apply for duplicates through your education board—trust me, this can take ages and is mostly a hassle you want to avoid.

• Scan and save digital copies of both your marksheet and certificate. Lots of universities and employers now accept scanned PDFs for initial processing.
• Check that your name, date of birth, and subjects match what’s on your other documents. Any small mistakes can trip you up later, especially in government or study abroad processes.
• For any corrections needed, contact your board (like CBSE or State Board) as soon as you spot the error. There’s often a deadline for making changes.

Next up: when you’re filling out forms, use the official name shown on your certificate—like ‘Senior School Certificate Examination’ for CBSE or ‘Higher Secondary Certificate’ for many state boards. Don’t make up your own version, or you might confuse the people processing your paperwork.

1. Keep a small folder (physical or digital) with all 10th and 12th certificates, passport-size photos, and ID copies ready. This is a lifesaver during admissions or last-minute job interviews.
2. If you’re applying abroad, some countries ask for an ‘apostille’ or board verification; check this early because it can take weeks.
3. When signing up for entrance exams (like NEET, JEE, or state-level tests), double-check the way you enter your qualification name and roll number. Mistakes can delay your admit cards or results.

One last thing: Don’t lend your original documents to anyone, not even tuition centers, unless you absolutely trust them. You’ll need them at every new step, from university registration to your first job. Safe handling is half the battle won.