What Is The Difference Between CBSE and ICSE Board?

CBSE vs ICSE

Which is better - CBSE or ICSE? Will the 10th grade be easier with ICSE? UPSC and JEE questions are based on the CBSE syllabus, so that may be better. Choosing the right education board is crucial and can pose great dilemmas for parents and students alike. The approach to learning varies with both boards, however, a lot depends on the school which has affiliated with the board too. Let us understand the difference between CBSE and ICSE Boards to help make better decisions that fit with the student’s learning style, interests and goals. 

What is CBSE?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is governed by the Government of India and approved by the National Council of Education and Research Training (NCERT). Public and private schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across India are affiliated with CBSE. Most state-run government schools are affiliated with their respective state boards, though some may choose to be affiliated with CBSE. 

At the school level, CBSE conducts two sets of examinations – 

1. All India Secondary School Examination (AISSE) for class X students 
2. All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE) for class XII students

 Features of CBSE:

1. Curriculum Structure:

   CBSE’s syllabus is standardized across the country, ensuring uniformity in education. Core subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Languages form the backbone of the curriculum.

2. Focus Areas:

   The curriculum emphasizes theoretical knowledge, which helps students excel in academic and entrance exams.

3. Reach and Popularity:

   CBSE is the most widely followed board in India, with a strong network of schools even in remote areas. Additionally, many CBSE-affiliated schools are located overseas.

What is ICSE?

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations or (CISCE) is a non-governmental private school education board. They conduct the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) examinations for class 10 students. The board conducts three annual examinations - 

1. Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) for Class X students
2. The Indian School Certificate (ISC) for Class XII students
3. Certificate in Vocational Education (CVE) for Year 12 students

Key Features of IGCSE:

1. Curriculum Flexibility:

IGCSE offers a wide array of subjects, including traditional disciplines, arts, and technical fields. Students have the freedom to choose combinations that align with their interests and career goals.

2. Focus on Skills:

   The IGCSE curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical application of knowledge, making it highly relevant for real-world challenges.

3. Global Recognition:

   Accepted in universities worldwide, IGCSE is often the stepping stone for students aiming for international careers.

 Top 5 Difference between CBSE and ICSE

CBSE vs ICSE : Pedagogy and Syllabus

The CBSE syllabus lays greater emphasis on STEM learning while ICSE takes a broad approach, focusing on building students’ English proficiency and analytical skills. CBSE has a structured curriculum developed by NCERT and gives a greater focus on science and mathematics. 

ICSE syllabus is more broad-based than CBSE as it gives similar levels of importance to Arts, Science and languages. The syllabus is considered challenging and offers rigorous English language training. Furthermore, ICSE offers multiple Indian languages to study such as Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, etc. They also offer creative subjects like agriculture, home science, cooking, etc. 

CBSE vs ICSE :Number of School affiliations

ICSE has approximately 2,300 schools and CBSE has 27,000 schools in India. Both boards have affiliations with schools internationally too. CBSE schools are present in major cities, towns and rural areas. ICSE is mostly offered by private schools with a concentration in urban areas.

CBSE vs ICSE :Examinations and grading

CBSE syllabus is divided into two terms - 

• The first term has case-based and assertion-based MCQs
• The 2nd term has short and long answers, open-ended questions, and case and situation-based questions. 

ICSE class 10th exam is divided into two tiers - 

• Tier 1 - MCQs
• Tier 2 - subject and objective questions

The total marks in CBSE are given out of 100 distributed across two 50-mark exams in two terms. Each term will comprise 40 marks for theory and 10 marks for internal assessments. To pass each subject, the student must score a minimum of 33%. 

CBSE has an alphabetical grading system - 

ICSE assigns 80% marks for external assessments and 20% marks for internal assessments. ICSE evaluates the applicant through obtained scores - 

CBSE vs ICSE :Difficulty Level

CBSE curriculum is said to be easier than ICSE as it focuses mainly on Science and Mathematics. The examination questions are generally straightforward and test the student’s conceptual clarity and memorisation skills. 

ICSE syllabus is considered to be tougher than CBSE because of the range of topics and equal stress on all subjects. The evaluations and assessments focus on conceptual clarity, presentation and articulation. 

CBSE vs ICSE :Preparation for Competitive Examinations

All the competitive entrance exams in India for professional courses such as Engineering and Medicine are based on the 11th and 12th-grade curriculum of the CBSE board. So, if the student aspires to appear for JEE or NEET, CBSE would be better suited to their goals. 

To apply to international colleges, students must appear for SAT, GRE, TOEFL and IELTS. Even the CAT curriculum includes English and logical reasoning. To do well in these entrance tests, the ICSE curriculum is better suited. 

To a great extent, the school that a student attends will make as much difference as the education board. Excellent schools offer various activities outside the academic sphere such as sports programmes, Arts programmes, access to competitions and more. 

Advantages of CBSE

1. Ideal for Indian Competitive Exams:

   CBSE’s syllabus aligns closely with entrance exams like JEE and NEET, making it the preferred choice for aspirants.

2. Affordable and Accessible:

   With a widespread network of schools, CBSE is an economical option for parents across India.

3. Standardized Curriculum:

   The uniformity in curriculum ensures consistency in education quality across schools.

Advantages of IGCSE

1. Global Acceptance:

   IGCSE is recognized by universities and employers worldwide, offering students a competitive edge in international education and careers.

2. Skill-Oriented Learning:

   The curriculum fosters independent thinking, creativity, and hands-on learning, equipping students with essential life skills.

3. Flexibility:

   IGCSE allows students to explore diverse interests by offering a wide variety of subjects.

CBSE vs. ICSE: Which is Better?

When deciding on an educational board for your child, the choice between CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) can be challenging. Both boards offer unique advantages and cater to different academic needs, making it essential to evaluate which is better suited for your child’s aspirations and learning style

Choosing the Right Board for Your Child

When deciding between CBSE and IGCSE, consider the following factors:

1. Career Goals:
   If your child plans to pursue higher education in India, CBSE is better aligned with national entrance exams. For international aspirations, IGCSE offers a globally recognized foundation.
2. Learning Style:
   Does your child prefer structured learning (CBSE) or hands-on exploration (IGCSE)?
3. Budget:
   CBSE schools are economical, whereas IGCSE schools are relatively expensive.
4. Location and Availability:
   Ensure that quality schools offering your preferred curriculum are accessible in your area.