Every Indian parent has a primary focus on adapting means and making choices that will contribute to their child's overall development. It comprises working on academic skills along with establishing their interests and future goals. One of the most critical decisions that ultimately determines a child's development is the school board. Three curricula widely followed in the Indian education system are CBSE, ICSE, and IGCSE.
The big question that haunts most parents is which is better, CBSE or ICSE, or whether to make a pick between IGCSE and CBSE. The proper selection can only be made if one is aware of the key inclusions and differences. Though both CBSE and ICSE are distinguished by their recognized academic standards, they serve different academic requirements while following distinct educational philosophies.
ICSE, also known as the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, is an examination conducted by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. It is a private board with a precise aim: to provide top-notch education to children. First, the ICSE Board exams are conducted for grade 10 students between February and March every year, and the Indian School Certificate exams are conducted for grades 11 and 12 during the same period.
Also Read - IGCSE vs CBSE
The curriculum followed under ICSE mainly focuses on developing English language skills, which is the key reason why it is the only medium of education across all schools that follow the ICSE pattern. This makes it clear why ICSE schools' students usually have an excellent command of the English language, and this further helps them clear English proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL while applying to International Universities.
The ICSE syllabus emphasizes application-based knowledge acquisition and skill development through project Work. Here, physical examinations carry significant weight in assigning marks. As a result, learners see this as a valuable opportunity to enhance their practical experience, which helps them prepare for fields such as arts, management, computer science, and literature.
To understand the difference between the CBSE and ICSE syllabus, gaining insight into the curriculum is a must. The CBSE board is a prominent board with massive applications across many private and public schools in India. The curriculum, which is regulated directly by the Indian government, is designed to provide a well-rounded education. CBSE board examinations are usually held in March every year for grades 10 and 12.
Here, the curriculum's primary focus is to ensure the comprehensive development of a child's personality and intellect. CBSE schools offer top-quality education that focuses on a child's overall development. If the child is inclined towards national-level entrance exams such as JEE and AIPMT, then CBSE is the right choice.
The body responsible for designing the entire CBSE curriculum is the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). It follows a standardized approach to balancing diverse streams so that students receive a solid foundation for traditional academic careers, such as engineering, medicine, and other competitive fields.
Under the evaluation process followed by ICSE, the learners are expected to understand the concepts deeply with complete clarity of thought and expression. The board is popular for its rigorous yet competitive learning philosophy. Another essential requirement for students studying under the ICSE board is that they should be able to present their answers in the proper language format. To meet this requirement, the ICSE board assesses students' writing, expression, and language skills. In addition, the board questions the examinees in a way that expects detailed answers while showcasing their language proficiency.
The evaluation process under the CBSE examination is much straightforward and emphasis is on the direct application of the critical concepts. Here, the evaluation is conducted through a mix of subjective and objective questions. CBSE is emphasizing competency-based questions and placing less emphasis on in-depth presentation and analysis. Hence, the differences in the examination and evaluation process are a significant aspect for those who need to know which is better: CBSE or ICSE.
Parents and children who are confused about NCERT vs CBSE need to analyze both boards in terms of difficulty level, language of instruction, curriculum, and evaluation procedures to make the proper selection. The ICSE curriculum is slightly more difficult than the CBSE syllabus. The CBSE curriculum focuses on primary subjects like maths and science, and students usually get straightforward questions; hence, the chances of performing well are higher in CBSE. On the other hand, ICSE offers more in-depth learning opportunities across all subjects. Therefore, the students here must deeply understand the concept and even perform well in the board exams.
Regarding the medium of instruction, ICSC is strictly English, whereas in CBSE schools, both English and Hindi are used. ICSE focuses on strengthening children's English-speaking and writing skills from the very beginning. Therefore, this is the right option for those interested in applying to foreign universities later. CBSE-affiliated schools target a broader student population in India. Students aiming for competitive exams should opt for CBSE, whereas those interested in a foreign-level education should opt for ICSE.
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