CBSE vs ICSE Board: Difference Between Their Syllabus

Are you in a dilemma over the schooling of your child?

When it comes to choosing the right school for your kid, it is a challenge. Every parent tries their best to get the best school without any compromise. However, they find themselves in a quandary when it comes to choosing which board to enrol their children and what is the difference between CBSE and ICSE. The board of education makes a huge difference in providing the necessary exposure, and grooming the kids for their future.

The two most popular boards of education in the Indian Education System are CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education). So, which one is better? It is important to analyze the two before making the decision.

Overview

Both CBSE and ICSE, have their unique qualities with regard to their syllabus, curriculum, functionality, etc. When it comes to CBSE, it is the more preferred syllabus out of the two as it follows a national curriculum. Central schools, such as Kendriya Vidyalaya, are also following a CBSE curriculum. Hence, this makes it easier for the government employees with transferable jobs. This syllabus is highly structured, easy to foretell, and disciplined. The national entrance exams also take place according to their syllabus.

ICSE is handled by entirely another board of education- CISCE (Council for the Indian School of Certificate Examination). This is a spin-off of the IGCSE board, which existed during the British regime. Later, it was taken over by the Anglo-Indian Board and it is now governed by the CISCE board. ICSE has implemented several structures from NCERT. Currently, at grade 10 and grade 12, ICSE presents the toughest board examination due to its exceedingly detailed curriculum.

In CBSE, both English and Hindi can be opted as the main medium of instruction, whereas, in ICSE, English is the only medium of Instruction. Several schools all across the country are affiliated to the CBSE syllabus because it allows both CBSE candidates and students from other non-affiliated schools to appear in their exams. However, in ICSE, only students from the same board can appear for the exams.

CBSE is easier when compared to ICSE. In ICSE, the syllabus is more detailed, and the number of subjects is also more. The CBSE syllabus is more focused on science and maths, whereas, in ICSE, they have a more balanced approach and they equally give importance to language, and arts.

Assessment and evaluation are also different in both the syllabus. ICSE gives importance to lab work and projects. The English taught in ICSE is very sophisticated and it is easier for ICSE students to opt for a career in English Literature and Language.

Both the boards are evolving when it comes to their teaching methodology. They are focusing more on active learning and have undergone a noticeable change in the past 10 years. Most parents feel CBSE needs to improve a lot more when compared to ICSE. This is because ICSE offers a detailed pattern with more subjects and when it comes to English, ICSE offers the best. Both the boards are accepted by colleges and universities. However, ICSE offers extensive combinations which include; environmental science, computer science, and even interior designing.

Advantages of ICSE

• It offers a balanced structure which is very important in a child’s development.
• The syllabus is highly structured, and it provides practical knowledge as well.
• The combinations offered in ICSE are unique and they provide more subjects.
• Students can opt for their choice of combination.
• The English taught in ICSE is very sophisticated and better than CBSE.
• In ICSE, even the practical exams and projects are given equal importance because they believe that it helps in the grooming of a child.
• ICSE is more suitable for students who would like to make their career in management, journalism or English Literature.
• CISCE is also recognized by several foreign education systems. Therefore, if you are planning to send your kid abroad for their higher studies, ICSE is the best option.
• It is also easier for ICSE students to perform well in scholarship programs as ICSE provides a detailed approach.

Advantages of CBSE

• CBSE is very popular all across India.
• If you are someone with a transferable job, then CBSE in your best option because they follow the same syllabus all around the country.
• CBSE has both English and Hindi as the medium of instruction.
• Students wanting to opt for Engineering or Medical must go for CBSE as they give more importance to science and Mathematics.
• CBSE is more suitable for competitive exams such as IIT-JEE, AIEEE, etc.

Conclusion

Both syllabi have their own essence and an exclusive set of advantages. The quality of education offered by both the boards is excellent and exceptional. Both boards believe in providing an interactive learning experience and emphasize on a good education. Therefore, you must choose which syllabus suits you the best.