CBSE or ICSE? Find out which is better for your future and why!

Posted On: 01 March 2023 | 06:05:pm

Early education builds the base of a child’s future. And when it comes to education, a child’s priorities should be considered, his/her individuality should be respected, and whatever decision is taken, it should be done considering all the possibilities for their consistent future success.

Notably, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution available in education. Every child is unique. Likewise, the options for choosing a suitable education method are also not limited. Different education boards are available in India, each with advantages and features. In this article, we will talk about them, with special reference to the CBSE and ICSE board of education.

About different education boards in India

The schools in India offer both Indian and International syllabus, and they cater to the educational needs of students across the country. Presently, the top educational boards in the country are – CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education), ICSE (The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education), IB (International Baccalaureate), and State Boards.

IB is a global leader in international education, focused on preparing students for overall development to thrive in a fast-changing world. More than students between 3 and 19 years of age get education under the IB board.

State Boards refer to state government-recognized boards. They are unique to every state and follow individual syllabus and study patterns, emphasizing subjects and materials of local interests.

About CBSE

CBSE is short for the Central Board of Secondary Education. The national board of our country promotes high-quality education for students in both public and private schools. CBSE is committed to equity and excellence in education, and it has a vast presence in India, with nearly 26054 affiliated schools. (Source). It also has almost 240 schools internationally. (Source)

About ICSE

ICSE is short for the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education. The examination is conducted by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), a private secondary education board. It is also well-recognized in India, and its education policies comply with the New Education Policy.

Differences between these two boards

While the focus of CBSE is on Science and Mathematics, ICSE focuses more on practical subjects covering different subject streams, including literature, language, humanities, etc. CBSE may be a good choice for students seeking future careers in medical and engineering fields. ICSE may be a good option for seeking versatility in selecting subjects, overall student development, and developing strong English proficiency to study abroad.

As far as the language preference goes, ICSE emphasizes English, making it helpful for students to clear standard examinations like IELTS, TOEFL, etc., needed to get admission in foreign universities. No such language preferences exist in CBSE.

Since CBSE schools are located across the country, it is actually very helpful for students with parents in transferable jobs. CBSE uses an alphabetical grading system. ICSE emphasizes scores.

The above are some of the striking differences between the two boards. Both are well-known in India, and different schools use their courses. Both help develop the needed skills and expertise in students.

On selecting the right board for the future of your child

Every student is unique, and so their preferences and priorities also differ. This is why it is essential to find a school that appreciates the individuality of every student and thoughtfully designs course content that directs them towards a coherent learning and development path. When choosing a curriculum, it is essential to explore all available options and select the one that fits your child’s expectations and skill levels. An effective curriculum is always open for mentoring, and it keeps on accommodating new changes to make study relevant to the times.

As mentioned above, every board has its characteristics and supports the development of students. Finding the correct board is a subjective choice, and its criteria may differ from one person to another. For example, CBSE may be a great choice to prepare students for competitive exams. ICSE schools may be a great option for preparing students to study abroad. But again, it does not conclude anything. ICSE students may also do very well in competitive exams. Likewise, students with a CBSE background may readily get accepted into universities abroad. What matters is how the quality of education is imparted in a specific school.

Affiliated CBSE schools Gurgaon

Give your child the best education. At GD Goenka Signature School, we deliver comprehensive education with dedication, sincerity, and excellence. The school provides a safe and quality learning environment where students are empowered to nurture their love of learning and thrive on new challenges for a successful future.