What Is The Difference Between IGCSE Schools And ICSE Schools?

Posted On: 10 August 2022 | 12:20:am

The Government of India’s Higher Education Department and the Ministry of Human Resource Development recognize the ICSE and IGCSE education boards in India. Mostly, people are inclined to believe anything that has been given the stamp of approval by an official government agency or similar relevant entity.

The two boards vary widely between curriculum, evaluation methods, and several other aspects. Primary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary are India’s three levels of education. Developing a child’s career aspirations and accomplishments begins at the preschool stage and progress through the grades. Both Boards are concerned with a child’s development and growth.

ICSE: Overview

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), a private Indian educational board, administers the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE). A general education exam in English has been integrated into the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) by the New Education Policy 1986. Because the CISCE Board is concerned with a student’s full development, each student receives a well-rounded education.

IGCSE: A Quick Overview

 (IGCSE) provides pupils with English language instruction to help them prepare for the BTEC Level 3, International Baccalaureate, and A-Level curricula. A-Levels are used as a benchmark. The GCSE and other international curricula are also recognized and regarded as equivalent to this curriculum.

It was created by the Cambridge International Examinations, a university division. Year 10 students (Grade 9 pupils) take the test at the end of year 11, which is Grade 10 in the curriculum.

IGCSEs are seen as an international alternative to many national curricula. IGCSE qualifications are typically awarded to students for each specific topic they take, which means that each student receives an IGCSE certificate for each course.

Both ICSE and IGCSE have their advantages and disadvantages, but neither is better than the other. This article explains the fundamental distinctions between India’s ICSE and IGCSE educational systems.

A comparison of IGCSE and ICSE

ICSE and IGCSE Exams Explained

The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, or ICSE for short. The Council of the Indian School Certificate Examination administers the test given by a private Indian educational body. To provide an exam for a general education course, ICSE was created. This is in line with the suggestions made in India’s New Education Policy 1986.

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education, on the other hand, is referred to as IGCSE. Students can take this course to prepare for the BTEC Level 3, A-Level, and International Baccalaureate curricula in English.

The ICSE Syllabus and the IGCSE Syllabus are different

Syllabus for the ICSE

The ICSE’s syllabus is more comprehensive and complete, giving equal weight to all subjects. (For example, science, math, language, art, home science, agriculture, fashion design, and cooking.) An advantage in English is given to ICSE pupils by the overall syllabus (like languages). This will aid them in preparing for English-based exams. Then there’s the matter of mastering Shakespeare.

The syllabus for IGCSE

The IGCSE curriculum is more hands-on and practical. Students can choose from various courses in the sciences, the arts, languages, and mathematics. Additionally, the courses allow them to include other interests and skills, such as those found in the performing and creative arts and the visual arts, theatre, technical drawing, music, and filmmaking. All foreign universities place a high weight on students’ ability to demonstrate critical thinking and analytical and communication skills. They cover a more comprehensive range of topics and assess students on their knowledge rather than their memory and speed, making them more rigorous than Indian school boards.

Comparing IGCSE and ICSE Board subjects

The English language and the Socially Useful Productive Work are both required in the ICSE curriculum, and students must select a minimum of six topics from those options.

Students may select as few as five IGCSE subjects and as many as fourteen IGCSE subjects.

Private Students

Private students cannot take the ICSE exam because of the curriculum; however, private students are allowed to take the exam for IGCSE.

Content That Has Been Localized

In contrast to the regional concentration of the IGCSE curriculum, the ICSE curriculum emphasizes a universal purpose of education with standardized materials.

ICSE vs. IGCSE: Which is better?

The ICSE is a national exam in India, while the IGCSE is an international curriculum standard.

The ICSE vs. IGCSE grading scale

IGCSE uses a three-tier grading system to rank students. There are three levels of achievement: Distinction, Merit, and Pass (Pas). ICSE awards merits for grades 1 to 9, ranging from 100 to 0.

Existence

The CISCE and IGCSE boards were established in 1986 and 1988, respectively.

Before selecting on a board of examination, parents and students must assess their child’s abilities and interests and weigh those against the benefits and drawbacks of various boards. Children are eager to seek higher education in the United States and worldwide. Before making this significant decision, they need to be advised appropriately. Besides the board, if you need the best school for your child, consider GD Goenka School for your child’s educational needs.