CBSE vs ICSEThe Battle of Boards in Indian

Educational System

What CBSE stands for?

• Known as Central Board of Secondary Education• Follow NCERT Textbooks• Colorful, well illustrated pages• Same syllabus throughout the country• Most competition exams match CBSE syllabus

What ICSE stands for?

• Known as Indian Certificate of Secondary Education• No definite curriculum• Detailed study of subjects• Schools can follow any set text-books• Intensive Syllabus

Key differences (1/2)• Medium of Instruction:

• CBSE – English & Hindi• ICSE – English alone

• Content Focus• CBSE: Application of knowledge• ICSE: Understanding of vast subject

Key differences (2/2)• Key subjects

• CBSE – Maths & Science• ICSE – Balanced between Arts, Language & Science

• Assessments• CBSE: Written exams have high weightage• ICSE: Practical tests, internal assessments

Time and Resources• Time

• CBSE – Room for leisure time• ICSE – Vast subject => Less free time & cultural activities

• Schools & Tutors• CBSE: Plenty of teaching staff• ICSE: Limited schools and staff

When to choose CBSE?

• If you say yes for any of the scenarios, you can join your child in CBSE school• Want to be an Engineer or Doctor• Balance academic and extra curriculum• Residing in towns and rural places• Frequently changing

When to choose ICSE?

• If you say yes for any of the scenarios, you can join your child in ICSE school• Challenging academic curriculum• More inclined towards practical learning and

experiments• Read literature and Social Science• Want an optional subject (like Java, economics etc.)

Conclusion

• Depends on student’s interest• Calibre of the student to study and taking-

it-in• Availability of good teachers• Parent’s ability to help students