CBSE vs ICSE vs IGCSE vs State Board

Overview of CBSE Board

CBSE is the Central Board of Secondary Education and is the national board for secondary education for both public and private schools in India. The government of India runs it. The history of the CBSE board dates back a century. The Uttar Pradesh Board of High School and Intermediate Education was the first education board in India. Rajputana, Central India, and Gwalior ran it. 

The Indian government established a combined board in 1929 called the Board of High School and Intermediate Education. These comprised Gwalior, Central India, Merwara, and Ajmer. In 1952, it underwent modification to give the organization its current name. On July 1, 1962, the Board was reorganized so that it could help students and other educational institutions all over the country.
Almost a century later, more than 28,486 schools in India and 240 schools in 28 other countries have become CBSE schools. All schools that are part of the CBSE board use the NCERT curriculum, especially in grades 9 through 12. Nidhi Chibber, an IAS, is the CBSE’s current chairperson.

Overview of ICSE Board

The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) was formed per the 1986 Education Policy guidelines. The ICSE board was set up so that exams could be given in a general education curriculum using English as the language of instruction and examination.

The vast and comprehensive ICSE syllabus emphasizes in-depth study of each subject, with English garnering special focus. The ICSE curriculum is organized and streamlined. It tries to give students real-world knowledge, problem-solving, and analytical skills. ICSE conducts talent searches and awards academic scholarships to its young students. The council runs the ICSE to teach everyone and develop the fields of science, literature, and fine arts. 

The ICSE is an English-language examination. As a result, all courses (with the exception of Indian and foreign languages) are taught in English. The ICSE board is well-recognized and supports students who want to pursue further education overseas.

The Higher School Certificate from the University of Scotland is recognized equally with ICSE by the UK’s national admissions and accreditation body, UCAS (Universities and College Admission Services). ICSE has been known for a long time as one of the best educational boards in the world because of its challenging curriculum, strict rules for how tests are graded, and progressive assessment and promotion standards.

Overview of the IGCSE Board

IGCSE, “International General Certificate of Secondary Education,” is a Cambridge Gateway examination covering many topics. Cambridge Upper Secondary is available for children between the ages of 11 and 14 and for children between the ages of 14 and 16. 

The Cambridge International Exams (CIE) oversee the IGCSE. The “AS” level (11th grade) and the “A” level (12th grade) are superior to the IGCSE levels, which run from grades six through ten. The students must clear the Pearson Edexcel examinations.

To be able to take the “AS” or “A” levels, the student must be an international or a CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) candidate. Students have the choice to enrol in the IB Diploma programme as well. A student receives either a CIE certification or an IGCSE certification, depending on the school he or she is attending, after passing the IGCSE examination in the tenth grade.

Overview of State Board

Each state’s government oversees the State Board. In particular, the Department of Education of the state government decides on its curriculum and how it works. The State Board syllabus is based chiefly on NCERT guidelines and may have some parallels to the CBSE curriculum, even though it varies from state to state. The program’s increased success can be attributed to its use of the state’s regional language as the medium of instruction. Nonetheless, classes at the State Board are also offered in English for those who choose it. The State Board’s curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all of the state’s students in terms of availability, affordability, and quality. So, it puts a less strict curriculum into place to raise literacy levels in all states.

Difference between CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE, and State Boards

There are a lot of differences between CBSE, ICSE, and the State Board when it comes to what kind of education is imparted to students and how it is imparted.

Curriculum 

The CBSE and state boards follow NCERT, and thus they have regional and national influence. This means that CBSE and state boards have curricula woven around regional and national topics. In contrast, the ICSE and IGCSE follow an international curriculum and are based on the whole planet rather than a few regions of any nation. However, the IGCSE board is believed to be heavily UK-based.

The ICSE and CBSE curriculum prepares students for JEE and NEET, whereas state-level exams are typically based on state boards. IGCSE students have a competitive advantage when it comes to foreign scholarship tests and competitive exams.

Medium of Instruction 

In the state board vs CBSE vs ICSE, the major difference lies in the medium of instruction. The state boards naturally use their regional language as a medium of instruction that is relatively easy for students to understand. The CBSE focuses on Hindi, while the ICSE and IGCSE use only English as a medium of instruction. However, CBSE and state board schools also use English as a medium of instruction.

Syllabus 

The difference between the ICSE, CBSE, and state syllabuses is quite noticeable. The CBSE syllabus focuses a lot on maths and science, which is great for students wanting to sit for JEE and NEET. The ICSE syllabus focuses on students’ overall development and gives them many subject options. With equal weight for all the subjects and a very lengthy syllabus, the ICSE syllabus can be a bit tough for an average student. The state board syllabus is specific to the state, but you can expect basic subjects like maths, science, social studies, and languages to be a part of the state board syllabus. The IGCSE syllabus was created with an international focus and is globally relevant.

Examination Pattern 

CBSE students who want to do well on their examinations need to study from resources outside their textbooks. This is because the questions won’t just be based on what you learned in the textbook; they will also test your ability to apply what you’ve learned and think logically. The scope of the ICSE curriculum is quite broad, and questions might come from anywhere. This makes ICSE exams a tad bit difficult for the average student. The state board exams are mostly textbook-based and easy for most students. The IGCSE follows a textbook-centric examination pattern.

Focus on Languages 

The state boards focus on regional languages as well as Hindi. In English-medium schools, English is used as a medium of instruction, and the state board focuses on languages. The ICSE board concentrates heavily on language but gives all subjects equal weight in exams. The CBSE is more focused on maths and science, and languages are a bit behind these two subjects for CBSE students. The IGCSE also focuses on English and languages.

Grading System 

The CBSE follows a CGPA system, which means that students do not have to worry about a few marks. This may help some students with the extreme pressure they feel during exams. The ICSE board follows a percentage-based system. On the other hand, the state boards and IGCSE schools have their own grading systems that vary from region to region.

Fee Structure

Regarding CBSE vs ICSE vs IGCSE, the fee structure is as important as the syllabus and exam pattern. The fee structure of the state boards varies from state to state but primarily lies in an affordable range of 10,000 to 80,000 per annum. The CBSE fee per annum starts from 350,00 and varies from school to school. Similarly, the ICSE fee ranges from 60,000 to 1 lakh and upwards. The IGCSE is the most expensive and may cost parents up to 2-4 lac annually. The fee structure varies from school to school and is loosely based on the facilities the schools provide.

Pros of CBSE Board

• The main benefit of attending a CBSE school is that all of India’s most important exams use the CBSE curriculum. These tests include the All India Engineering Entrance Examination, the All India Pre-Medical Test, and the Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE) (AIEEE).
• The CBSE curriculum is easier than those of the other boards because it has fewer courses and a tighter syllabus structure. Moreover, according to the CBSE syllabus, Secondary-level courses like Environmental Education are not required. Science as a whole includes topics like physics, chemistry, and biology, whereas the social sciences have subjects like history, geography, and civics.
• No matter where you move, finding a school that follows the CBSE curriculum shouldn’t be too hard. Parents with transferable employment are advised to admit their children to CBSE schools.
• The science and maths courses in the CBSE curriculum are given significant weight.
• The CBSE diplomas are accepted by all colleges and schools in the country. The board also adheres to a concentric curriculum.
• CBSE is recognised by NCERT and sanctioned by the Government of India. It is associated with several schools, including central schools (Kendriya Vidyalaya) in India (National Council of Educational Research and Training).
• For students, CBSE provides a number of talent search exams and scholarships.

Cons of CBSE Board

• One of the disadvantages of the CBSE is that it doesn’t emphasise giving students real-world skills or practical knowledge. The CBSE curriculum puts more emphasis on maths and science rather than basic English skills. However, this means CBSE students have excellent maths and science knowledge and skills. 
• Most of the courses in the CBSE curriculum are theory-based. 
• CBSE schools and the CBSE board focus on Hindi, which is a good thing on a national level. However, the CBSE curriculum doesn’t emphasise much on international languages such as French, Spanish, etc. 
• The CBSE curriculum doesn’t put a lot of focus on civics. Because of this, it may be a bit more challenging for students from CBSE to pass civil service exams than for students from other boards. However, with some planning and effort, students can crack any exam they want.

Pros of ICSE Board

• The ICSE curriculum is structured and focuses on a deep understanding of the concepts rather than merely providing theoretical knowledge to students. This helps students learn the technique of “how to learn” as opposed to “what to learn.” Moreover, since their concepts are clear, students gain the upper hand when it comes to pursuing higher studies abroad. 
• The medium of instruction in the ICSE schools is only English, except for the second and third languages. This means that the students of ICSE schools have excellent written and verbal communication skills and a great command of the English language as compared to other board students.
• The ICSE board is associated with Cambridge University, so universities and colleges worldwide recognise and value the ICSE curriculum. This means that students from ICSE schools are more likely to be accepted into foreign universities.
• The ICSE curriculum and teaching methodologies help students achieve an all-around personality as they are taught to think outside of the box. With all the subjects given equal weight and importance, ICSE students excel in all fields. 
• ICSE schools teach students to apply concepts to actual-world problems. Additionally, ICSE students are also given practical knowledge along with theoretical knowledge. This helps them develop a problem-solving attitude and skills.
• ICSE students get a wide range of subject choices. Apart from the core subjects, students also have to choose from skill-based subjects, and the choices are many. This helps students decide what they want to pursue and find out what they are good at.
• As opposed to other boards, students in ICSE schools have more flexibility in choosing their subjects. 
• ICSE students have great command over the English language, and they have the skills to convey the gist clearly and concisely. This helps them clear civil services exams easily as compared to other students. Likewise, due to the excellence in the English language, ICSE students can easily clear exams like IELTS and TOEFL that require top-notch English skills.
• Unlike other boards that focus on a few core subjects, the ICSE board gives equal weight to all the subjects. Whether it’s English, art, science, or maths, all subjects carry equal importance and value. Thus, students understand all the subjects as opposed to a select few.
• The ICSE board is associated with Cambridge University, meaning students get exposure to global-level education and teaching policies. Also, the ICSE curriculum is not regional or national but global and talks about the world as a whole. Hence, students learn about the world instead of a nation or region. Moreover, ICSE students can choose French as a second language and have Modern Foreign Languages, which is an advantage over other boards.

Cons of ICSE Board

• The ICSE syllabus is vast, with almost equal emphasis on each subject. Thus, students have to study all the subjects with equal focus. 
• The ICSE syllabus is factual, meaning students must study and learn the facts to score high marks. The ICSE syllabus does not leave any room for exploration. So it’s either right or wrong; there’s no in-between. 
• Students have less time for activities outside of school because their schedules are so full.
• Due to a lack of teachers in their area, ICSE board students cannot get quality private tuition.
• As an average student in an ICSE board would have to give thirteen courses or examinations throughout the sixth grade, as opposed to the six subjects that the student has in CBSE, students may feel overburdened.
• Although the ICSE curriculum promotes greater comprehension as well as superior life and analytical skills, obtaining a higher education may be challenging due to a lack of leniency in judging papers following an ISC test.
• There are not enough ICSE schools in many cities in India. Thus, parents with transferable jobs may find it difficult to admit their children to a nearby ICSE school. As a result, students may have to spend a lot of time commuting.

Pros of State Board

• The state board syllabus is generic and uses the regional language as a medium of instruction. If the state board school is an English-medium school, then the medium of instruction is both English and the regional language. This makes it easy for students to grasp the content. 
• State-syllabus questions are often straightforward and easy to answer because they are based directly on the curriculum. Students who have covered everything in the curriculum automatically do well on state board exams.
• The curriculum used by state boards is developed by each state’s Department of Education; therefore, it varies from one state to the next. So, transferring in the middle of the semester to a university in a different state could be a big problem. Nevertheless, that may be the best choice for parents who work for a state government agency.
• Although English is required for graduation, the state curriculum places greater emphasis on the local language. For students who have trouble grasping English, having the opportunity to study the curriculum in their native tongue is a great boon.
• The curriculum is not too light, so students and instructors may go through it in a shorter amount of time. Because of this, they will have plenty of time to pursue interests outside of school, such as sports and other extracurricular activities.
• The state curriculum emphasises the real-world applications of related disciplines as opposed to the CBSE curriculum, which emphasises the scientific approaches to learning.
• Schools that adhere to the state curriculum typically charge lower tuition, making higher education accessible to families from a wider economic range. Public schools that follow the state curriculum often charge far less (if any) tuition than private schools.
• In the long term, students who follow the state curriculum also fare very well in the working world. The work ethic and the capacity to manage difficulties are more important than the boards.

Cons of State Board

• In contrast to CBSE and ICSE students, state board students may need more tutoring to do well on admissions exams and other competitive tests.
• Even though students who graduate from a state board have high test scores, their level of competence may not match that of students who graduate from the prestigious ICSE or CBSE systems. Due to the abrupt increase in expectations, individuals may struggle throughout their first year of college or graduate school.
• State board curriculum often has a regional and national focus. This means they have less global exposure.

Pros of IGCSE Board

• The external exams and assessments of IGCSE boards mean that accountability rests on the shoulders of those outside the school. Independently graded credentials are more reliable than those that teachers or administrators grade.
• Taking the IGCSE exams is a simple way to narrow down potential courses for tertiary education, as the curriculum is quite straightforward. 
• The IGCSE course culminates in a standardised test that can be used for worldwide comparisons of student performance, is recognised by colleges and universities, and gives students something concrete to strive towards.
• The IGCSE course material is created with international students in mind.
• There needs to be more rigour in the IGCSE curriculum, and the workload is also less than that of the IB, so students may quickly get by without putting in much effort.

Cons of IGCSE Board

• The IGCSE board places a strong emphasis on the final external exams.
• The IGCSE curriculum rarely asks teachers to work with people outside of their own departments to improve their course materials and syllabi to help students learn more.
• The curriculum is prescriptive; students learn and repeat. Very rarely are they expected to analyse and make decisions, but typically, they are required to provide the “correct” answer.
• The curriculum is heavily centred on the UK and is not particularly global. This means that IGCSE students have less exposure to the diverse cultural backgrounds of other countries. 
• In IGCSE, the coursework is not evaluated and hence doesn’t carry any weight.
• Memorising policies, dates, events, and other content-based material is a thing of the past. You may research it on Google or learn it quickly and efficiently. But the IGCSE board exams are still content-based and do not allow students to think outside of the box. Students are forced to learn from textbooks, which promotes rote memorisation and not analytical thinking. 
• The IGCSE curriculum must be taught the same way year after year, regardless of the requirements of the students on an individual, cultural, or collective level.

Over to you

There are many variables in the CBSE vs ICSE vs IGCSE vs State Board debate. In the long run, the most important thing is the student’s willingness to learn and their ability to grasp the concepts. However, many parents and students prefer state and CBSE board schools because of the relatively easy curriculum and the high number of schools.

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