CBSE vs ICSE vs IB

CBSE, ICSE, and IB are the top education boards in India. They each have their own distinctive features; with their individual focus and approach. Different schools follow the guidelines of different boards, that conduct different examinations and benchmarks for students. In these cases, students have the option to go for the board that suits them and their development. In today’s world, choosing an education board is as much important as choosing a stream or school. So, to help you decide and compare the three top boards of India, CBSE, ICSE, and IB, we have prepared this blog. Read all about CBSE vs ICSE vs IB. 

CBSE vs ICSE vs IB: A Quick Snapshot

Now that we have talked about CBSE, ICSE, and IB, respectively above, it’s time to compare the three against each other. Tabulated below is the required information about the same. 

About Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

In India, most schools are affiliated with CBSE. It is a popular and dominant board that is adopted by many prominent schools. Let’s read some of the main features of CBSE, below. 

1. CBSE offers a set curriculum, and subjects for students to study against, and prepare themselves for. The board is conducted in a defined structure, that follows the guidelines of the government; involving the processes of its examination, marking scheme, and more. The CBSE examination is knowledge and skill-based. It further prepares students to appear in further competitive exams. 
2. As students advance to higher-level classes, education starts to differ in terms of curriculum and flexibility of subjects. For example, an additional language is mandatory to learn till a particular class, but after that, it is an option. In Classes XI and XII, students are allowed to choose their own preferred subjects. 
3. With time, CBSE has decreased its level of difficulty. Now an internal assessment is judged involving projects that students have worked on throughout their academic year, along with examinations based on a set syllabus. 

Also Read: How to Choose the Right University after CBSE Board Result 2023 for Your Academic and Career Goals

About Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE)

ICSE is another popular board in India. The level of difficulty is higher on this board when compared to CBSE. It is known for its aristocratic learning. Students can surely learn from this board’s curriculum, preparing them for academic excellence. 

1. The set curriculum in this board is quite rigid and it doesn’t offer students many options. 
2. There is also a need/requirement to include and make use of socially useful work projects, according to the curriculum. 
3. In Class X, only three subjects are core, while others are elective. 
4. In Class XI and Class XII, there are streams similar to CBSE but are taught in depth. 
5. There is an increased importance given to extracurricular activities such as arts, music, public speaking, social service, and more. 
6. Overall, it offers more complex learning than CBSE, which is difficult. 

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About International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB is an educational board which is a pioneer in international education. The schools affiliated with this board are more focused on the overall development of the child. But are also more expensive. 

1. There is no fixed textbook for the curriculum that is developed in a way for subjects to be co-related with each other. 
2. It offers three levels of education:
   1. The Middle Years Program
   2. The Primary Years Program 
   3. The Diploma Program 
3. From six different subject groups, students can choose one from each. 
4. Moreover, IB keeps students engaged throughout the year with quizzes, portfolios, presentations, assessments and assignments.
5. It is slightly more advantageous for students aiming to take exams such as the SAT or GRE. The board offers a strong aspect of profile building so students can get an edge while taking admission to foreign universities. 

Different Approaches to Education

One of the well-respected educational boards is CBSE. It is a dominant board in the Indian educational system. With the addition of the new subjects, CBSE follows the national curriculum. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) accepts CBSE. The CBSE curriculum is used for nearly all national-level admission exams. The assimilation of knowledge of mathematics and science is given more priority by the CBSE board. As a result, this board is preferred by students who want to pursue careers in engineering or medicine. The board does not put more emphasis on extracurricular activities.

On the other hand, the ICSE and IB boards are more comprehensive in their approach and offer equal weight to all the domains and courses, like Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, and CBSE, since they place more emphasis on overall growth than just information acquisition and exams.

Subjects

Let’s understand the difference between the subjects offered by all these three boards.

Also Read: Tips for Preparing for Competitive and Entrance Exams After CBSE Board Results 2023

Assessment Criteria

The CBSE grades pupils based on their memorization, retention, and learning skills. Rote learning is prioritized over comprehension and knowledge. However, the remaining two boards place equal emphasis on comprehension, skill improvement, knowledge, and its application.

Level of Difficulty

Let’s now examine the complexity of each of the three boards.

Number of Textbooks

Students are required to use the texts and curricula that are provided by CBSE and CISCE. IB, on the other hand, doesn’t specify any set texts and gives students more latitude in this area by suggesting readings.

Choices, finances, and convenience are ultimately what matters to students and their parents. But it’s crucial to comprehend the fundamental analogies, contrasts, and differences between them.

Also Read: Strategies to Deal with Peer Pressure and Comparison After CBSE Board Result

That was all about CBSE vs ICSE vs IB; a comparison that is for students to understand the standard of board education in India. Interested to read more such articles? Stay tuned to Wings by Leverage Edu.