CBSE VS ICSE - What Should You Choose For Your Child?

Where should I admit my child? Which school? Especially which board should I prefer for my kids? CBSE or ICSE or any State Board? Will it help them in future to prepare for competitive exams like JEE or AIPMT?

Every parent faces the same dilemma when it comes to admitting their child in school. In India, primarily, on a national level, there are two important boards, which cater education to the academic sector – CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education). Other than these two boards, most of the states have their own State Boards. From academic approach to extra-curricular activities, here's what sets apart the CBSE and ICSE boards from each other. We have gathered here a few characteristics and features of these boards to help you decide on one.

Know The Difference Between CBSE and ICSE

The education system has three segments namely – Primary, Secondary and Senior Secondary Levels. Each of these levels plays a different and crucial role in building a child’s career goals and achievement. Both CBSE and ICSE cater to the development and growth of a child. However, both these boards have both pros and cons.

Overview of CBSE Board

The main aim of the CBSE board is all round development of a child’s personality and intellect. CBSE education is in charge of laying the foundation for cultural growth of a child, as well.

CBSE or the Central Board of Secondary Education is a board in charge of promoting education for public and private schools, that come under the Union Government of India. Meanwhile, the schools affiliated with CBSE also include all the Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and private schools. The CBSE class 10 and class 12 final exams usually fall every year in the month of March.

Overview of ICSE Board

A national level private board of Education in India that was established in 1958, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), normally is in charge of conducting the Class 10 and Class 12 examinations. Also, if you go back to its origin in`1952, an All India Certificate Examinations Conference was held and the main agenda discussed in it was the idea to replace the overseas Cambridge School Certificate Examination with an All India Examination. The main mission of the council was to serve the children of India, by providing them with good quality of education.

Difference Between CBSE and ICSE (CBSE Vs ICSE)

After getting an overview of CBSE Vs ICSE, we can now take a look at the various differences between these two boards. Analyzing both the boards, on the basis of their pros and cons will help the students as well as the parents to make a more informed decision as regards to the school.

CBSE Pedagogy and ICSE Pedagogy

Both the boards are rigid in accepting children into its fold and switching over from ICSE to CBSE is allowed, only if the parent has moved to a new place, recently. Otherwise, they prefer to take in children for 12th only if they have previously done the `1-10 under CBSE board itself. However, if you do get in, competitive exams become easier for you, as the focus of CBSE board is to give you a strong foundation. ICSE on the other hand, focuses more on projects and lab work. Meanwhile, the curriculum also differs in that CBSE curriculum is more organized going in a flow, while ICSE syllabus is focused more on details. Therefore, parents can compare and see what works best for their child.

On the basis of the parameters listed above and literature presented regarding first-hand experience of both boards of education, select one that is a better fit for an individual aiming for a well-rounded education. Both the boards are enriching, holistic and open up various opportunities for the student. From admission into Ivy league colleges to the best universities and institutions within India, a student of these boards is considerably more likely to embark on a successful career path.

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