CBSE vs ICSE - What are the Differences and Which Board Should You Choose?
In this article, we will cover the key differences between CBSE and ICSE Boards, and help you decide which one is the right fit for your child.
When it comes to choosing the right school for their children, parents in India give a lot of weightage to the board that a school is affiliated with. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE). Both boards have a distinguished history and are renowned for their rigorous academic standards, but they cater to different educational needs and philosophies.
This comparison aims to provide a thorough understanding of both educational boards, helping in making an informed decision.
Let's start with learning the basics about each board.
Overview of CBSE Board
The full form of CBSE is “Central Board of Secondary Education”. CBSE is the most prominent board of education for public and private schools in India. It falls under the control and management of The Government of India. It includes various schools such as Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and private schools. CBSE Board Exams for Class 10 and Class 12 are typically conducted in March each year.
The primary focus of the CBSE board is the all-around development of a student's personality and intellect. Top CBSE Schools, such as The HDFC Schools, also focus on a child's holistic development. The unique pedagogy developed by the school combined with the thorough curriculum CBSE curriculum has helped The HDFC Schools rank among the best CBSE Schools in Gurgaon, the Top 10 CBSE Schools in Bengaluru and also the List of Best CBSE Schools in Pune.
The CBSE education system is known for its structured approach, which is particularly beneficial for students preparing for national entrance examinations like JEE or AIPMT.
The curriculum followed by the CBSE board is developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Since all CBSE Schools follow the same curriculum, there is great standardisation of education across all these schools. The curriculum is designed to balance various disciplines such as science, maths, arts, and humanities, but with more priority given to science and mathematics. This approach prepares students to excel in competitive exams and traditional academic paths.
Moreover, the CBSE syllabus is streamlined and student-friendly, with a strong focus on foundational learning and a balanced academic structure. This makes it a popular choice for parents who want to prepare their child for higher studies in engineering, medical, or other competitive fields.
Overview of ICSE Board
The full form of ICSE is Indian Certificate of Secondary Education. Contrary to popular belief, ICSE is not a board at all. It is in fact an examination that is conducted by the CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations), a private board set up to provide high quality education to Indian children. The ICSE Board Exams are conducted between February and March every year for Class 10. For classes 11 and 12, the curriculum is regulated through the ISC (Indian School Certificate) examination, which is also conducted by the CISCE. ISC Board exams are held between February and March every year.
The ICSE curriculum is well known for its balanced approach to education, which gives similar weightage to language, arts, and science subjects. The syllabus is noted for its focus on application-based learning and project work, with a significant portion of marks allocated for practical examinations through internal assessments. This approach gives students good practical knowledge and helps them prepare for a variety of fields like management, literature, and arts.
English is a strong focus for ICSE Schools, and it is the only medium of instruction. As a result, students from ICSE Schools tend to have strong command over English. This can be helpful in English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, when applying to foreign universities.
Differences between CBSE and ICSE
The main difference between CBSE and ICSE is the curriculum. CBSE focuses on science and mathematics whereas ICSE puts equal emphasis on languages, arts and science. ICSE’s syllabus is more detailed, but CBSE is tailored towards preparing students for exams like JEE and NEET.
Below are some of the other key differences between CBSE and ICSE Boards:
CBSE vs ICSE - Network and Affiliation Comparison
ICSE's network of around 2,300 schools is significantly smaller than CBSE's, which has more than 27,000 affiliated schools in India alone.
The CBSE network of schools covers all Kendriya Vidyalayas, all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, many private schools, and most of the schools approved by the Government of India. Its wide affiliation makes CBSE the most prevalent education board in India, with a presence not only in major cities but also in many rural areas.
ICSE, governed by the private board CISCE, affiliates schools that specifically opt for this curriculum. These are often private schools that are known for their high academic standards and focus on English language skills. The ICSE board has a significant presence in India, with a concentration in urban areas where the demand for English-medium education is higher.
Both boards aim to provide quality education and are recognised by colleges and universities in India and abroad.
CBSE vs ICSE - Pedagogy and Syllabus Comparison
CBSE's syllabus is more focused on mathematics and science, which is great for students aiming to sit for competitive entrance exams in India. But ICSE offers a broader syllabus with an emphasis on English proficiency and analytical skills, which aligns well with international education standards.
CBSE is known for its structured and controlled curriculum that is developed by the NCERT. The fact that every CBSE school across India follows the same curriculum ensures uniformity in the education across the country. CBSE syllabus is more concentrated than ICSE, with great focus given to science and mathematics. This focus makes it highly favourable for students aiming for national level engineering and medical entrance examinations, like the JEE and NEET. CBSE's curriculum is reasonably flexible (though not as much as ICSE's syllabus), which allows students to choose from a variety of elective subjects in higher classes.
ICSE, on the other hand, has a more detailed syllabus than CBSE. It covers a vast array of subjects with relatively similar importance given to languages, arts, and sciences. The ICSE curriculum is particularly well known for the rigorous English language training, which is considered to be of a higher standard than the other Indian boards. Due to the detailed curriculum, The ICSE syllabus is sometimes perceived as more challenging and broad-based than that of CBSE.
CBSE vs ICSE - Examination and Evaluation Comparison
CBSE exams are generally more straightforward, focusing on the curriculum and direct application of concepts. On the other hand, ICSE exams are more thorough and require a solid understanding of the concept as well as clarity of thought and expression.
CBSE follows a standardised examination pattern. The board conducts two main examinations - the All India Secondary School Examination (AISSE) at the end of class 10 and the All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE) at the end of class 12. The question papers are designed to test the students' understanding of core concepts and their ability to apply these concepts in various contexts. CBSE Board exams are usually a mix of objective and subjective questions, with a recent shift towards more competency-based questions. The evaluation is more straightforward, focusing on direct answers and less on in-depth analysis or presentation.
ICSE examination for class 10 and the ISC examination for class 12 are known for their comprehensive and rigorous nature. Both exams test students' depth of knowledge and understanding, as well as their ability to express themselves clearly and concisely. The questions often require detailed answers and a strong grasp of concepts. The evaluation criteria in ICSE are more stringent, with a focus on detailed answers, language proficiency, and presentation skills.
CBSE vs ICSE - Medium of Instruction Comparison
The medium of instruction at CBSE Schools is English and Hindi, whereas at ICSE schools it is only English. Both approaches have their advantages.
By offering instruction in English as well as Hindi, CBSE schools are able to cater to a wider student population across India, many of whom are more comfortable learning in Hindi over English.
ICSE's focus on English as the only medium of instruction makes students develop strong English speaking and writing skills from an early age. This can help students should they later choose to study or work abroad, especially in English speaking countries.
CBSE vs ICSE- Difficulty Comparison
CBSE's curriculum is easier than ICSE. It focuses on main subjects like science and mathematics. The questions in exams are often straightforward, and if you understand the concept reasonably well, you can do well in exams.
ICSE's syllabus is more difficult than CBSE, since it covers more topics and goes into more detail on each subject. You need to really understand the concepts and topics to do well in ICSE exams. Moreover, you also need to write well and present your answer properly, since every examination is also testing your language and expression skills on one level or another.
CBSE vs ICSE - Preparation for Competitive Exams
CBSE is often the preferred choice for students aiming for competitive exams like JEE and NEET. The reason is that the syllabus of these competitive exams is closely aligned with the CBSE curriculum. This makes it easier for CBSE students to prepare, as they are already familiar with many of the concepts and topics that are tested in these exams.
ICSE, while providing a strong foundation in English and a broad-based education, does not align as closely with the specific syllabi of these competitive exams. ICSE students might need to put in extra effort to cover topics that are part of the competitive exams but not emphasised in their school syllabus. However, the analytical skills and in-depth understanding developed through the ICSE curriculum can be beneficial in the long run.
CBSE vs ICSE - Grading System Comparison
CBSE uses a grading system based on marks obtained. It follows a 10-point scale, with grades from A1 (top grade, for scores between 91-100) to E (for scores below 33). See table below for a breakdown of the CBSE grading system:
| Grade | Grade Point | Marks Range |
| A1 | 10 | 91 to 100 |
| A2 | 9 | 81 to 90 |
| B1 | 8 | 71 to 80 |
| B2 | 7 | 61 to 70 |
| C1 | 6 | 51 to 60 |
| C2 | 5 | 41 to 50 |
| D | 4 | 33 to 40 |
| E1 & E2 | 0 | 21 to 32 |
Below is the table showing the ICSE Grading System:
| Grade | Standard |
| 1 and 2 | Very Good |
| 3, 4 and 5 | Pass with Credit |
| 6 and 7 | Pass |
| 8 and 9 | Fail |
CBSE vs ICSE - Fees Comparison
ICSE Schools affiliated to the CISCE are known to be more expensive than CBSE Schools, because most of them are private schools. CBSE Board has a healthy mix of private This is a general trend, so there can of course be some exceptions. Factors like the city, location and level of prestige associated with the school also play a part.
CBSE vs ICSE - Scholarship Comparison
The CBSE board provides a range of scholarships of different amounts and durations, since it is a government-affiliated educational board. The Board facilitates the conduction of several exams aimed at discovering exceptional talent deserving of these scholarships. This makes CBSE Schools as a whole widely accessible for students from weaker financial backgrounds.
The CISCE Board does not directly provide scholarships. Instead, the affiliated schools have the discretion to introduce scholarship programs as they see appropriate. This approach makes ICSE Schools generally less accessible to students from weaker financial backgrounds.
Advantages of CBSE Board
- National Recognition: CBSE is the most widely recognised board across India, which makes it easier to transfer between schools if you are shifting from one place to another.
- Focus on Competitive Exams: The syllabus aligns well with the preparation for Indian competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
- Flexible Curriculum: Offers a range of elective subjects, allowing students to explore various interests.
- Less Expensive: CBSE Schools are usually less expensive than ICSE Schools, because of the healthy mix of private as well as public schools that are affiliated with the CBSE Board.
Disadvantages of CBSE Board
- Less Comprehensive: The syllabus is less detailed compared to ICSE, with much more focus given to science and mathematics over other subjects like languages and arts.
- Language Limitation: Focuses mainly on Hindi and English, offering less exposure to other languages.
Advantages of ICSE Board
- Balanced Curriculum: Offers a more comprehensive and balanced syllabus, with equal emphasis on language, arts, and sciences.
- English Proficiency: Strong focus on English helps in building language skills, beneficial for global opportunities.
- Skill Development: Encourages analytical thinking and in-depth understanding of subjects.
Disadvantages of ICSE Board
- Smaller Network of Schools: ICSE has a network of around 2,300 schools, which pales in comparison to CBSE's network of around 27,000 schools.
- Less Focus on Competitive Exams: The syllabus is not specifically tailored for Indian competitive exams.
- Higher Academic Pressure: The extensive syllabus can lead to more study load and academic pressure on students.
- More Expensive: ICSE Schools are usually more expensive than CBSE Schools, because most of them are private schools.
Similarities Between CBSE and ICSE
While both CBSE and ICSE have their unique characteristics, they share a common goal of providing quality education and preparing students for future academic and professional endeavours. Both boards maintain very high standards of education.
Key similarities between CBSE and ICSE
- Rigorous Academic Curriculum: Both CBSE and ICSE offer a comprehensive and challenging curriculum. They focus on equipping students with essential knowledge and skills that are crucial for college and beyond.
- Wide Range of Subjects: Students under both boards have access to a diverse array of subjects. This includes core areas like English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, as well as a variety of languages. Such a broad curriculum ensures that students have a well-rounded education.
- Emphasis on Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Both boards prioritise the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach is integral to their teaching methodologies, and ensures students are not just academically proficient but also capable of applying their knowledge practically.
- High Standards of Academic Excellence: Schools affiliated with CBSE and ICSE are required to meet high standards of academic quality. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure these standards are maintained, reflecting the boards' commitment to educational excellence.
- Recognition Across India: Both CBSE and ICSE are widely recognised by educational institutions across the country. This recognition facilitates a smoother transition for students seeking admission in colleges and universities within India.
- Eligibility for Entrance Exams: Students from both boards are eligible to appear for various entrance examinations conducted across India, paving the way for higher education opportunities in diverse fields.
- Continual Curriculum Updates and Improvements: Both boards are known for continually updating and modifying their curricula. This adaptability ensures that the education provided is relevant and in sync with the ever-changing global landscape.
- Focus on Holistic Development: CBSE and ICSE don't just concentrate on academic learning; they also offer a range of additional courses and skill subjects. This approach helps in the holistic development of students and helps them prepare for various life challenges.
Which Board is Better - CBSE or ICSE?
This might surprise you, but selecting the right school for your child is about much more than just the board. Both CBSE and CISCE are excellent boards that have developed curricula to help set your child up for future success. Whichever board you choose, you will still need to play an active and decisive role in your child's development, along with the school teachers.
The board and associated curriculum is not the most important factor that you should evaluate when choosing a school. Limitations of one curriculum can be overcome by the school's teaching methodology and pedagogy, and the individual attention your child is able to receive. So evaluate schools on those factors as well, and give them more importance than just the board with which the school is affiliated.
In other words, you need to ensure that your child gets holistic development that extends beyond just the classroom and the curriculum. This is what The HDFC Schools are famed for, and is one of the reasons we have consistently ranked among the best schools in Pune, Gurugram and Bengaluru. Moreover, we have adopted a project based approach to learning and teaching, which enables students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the core subject matter, beyond what is strictly offered by the CBSE curriculum.
We hope this guide helped you broaden your understanding of how to choose the right school for your child, and why it is important to evaluate other factors beyond just the curriculum followed by the school.
CBSE vs ICSE - Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBSE better than ICSE?
There's no definitive answer as it depends on individual needs. CBSE is often preferred for its focus on science and maths and alignment with competitive exams in India. ICSE is favoured for its comprehensive and balanced curriculum with a strong emphasis on English.
What are the disadvantages of ICSE board?
ICSE can be more challenging due to its extensive syllabus, potentially leading to higher academic pressure. It's also less focused on Indian competitive exams compared to CBSE.
Which is the Number 1 Board in India?
There's no official ranking for educational boards in India. CBSE and ICSE are both highly regarded, with CBSE having a wider presence across the country.
Which board is toughest?
ICSE is often perceived as tougher due to its detailed and comprehensive syllabus and rigorous evaluation methods.
Which is better for my child's future ICSE or CBSE?
Both are good, but it depends on the student's goals. CBSE's focus on science and mathematics might be better for those focusing on Indian competitive exams, while ICSE could be an advantage for those looking for a more well-rounded education with a strong focus on English speaking and writing.
Is ICSE cheaper than CBSE?
The cost can vary depending on the school. However, ICSE schools are often private and may have higher fees compared to many CBSE schools. The cost difference is more about the individual school than the board itself.
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