Every parent has to go through a big task of choosing the right board of education for their children. Obviously, a board plays an important role in shaping every child’s future. The two most recognized boards of education in India are CBSE and ICSE.
Many parents get confused that whether they should admit their child in CBSE or ICSE? Which one will provide better education?
So, this blog is all about ICSE vs CBSE. Eduncle has come up with the major differences between these two boards and by the end of this blog, every parent should get their questions answered.
The very first thing a person will look is the full form of CBSE and ICSE. So, here is your answer:
CBSE- Central Board of Secondary Education
ICSE- Indian Certificate of Secondary Education
The major difference between CBSE and ICSE is their syllabus and admission procedure. So, below we have provided the complete details regarding their syllabus and admission.
Before you know the major differences between these two, you should also be aware of the general difference between CBSE and ICSE Board. The section below is all about their general differences everyone should know.
ICSE vs CBSE: The Difference!
In India, the most preferred board of education is CBSE. CBSE prepare their students for Primary, Secondary and Senior Secondary Levels.
CBSE conducts two exams at a higher scale: All India Secondary School Examination, AISSE (Class X) and All India Senior School Certificate Examination, AISSCE (Class XII).
ICSE Exam is conducted by another board, CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination). It conducts ICSE Examination (Class X Exam) and Indian School Certificate (ISC) Exam (Class XII Exam).
Medium of Instruction
CBSE allows English as well as Hindi as medium of instructions. But ICSE does not allow Hindi as their medium.
Private Candidates and Other State Board Students
A large number of schools in India are affiliated with CBSE. Students who are not from CBSE affiliated schools or non-regular candidates, they are also allowed to appear in CBSE Exams. But this is not the case with ICSE Board. If a student wants to appear in ICSE Exams, then he/she must have studied in ICSE affiliated schools earlier.
Board Recognition
Another difference between CBSE and ICSE is their board recognition. CBSE is recognized by the Government of India. Certificate provided by CBSE and ICSE are globally valid, but in India, you have a slight advantage of studying in CBSE Board.
Another difference that will tell you CBSE or ICSE which is better, is that ICSE focuses more on practical knowledge which CBSE does not. CBSE Syllabus is based on theoretical concepts which does not improve the practical knowledge of the students.
So, these are the general differences between these two boards. Now moving on to the major differences, the first major difference is between their syllabus.
So, let’s check out the difference between CBSE and ICSE syllabus.
ICSE vs CBSE: Difference Between Their Syllabus!
As mentioned earlier, CBSE syllabus is more on the theoretical concepts and ICSE focuses on the practical knowledge. Below you will get to know ICSE vs CBSE Syllabus Difference.
First starting with the mandatory or the compulsory subjects CBSE and ICSE Boards have.
ICSE has three mandatory subjects for 10th Grade students:
English
History, Civics and Geography
Second Language
CBSE mandates six subjects for class 10th:
English
Hindi
Mathematics
Science
Social Science
Vocational Subject (additional course)
For Senior Secondary level (Class 12th), whether you should go for CBSE or ICSE, English will always remain the compulsory subject.
But now, the main question comes in mind: ICSE vs CBSE Syllabus which is better and why?
So, here is your answer.
If you opt for CBSE board, which most of the students prefer, then you have a huge advantage while appearing in entrance exams. All the entrance exams conducted in India are based on CBSE Syllabus. Exams include IIT JEE (Joint Entrance Examination), NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) gives more weightage to NCERT books which covers the CBSE Board syllabus. CBSE Syllabus is much easier than any other board.
ICSE Syllabus is tougher when compared to CBSE because of the detailed study of all the subjects of ICSE Board. But ICSE Syllabus provides more practical knowledge and it aims to build analytical skills in students. This board has an advantage for the students who will be appearing in TOEFL Exam.
We have answered all of your questions regarding ICSE vs CBSE Syllabus. So, now it’s up to you whether you should opt for CBSE or ICSE.
Another major difference between these boards is their admission procedure. CBSE and ICSE both have different conditions and criteria.
Let’s checkout what these conditions and criteria are.
ICSE vs CBSE: Difference Between Their Admissions!
Admission procedure to these boards are almost the same, but also have few differences. Below we have provided the complete details of CBSE and ICSE admission procedure.
For CBSE school admissions, students must satisfy the age limits set by the regional government or education board.
If you are admitting your child to CBSE School from the beginning of schooling, then he/she might have to undergo some basic test. For those who are taking admission in class X or XII, they must procure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their previous school.
Students who are willing to take admission in Class X or XII for any CBSE school must also have studied in CBSE school earlier. The admission will be granted only if the parents are being transferred to a new location or had to relocate due to some reasons.
For admission to ICSE affiliated schools from the beginning of schooling, students have to qualify a standard test.
For admission in class X or XII, students must acquire the approval directly from the Council through the Principal of their current school. Students who want to take ICSE school admission in a different school after their X or XII class, then they also have to follow the same procedure. But the students will be admitted only to the previous classes: Class IX and Class XI.
ICSE vs CBSE: Their Pros and Cons!
Both the boards have some pros as well as some cons. Below we have mentioned the pros and cons of studying in a CBSE and ICSE board.
CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)
Pros:
Below are some Pros of choosing this board:
CBSE board is a big advantage for the students who keep relocating within India. CBSE schools are there in almost every city of India.
CBSE conducts lot of Scholarships and talent search exams.
CBSE students get the tuitions easily as most of the teachers are from CBSE School and are aware of CBSE Syllabus.
CBSE has less syllabus as compared to ICSE. A CBSE student studies less number of subjects than an ICSE student.
Cons:
Below are some Cons of CBSE board:
Students studying in CBSE board have to pick a stream (Science, Commerce or Arts) for Class 11th and 12th instead of taking individual subjects.
CBSE focuses more on Mathematics and Science. Other subjects are given less priority.
CBSE has a strict marking method.
ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education)
Pros:
Below are the Pros of choosing this board:
Students studying in this board are allowed to study from any textbook of their choice.
ICSE focuses on English language. So, students have an opportunity to gain a good command in English.
ICSE give equal priority to all the subjects i.e. English, Arts and Science.
ICSE provides the detailed study of all the subjects.
Cons:
Checkout some Cons of studying in ICSE board:
For an ICSE student, it is difficult to find a private tuition because of less number of ICSE teachers in India.
ICSE board is more expensive when compared to CBSE. School fees, books etc. all are expensive than CBSE.
ICSE has more number of subjects than CBSE. An ICSE class 6th student have to study 12-13 subjects but an equivalent CBSE student will only study 5-6 subjects.
ICSE vs CBSE is the topic that most of the parents search for. So, in this article we have discussed all the major differences between these two boards.
If you find this article useful, then do share it with your friends or anyone who wants to get admission in schools. This will clear all of their doubts regarding ICSE vs CBSE.
