CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE, and other international

Education in India is very highly dependent on the syllabus offered and most parents choose schools based on the syllabus it offers rather than on the kind of education imparted by the school.

Schools in India offer both Indian and International syllabi some of which are:

1.      National – CBSE - Central Board of Secondary Education.

2.      ICSE- Indian Certificate of Secondary Education

3.      State Board- Approximately 30 State Boards.

4.      International – Cambridge University Programs.

5.      IBO Programs and a few others such as – Ontario from Canada, EDEXCEL- From UK.

Why and how CBSE ?

§  Started by the NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) with the aim to operate a chain of central schools (Kendriya Vidyalaya) that could cater to government employees who are in transferable jobs that involve mid year movements.

§  A number of private schools have started to offer CBSE since a number of private sector employees are also moving place to place

§  The CBSE Syllabus is very structured, highly predictable and, highly controlled

§  All national entrance examinations are conducted as per this syllabus.

§  A number of changes have been incorporated lately, the prominent decision being to make board examination at the end of Grade -10 optional

§  Board exams conducted:

§   Grade-10 (Optional )

§   Grade-12 (Mandatory)

ICSE – Indian School Certificate Examinations

§  An offshoot of the Cambridge IGCSE that existed during the British regime was taken over by the Anglo Indian Board and is now governed by the  ‘Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations’.

§  Has taken in a lot of structures from the NCERT

§  At Grade-10 as of now is the toughest board examination

§  Almost similar to CBSE in terms of controls, difference being this is quasi Government.

§  Board Exams conducted:

§  ICSE – Grade-10

§  ISC- Grade-12

State Boards

§  Each state has its own variance from the NCERT syllabus and adds up its local flavor. State government predominantly dictates languages taught and medium of instruction.

§  Relatively easy syllabus for board exams.

§  Age is another factor that varies from state to state.

§  As per the new government directive, many state boards have adopted the NCERT syllabus for Math and Science in Grades 11 and 12. This move is aimed at a common entrance examination for Engineering and Medical colleges which is expected soon.

§  Board Exams Conducted:

§  Grade-10.

§  Grade-12 (Also called P U- Pre University).

§  Some states also conduct a Board Exam in Grade-8.

Alternate education

National Open School- Highly suited for students who have Learning difficulties or who are involved in other activities such as Sports at National / International level. Accepted as equal to other streams.

International Education-

§  IBO- Three levels PYP (Primary Years Program -Up to Grade-5), MYP (Middle Years Program – Grade 6 to 10), IB Diploma (Grade 11 and 12). IBO conducts an External Exam only for Diploma; School assesses other programs. Currently there is a plan for introduction of External exam at Grade-10 level (Completion of MYP).

§  Cambridge Program- Currently focused on IGCSE at 9 &10 and A Level at 12 Grade (Also commencing Cambridge Diploma Program at Grade-12).

§   Biggest advantage of International curriculum is freedom offered in delivery of curriculum.

§  This provides opportunity to school to try innovative approach to help children understand concepts than just follow textbook teaching.

§  Assessments can be differentiated and thus learning can be made fun.