In India right from the moment a child is
born, somewhere lodged at the back of the mind of parents is the question –
which school should I send my child to? When the child attains two years of
age, the parents are indecisive about the board. The most common dilemma for
parents opting for English Medium is CBSE or ICSE? As this choice would make a
significant difference in the early as well as later stage of his or her
education, this question is not a simple one. Since the two boards are very
different, changing midway is also not a good idea. So it is always advisable
that parents critically evaluate both boards before they send their child to
school.
The comparison between the two boards can
be done on the basis of functionalities, abilities and other standards.
Now, CBSE is one of the most preferred
boards in our country as it follows the national curriculum framework with
additional subject matter. In fact it is
a board that is recognised by the NCERT (National Council of Educational
Research and Training) and the schools affiliated to this board follow NCERT
prescribed textbooks too. It is also regarded to be good for people with
transferable jobs as getting admission for their children in a new school is
easier. Now even a large number of private schools are offering CBSE to cater
to private sector employees who are part of the migrant population. Another
advantage is that the CBSE curriculum is well structured and controlled. Therefore,
all the national entrance examinations are based on this syllabus.
ICSE is also offered by several schools
across India, although down south the number decreases. The examinations are on
a similar model as CBSE with a very tough syllabus comparatively. It is
considered to be the toughest board examination to crack because of the
detailed syllabus.
Let us try to see the major differences
between the two:
In CBSE the medium of instruction is
English or Hindi, as opted by the school. ICSE offers only English as the
medium.
CBSE has a large number of schools
affiliated to it all across India. Apart from the regular candidates who are
school goers and write the boards, CBSE allows even private candidates from
non-affiliated schools to appear for the board exams. ICSE does not allow this
and allows only those in ICSE schools to write the boards.
CBSE has a better worldwide recognition. They have a better footing in
the subcontinent as compared to ICSE. In fact many foreign education systems
recognize CBSE but do not give that accreditation to ICSE.
The CBSE syllabus is suitable for various entrance examinations that
include professional courses. JEE, the all India exam for engineering entrance,
is designed and administered by CBSE. CBSE is more objective knowledge and ICSE
is subjective. CBSE is very focused on Science and Maths with application based
knowledge. ICSE is more focused on elaborate knowledge encompassing all
subjects.
In CBSE a child is assesses throughout the year and test scores are based
on projects, practicals along with academic tests. Even the extra-curricular
activities are given weightage while calculation of scores. So, even a mediocre
child can get good grades if he or she is good in sports. The Continuous and Comprehensive
Evaluation or CCE method that has been adopted by CBSE focuses on the all round
assessment of the child.
CBSE schools are more in number so getting admission in a school
following CBSE board is easier. It is easier to get admission when one moves to
a new place compared to ICSE. Scoring is easier in CBSE as the questions are
more objective and not as detailed as ICSE. More practical knowledge is gained
in CBSE as the knowledge is application based. And of course, all entrance
examinations held on a national basis are based on the CBSE syllabus and so
more students from this board clear them and go to the premier institutes.
