difference between CBSE and ICSE syllabus

1) CBSE board is more popular of the two (CBSE vs ICSE) by a huge margin. Thereby making it easier to find schools when you move to a new place .


2) Schoold outside india support CBSE : CBSE schools, titled CBSE videsh can be found in Middle east, South Africa and even in some European countries. So you can move countries without significant disruption of education for your kid.


3) Recognition :Both the boards, i.e. CBSE and ICSE are recognized by most universities and colleges across India. So marks for class-12th will be recognized. However, some colleges have started the process of “calibration” of marks. This means they put an adjustment factor for marks obtained in one board to make it comparable to the other. This “calibration” factor often varies from year to year and usually favours the board from which most number of applicants arrive, which in this case is the CBSE .Not to worry much. Its out of our hands.


4) Content course : Both CBSE and ICSE have slightly different focus in terms of course content. CBSE content is very Science and Maths focused with lots of attention paid to application of knowledge. ICSE on the other hand is more balanced with equal focus on language, arts and science. While If you want more balanced curriculum for your child, it is up to you on what you prefer.

5) Teaching Methodology: Depends on teacher. Phew !! . Nothing to select on this. It always depends on schools and Faculty.


6) Flexibility :ICSE takes the advantage here over CBSE. There are a lot more subjects to choose from in class-12. Also, there is an option to take vocational course based on interest rather than pure academic courses for class-12. CBSE has been improving over the years in terms of combination of subjects etc offered but still ICSE has a lead.


Bottom Line : If we compare between CBSE and ICSE then there is not much difference, except that standard of ICSE is bit higher than that of CBSE at the same time it is considered to be tougher.

Another difference that can be seen between the CBSE and the ICSE, is that a large number of schools have affiliated with the CBSE, but not with the ICSE. Moreover, the CBSE Board allows regular and private candidates to take the exams. On the other hand, ICSE will not allow students who have not been studying in ICSE affiliated schools to take exams

A lot of talent search exams and scholoar ships NTSC, NSEC etc held at local and national level base their content on CBSE syllabus just because it is more prevelant.

Suggestion, Corrections and comments are welcome.

Thanks