Choosing an appropriate educational board for your child to pursue education in would be one of the main decisions you will be making as parents. In this article, we will be discussing two of the most popular education boards in India: CBSE and ICSE. There are a number of factors making them distinctive education boards in their own right. They both differ from each other in terms of their level of difficulties. We will understand which will be best for your kid.
Syllabi Comparison - CBSE vs ICSE
CBSE Syllabus
The syllabus provided by CBSE is famous for its compactness and ease to understand. The syllabus has been designed in a way that it equips students to face competitive exams of IIT JEE, NEET, and other national level exams. The syllabus is based on key subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
ICSE Syllabus
The syllabus of ICSE is much broader in its contents. The syllabus of ICSE consists of a vast number of subjects, ranging from Literature to Environment Science, and then to Art. The syllabus of ICSE is designed to inculcate analytical skill, in addition to mastering concepts. The syllabus of ICSE also allows students to have ample practical knowledge.
Pattern of Exams - CBSE & ICSE
CBSE Exam Pattern
CBSE Exams are designed in a way to check the knowledge and understanding abilities of students in the core subject areas. The format of examination includes objective, short answer, and long answer type questions. The format is prepared in a way to check the application skills of students and not to memorize answers to questions.
ICSE Exam Pattern
The exams conducted by ICSE are also known to be a little tough in nature. These exams consist of a mix of objective as well as descriptive types of questions. There is a great emphasis laid down on writing descriptive answers as well as an in-depth understanding. The exams will also consist of writing long answers.
Focus Areas - CBSE vs ICSE
CBSE Focus Areas
CBSE gives utmost importance to Science subjects as well as Mathematics. The curriculum designed by CBSE is aimed at preparing the students for a technical career. Additionally, the curriculum is flexible regarding the options the student has to choose, especially at the senior school level. The syllabus also covers foreign language studies equivalent to English language studies. The syllabus gives a lot of importance to Science
ICSE Focus Areas
ICSE emphasizes a balanced education equally and provides education in arts, humanities, and sciences. The boards in ICSE believe in a holistic learning style that involves the development of language skills, creative thinking, and practical knowledge. This is the primary reason that makes ICSE an ideal stream of education for those who are interested in multiple streams of education.
What to Consider in Choosing a Board Member
Interests of the Child: If the child is interested in Science and wants to be an engineer or a doctor in the future, CBSE would be a better choice for them. However, if they are passionate about literature and arts and are interested in multiple subjects, then ICSE would be a better choice for them.
Learning Style: The learning style of CBSE is quite direct, catering to those who want their concepts to be clear and practical. The detailed syllabus in ICSE is perfectly ideal for those who are keen to explore their subjects in-depth.
Future Plans: CBSE is a symbol of excellence in India and all around the world, leaving less to worry about when stepping out to pursue education in the next level. The reputation of ICSE is also good but is known to be a bit challenging, particularly when it involves a well-rounded education.
Teaching and Infrastructrure: Taking a closer look at the quality of schools in your areas offering CBSE schools and ICSE schools based on their syllabus, it is a good thing to remember that quality education also involves quality teachers, infrastructure, and learning environments, which are one hundred percent involved in educating your children.
Exam Stress: If your child is a nervous one during the time of the exams, their direct mode of education in CBSE might be a bit challenging to handle. However, if indeed your child is one who enjoys learning things in-depth, taking education in ICSE might be even more fun for them.
Conclusion
Both CBSE and ICSE are good, to be honest. Whatever is best will depend on whether your child is interested in it, whether they are passionate about their education in a specific stream. An pertinent aspect is to remember that you are choosing CBSE pattern education or ICSE pattern education, so it is vital that you help your child in progressing in their education regardless.
