CBSE vs ICSE
Both the
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Certificate of
Secondary Education (ICSE) are self-financing educational institutions. The
CBSE and the ICSE have a different syllabus, education pattern, exams and other
aspects.
One of the
differences that can be noticed is that the Indian government has recognized
CBSE, but has not recognized the ICSE. Though the certificate given by both the
institutions are valid globally, the CBSE certificate has more value than the
one of ICSE.
When talking about
the syllabus, the CBSE has a more scientific approach. The whole syllabus is
divided into several units. In each unit, is also specified the number of
periods that are needed for completion. The syllabus also includes the amount
of marks in each unit. The ICSE does not have such a scientific approach.
Unlike the ICSE syllabus, the CBSE syllabus helps the teachers and students to
plan for the exams in a more scientific way.
Moreover, the
ICSE syllabus is considered to be heavy when compared to the CBSE. While the
ICSE has two papers on English, the CBSE has only one paper. The ICSE has three
papers in the science group (physics, chemistry and biology), but the CBSE has
only one paper. In social studies as well, the ICSE has two papers, geography
and history, while the CBSE has only one social sciences paper. Another
difference that can be seen, is that Environmental Education is compulsory with
ICSE. On the contrary, it is not so with the CBSE.
In terms of
the exam pattern, the entrance examinations follow the CBSE. This means that
those students studying ICSE have a disadvantage when taking competitive exams,
unlike the CBSE students.
Unlike the
ICSE, the CBSE syllabi are frequently upgraded. The CBSE has a “Front Line
Curriculum” concept that upgrades the syllabi with more relevant materials.
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.
Summary
1. The Indian
government has recognized the CBSE, but has not recognised the ICSE.
2. Though the
certificate given by both the institutions are valid globally, the CBSE
certificate has more value than the ICSE.
3. When
talking of syllabi, the CBSE has a more scientific approach than the ICSE.
