Difference between CBSE and IGCSE schools

Choosing the right school for your child is no doubt one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent, and it can often be challenging to decide between education systems. CBSE and IGCSE schools both offer quality education options, yet differ in certain ways. In this blog post, we’ll explore these differences so that you can make an informed decision about which school system would be best for your child’s future success.

Key Difference between IGCSE and CBSE Curriculum

The key difference between IGCSE and CBSE is the type of curriculum they offer. The IGCSE curriculum offers a comprehensive and globally recognized program that focuses more on practical application than traditional theories. It also promotes strong language, communication, and analytical skills, as well as international perspectives. On the other hand, CBSE schools typically focus more on theoretical learning and require students to memorize facts.

What Is IGCSE Board?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an international qualification for students aged 14 to 16. This two-year program is offered in many countries around the world, including India, and it offers a broad curriculum with subjects such as English language and literature, mathematics, sciences, and humanities. IGCSE schools also promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in the 21st century.

What Is CBSE Board?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a national board of education in India, and it offers an educational curriculum to students from grades 1 through 12. It is one of the most popular education boards in India, and it is well-known for its rigorous academic standards. CBSE schools typically focus on theoretical learning, encouraging students to memorize facts rather than develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Main Differences Between IGCSE And CBSE

The key differences between IGCSE and CBSE schools are outlined below:

• IGCSE offers a more comprehensive program with a focus on practical application and strong language, communication, and analytical skills. On the other hand, CBSE typically focuses more on theoretical learning.
• IGCSE promotes international perspectives and encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. CBSE, however, does not have an emphasis on these skills.
• IGCSE schools are more expensive than CBSE schools due to their international focus and the greater resources they require to provide quality education.
• The IGCSE curriculum is internationally recognized, while the CBSE curriculum is more popular in India.

Some Pros and Cons of CBSE and IGCSE

After understanding the difference between CBSE and IGCSE, a little more information, especially the pros, and cons, will help parents make the decision.

Here are the pros and cons of CBSE:

Pros of CBSE

• Helps in developing holistic individuals
• Student-friendly
• Recognized by the government of India
• Students have to appear for 1 exam/subject which relieves them from exam stress
• Students can prepare for exams privately
• Children can’t fail a class until 8th grade
• Board exams are optional in 10th grade and mandatory in 12th grade
• The fees are affordable.

Cons of CBSE:

• Don’t have enough subjects to select
• Focuses more on theoretical knowledge
• Students’ ability is judged on exam scores
• Extracurricular activities are part of the curriculum

And, here are the pros and cons of the IGCSE board:

Pros of IGCSE:

• Wide variety of subjects to choose from
• Refer to multiple books to gain more knowledge
• Best board to pursue further studies abroad
• Encourages knowledge-oriented learning
• Chance of resitting an exam if they aren’t satisfied with the grades. Request to recheck and a copy of their answer sheets is allowed
• Higher chance of good job opportunities
• Develop skill sets that help them to adjust anywhere in any situation

Cons of IGCSE:

• Expensive fees
• The medium of language is English only
• Requires a lot of effort as it is extremely rigorous

Conclusion

The IGCSE curriculum is more diverse and offers a wider range of subjects than the CBSE curriculum. In addition, IGCSE schools typically have smaller class sizes and better resources. As a result, students at IGCSE schools tend to perform better academically than their counterparts at CBSE schools. If you’re looking for an international school in Mangalore, be sure to check out Cambridge School. With its small class sizes and excellent resources, Cambridge School is the perfect place for your child to The Bharath Academy.