Why Choose IGCSE Over CBSE Or ICSE Curriculum?


Oct. 12, 2023, 1:34 p.m.

Regardless of whether a child receives an elementary or a secondary education, parents try to provide the best possible education to their children. Hence, when it comes to making the appropriate choice for the suitable school or board for their child in India, it takes effort and enough research before opting for the right one..

The primary distinction between IGCSE and CBSE or ICSE is their recognising authorities.

CBSE is recognised by the Union Government of India and follows only the NCERT curriculum throughout India, whereas ICSE board is managed by CISCE or Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination.

IGCSE is established by the University of Cambridge International Examinations and is recognised worldwide. This board differs from state or national boards in terms of methodology, structure, and approach to education.

In order to make an informed decision regarding the selection of the best school for a child, it is helpful for parents/guardians to find out the unique features of each board that meet their aspirations.

As we dive deeper into the features of these three popular education boards, we’ll highlight some of the unique methodologies thes boards follow in order to stand out as completely different entities in terms of their curriculum and other practices.

Here are a few advantages of CBSE that give this board an edge over other boards:

  • One of the best advantages of the CBSE board is that here the students can continue their studies from anywhere in India because of the variety of schools recognised by this board.
  • The fee is comparatively less than that of other national and international boards.
  • Allows private candidates and students from non-affiliated schools to take the exam.
  • Coaching, textbooks and guidance are easily accessible across the country.

Although there are plenty of advantages a child can enjoy being a part of the CBSE board, parents/guardians can not deny the below facts before considering the education board that works the best for them.

  • The CBSE board only allows students to select subject combinations within their stream.
  • Does not encourage participation in extracurricular activities.
  • It is less concerned with social science and languages which makes it difficult for students aspiring for further studies outside the country.
  • Any subject is approached primarily theoretically instead of practical sessions.

ICSE Syllabus is considered to be more difficult than CBSE, because the ICSE syllabus has more internal assessments and concepts that can be applied to practical exams.

Here are some of the advantages of the ICSE board that makes it one of the most popular educational boards in India.

  • All subjects are given equal importance
  • Certified around the globe
  • Helps in students opting for foreign universities
  • Flexibility in choosing subjects

Every educational institution and board comes with its own set of rules and limitations. Here are a few of the features of ICSE that you may wish to consider before choosing this board for your child.

  • Difficulty level is high
  • Students feel pressured due to extensive subjects
  • Grading system is strict

IGCSE as a preferred option for students who want to pursue their higher education in a different country, comes with several distinctive advantages that makes this board a preferable choice for many.

Some of these advantages are mentioned below:

  • Since IGCSE is recognised worldwide, one can use the most recommended IGCSE books and reference books; there is no set syllabus.
  • Science, commerce, languages, and humanities are all covered all together. IGCSE offers a wide range of subjects and combinations, and there are no restrictions on streams.
  • Ideal for students who want to study abroad
  • The IGCSE is project-based and hands-on. Here knowledge is prioritised over grades and everything a child learns comes through activity, play, and experience. Instructional learning is reduced to a bare minimum.

IGCSE board has recently blended local economies and cultures in the Indian setting to ensure that students obtain not only a worldwide perspective but also an awareness of their roots and local cultures.

Despite being one of the most preferred education boards globally, IGCSE has some of its own limitations. They are:

  • Expensive compared to CBSE and ICSE boards.
  • Only functions in English medium. Hence it is difficult to be accessible for people living in remote areas.

Parents wish to equip their children with the best school that provides the best curriculum and the right skills so that they get the expertise to become successful in life. Therefore, making the right decision when selecting an educational board is critical to a child’s successful career.

Although CBSE, ICSE and IGCSE, all these three curriculums are excellent, each one caters to different educational needs of students. IGCSE being the one board that is recognised worldwide, Wellsprings Academy has adopted this curriculum to equip students with all the tools and methods required for them to pursue their further studies after school, in a different country, anywhere in the world.

We are hopeful that before making the decision of selecting the best school for your child, the above mentioned factors will help you opt for the right school as a preliminary step towards your child/ren’s educational journey.

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