Deciding on a board for your child’s further education can be confusing and stressful but making the right decision for their future is important. The kind of education they get is essential for the formative years of their life.
You may get a lot of advice from fellow parents, and it may confuse you further to hear all good and bad things about each board. Different people will have different opinions. You must understand the difference between boards across the country on your own and then take a call.
Most schools in India will have one of the two boards i.e. ICSE and CBSE. Below are the key differences between the two.
ICSE Board:
Being a national-level board, ICSE schools run across the country. The board has its focus on subjects like English, Social Sciences, and Arts. ICSE believes in the overall development of the student. Students from ICSE schools are believed to have better critical thinking and good communication skills. Nalanda is a leading ICSE school in Vadodara which follows this board.
CBSE Board:
CBSE is another nationally popular board, it is backed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). CBSE is a board that targets theoretical knowledge. Aspirants of NEET, JEET, etc. opt for CBSE due to the curriculum.
What is the Main Difference Between ICSE and CBSE?
Curriculum: All subjects including arts, languages, and social studies are given equal importance in an ICSE school as Math and Science, whereas CBSE is more focused on Math and Science and preferred due to its simple curriculum. That’s why aspirants of competitive exams choose CBSE.
Practical Vs Theory: ICSE assessments do not just focus on remembering the theory, they are based on the practical knowledge of the student, which teaches them how to apply what they have learned to real life. CBSE on the other hand focuses on theory and assessments are done through standard tests, this prepares the students to take competitive exams at the school level.
Language Proficiency: If you want your child to go abroad and enroll in an international university, the preferred and well-advised option would be ICSE, as the board increases their proficiency in English through its focus on literature and increases their communication skills. Students from ICSE schools are known to have better command of the English language compared to CBSE and they have better and more confident communication skills because of the board’s attention to detail on language subjects.
CBSE focuses on English but not as much as ICSE, however, if your child is interested in learning a second language, CBSE would give them more options. If you see your child’s interest in fields like law, journalism, or something else that requires good communication skills, ICSE will give them an edge above the rest.
Global Recognition: From all the boards across the nation, leads in global recognition, the board is recognized internationally, and the curriculum is designed at par with international standards. If you are looking at international universities for higher education, ICSE is a good choice CBSE is the better choice for students looking to pursue higher education within India and wanting to choose fields like medicine and engineering.
Which Board is Better for Your Child?
If your child is inclined toward creativity, imagination, art, literature, etc. ICSE is the perfect fit for you. But if you are focused on making your child prepare for competitive exams and get into the world of medicine, technology, or engineering- CBSE would be the preferred way to go.
You may also need to consider your child’s way of learning. If a child tends to learn and understand better through projects and hands-on practical knowledge then ICSE would be a good option for them. CBSE is better for students who can understand and learn through straightforward and objective learning.
ICSE Vs Other Boards:
ICSE vs CBSE board are not the only boards in the country, a lot of people choose state boards like IGCSE) and IB boards as well.
- State Board focuses on regional languages and local curriculum. They are a good choice for students who are sure about pursuing higher education in their states but they do not offer the same recognition as ICSE.
- IB boards offer a global curriculum and are considered by parents who want their children to go abroad for their further studies but these boards can be expensive and not affordable for all.
- The standard of education offered by ICSE is at par with international standards and it is pocket-friendly at the same time.
Why Consider ICSE Schools in Vadodara?
Education in Gujarat, especially in a cosmopolitan city like Vadodara is inclined toward international standards, since a lot of children from the state want to pursue studies abroad later in life. A list of ICSE schools in Vadodara have affiliated with the ICSE board due to the high demand. ICSE board stands out because:
- It has a balanced curriculum with equal focus on every subject. This lets students develop their own interests over time and they are not forced to go a certain way.
- The teachers help students navigate through a wide range of subjects as they are well-trained and experienced in the field.
- Students have a higher chance of getting through the top universities abroad due to the global recognition of the board if they have graduated from good ICSE schools in Baroda.
Final Thoughts- Which Board Should You Choose?
Deciding between CBSE vs ICSE or ICSE vs other boards depends on your child’s interests and inclination. If your child is driven by creativity or literature or if you want your child to decide what interests them as they learn, ICSE’s focus on every subject with their balanced curriculum should be the option. But if you are sure that the path you or your child wants is that of competitive exams, CBSE would be a good option.
For parents in Vadodara, exploring various ICSE schools in the area could be a great first step. These schools offer a balance between academic excellence and overall development, ensuring your child is well-prepared for whatever comes next.
