Written By Anshima | Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 23rd August, 2024
Ever felt lost in the jumble of school curriculums, wondering what makes the International Baccalaureate (IB) syllabus stand out? Don’t worry, we’re here to simplify things for you. This blog is your go-to handbook for the educational journey. We’ll break down the IB’s detailed syllabus, explain the grading system in simple terms, draw comparisons with other boards, and explore why the IB is gaining so much popularity in India.
Consider this guide as your roadmap to understanding it all. Ready to dive in and chat about your child’s academic adventure? Let’s make sense of it together!
Quick Summary
Your Guide to the Detailed IB Syllabus [2025–26] –
- What is the IB Board?
- IB: Detailed Syllabus
- TOK (Theory of Knowledge)
- EE (Extended Essay)
- CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)
3. Grading System
4. Comparison with CBSE and ICSE
5. Comparison with IGCSE
6. Top IB Schools of Bangalore
7. Parents and Alumni reviews
8. Conclusion
Our Selection Proces
1. What is the IB Board?
1. What is the IB Board?
Let us introduce you to the educational marvel that is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Board. It was created by the nonprofit International Baccalaureate organization in 1968, headquartered in Geneva. It’s not just a curriculum, it’s a global standard for top-notch education. Schools that adopt the IB curriculum are called IB World Schools and the program offered in grades 11 and 12 is called IBDP or International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Unlike the traditional school’s routine of simply delivering content, IB World Schools focus on imparting crucial life skills. It’s an approach that doesn’t just shape successful learners but well-rounded individuals, preparing them for the future and the real world.
It comprises of four distinctive education programs according to the age-
- The Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 to 12,
- The Middle Years Programme (MYP) for those aged 11 to 16,
- The Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16 to 19,
- The International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) is designed for the same age range.
IB education offers a bit of a challenge, but it’s also a lot of fun. Students aiming to continue their studies beyond India often choose IB because it helps them stay in sync with the education standards worldwide, just like students in other parts of the world.
2. IB: Detailed Syllabus
IB brings a bunch of benefits, and one big plus is the flexibility it offers in choosing subjects. It’s all about focusing on what students are genuinely interested in and how it aligns with their future goals.
IB offers 6 groups of subjects and 3 core subjects:
- Group 1: Language and Literature (English)
- Group 2: Language Acquisition (International Languages like French, Spanish, German, or Mandarin)
- Group 3: Individual and Society (Economics, History, Geography)
- Group 4: Experimental Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Group 5: Mathematics
- Group 6: The Arts (Music, Theater, Visual Arts)
Here’s the deal: Students get to choose 1 subject from each group.
For higher-level studies, they can pick 3-4 subjects, and for Standard Level (SL), it’s 2-3 subjects. In Higher Level (HL), students dive deep into a subject, putting in a minimum of 240 hours. For Standard Level subjects, it’s a minimum of 150 hours of classes.
The three core mandatory subjects are TOK, EE, and CAS.
TOK
TOK, short for Theory of Knowledge, is a class where students explore the six subjects they’ve chosen. It’s not about memorizing facts; it’s more like becoming detectives of knowledge. In TOK class students ask: How do they get information? Can it be trusted? Who might be giving us a one-sided view? They delve into their favorite subjects like math, science, and history to understand how people in those areas think and what they believe is true.
What makes TOK cool is that it helps students become smarter thinkers. They learn to carefully analyze arguments, consider different points of view, and sharply use their brains. TOK is like a guide, not just for doing well in school but also for understanding the world better. It’s a secret weapon for thinking and gaining a deeper understanding.
EE
In the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, “EE” stands for Extended Essay. It’s like a big research project that students do in their final year. They pick a topic they like, research it, and write an essay of about 4,000 words. It’s a chance for students to dig deep into something they’re interested in, show what they’ve learned, and practice doing their research. It’s kind of like a stepping stone to getting ready for university-level work.
CAS
In the IB program, CAS, which stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service, is a crucial part of the diploma journey. It’s like a triple-combo that focuses on three key areas.
- There’s creativity, where students express themselves through arts, music, or various creative outlets.
- Then comes activity, promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, fitness, or outdoor activities.
- Lastly, there’s service, encouraging students to give back to their communities through volunteering or service projects.
CAS isn’t just about hitting the books, it’s about becoming a well-rounded individual with creativity, physical well-being, and a strong sense of community service. Students not only participate in these activities but also document their experiences.
- Internal Assessments
These tasks are like short research essays for subjects like Economics, Business, Physics, and Biology. Depending on the subject, they can be short (about 750 words for Economics) or long (1500-2000 words for Business and Physics).
- Written tasks
In language subjects such as English, French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, etc., students are assigned writing tasks that they must submit. The length of these written tasks varies depending on whether the subject is at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).
- Further Oral Activities (FOAs)
Students make presentations that are part of the language subjects. They involve solo or group performances where you discuss a segment of the language course, and you get graded based on your presentation.
- Internal Oral Commentaries (IOCs)
In IB, students make video presentations about books they studied in language class and are graded by IB examiners.
3. Grading System
3. Grading System
In the IB grading system, your performance is assessed through both Internal and External evaluations.
Internal assessments happen throughout the two years of the diploma program and consider things like assignments, class performance, essays, and community service. These factors contribute to your internal assessment score.
On the other hand, external assessments occur at the end of the final year. Here, question papers are created by an external body, and your answers are evaluated by external examiners.
Each subject is graded on a scale from 1 to 7, with 1 being the lowest and 7 being the highest achievable grade. For core subjects like TOK (Theory of Knowledge), EE (Extended Essay), and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), they collectively contribute to a total of 3 marks. This means that the highest score an IB student can achieve is calculated by
Total subjects= 6
Maximum Mark/ subject= 7
CAS marks = 3
6 x 7 +3 = 42 + 3 = 45.
That brings the total to the maximum possible score of 45.
The minimum grade to achieve an IB Diploma is 24 out of 45.
IB grading is different and better than the traditional boards because it looks at more than just how much you know in each subject. It considers your creativity, physical activities, and community service too. In IB, it’s not only about doing well in tests, it’s about being good at lots of things. Your final grade comes from adding up all these different parts, making it a fairer way to see how awesome you are in different ways.
4. Comparison of IB Syllabus with CBSE and ICSE
CBSE
In the CBSE syllabus, they split the assessments into two, just like IB does with Internal and External assessments. But here’s the catch, CBSE has fewer subject options compared to IB. For the External Assessment, you must take five compulsory subjects, including
- Language 1 (Hindi or English Literature and Language)
- Language 2 ( Other than language chosen in Language 1)
- Social Science
- Mathematics
- Science
When it comes to Internal Assessment in the CBSE syllabus, there are three must-do subjects.
- Physical Education
- Work Experience
- Art.
It’s a bit more structured, but you still get some choice in what you explore. CBSE is ideal for students who want to appear for IIT JEE, NEET, IIST, IISER, etc.
ICSE
In ICSE there are six subjects grouped into three categories.
In Group I, which is compulsory, subjects like
- English
- Second language
- History, Civics, and Geography
These subjects have external examinations contributing 80% of marks, with the remaining 20% allocated for internal assessment.
Group II allows students to choose 2-3 subjects from options like
1. Mathematics
2. Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology)
3. Economics
4. Commercial Studies
5. A Modern Foreign Language
6. A Classical Language
7. Environmental Science
Group III mandates selecting one subject, where the marking scheme involves 50% external paper and 50% internal assessment.
Subjects in Group 3 range from
- Art and Performing Arts
- Home Science Cookery
- Fashion Designing
- Physical Education
- Yoga
- Technical Drawing Applications
- Environmental Applications
- Modern Foreign Language
- Mass Media & Communication
- Hospitality Management
- Beauty & Wellness: Skin & Hair Styling
Certain combinations are not allowed, such as Sanskrit in both Group I and Group II, Economics in Group II, and Economic Applications in Group III. Additionally, candidates selecting a Modern Foreign Language cannot choose the same language in the other two groups.
Well, IB is known worldwide outlook, flexibility, and holistic learning experience. It prepares you for a global stage. On the other hand, ICSE is like a solid education package with a focus on subjects, and it’s a familiar face in India. So, it depends on what suits your style.
5. Comparison of IB Syllabus with IGCSE
Now, let’s dive into the minds of students who have experienced the curriculum of IGCSE and IB.
Student’s Take on IGCSE
The IGCSE also known as International Board other than IB stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). IGCSE, run by Cambridge, has a fixed curriculum with exams conducted by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). It has specific levels like Lower Secondary and Higher Secondary, progressing to AS for 11th grade and A for 12th grade.
Unlike IB, IGCSE follows prescribed books and the Cambridge International Examination. IB, on the other hand, is more student and skill-centered, without fixed textbooks or exams. It offers flexibility, allowing students to choose subjects from different groups. IB focuses on a balance between curricular and extra learning through diverse activities. The choice between them depends on whether you prefer a structured education with IGCSE or a flexible, skill-focused approach with IB, which is particularly beneficial for applying to foreign universities.
6. Top IB Schools of Bangalore
1. The International School Bangalore
What’s Special?
What stands out most about The International School Bangalore (TISB) is its strong focus on academic excellence. Ranked 39th among IB schools worldwide and 3rd in India, TISB serves students from Pre-KG to Grade 12, offering both the IB Diploma Programme and the IGCSE curriculum. The school’s dedicated and passionate teachers encourage creativity and critical thinking, helping students not just pass exams but excel in them, moving beyond traditional rote learning methods.
Google Review
According to current statistics, TISB boasts an average rating of 4.1 stars, underscoring its reputation as one of the top international schools in Bangalore for academics.
Parents appreciate the supportive teachers and the welcoming environment, noting that their children enjoy attending school daily and are continually developing. However, there are some areas for improvement. One review mentioned a lack of transparency in communication, but the school responded promptly and addressed the concern.
Quick Stats
- The Principal, Dr. Caroline Pascoe, possesses outstanding academic credentials and brings over 20 years of educational experience to the role.
- With a favorable student-teacher ratio of 9:1, TISB ensures personalized attention for each student.
- The school serves students from Pre-KG to Grade 12, offering both day school and boarding options.
- It follows IGCSE, Cambridge and IB curricula.
- The school is located in NAFL Valley Whitefield – Sarjapur Road, near Dommasandra, Bengaluru.
What Have They Got?
- TISB boasts a sprawling 140-acre campus that is clean, safe, and secure.
- The school features well-equipped labs with cutting-edge technology.
- The sports facilities at TISB includes weight training, basketball, tennis, a swimming pool, badminton courts, karate, fencing, shooting, and an athletics track.
- TISB offers a diverse range of after-school activities, such as coding, contemporary dance, Indian Kathak dance, crafts, debating, entrepreneurship, first aid, French, Math Club, music, Newspaper Club, photography, robotics, tabla, Trinity Speech & Drama, and yoga.
- Every December, TISB hosts a vibrant three-day Model United Nations (MUN) event that attracts 40 schools and over 500 students. This event is led by students in Grades 10-12 who join the Executive Board.
- TISB Grade 9 boarders organize the Junior Boys Premier League (JBPL) each year.
- This charity football tournament, featuring eight teams, is specifically for Grade 9 and younger boarders, with managers selected through interviews and players chosen via auction.
Fees
- The fees for day scholars are approximately Rs. 5,50,000 annually, while for hostellers, they are around Rs. 10,60,000. However, these amounts may vary depending on your child’s grade.To get a detailed breakdown, including any additional charges for specific programs or services, be sure to contact the school. This will help you make an informed decision regarding your child’s education.
Social Media
We loved how active they are on Instagram. They’re sharing student achievements, events, and school life from time to time to be in touch with the parents and the school community. You can check out more on their Website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Awards
Yep, they’ve got a lot of awards to show:
- In May 2024, TISB was honored with the title of “International School of the Year” at the prestigious BSA (Boarding School Association) Awards 2024, held in the UK.
- TISB received the “Exemplary Contribution to the World of Education” award at the Grand Jury Awards 2022, presented by Education Today.
- In 2020, the School Principal was honored as an Exceptional Academic Leader by the AKS Education Awards.
2. Indus International School
What’s Special?
Guess what’s really awesome about this school? They’ve got this super cool thing called “Startup School” for kids in grades 6 to 12. It’s all about turning students into leaders and teaching them the ropes of business. They get advice from experts, do virtual internships, and focus on “Life Entrepreneurship” to match what’s needed in today’s digital world. How cool is that?
Google Review
Overall the school is rated 4.0 out of 5, based on over 307 reviews. That’s pretty solid. We checked out some reviews from parents. One parent talked about the super supportive teachers and how the school customize education for each kid. Another parent really liked the after-school activities.
Quick Stats
- The Principal, Mrs Sarojini Rao, has been heading the school since 2005, holds exceptional academic credentials and is recognised as one of Education Today’s Leaders.
- The student-teacher ratio is a reasonable 9:1, so they’re keeping class sizes manageable.
- They have classes from nursery to the 12th grade, and they teach in English.
- They have both day school and boarding options.
- They follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) board.
- Located in Billapura, Cross, Sarjapura – Attibele Rd, Sarjapura, Bengaluru.
What Have They Got?
- A big 40-acre green campus with a one-and-a-half-acre school garden.
- They have smart classrooms, teacher robots, a science centre and online libraries.
- Unique Sports coaching for Horse Riding, Tennis, Badminton, Basketball and Swimming.
- They also have an In-house Kitchen and a huge Dining Hall.
- The entire campus is WiFi-enabled and secured with security and CCTV cameras.
Fees
To get started, there’s a registration fee of Rs.7,500 and a refundable security deposit of Rs.50,000. If you need transportation, that could be up to Rs.50,000. Now, for the yearly fee, it’s about Rs.7,10,000. Just remember, it might change a bit based on which class your kiddo is in.
Social Media
In the online world, Indus International School is active and lively. The school shares student achievements, events, and school life regularly on social media. You can check out more on their Website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Awards
- They’ve been ranked as the #1 international school in India for 11 years straight. That’s a pretty big deal!
- In 2017, they were named India’s Best School.
- They also won some awards in 2016 for their great teaching and training.
- They were even called the most influential education brand in India in 2015-16.
3. Stonehill International School
What’s Special?
What makes Stonehill International School special is their focus on the Arts. They’ve got a cool arts centre with special spots for Visual Arts, Drama, and Music where all the creative stuff goes down. With great spaces, lots of chances to express yourself artistically, and awesome community backing, it’s a key part of their top-notch IB program, helping your child unleash their creativity.
Google Review
Overall, they’ve got a 4.1-star rating. The positive reviews praised the high-quality facilities and the smooth admission procedure, while one negative review pointed out that the fees were too high, but all the quality education makes it worthwhile.
Quick Stats
- The Head of the School, Joe Lumsden, brings his years of experience and is working constantly towards the school’s growth.
- They maintain a healthy ratio of 7:1, ensuring students get personal attention.
- Stone Hill covers students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
- The school follows the IB curriculum.
- They have both day school and boarding options.
- Located in Jala Hobli, Bengaluru.
What Do You Get?
- 34-acre lush green campus with all the modern infrastructure.
- At Stonehill, students have access to iPads, and laptops and with technology support, they actively participate in their learning, share ideas, and connect with others worldwide.
- The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
- Separate arts centre to bring life into the creative ideas.
- Regular local and international competitions, including BAASC, ISACI, and tournaments in India and abroad, offer a well-rounded sports experience.
- Comfortable boarding facilities with a wide range of extra-curricular activities for hostel students.
Fees
Now, let’s talk about money. The annual fee at Stonehill is around Rs.10,00,000 – Rs.12,00,000, but it varies depending on your child’s grade. The fees can be a bit on the higher side, but given the quality of education and facilities, it is worth it.
Social Media
They’re pretty active on social media. We noticed regular posts on Instagram and Facebook. They share updates about school events, student achievements, and more.
To learn more about them, you can visit their Website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
6. Parents and Alumni Review
The reviews from both the parents and alumni provide a mixed perspective on the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. While some alumni express gratitude and positive sentiments about their IB experience, highlighting the program’s emphasis on critical thinking, practical skills, and unique subjects like Theory of Knowledge (TOK), others recount the initial challenges, stress, and struggles associated with the program.
The positive aspects include the recognition of IB’s value in preparing students for university life, fostering a sense of independence, and offering a broader choice of subjects. On the negative side, some parents express concerns about the stress levels, workload, and the program’s perceived lack of flexibility.
The IB program is viewed as a transformative experience by some, with benefits extending beyond academic knowledge to gain skills like time management, communication, and resilience. However, the challenges and stress associated with the program are acknowledged, and opinions vary on whether the overall experience is worth the effort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IB syllabus offers a different approach to education that sets it apart from other boards such as CBSE, ICSE, and IGCSE. Unlike traditional rote learning, the IB prioritizes critical thinking, independent research, and a comprehensive educational philosophy. Many parents and alumni value the skills cultivated through the IB experience. It is important to know that, beyond preparing students for the demands of university life, the program nurtures curiosity, independence, and a global outlook. As you navigate educational choices for your kids, this blog will provide a deeper understanding of the detailed syllabus for IB to guide you in making well-informed decisions for your children’s academic journey, ensuring a transformative and well-rounded educational experience.
Varsha & Adi
Hi, we are Varsha and Adi, and we’re on a mission to help parents make the right choice for their kids’ education. Picking a school is like a 10-year commitment, and we realized parents needed clear, no-nonsense info. That’s why we created Candid Schools, where you can get the real deal on schools without the fancy jargon. Our goal is simple: to give parents the info they need to make the best choice for their little ones.
