Written By Sangeeta | Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 23rd Jan, 2024
We understand if you are thinking “Is it important which school board our child attends?” And yes, it’s crucial. Choosing the right board will help them build a strong foundation in a variety of subjects and help parents who frequently move around, given that it’s available in big and small cities across the country. The right education board becomes your child’s guide through school, ensuring a smooth journey into the future. In this blog, we’re sharing info about 7+ Indian boards, aiming to simplify your life and save you time.
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Quick Summary
List of Education Boards in India
- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
- State Board.
- The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE).
- International Baccalaureate (IB).
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
- Cambridge International Education (CIE).
- Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE).
- International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
Our Selection Proces
1. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
1. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Overview
CBSE is considered to be among the most widely acknowledged Education Boards in India. The Indian government runs it, and it’s the most well-known school board in the country. We have more than 21,000 schools in India and 220 schools in 28 other countries connected with CBSE. You can also visit their official Website.
Curriculum
Schools connected with CBSE use the NCERT curriculum. In primary school, kids learn words and social stuff. In middle and senior school, they study Science, Math, English and other languages along with Arts, sports, and more. Senior school students can choose streams like Science, Humanities, or Commerce.
Exam Pattern
- CBSE conducts Continuous Comprehensive Assessments (CCE) for students from grade 6th to 10th and uses a grading system.
- The final exams happen in March for class X (All India Secondary School Examination) and class XII (All India Senior School Certificate Examination).
- CBSE also does the AIPMT (All India Pre Medical Test) and used to do the AIEEE (merged with IIT-JEE in 2013, now done by NTA).
Advantages
- Lots of students prefer CBSE because the books they use (NCERT) are important for many exams in India such as for Medical entrance exams and for JEE.
- CBSE Board is well-recognized, making it easy for students to apply to many colleges in India and abroad for higher education.
- It’s also known for its emphasis on theoretical and practical knowledge, which helps students gain a deeper understanding of various subjects.
- CBSE Board ensures a uniform curriculum, providing consistent education across all affiliated schools.
- This board offers a diverse range of career options to students, including engineering, medical, commerce, humanities, and many more. This enables students to choose a career path that aligns with their skills and interests.
Disadvantages
- Stressful Exams: The board wants students to do really well in both studies and activities, which can be stressful and leave little time to relax.
- Extensive Syllabus: The CBSE Board syllabus is considered heavy, covering many subjects, and students often feel overwhelmed, struggling to keep up with the fast pace.
Top 2 Best CBSE Schools in India
- Ecole Globale Girls School, Uttarakhand
Overview
- This school comes under the top school for CBSE.The campus of Ecole Globale spans over 40 acres and is equipped with spacious classrooms, science and computer labs, a library, an art and music room, a dance studio, and a theatre.
- The school also has facilities for various outdoor and indoor sports, including basketball, volleyball, swimming, horse riding, and tennis.
- Ecole Globale offers classes from 4th to 12th.
- The school has a strong focus on holistic education and aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and emotionally intelligent.
2. The Heritage School, Gurgaon
Overview
- The Heritage School, Gurgaon is a co-educational school located in Gurgaon, Haryana, India.
- The academic program is designed to be comprehensive and challenging, with a strong focus on conceptual understanding and practical application.
- The school has highly qualified and experienced faculty who use innovative teaching methods to engage students and make learning enjoyable.
2. State Board
Overview
In India, each state has its own education department that holds exams for classes 10 and 12, following its unique syllabus and grading system. This is beneficial for students getting ready for local engineering and medical entrance tests, as the course focuses on topics relevant to their region. Compared to other boards, the syllabus is usually more limited.
Curriculum
State boards decide what students learn based on the language, history, and culture of their state. Some boards suggest NCERT books to help students prepare for nationwide exams.
Exam Pattern
The way exams are done changes from state to state. In all classes, states hold exams. Class X students take the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams, and class XII students take the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC) exams.
Advantages
- State Boards conduct primary and mid-level examinations. Many board exams generally keep only secondary examinations, i.e. 10th and 12th grades.
- This Education Board in India is preferred by Civil Service Examination Candidates.
- Favoured by parents who want to pay reasonably affordable fees.
- State boards provide flexibility in choosing the medium of instruction, enabling students to learn in their preferred language.
Disadvantages
- State board exams might not be nationally recognized like CBSE, creating challenges for students wanting to study or work outside their state, as their qualifications may not be universally accepted.
- Education quality and grading criteria vary between states, leading to different learning results and student achievements. This makes it tricky to compare and assess performance consistently.
- State boards may have fewer subject choices than national boards, limiting students’ options for specialised subjects or specific career paths.
Top 2 Best State Board Schools in India
- Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Tamil Nadu State Board
Overview
- The school follows the Tamil Nadu curriculum until class 10 and shifts to the Tamil Nadu State Board for classes 11 and 12.
- The school is known for its heritage, it emphasises the all-round development of students.
2. Vincent’s School, Pune – Maharashtra State Board
Overview
- It’s a boys’ English Medium School affiliated with the Maharashtra State Board for 10th grade and owned by the Poona Catholic Educational Association Pvt. Ltd. for 12th grade.
- They prepare your kids for state board exams and focus on teaching high ideals of humanism and service, aiming to educate responsible individuals.
3. The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE)
Overview
ICSE is a big deal in India! It’s a national exam by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, known worldwide. With 2300+ schools on board, its certificates are accepted everywhere. ICSE focuses on Maths and Science but also cares about humanities. It’s all about giving practical knowledge and boosting analytical skills in students.
Curriculum
ICSE board is managed by CISCE or Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination. ICSE Board cares about all subjects like Arts, Languages, Science, and more. Their teaching method will help your kids to be well-prepared for the future, focusing on applying what they learn and improving analytical skills. The goal is to shape students into responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.
Exam Pattern
- For the ICSE exam, students study six subjects, each with one to three papers. This adds up to eight to eleven papers, depending on the subjects. The ICSE results look at the best five subjects, and English marks are a must and always count.
- The ICSE Board Class 10 exams are conducted for 100 marks. These are divided into theory and practical, referred to as internal and external marks, respectively. The theory exam is conducted for 80 marks, and the practical exam is conducted for 20 marks.
- The total number of subjects in Class 12 is 6, and the combination of the subjects consists of compulsory and optional subjects. English is a compulsory subject.
Advantages
- The ICSE curriculum is globally respected, seen as equivalent to high school exams in foreign nations and recognized boards in India, making it an internationally renowned and respected board.
- The ICSE curriculum, with its global knowledge, allows students to pursue higher education abroad. With a strong English foundation, ICSE students have an advantage in IELTS and TOEFL tests.
- The ICSE curriculum emphasises practical learning beyond textbooks, fostering a rich environment, and gives weight to project work, research, and group projects, allowing students to showcase aptitude beyond exams.
- The council provides extra support and accommodations for candidates with certain disabilities to ensure their performance in the ICSE and ISC Exams is not affected.
Disadvantages
- ICSE students take more subject tests than other boards, making the syllabus challenging for regular students, even though it emphasises learning and life skills, which might make further education tougher.
- ICSE might be tough for some students because it emphasises English grammar, literature, and Hindi, which could be challenging for those not comfortable with these languages.
- ICSE is much more expensive than the government-run boards in India, despite being the least expensive option for global education.
- The ICSE syllabus doesn’t specifically prepare students for Indian competitive exams.
Top 2 Best ICSE Board Schools in India
- Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai
Overview
- Dhirubhai Ambani International School, is a prestigious institution known for its commitment to providing high-quality education.
- School focuses on academic excellence, holistic development, and fostering a global perspective, preparing students for future challenges.
- School is known for its excellent education, modern facilities, and challenging curriculum, making it a top educational choice in India.
2. Jamnabai Narsee International School, Mumbai
Overview
- Jamnabai Narsee School, is a renowned educational institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development.
- With a rich history and modern facilities, the school provides a nurturing environment for students to thrive both academically and personally, making it a respected name.
4. International Baccalaureate (IB)
Overview
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a big deal! It’s a well-respected school program backed by UNESCO. In India, 185 schools offer it, with 146 teaching the IB Diploma. It has programs for different ages, creating a global vibe for a select group of students. IB is in 144 countries, offering a solid curriculum and making university applications easy. Parents who want an international education often choose IB.
Curriculum
The IB board has programs for different age groups: the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged three to 12, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and IB Career-related Programme for students aged 15 to 19. It focuses on hands-on learning, allowing flexibility without fixed reading lists. Many students who want to apply to foreign universities choose this curriculum.
Exam Pattern
- In IB, they use a point system (1-7) for exams in PYP, MYP, and DP. Exams cover essays, questions, case studies, plus cool stuff like oral work, fieldwork, art, and lab work. If you’re in the full IB Diploma program, get ready for six exams!
- The IB Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) have exams in November and May each year, split into two sessions.
Advantages
- The IB Diploma Program is globally recognized by top universities, ensuring your application stands out worldwide with consistent understanding by admissions officers.
- The IB Diploma is a university preparation program, helping students gain skills for success at the college level, including report writing, essay skills, source citing, and independent research.
- In this, you not only choose from a broader subject range but also unique ones like psychology, philosophy, film, computer science, and global politics, fostering the goal of developing well-rounded students with adaptability and strength of character.
Disadvantages
- The IB is like a marathon, not a sprint, requiring consistent effort and understanding over two years, with exams covering material from the beginning to the end of the course, making it a significant two-year commitment.
- In the IB, managing coursework, assignments, essays, presentations, and projects for the six subjects, along with the core components (EE, TOK, and CAS), requires exceptional organisation and time management, making it a challenging and demanding course.
- Textbooks are not easily available.
Top 2 Best IB Schools in India
- The International School Bangalore
Overview
- This school truly shines in its commitment to academic excellence, emphasising not only exam success but also fostering creativity and critical thinking.
- With experienced and passionate educators, it stands out as the best IB school, dedicated to nurturing well-rounded and high-achieving students.
2. Indus International School, Bangalore
Overview
- The remarkable aspect of this institution is its unique “Startup School” program for grades 6 to 12. This initiative aims to foster leadership and business skills in students.
- It involves guidance from industry experts, participation in virtual internships, and a focus on “Life Entrepreneurship,” aligning students with the demands of the current digital landscape in India.
5. National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
Overview
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) aims to provide a flexible and accessible education system for all students. It stands out as a student-friendly board in India, emphasising a child-centric approach, allowing students to decide what, how, and when to learn. Similar to CBSE and CISCE, NIOS conducts secondary and post-secondary exams, and it also offers higher education beyond secondary school. With an annual enrollment of nearly 3,50,000 students, NIOS is one of the largest open school institutions in the country.
Curriculum
The board uses the NCERT and NIOS curriculum. The Open Basic Education (OBE) for classes 3 to 8 includes Maths, Environmental Science, and computer skills. In class 10, your kids can select from 2 groups with a minimum of 5 subjects and a language, while class 12 offers streams in Commerce, Science, and Humanities.
Exam Pattern
The NIOS board conducts Open Basic Education (OBE) exams for primary school students and follows examination patterns similar to CBSE and CISCE for secondary and senior secondary examinations.
Advantages
- Beneficial for flexible education.
- It provides self-paced education to all. You can learn at any time and anywhere you want so that there is no hurry.
- NIOS provides inclusive education to students irrespective of their special abilities, socio-economic status etc.
Disadvantages
- The main downside of this board is that students are unable to get immediate answers to their questions.
- It reduces the amount of interaction between professors and students.
Top 2 Best NIOS Schools in India
- Delhi Public School, Bangalore
Overview
- The school has a special way of organising weeks focused on different subjects. During these weeks, students learn and use what they’ve studied in class.
- They participate in competitions and activities, helping them understand various subjects better. The weeks, like Music Week and Science Week, make learning fun and meaningful.
- DPS, Bangalore, is a great fit for NIOS due to its supportive environment, tailored assistance for NIOS exams, and a commitment to flexible learning, providing the best conditions for students’ success
2. The New Tulip International School, Gujarat
Overview
Tulip International School in Gujarat excels as an NIOS option due to its student-centric approach, flexible learning, and strong support for NIOS exams, providing a favourable environment for individual growth.
6. Cambridge International Education (CIE)
Overview
Cambridge International Education provides globally recognized certificates and exams in over 150 countries, with acceptance in renowned universities worldwide, including the UK, the United States, Canada, the European Union, the Middle East, West Asia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It’s a highly preferred Education Board in India.
Curriculum
The CIE curriculum includes different school stages, offering flexibility. It offers a prescribed syllabus and recommended textbooks and reading lists. It is one of the most flexible education boards in India, offering more than 70 subjects alternatives at IGCSE level and over 55 subjects AS & A level. Emphasising English and creativity, it’s a popular choice for those who want to study abroad.
Exam Pattern
The CIE board conducts the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) (or O-level) exams for Cambridge upper secondary students, and the AS and A level exams for the Cambridge Advanced students in June, November or March.
Advantages
- One major benefit of CIE is that it promotes creativity at a higher level, encouraging the student to understand outside classrooms.
- Best for Students who understand more in experience and practical approach than in theory.
- For Parents looking to travel overseas or to send their children abroad to study and are ready to pay increased expenses for foreign education.
Disadvantages
- Recognition Challenges: Limited global recognition may hinder students’ opportunities for higher education or employment in certain regions.
- Language Emphasis: The strong focus on English language skills may not suit students with language proficiency concerns or those seeking a more balanced language approach.
Top 2 Best CIE Schools in India
- SelaQui International School, Dehradun
Overview
SelaQui International School, Dehradun, is a great pick for CIE because it gives students a global education recognized by top universities worldwide, offering a well-rounded learning experience.
2. The Geekay World School, Ammoor, Tamil Nadu
Overview
- The Geekay World School in Ammoor, Tamil Nadu, is proud of its CAIE curriculum, emphasising academic excellence and holistic development.
- Being a newer establishment, it brings fresh and contemporary approaches to education, meeting modern educational needs.
7. Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
Overview
CISCE is a national education board in India conducting ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) exams. Established in 1958, it’s recognized by the Constitution of India, with over 2300 affiliated schools focusing on various subjects, not just Math and Science.
Curriculum
CISCE provides senior school students with options in Science, Humanities, and Commerce streams. Students can choose from a variety of subjects, though textbooks are recommended only for literature in English or other languages. CISCE is renowned for its thorough and extensive syllabus, encompassing a wide array of topics, including 23 Indian languages and 12 foreign languages, making it known as one of the most challenging education boards in India.
Exam Pattern
It conducts three examinations – ICSE for Class 10th, ISC for Class 12th, and the Certificate of Vocational Education Examination (CVE) for students who have completed ISC exams and are interested in specific vocations.
Advantages
- Offers Comprehensive curriculum for holistic student development.
- Emphasis on application-based learning approaches.
- Provides students with the option to choose their subjects.
- Balances focus on science, art, and languages.
Disadvantages
- Some students might find the syllabus challenging.
- The English language receives considerable emphasis in the curriculum.
- The fee structure is on the higher side.
- Non-affiliated school students are not allowed to participate in the exams.
Top 2 Best CISCE Schools in India
- Ebenezer International School, Bangalore
Overview
- Ebenezer International School stands out as an excellent choice for CISCE education due to its commitment to comprehensive student development.
- The school’s emphasis on application-based learning, flexible subject choices, and a balanced focus on science, arts, and languages create an enriching educational environment for students pursuing the CISCE curriculum.
2. Mallya Aditi International School, Bangalore
Overview
- Mallya Aditi School distinguishes itself through its noteworthy Socially Useful Productive Work (SUPW) Program. This initiative encompasses diverse projects, including filmmaking in collaboration with a local government school, supported by Black Box India.
- Additionally, students engage in impactful ventures such as constructing playgrounds, painting murals in government schools, and partnering with the Institute of Hotel Management in Bangalore to compile recipe books preserving traditional recipes.
- Undoubtedly, these activities contribute significantly to the comprehensive development of the students.
8. International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
Overview
The IGCSE is a globally recognized English language exam developed by the University of Cambridge for 10th-grade students, offering pathways to A-level qualifications in US and UK universities. Introduced in 1988, it’s equivalent to the UK’s GCSE. The curriculum includes IGCSE Core and Extended for varied student abilities.
Curriculum
According to the cambrifgeinternational.org, students have an option of around 70 subjects chosen as per the Cambridge IGCSE. More than 190 schools in India are offering this curriculum. Students can select a minimum of 5 subjects to a maximum of 14 subjects depending upon what they prefer to choose, IGCSE Core of IGCSE Extended program.
Exam Pattern
- IGCSE provides a versatile study program that includes diverse subjects such as Languages, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Creative, Technical, and Vocational subjects. Upon completion of each subject, students receive an individual “IGCSE” qualification.
- Each IGCSE will have 2 or 3 papers so if you take 8–10 IGCSEs then you’ll take around 20–25 papers.
Advantages
- IGCSE curriculum inculcates the feeling of globalisation and oneness in the students and helps reduce the cultural divisions.
- IGCSE syllabus is uniform and hence serves as an apt choice for students who want to pursue education or settle abroad.
- Students of the IGCSE board have an edge over the students of other boards because of the vastness of knowledge it provides and uniformity of education throughout the world.
Disadvantages
- Schools affiliated to IGCSE charge huge fees because of the luxurious facilities it provides and the expense of the staff who qualify to teach such programs.
- The curriculum is vast and can become stressful for the students and the reference books and tuition are not easily available.
Top 2 Best IGCSE Schools in India
- The British School, New Delhi
Overview
The British School in New Delhi offers a globally recognized education with IGCSE & IB curriculum. It prioritises holistic development, fostering leadership and social responsibility in students through diverse extracurricular activities.
2. Trio World Academy, Bangalore
Overview
- TRIO School in Bangalore stands out as a leading IGCSE institution due to its commitment to inclusive education.
- The school’s Special Education Needs (SEN) Department, staffed with special educators and counsellors, addresses the unique academic and emotional requirements of each child. This dedicated team ensures that every student receives the support and assistance they need to thrive in their educational journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the difference between CBSE and ICSE?
CBSE has a focused curriculum tailored for competitive exams, while ICSE offers a broader, detailed one covering literature, humanities, arts, etc.
- What makes International Curriculum Unique?
International schools offer a variety of courses, allowing students to choose based on their interests. Small classes emphasise interactive teaching, developing critical thinking, teamwork, and skills valued by global universities.
- Which is the toughest Board in India?
It depends on Students to Students, but many people in India think that the extensive syllabus of the ICSE board makes it to be the toughest Board in India.
- Can students pursue ICSE/ISC board education through distance mode?
No, CISCE does not provide education via distance mode but only through regular mode.
- Why are Board Exams necessary?
Exams are crucial for shaping a student’s academic and career journey, serving as a key factor in determining their future career path. The subjects studied before 10th grade provide fundamental knowledge across various fields.
Conclusion
We have included information as much as we could find. And in short, we will say that every Education Board has its own benefit and as parents we should take our time to explore the different boards available in India like CBSE, ICSE, State Board and more. Each has its own style of teaching and testing. So, you know, it really boils down to what suits your kiddo best. Some focus on exams, while others are all about practical learning. Take your time, chat with other parents, and figure out which board feels like the right fit for your little one. After all, it’s about setting them up for success in their own unique way!
And there you have it – everything you need to know about school boards in India!
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.
