Written By Pragya | Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 16th Jan 2024
ICSE and CBSE are like the Batman and Superman of Indian Education. In one corner, we have ICSE, the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, and in the other, we have CBSE, the Central Board of Secondary Education. They are the big players who design what millions of students learn in India. We’ve all been there, wondering which path to choose –ICSE or CBSE. But don’t worry, in this blog, we’ll break down all the important details and tell you ‘why is ICSE better,’ making it the more tempting choice for you!
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Quick Summary
ICSE vs CBSE | Why is ICSE Better?
- What does ICSE bring to the table?
- Why do parents choose ICSE?
- Comparison with CBSE
Our Selection Process
1. What does ICSE bring to the table?
1. What does ICSE bring to the table?
Variety of Subjects
ICSE gives your child a lot of choices when it comes to subjects. It’s like going to a restaurant with a huge menu. They can choose the classic items like maths and science or try something unique like fashion studies. This means your child can pick what they really like and even think about different jobs they might want to do in the future. It’s all about following their interests and exploring the road to their dreams.
Grading System
In ICSE, the way they grade students is like looking at a painting with a magnifying glass. It helps you see every little detail. So, they really understand how well a student is doing and what they need to work on. It’s all about becoming a real expert in your studies.
Personalized Attention
In ICSE schools, there are fewer students for each teacher. It’s like having your own tutor who focuses on your child’s specific needs in learning. This personalised attention means your child gets more help and guidance, which can make their education much better and tailored just for them.
Thinking outside the box
ICSE isn’t just about memorizing facts. It’s like a journey of discovery for your child. They work on exciting projects, solve puzzles, and explore open-ended questions. It’s all about encouraging their creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Examination Pattern
In ICSE, exams are a bit different, and that’s a good thing.
They don’t just rely on one big test at the end of the year. Nope, they have a system of continuous assessment. It’s like getting feedback on how you’re doing along the way.
What’s Continuous Assessment?
It’s like having multiple check-ins instead of waiting for the final exam. Your child has tests, projects, and even homework that all count towards their grades. This helps them understand and remember what they’re learning because it’s not a one-time cram session.
Internal Assessments – What’s That?
Internal assessments are like little bonus marks your child can earn. They do things like projects, presentations, and practical tasks. It’s like getting extra points for showing what they’ve learned in a creative way.
The Benefits: A Well-Rounded Education
Now, here’s the cool part. This way of testing helps your child in different ways:
- It reduces the pressure of one big exam.
- It encourages them to learn regularly.
- It promotes a deeper understanding of subjects.
- It helps them apply what they’ve learned in real life.
So, instead of just being good at exams, your child becomes better at understanding and using what they know. It’s like building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
College and Career Opportunities
We believe, why is ICSE better because it opens doors to many colleges. Your child’s well-rounded education can give them an edge in getting into the college of their dreams. But it’s not just about college, it’s also about preparing your child for different careers. ICSE gives your child practical skills and a deep understanding of things. It’s like giving them a toolbox filled with useful skills for life. And the best part? There are inspiring ICSE alumni who have succeeded in various fields – from science to the arts. They’re like real-life role models who show what’s possible when you start your journey with ICSE. Your child could be the next success story, too.
2. Why do parents choose ICSE?
2. Why do parents choose ICSE?
Alright, let’s get real! Choosing the right education for your kid is like picking their superhero suit. And many parents find ICSE to be the perfect suit that fits just right for their little heroes. Here’s why:
- International Recognition: ICSE is recognized internationally, which can be a valuable asset if your child aspires to study abroad. It has more weightage when you apply for foreign universities, which is why ICSE is a better choice.
- Focus on English: ICSE places a strong emphasis on the English language, which can be a valuable asset when applying for standardized exams like TOEFL and other international assessments. And with ICSE, your child gets this language strength without spending too much.
- Focus on Extracurricular Activities: Life is not just about textbooks, and ICSE gets it. They encourage sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities. So your child can not only excel academically but also explore their passions and talents outside the classroom.
3. Comparison with CBSE
3. Comparison with CBSE
ICSE vs CBSE : What’s on the Syllabus?
ICSE is like the cool kid who offers a wide range of subjects and languages. You can study English, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and even explore creative subjects like agriculture, home science, humanities, arts, and cooking. In CBSE, they put a lot of attention on Science and Math, but they also make sure students don’t miss out on art and humanities. Up to Class 10, CBSE students dive into Science, covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. CBSE follows a curriculum that’s the same all over India, and it’s good if you want to get theoretical knowledge.
ICSE vs CBSE: Global Acceptance
If you’re dreaming of studying abroad, ICSE carries some extra weight. It’s like a golden ticket for international universities. But if you’re planning to stay in India for higher education, CBSE is a safe bet as many school, universities in India are affiliated with the CBSE Board.
ICSE vs CBSE: Competitive Edge
ICSE takes a more in-depth and analytical approach, which can be a bit complex but offers a broader understanding. While CBSE students have an upper hand when it comes to national-level entrance exams like IIT-JEE and NEET. The structured syllabus sets them up for success.
ICSE vs CBSE: Grading System
Here’s the deal, there are three categories for grading in CBSE and ICSE boards. Let’s break down how they work: For CBSE, it’s pretty straightforward. If a student scores between 91 to 100 marks, they get an A1 grade with a perfect 10 out of 10 grade points. Now, ICSE is a bit more organized. They divide their class 10 board exams into three groups:
- Group 1: This group covers all the subjects, and you can’t skip any. These subjects are English, Second Language, Geography, and History-Civics.
- Group 2: Here, students get to pick any two subjects they like. You can choose from Science, Mathematics, Economics, Commercial Studies, etc.
- Group 3: In this group, you have to choose only one subject to study. You can choose any one subject from Home Science, Fashion Designing, Computer Applications, etc.
When it comes to grading, for Group 1 and 2 subjects in ICSE, 80% of your marks come from external exams, and the remaining 20% from internal assessments. But for Group 3 subjects, it’s a 50-50 split, with 50% from external exams and 50% from internal assessments. ICSE uses a Grade System which ranges from 1 to 9, as explained earlier. To secure a passing certificate, students need to achieve a minimum score of 7. Here’s what each grade means:
- – Grades 1 and 2: Very Good
- – Grades 3, 4, and 5: Credit
- – Grades 6 and 7: Pass
- – Grades 8 and 9: Fail
ICSE vs CBSE: Which is more difficult?
Now, let’s talk about the difficulty level. You might be curious about how tough these boards are. Well, the ICSE syllabus tends to be seen as more challenging compared to CBSE. Why? It’s because ICSE involves more internal assessments and focuses on concepts that can be applied practically in exams.
Final Thoughts
In the world of Indian education, ICSE and CBSE offer different paths. Above, we’ve uncovered why is ICSE better, offering a wide variety of subjects, personalized attention, and creative assessments. CBSE is known for a structured approach and strong theory. Your choice depends on your child’s needs, but both boards set them up for success. If you prefer your child to study within the state with a more practical approach or desire them to study abroad, then ICSE is the perfect choice. So, whether it’s ICSE’s dynamic options or CBSE’s strong foundation, both lead to a bright future.
What’s Next
We suggest asking yourselves, ‘What do you want for your kid in Bangalore?’ Make a list of the ‘must haves’ and the ‘nice to haves.’
Also, don’t be shy, talk to everyone! Friends and neighbors in Bangalore may have some thoughts. Check online too, but remember, reviews are like opinions, everyone’s got one! Oh, school visits! Take a tour, meet the teachers, ask questions, and see if it clicks in Bangalore. Open houses are super helpful too, you’ll learn about what they teach and meet other parents.
And don’t forget the money talk school fees are just the tip of the iceberg in Bangalore. There are uniforms, field trips, and the occasional surprise costs. Stay on top of the applications, they may be followed by an interview. When it comes to interviews, just being yourself is the key, even for kids.
But really, you can’t go wrong with any of these Bangalore schools, as they are the best in Bangalore. Let us know which one you end up enrolling your kid in!
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.