IGCSE Vs CBSE: Major Differences

Choosing the best educational board is now the most important concern for parents. Parents strive to provide their children with the best education possible, regardless of whether they are in elementary or secondary school. Making the right decision when selecting an educational board is critical to a student’s successful career. Before making a decision, there are numerous factors to consider when selecting the right board.

Find out below what are the basic and major differences between the CBSE and the IGCSE board:

Salient Features of CBSE Board

1. CBSE is India’s most popular board. It is one of those that can be easily chosen from elementary school through high school.
2. The best advantage of the CBSE board is that we can continue our studies from anywhere in India because of the variety of schools recognised by this board.
3. CBSE only allows students to select subject combinations within their stream.
4. CBSE offers its own prescribed curriculum across the country.
5. In its theoretical aspect, CBSE emphasizes learning and recalling concepts. CBSE does not cover the concepts in depth.

Salient Features of IGCSE Board

1. IGCSE offers a wide range of subjects and combinations, and there are no restrictions on streams.
2. Because IGCSE is recognised worldwide, you can use the most recommended IGCSE books and reference books; there is no set syllabus.
3. The IGCSE requires students to learn a variety of criteria in order to gain knowledge and apply it in everyday life.
4. The IGCSE curriculum is intended to aid children’s overall development. The curriculum’s goal is to develop analytical, creative, and critical thinking skills.
5. The IGCSE board is ideal for those who want to study abroad because of its international recognition and standard.

IGCSE and CBSE: Recognizing Authority

The primary distinction between IGCSE and CBSE is the recognising authorities. In this section, we will compare the recognising authority of IGCSE and CBSE:

CBSE is recognised by the Union Government of India and follows only the NCERT curriculum throughout India, whereas IGCSE is established by the University of Cambridge International Examinations and is recognised worldwide, emphasizing on student-centered education.

Details about the CBSE and IGCSE recognised exams are provided below:

For the 10th and 12th grades, CBSE administers the AISSE (All India Secondary School Examination) and the AISSCE (All India Senior School Certificate Examination). IGCSE, on the other hand, administers Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Secondary 1 and 2.

IGCSE vs CBSE: Subject Difference

The CBSE offers subjects in groups known as streams. A student can only choose subjects from his or her own stream. The environment, social studies, SUPW, and languages are not required subjects in this board. English is a required subject in all three academic streams: science, commerce, and arts.

In the context of “Cambridge vs CBSE,” the IGCSE offers more than 70 subjects. As a result, students can choose subjects that are comfortable for them. There is no stream bar or anything. Every subject is designed to teach students about global research and perspectives.

Cambridge board vs CBSE board: Is IGCSE harder than CBSE? Considering the curriculum and approach, the difficulty level of IGCSE versus CBSE can vary depending on the student’s learning style and strengths. While IGCSE may offer more flexibility and international recognition, CBSE is tailored to the Indian educational context with a focus on depth of understanding within a more structured framework.

CBSE: Pros and Cons

Pros

• CBSE is ideal for students who are constantly migrating within the country due to parent job transfers or other factors.
• The fee is less than that of other boards.
• Allows private candidates and even students from non-affiliated schools to take the exam.
• Coaching and guidance are easily accessible across the country.

Cons

• The CBSE Board offers fewer subjects.
• Does not encourage participation in extracurricular activities.
• It is less concerned with social science and languages.
• Any subject is approached primarily theoretically.

IGCSE: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides a wide range of subjects to choose from.
• Science, commerce, languages, and humanities are all covered.
• Students who want to study abroad prefer this option.
• Knowledge is prioritized over grades.

Cons

• Coaching and tutoring are difficult to come by.
• Expensive compared to CBSE, ICSE, and state boards.
• Only works in English medium.

Conclusion

The most important question is whether the child wishes to study in India or abroad. Second, the field or subject of interest in which he or she wishes to pursue a career. Furthermore, coaching availability for the subjects studied, followed by Syllabus, medium, knowledge, and application of concepts.

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