Students, nowadays, have variety of choices in terms of which curriculum to follow. As the number of choices increase, confusion also tends to grow at the double rate. This can be very confusing and tedious process to decide which curriculum better suits the child. Picking a curriculum depends upon the number of reasons :what ambitions you and your child have- If you want to send your child broad for college education; If you have a job that requires you to relocate – within India or globally ; If your child has more diverse Interests like art and music, rather than simple basics; And of course the affordability factor. The following are some of the salient points of each curriculum.
CBSE (Central Board for Secondary Education)
CBSE is the most popular board which has been in system since long. Most of the schools follow the CBSE syllabus. They basically follow the standardized NCERT syllabus and the content of the syllabus is usually in line with the entrance exam of most of the colleges. This basically is very helpful for the students who constantly relocate as CBSE has a standardized curriculum. This also allows the private students to appear for the exam. Having said that , it is not favored by some of the students as it follows more theoretical approach to the studies. More focus is given to Maths and Science . Students are required to choose a stream after completion of class tenth.
2. ICSE (Indian Certificate for Secondary Education)
ICSE board follows the textbooks of their choice and does not follow NCERT pattern. It does not allow the private or non-affiliated candidate to appear for the exams. They keep equal focus on language, arts and science. ICSE board provides large variety of subjects and students have more choices available. This kind of structure is liked by the students who want to have more applied knowledge. However, this board lacks as the practical learning is not as vast as IB or IGCSE. They have more number of subjects and also the curriculum is tough and vast
3. IB (International Baccalaureate)
IB is popular worldwide and it has 3 sections. The first section is Primary Years program which is from K.G to 5th, second section Middle Year Program Std. 6 to 10 and the Diploma Year Program for Std. 11 & 12. IB does not have any prescribed text books and follow freedom in learning. More focus is given on practical knowledge, analytical skills, arts and humanities. Usually admired by the parents who want to send their wards abroad for higher studies or relocate globally. This is one of the new structure of education in India and is not at pace with the local entrance exam structure prevalent in India. This is more expensive than CBSE or ISCE.
4. IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
This follows an international curriculum for class 9 and 10 and usually the foundation to the IB curriculum in many international schools for class 11 and 12. The students get to choose from a variety of subject available. The assessment includes both written and oral assessment of the subjects. Usually admired by parents who want to send their wards abroad for higher studies or relocate globally. Just like IB, IGCSE is also expensive and difficult program, where finding private tutors who can help students is very difficult
