IGCSE vs CBSE: Which Board is the right choice for your child?

IGCSE vs CBSE: Which Board is the right choice for your child?

Edited By Garima Sihag | Updated on Sep 21, 2024 04:11 PM IST | #CBSE Class 12th

Key Difference Between CBSE and IGCSE - IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) are two prominent curricula followed by schools worldwide. While both aim to provide a comprehensive education, they differ significantly in their approach and structure

IGCSE Board

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a globally recognised qualification designed for students aged 14 to 16. Offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education, it's available in over 120 countries.

IGCSE provides a wide range of subjects, covering languages, sciences, humanities, mathematics, and creative arts. This comprehensive curriculum equips students for further education, including programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and A-Levels.

The two-year program culminates in exams held twice yearly: May/June and October/November. Students receive grades from A* to G based on their performance.

CBSE Board

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is India's premier education board, setting standards for students from Classes 1 to 12. Its CBSE syllabus is designed to provide a strong foundation for higher education and competitive exams.

CBSE emphasises critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Offering a diverse range of subjects, including languages, sciences, humanities, and vocational courses, it ensures holistic development. The board regularly updates its curriculum to align with modern educational trends and societal needs. Beyond academics, CBSE promotes extracurricular activities to foster overall personality growth.

IGCSE vs CBSE: Key Differences

Feature

IGCSE

CBSE

Curriculum Structure

Flexible, allowing schools to choose subjects based on student interests and career goals

Standardised curriculum with a prescribed set of subjects

Focus

Practical application, critical thinking, and problem-solving

Theoretical knowledge, memorisation, and exam-oriented

Assessment

Continuous assessment, projects, coursework, and exams

Primarily based on final exams with some internal assessments

International Recognition

Widely recognised globally

Primarily recognised in India

Teaching Methodology

Student-centred, interactive, and inquiry-based

Teacher-centred, traditional lecture-based

Which is Better? IGCSE vs CBSE

The choice between IGCSE and CBSE depends largely on the student's learning style, career aspirations, and the school's philosophy. IGCSE and CBSE offer distinct educational paths. Here's the key differences:

  • Curriculum: IGCSE provides a globally recognised curriculum with a broad subject range, preparing students for international opportunities. CBSE focuses on India-centric education, emphasising core subjects for a strong foundation.

  • Assessment: IGCSE relies primarily on final exams with letter grades (A* to G), while CBSE incorporates a mix of formative and summative assessments, including practical work.

  • Grading: IGCSE uses an A* to G grading scale, while CBSE employs an A to F grading system.

  • Language: English dominates IGCSE, while CBSE offers both English and Hindi as mediums of instruction.

  • Recognition: IGCSE enjoys worldwide recognition, making it ideal for students aiming for international universities. CBSE is primarily recognised within India.

  • Approach: IGCSE fosters independent learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. CBSE emphasises knowledge acquisition and a more structured learning environment.

IGCSE vs. CBSE: Which is Tougher?

Determining whether IGCSE or CBSE is more challenging is subjective and depends largely on individual learning styles and strengths.

IGCSE often demands a deeper understanding of subjects and stronger independent learning skills. Its focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and in-depth exploration of fewer subjects can be demanding. Conversely, CBSE, with its broader syllabus and emphasis on foundational knowledge, requires strong memorisation and time management skills.

While IGCSE is generally perceived as more academically rigorous due to its assessment methods and independent study requirements, both curricula present unique challenges. The "best" choice depends on a student's learning preferences, future goals, and the support system available to them.

Also, check: CBSE Date Sheet 2025

Upcoming School Exams

Application Date:07 October,2024 - 22 November,2024

Application Date:07 October,2024 - 22 November,2024

Application Date:07 October,2024 - 19 November,2024

View All School Exams

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to CBSE Class 12th

Have a question related to CBSE Class 12th ?

Hello there! Thanks for reaching out to us at Careers360.

Ah, you're looking for CBSE quarterly question papers for mathematics, right? Those can be super helpful for exam prep.

Unfortunately, CBSE doesn't officially release quarterly papers - they mainly put out sample papers and previous years' board exam papers. But don't worry, there are still some good options to help you practice!

Have you checked out the CBSE sample papers on their official website? Those are usually pretty close to the actual exam format. You could also look into previous years' board exam papers - they're great for getting a feel for the types of questions that might come up.

If you're after more practice material, some textbook publishers release their own mock papers which can be useful too.

Let me know if you need any other tips for your math prep. Good luck with your studies!

It's understandable to feel disheartened after facing a compartment exam, especially when you've invested significant effort. However, it's important to remember that setbacks are a part of life, and they can be opportunities for growth.

Possible steps:

  1. Re-evaluate Your Study Strategies:

    • Identify Weak Areas: Pinpoint the specific topics or concepts that caused difficulties.
    • Seek Clarification: Reach out to teachers, tutors, or online resources for additional explanations.
    • Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering chemistry.
  2. Consider Professional Help:

    • Tutoring: A tutor can provide personalized guidance and support.
    • Counseling: If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your path, counseling can help.
  3. Explore Alternative Options:

    • Retake the Exam: If you're confident in your ability to improve, consider retaking the chemistry compartment exam.
    • Change Course: If you're not interested in pursuing chemistry further, explore other academic options that align with your interests.
  4. Focus on NEET 2025 Preparation:

    • Stay Dedicated: Continue your NEET preparation with renewed determination.
    • Utilize Resources: Make use of study materials, online courses, and mock tests.
  5. Seek Support:

    • Talk to Friends and Family: Sharing your feelings can provide comfort and encouragement.
    • Join Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can create a supportive learning environment.

Remember: This is a temporary setback. With the right approach and perseverance, you can overcome this challenge and achieve your goals.

I hope this information helps you.







Hi,

Qualifications:
Age: As of the last registration date, you must be between the ages of 16 and 40.
Qualification: You must have graduated from an accredited board or at least passed the tenth grade. Higher qualifications are also accepted, such as a diploma, postgraduate degree, graduation, or 11th or 12th grade.
How to Apply:
Get the Medhavi app by visiting the Google Play Store.
Register: In the app, create an account.
Examine Notification: Examine the comprehensive notification on the scholarship examination.
Sign up to Take the Test: Finish the app's registration process.
Examine: The Medhavi app allows you to take the exam from the comfort of your home.
Get Results: In just two days, the results are made public.
Verification of Documents: Provide the required paperwork and bank account information for validation.
Get Scholarship: Following a successful verification process, the scholarship will be given. You need to have at least passed the 10th grade/matriculation scholarship amount will be transferred directly to your bank account.

Scholarship Details:

Type A: For candidates scoring 60% or above in the exam.

Type B: For candidates scoring between 50% and 60%.

Type C: For candidates scoring between 40% and 50%.

Cash Scholarship:

Scholarships can range from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 18,000 per month, depending on the marks obtained and the type of scholarship exam (SAKSHAM, SWABHIMAN, SAMADHAN, etc.).

Since you already have a 12th grade qualification with 84%, you meet the qualification criteria and are eligible to apply for the Medhavi Scholarship exam. Make sure to prepare well for the exam to maximize your chances of receiving a higher scholarship.

Hope you find this useful!

hello mahima,

If you have uploaded screenshot of your 12th board result taken from CBSE official website,there won,t be a problem with that.If the screenshot that you have uploaded is clear and legible. It should display your name, roll number, marks obtained, and any other relevant details in a readable forma.ALSO, the screenshot clearly show it is from the official CBSE results portal.

hope this helps.

Hello Akash,

If you are looking for important questions of class 12th then I would like to suggest you to go with previous year questions of that particular board. You can go with last 5-10 years of PYQs so and after going through all the questions you will have a clear idea about the type and level of questions that are being asked and it will help you to boost your class 12th board preparation.

You can get the Previous Year Questions (PYQs) on the official website of the respective board.

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.

View All

what is the difference between nucleophilicity and basicity?

A force of F = 70 N is applied on a block of mass M = 10 Kg placed on a horizonatl surface as shown in the figure . What will be the work done by frictional force in t = 2 sec if block was initially at rest

5) During a trekking activity of 6km a student Ram will go to Sangam and return back up to 12 noon. He estimates that he can go to the Sangam at 1.5km/h on average, and return at half of that speed. These speeds take into account breaks and rest times. Using Ram's estimated speeds, what is the latest time he can begin his walk so that he can return by 12 noon?

(a) State the reasons for which Hershey and Chase carried out their experiments.
(b) Answer the following questions based on the experiments of Hershey and Chase :
(i) Name the different radioactive isotopes they used, and explain how they used them.
(ii) Why did they need to agitate and spin their culture ?
(iii) Write their observations and the conclusions they arrived at.

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

While studying the dependence of potential difference (V) across a resistor on the current (I) passing through it, in order to determine the resistance of the resistor, a student took 5 readings for different values of current and plotted a graph between V and I . He got a straight line graph passing through the origin. What does the straight line signify ? Write the method of determining resistance of the resistor using this graph.

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

A student holding a mirror in his hand, directed the reflecting surface of the mirror towards the Sun. He then directed the reflected light on to a sheet of paper held close to the mirror.

(a) What should he do to burn the paper ?

(b) Which type of mirror does he have ?

(c) Will he be able to determine the approximate value of focal length of this mirror from this activity ? Give reason and draw ray diagram to justify your answer in this case. 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

formula of 3rd law of thermodynamics

 

A student while observing an embryo of a pen seed in the laboratory listed various parts of the embryo as given below : 

Testa, tegmen, radicle, Plumule, micropyle, cotyledon

 

On examining the list the teacher remarked that only three parts are correct. Select three correct parts from the above list

a) tests, Radicle, cotyledons    b) Tegmen, Radicle, Microphyle

c) cotyledons, plumule, Testa    d) Radicel, cotyledons, plumule

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Two identical billiard balls strike a rigid wall with the same speed but at different angles, and get reflected without any change in speed, as shown in Fig. 5.6. What is (i) the direction of the force on the wall due to each ball? (ii) the ratio of the magnitudes of impulses imparted to the balls by the wall ?

A police jeep on a petrol duty on national highway was moving with a speed of 54km/hr. in the same direction. It finds a thief rushing up in a car at a rate of 126km/hr in the same direction. Police sub – inspector fired at the car of the thief with his service revolver with a muzzle speed of 100m/s. with what speed will the bullet hit the car of thief? CLASS - XI PHYSICS (Kinematics)

Back to top