Difference Between CBSE and SSC (with Table)

The syllabi of each of these examinations are differently formulated and regulated by the respective levels of governmental boards that authorize them. 

Comparison Table Between CBSE and SSC

What is CBSE?

CBSE connotes the Central Board of Secondary Education. It is regulated by the central government of India. CBSE schools are well-reputed for their distinctive focus on English proficiency and the provision of holistic education to all students. The CBSE syllabus and curriculum is specially crafted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training.

The concentric syllabus of a CBSE affiliated school is much coveted for instilling in students a distinctive competitive edge. The uniformity of the course structure is maintained throughout the CBSE affiliated schools across the country. This is especially beneficial for students who have to frequently relocate.

The syllabus is designed to make learning fun for students, while also imbuing them with a spirit of critical thinking. Hence, the curriculum may often be described as tougher than most state boards. CBSE is also reputed among its international peers and provides students an upper hand while seeking admission to colleges and universities abroad.

What is SSC?

State Secondary Certificate or SSC boards are controlled and regulated by the state governments of the different states of the Indian union. The state education boards of each state decide the structure of the syllabus and curriculum for SSC affiliated schools in that state. The course material of SSC affiliated schools are comparatively easier than other reputed boards in the country. 

This makes the courses of SSC schools lack uniformity. The absence of a concentric syllabus deters many parents from making SSC schools their first choice. English is not given preeminence in these schools. Moreover, the medium of instruction can be regional languages in some states. These may be considered the drawbacks of the board.

The curriculum is education oriented. Learning assumes superiority over all other extra-curricular activities. This may hinder the nurturing of an exceptionally talented child. Moreover, it may also make studying monotonous.

Main Differences Between CBSE and SSC

1. The main difference between CBSE and SSC is that the former is regulated by the central government of India, while the latter is regulated and run by the respective state governments of the Indian union.
2. The full-form of each abbreviation is considerably different. CBSE is the abbreviation used to connote the Central Board of Secondary Education, while SSC stands for State Secondary Certificate examinations.
3. The CBSE syllabus is formulated by the National Council of Educational Research and Training. The syllabus for the SSC examination is formulated by the state education boards of each state in India. 
4. Extra-curricular activities are not given equal importance in SSC affiliated schools. Learning is the sole focus of the curriculum. CBSE schools lay equal emphasis on both educational as well as extra-curricular development of the child. CBSE schools create a holistic curriculum for students.
5. The syllabus and curriculum of the CBSE board is uniform across the country. All schools that are affiliated with the board have to adhere to the same clauses. While the SSC board syllabus, guidelines of operation, curriculum varies from one state to another. Each state government has considerable autonomy in shaping the structure of SSC examination patterns.
6. The mode of instruction in a CBSE school is usually English. The curriculum implemented in CBSE certified schools emphasize on the effective learning of the English language and mastering communicative interaction using the same. While in the case of schools certified under the SSC board, the mode of instruction may be English or regional languages. The state board curriculum does not lay the same emphasis on learning communicative English.
7. Evaluation of both syllabi reveals that the CBSE syllabus is more difficult than the courses taught in the state board schools. In the former, a criticality-oriented approach to learning is followed. Thus, exam questions may often vary from what is directly taught in the classes.
8. CBSE is considered a better fit for those who aim to appear for competitive examinations. The course structure of these schools prepares students for such examinations. While state boards may not be a perfect fit for those aspiring to ace competitive exams.

Conclusion

CBSE and SSC are both extremely reputed education boards in India. Each board has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Each board also presents different opportunities for learning as the course structure of each is regulated by a different authority.

The central government regulates the syllabus of the former, which is then applied uniformly in all affiliated schools across the country. However, state board rules, curriculum structure, syllabus, and exam patterns may vary because they are dependent on the education board of each state in India. The state government is the regulatory authority for the latter.

Nevertheless, upon thorough comparative evaluation, CBSE does have an indisputable edge over the SSC board. The holistic curriculum of CBSE schools with an added emphasis on English, make them befitting for competitive examination aspirants. SSC schools emphasize on learning, which may hinder the grooming needed by a talented child.

The final choice between the two lies with the parents. They may need to consider several factors before arriving at a decision. If the family is prone to frequent job-based relocations, CBSE may be the better option because of its uniform syllabus. However, if they want their child to focus solely on learning without any extra-curricular distractions, SSC may be the better choice.

References

1. https://shodhgangotri.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/123456789/1581
2. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.1048.9883&rep=rep1&type=pdf