CBSE vs ICSE
Both the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) are self-financing educational institutions. The CBSE and the ICSE have a different syllabus, education pattern, exams and other aspects.
One of the differences that can be noticed is that the Indian government has recognised CBSE, but has not recognised the ICSE. Though the certificate given by both the institutions are valid globally, the CBSE certificate has more value than the one of ICSE.
When talking abou the syllabus, the CBSE has a more scientific approach. The whole syllabus is divided into several units. In each unit, is also specified the number of periods that are needed for completion. The syllabus also includes the amount of marks in each unit. The ICSE does not have such a scientific approach. Unlike the ICSE syllabus, the CBSE syllabus helps the teachers and students to plan for the exams in a more scientific way.
Moreover, the ICSE syllabus is considered to be heavy when compared to the CBSE. While the ICSE has two papers on English, the CBSE has only one paper. The ICSE has three papers in the science group (physics, chemistry and biology), but the CBSE has only one paper. In social studies as well, the ICSE has two papers, geography and history, while the CBSE has only one social sciences paper. Another difference that can be seen, is that Environmental Education is compulsory with ICSE. On the contrary, it is not so with the CBSE.
In terms of the exam pattern, the entrance examinations follow the CBSE. This means that those students studying ICSE have a disadvantage when taking competitive exams, unlike the CBSE students.
Unlike the ICSE, the CBSE syllabi are frequently upgraded. The CBSE has a “Front Line Curriculum” concept that upgrades the syllabi with more relevant materials.
Anogther difference that can be seen between the CBSE and the ICSE, is that a large number of schools have affiliated with the CBSE, but not with the ICSE. Moreover, the CBSE Board allows regular and private candidates to take the exams. On the other hand, ICSE will not allow students who have not been studying in ICSE affiliated schools to take exams.
Summary
1. The Indian government has recognised the CBSE, but has not recognised the ICSE.
2. Though the certificate given by both the institutions are valid globally, the CBSE certificate has more value than the ICSE.
3. When talking of syllabi, the CBSE has a more scientific approach than the ICSE.