As Indians, we’re all familiar with the three most prevalent boards of education, i.e. CBSE, ICSE (or ISC), and the State Boards. However, not many of us may know what is IGCSE. In this article, we have tried to comprehensively cover the key points of difference between IGCSE and CBSE, starting from the very basics.

IGCSE vs CBSE; The Basics

• IGCSE full form – IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education and is administered by the University of Cambridge International Examinations.
• CBSE full form – CBSE stands for Central Board of Secondary Education and is administered by the Central Government of India.
• The difference in the curriculum structure – While IGCSE adopts a holistic approach toward the development of children by focusing more on creativity, instilling inquisitiveness, and developing analytical tendencies in them, CBSE has a curriculum centred on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). While the younger classes are easier in CBSE, from 9^th onwards, its curriculum is more emphatic towards book and classroom learning.

How is IGCSE different from CBSE?

• Levels in education – There are only two levels in CBSE – AISSE for Class X and AISSCE for Class XII. On the other hand, the IGCSE curriculum is internationally recognized and opens up vistas of higher education for pupils that include AS and A levels, the IB Diploma, and the North American APT.

• Teachers’ role – The CBSE envisions the teacher as the moral guide for students, distinguishing for them right from wrong. In contrast, the IGCSE Board considers students the best decision-makers for themselves and, therefore, the teachers play the role of a facilitator, rather than being a decision-maker for the students.

• Liberty to choose – English is the compulsory subject in CBSE, whereas IGCSE grants students the liberty to choose from seventy different subjects. With no fixed combinations of subjects, a student can choose the subjects of his liking.

• Methods of learning – The CBSE primarily focuses on learning through instruction. In vivid contrast stands the intuitive approach of IGCSE towards learning. IGCSE believes that learning comes through experience, which, in turn, is gained through play and activity.

IGCSE or CBSE, Which is better?

There can never be a final verdict on this as both the boards of education have their own sets of pros and cons. However, to briefly summarize, students who may have migratory choices in terms of profession and education can opt for CBSE, while those aspiring to obtain higher education overseas should opt for an IGCSE degree. Second, but no less important, is the fees factor. Owing to the world-class and lavish facilities IGCSE schools provide students, they charge exorbitant fees.

The Key Takeaways

Introducing a novel approach to learning, the IGCSE curriculum is meant to be all-encompassing as it strives to blend local cultures and economies in the Indian setting, to let the students obtain the perspective as well as the awareness of local cultures. IGCSE exam or assessment is aimed at comprehensively examining the total knowledge and application skills of the students. Obtaining an IGCSE certificate is recommended for those who aspire to pursue higher education overseas because of its international standard and recognition.

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