Key Contrasts Between CBSE and ICSE School Curricula- Amity School Dubai

CBSE is known as  Central Board of Secondary Education. 

ICSE is known as Indian Certificate of Secondary Education. 

Syllabus:

ICSE syllabus is detailed and comprehensive, while CBSE adopts a precise and light approach. 

CBSE curriculum is more systematic and well-organised, facilitating easy understanding. The teaching methodology further sets them apart while ICSE emphasises applying theoretical concepts and leans towards real-life ideas for a deeper understanding.

Grading System:

CBSE adopts an alphabetical grading system like A1, A2, B1, B2 etc, while ICSE uses a numeric system (1–9). 

A1 in CBSE corresponds to 91–100%, while grades 1 and 2 in ICSE indicate the highest and second-highest percentages, with 8 and 9 signifying failure. The ICSE exam’s grading is more rigorous, whereas CBSE follows a more lenient approach.

The Competitive Edge:

CBSE board schools are based on the board’s recommended syllabus. Here students find it simpler to prepare for competitive exams like IIT, NEET, etc. Meanwhile, ICSE adopts an in-depth and analytical approach due to its extensive and complex syllabus, which prepares students organically for any national or international competitive exam.

Level of Difficulty:

The level of difficulty varies between CBSE & ICSE due to differences in curriculum, syllabus, and assessment patterns. ICSE is more challenging because of its highly concept-based approach, numerous internal evaluations, and practical application of concepts in exams.While CBSE is relatively more straightforward, emphasising a simple, concise curriculum and a lenient grading system. The level of difficulty primarily depends on your child’s capacity to learn and adjust to the particular educational demands.

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