ICSE, CBSE, state boards, IB, NIOS, IGCSE, and many more; Indian parents are spoilt for options when it comes to selecting the right one for their child. With its specialized teaching styles, curriculum, and exam pattern, each board has a solid existence in the Indian education system. However, in the case of competitive exam preparation, not all boards prove helpful. Most parents lean towards CBSE or ICSE.  From the syllabus to co-curricular activities, teaching, examination patterns, and grading systems, every element of CBSE and ICSE boards shapes the future of students. Hence, deciding on the right board is a prerequisite for passing competitive exams like IIT-JEE. 

If your child wants to prepare for IIT, which board should you choose? CBSE or ICSE which is better for IIT? Let us navigate the answer. 

Understanding CBSE and ICSE boards

Both CBSE and ICSE are highly regarded education boards of the Indian education system, each regulating hundreds and thousands of schools all over the country. 

CBSE stands for Central Board of Secondary Education. Schools affiliated with this board system are regulated by the central government. It was founded in 1962 and since then it has been imparting regulated and uniform education across all public and private institutions.  

ICSE stands for Indian Certificate of Secondary Education and is governed by the Council of the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). Unlike CBSE, ICSE is a non-governmental organization, which was incepted in 1958. 

On one hand, where CBSE aligns with the curriculum of NCF (National Curriculum Framework), ICSE follows the curriculum in line with the global education systems. CBSE focuses on STEM subjects, i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and ICSE schools concentrate on subjects that foster analytical skills, comprehension, and critical thinking. Language proficiency, particularly English language, is one of the most stressed aspects of ICSE schools. 

An overview of IIT-JEE

IITs are the most prestigious institutions for engineering and technological education in India. A dream institution for every aspiring engineer, these institutes have registered their presence among the best engineering colleges in the world. 

Students aspiring to study in these prestigious institutions must go through tough examinations, JEE- Main and JEE- Advanced. 

JEE-Main (Joint Entrance Exam) is a centralized computer-based examination conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) for admission to various engineering institutions across India, including NITs and GFTIs. It is also the preliminary selection and eligibility exam for IIT-JEE for admission to IIT institutes. 

JEE-Advanced or IIT-JEE is conducted by one of the seven zonal IITs for candidates qualifying for JEE-Main. 

Counted among the toughest examinations in the world, IIT-JEE demands thorough dedication, hard work, and perseverance of students apart from through and through knowledge of subjects including Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. 

CBSE and ICSE curriculum for IIT preparation

As the preparation for IIT-JEE must start early, parents of aspiring engineers make it a point to select a board that could help their child prepare for the tough examination. 

The pedagogic styles of both these education boards are in stark contrast with each other, breaking down each one of them is essential to understand which board is the best for IIT. 

This breakdown will help you understand the ins and outs of both boards and then make an appropriate decision associated to CBSE or ICSE, which is better for IIT:

Syllabus 

The structured syllabus of the CBSE board covers all the essential topics of every subject. The straightforward and concise syllabus helps students channel all their energies into understanding the concepts of subjects crucial to crack competitive exams.

The syllabus of ICSE board schools is more detailed and provides in-depth knowledge of an array of subjects. It is designed to provide a deeper understanding of subjects by evoking the critical thinking, creative, and analytical skills of students.

Curriculum 

CBSE’s curriculum is based on conceptual understanding. CBSE schools focus more on subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. The detailed study of these subjects helps students prepare for tough competitive exams like JEE.  On other hand, ICSE schools impart a balanced and rounded-off education with their main focus on English.

Exam pattern

The question papers of CBSE schools contain subjective and objective questions, whereas the question papers of ICSE schools are divided into three sections. Group A includes compulsory subjects, Group B includes optional subjects, and Group C also includes optional subjects. 

CBSE question papers are more structured and emphasize more on the core subjects. ICSE question papers contain questions that promote critical thinking. 

Grading system 

The grading system followed by CBSE schools is very straightforward compared to ICSE schools. 

The CBSE schools follow an alphabetical grading system, while ICSE schools follow a numerical grading system based on the overall academic performance of the students. 

Scholarships 

CBSE schools provide scholarships to students to make quality education accessible to one and all. The varied scholarship programs help students meet their academic goals irrespective of their financial background. 

ICSE scholarships are provided by private institutions and NGOs. However, not all ICSE schools provide scholarships. 

Medium of instruction 

The medium of instruction of CBSE schools is either English or Hindi. Most schools also use the regional language as the medium of instruction. This allows students to concentrate on studying the core subjects rather than learning the language. 

ICSE schools impart education in the English language and consider language proficiency essential for the overall development of their students. 

Availability of schools 

CBSE schools are available in almost every corner of the country, whereas ICSE schools are fewer. It is an important consideration for students planning transfers across the country especially to remote areas. 

Board transfers

The standardized and uniform curriculum and syllabus of CBSE schools throughout the country make the transition easy for students planning to transfer from a CBSE school to another school. Students studying in ICSE schools often face a challenge vis-à-vis board transfers.  

Difficulty level 

Due to the detailed curriculum, a rounded approach, and strict exam pattern, ICSE schools are more demanding and challenging for students.

CBSE or ICSE – Which is better for IIT? 

The breakdown of both these schools might have made it clear that CBSE schools are the best for IIT preparation. Here are a few aspects that make CBSE schools a better option for students preparing for IIT. 

The concise syllabus

CBSE schools follow the NCERT syllabus to impart education to students and most competitive exams use the NCERT syllabus to prepare the question paper. Hence, students studying from NCERT books in their schools require no other syllabus to prepare for IIT. They can study their school syllabus and appear in the competitive exam.

CBSE schools impart in-depth knowledge of the core subjects (Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry) to the students aspiring to become engineers, helping them achieve their career goals. 

Conceptual studies

Unlike ICSE schools that use an educational approach that fosters the overall development of students, CBSE schools follow the conceptual studies approach. The core subjects form the nucleus of the curriculum and introduce students to the important topics of the competitive exams very early in their academic years. It helps students get a better grip on the core subjects.

The foundational knowledge of the core subjects taught in CBSE schools helps students pass competitive examinations. 

Standardized exam pattern

The standardized exam pattern of CBSE schools entails short-answer questions, objective-type questions, and multiple-choice questions. The IIT exam pattern includes multiple-choice and numerical value questions. The tough exam pattern of the CBSE board helps students prepare for tougher exams like IIT. 

No language proficiency

Whether a student is fluent in English or not is not the concern of CBSE schools. With English and Hindi as their language of instruction, CBSE schools channel their energies into teaching the core subjects to students in the language they are comfortable in. So, the students are free from the pressure of learning additional languages in school and pay attention to important subjects.  

CBSE or ICSE for IIT – The final verdict 

CBSE schools lay a strong foundation of Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Apart from teaching the students the basic concepts of these subjects, CBSE schools also help in nurturing problem-solving, analytical, and comprehensive skills in the students. All these skills are essential in cracking tough competitive examinations like IIT JEE. 

Now that you know every detail about the curriculum, syllabus, teaching style, examination and grading system, difficulty level, and competitive edge of both CBSE and ICSE schools, we are sure that you will make an informed decision to secure your child’s future. 

Based on all the details mentioned in this article, it is easier to conclude that CBSE schools are better for students aspiring to crack IIT. 

Conclusion

Schools are the stepping stone for the future of the child. If you have a vision for a bright future for your child, the right decisions can shape their future. Be vigilant while choosing a school for your child. If your child aspires to appear for IIT entrance examination, send them to a CBSE board school, and rest assured.