NCERT and CBSE are used synonymously, as most Indian parents mistake them for the same. Both are a core part of our Indian Educational System that complements each other, but they have different functionalities. NCERT is the publishing body for textbooks, while CBSE is the exam board for most schools across India. The CBSE board curriculum incorporates books by NCERT to pass exams.

What is NCERT?

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organization that was established by the Government of India in 1961. The organization conducts research and prepares educational material to provide academic support to schools.

NCERT is not a school board like CBSE, ICSE, etc., but it assists them in making changes to the curriculum based on evolving educational patterns. Their primary goal is to make education accessible, uniform, and equal across schools in India. Schools affiliated with CBSE mostly use textbooks published by NCERT as they align with national educational goals.

Key functions of NCERT

• Developing textbooks: NCERT develops study material for schools through academic research, accumulation, writing, designing, and publishing. They print books for standards I to XII across Science, Mathematics, English, Hindi, etc.
• Curriculum development: sets an academic standard through syllabi so that students across boards experience a similar quality of education.
• Research: NCERT conducts educational research that helps set educational standards across classes.
• Teacher training: the educational body organizes teacher training programs to prepare aspiring candidates to teach their study material.
• Provide academic support: NCERT supports school boards and other educational institutions through research, resources, and by setting educational policies.

What is CBSE?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is an educational board under the Government of India. It was established in 1962 to oversee school education, conduct exams, and maintain the quality of education with the help of NCERT. There are more than 27,000 CBSE-affiliated schools across India, with a curriculum that prepares students to appear for national examinations.

Key functions of CBSE

• Granting affiliation: CBSE sets requirements for academics and infrastructure to grant affiliation to schools seeking to align with its regulations.
• Designs curriculum: all educational boards in India, including CBSE, establish an examination pattern that schools must follow. CBSE aligns with the learning framework laid down by NCERT for classes I to XII.
• Conducts exams: CBSE is responsible for conducting board exams for Classes X and XII, which are vital for undergraduate educational programs. They also set the pattern by which schools internally conduct exams for other classes.
• Set academic policies: the board establishes guidelines that affiliated schools must follow. These include syllabi, teaching patterns, extracurricular activities, and assessment schedules. It unites schools across different regions of India so that every part of the country maintains similar academic standards.

Why do you need to know how NCERT is different from CBSE?

Here are some reasons why you should know how NCERT is different from CBSE:

To choose a school for your child

CBSE and NCERT complement each other, so when choosing a school or educational board for your child, you need to know how they are different. CBSE follows the curriculum set by NCERT, giving a structured learning format across classes. Other boards are not necessarily associated with the curriculum set by NCERT.

Aspiring for government exams

The curriculum set by NCERT helps students understand the subjects and exam patterns that align with government exams. Although it is difficult to determine a career for children when they are small, aspirations for undergraduate learning can influence your decision.

For example, if you plan to send your child abroad for undergraduate or post-graduate studies, you will choose an IB school. Similarly, if you want your child to prepare for competitive exams, you would prefer a school affiliated with CBSE.

NCERT vs CBSE at a quick glance

The following tables give a quick glance at how NCERT is different from CBSE:

Difference between NCERT vs CBSE

Here are the key differences that make NCERT different from CBSE:

• Role: NCERT is an autonomous organization that researches, documents, and publishes educational material for schools. CBSE is a national-level board of education that grants affiliations to schools to follow the curriculum set by NCERT and conduct exams. 
• Core objective: NCERT develops curriculum for schools, publishes textbooks that shape syllabi, conducts academic research, and organizes teachers’ training programs. CBSE implements curricula for schools affiliated with the board to maintain a uniform educational standard across India.
• Developing syllabi: NCERT publishes textbooks for all classes from I to XII that align with the syllabi followed by CBSE-affiliated schools. CBSE does not publish books but implements NCERT books, which are comprehensive, simple, and aligned with academic standards for their respective classes.
• Examination: NCERT does not conduct exams but sets a curriculum and provides textbooks that students must study to prepare for exams. CBSE conducts board exams for classes X and XII and assists affiliated schools in conducting exams on a similar pattern for other classes.
• Research and training: NCERT researches and develops study material for students and trains teachers to equip them with the changing dynamics of the educational system. CBSE adheres to the educational standards set by NCERT and ensures affiliated schools abide by them.

Do all CBSE schools follow NCERT books?

It is not mandatory for all CBSE schools to use NCERT textbooks in their curriculum. But it is recommended to use them as a reference. Students preparing for board exams are required to follow NCERT books, as the exam is set by the board. The pattern helps students prepare for competitive exams they might want to take after passing class XII. The implementation of NCERT books varies from school to school in the lower classes. However, higher classes need to follow uniform learning as suggested by the board.

Do all boards follow the NCERT books?

No, other boards like ICSE or IB do not follow NCERT books. The syllabi across these boards vary widely in teaching methodologies, textbooks, and competitiveness. The syllabi of the ICSE board are more elaborate than those of the CBSE and are often considered harder for students. IB follows an international educational standard, enabling students to pursue foreign education after passing XII. Many state boards publish their own books in local languages and for regional accessibility. These are the reasons NCERT books don’t match the standards of other boards.

Be a part of NCERT learning

DWPS Barasat is a CBSE-affiliated school that follows NCERT guidelines to prepare students for board and competitive exams. We are constantly evolving to keep pace with rapidly evolving academic patterns that align with CBSE standards. We recognize that NCERT and CBSE work hand in hand to deliver quality education across India, and we put our best foot forward to help students achieve their academic goals.