Give Your Child the Best Start : CBSE & ICSE Explained

cbse and icse which is better

Education is widely regarded as a pathway to success, and every parent aspires to give their child the very best. They dedicate their time, energy and attention to building a strong foundation for the future, continuously seeking opportunities that will help their child learn, grow and thrive. However, providing quality education is not just about selecting a reputed school—it is equally about choosing the right curriculum. The curriculum forms the foundation of a child’s learning journey. It influences how they think, how they understand the world and how they develop skills such as problem-solving, communication and creativity. 

Choosing the right education board for your child is an important decision that can shape their learning experience and future opportunities. In India, two of the most popular boards are ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) and CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education). While both are well-recognized, they differ in their approach to education, curriculum design and overall learning outcomes. 

History of CBSE

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is one of India’s leading education boards, known for its standardized and student-friendly curriculum. Its origins date back to 1929, when the Government of India established the Board of High School and Intermediate Education to create a more unified education system. After independence in 1947, the need for a national-level board grew, leading to its reorganization in 1952 as CBSE. The board was created to offer a common curriculum and conduct standardized exams for centrally affiliated schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.

Philosophy and Approach

Over the decades, CBSE has expanded rapidly across India and internationally, earning a reputation for its structured and student-friendly approach. It is widely recognized for its concise syllabus, strong emphasis on Mathematics and Science and close alignment with national-level entrance examinations.

At the same time, CBSE has consistently worked to improve the quality of education by introducing progressive reforms. Initiatives such as Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE), skill-based learning, and updated teaching methodologies have helped shift the focus from rote memorization to understanding and application. Classrooms today increasingly encourage interactive learning through discussions, projects, experiential activities, and the integration of technology.

Key Highlights of the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) Curriculum 

1. Structured & National-Level Curriculum

  • CBSE follows a uniform curriculum across India and even in some international schools.
  • Ensures consistency for students who move between cities.

2. Concept-Based Learning

  • Focus is on understanding concepts, not just memorizing.
  • Encourages application of knowledge in real-life situations.

3. Continuous & Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE Elements)

  • Though modified over time, CBSE emphasizes:
    • Periodic tests
    • Assignments & projects
    • Internal assessments
  • Final exams are important, but overall performance matters.

4. Strong Focus on Science & Mathematics

  • Well-structured syllabus for STEM subjects.
  • Helps students prepare for competitive exams like:
    • JEE Main
    • NEET

5. NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) -Based Content

  • The curriculum is mainly based on books from NCERT.
  • These books are:
    • Simple and clear
    • Widely used for exam preparation

6. Skill & Value Education

  • Includes:
    • Life skills
    • Moral education
    • Environmental awareness
  • Promotes holistic development, not just academics.

 7. Introduction of Skill Subjects

  • Offers practical subjects like:
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Coding
    • Financial literacy
  • Prepares students for modern careers.

 8. Flexible Subject Choices (Senior Secondary)

  • In Classes 11–12, students can choose streams:
    • Science
    • Commerce
    • Humanities
  • Some flexibility to mix subjects.

9. Practical Learning

  • Lab work and projects are important, especially in:
    • Physics
    • Chemistry
    • Biology
    • Computer Science

10. Global Recognition

  • CBSE is recognized internationally, making it easier for:
    • Higher education abroad
    • Competitive exams

In a nutshell, CBSE focuses on clarity of concepts, national consistency, and preparation for competitive exams, while also developing skills and values for overall growth.

CBSE Board Exams

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts board examinations for Class 10 and Class 12, which are among the most widely recognized school-level exams in India.

Structure and Pattern

CBSE board exams are designed to be structured, clear, and student-friendly. The question papers typically include:

  • Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
  • Short and long answer questions
  • Case-based and competency-based questions

Focus and Approach

CBSE exams emphasize:

  • Conceptual clarity over memorization
  • Application of knowledge in real-life situations
  • Strong foundation in Mathematics and Science

In recent years, there has been a shift toward competency-based learning, with more questions testing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Recent Changes

In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CBSE has introduced:

  • More competency-based and case-study questions
  • Greater use of internal assessments
  • Focus on skill-based and multidisciplinary learning

History of ICSE

The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) is a well-regarded board in India, known for its detailed curriculum and strong focus on language and analytical skills. Its origins date back to 1958, when the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate introduced an examination system in India based on the British education model. In 1972, it was taken over by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), making it more suited to Indian educational needs while maintaining international standards.

Philosophy and Approach

ICSE is designed to offer a balanced and comprehensive education, with a strong focus on English, equal importance to all subjects, and emphasis on application-based learning and critical thinking. It prioritizes depth of understanding over exam-oriented study. Over time, ICSE has gained recognition for its rigorous curriculum and high standards. Schools affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations are spread across India and abroad, and the board is well-regarded for preparing students for higher education both nationally and internationally.

Key Highlights of the ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) Curriculum 

1. Detailed & Comprehensive Syllabus

  • ICSE has a broad and in-depth syllabus.
  • Emphasis on detailed understanding of each subject rather than just basics.

2. Strong Focus on English

  • English language and literature are given high importance.
  • Helps students develop:
    • Excellent grammar
    • Writing skills
    • Communication abilities

3. Balanced Curriculum (All Subjects Matter)

  • Equal importance to:
    • Science
    • Mathematics
    • Languages
    • Arts & Humanities
  • Encourages all-round development, not just STEM focus.

4. Application-Based Learning

  • Focus on analytical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Questions often test understanding rather than rote memorization.

5. Internal Assessment & Projects

  • Significant weightage for:
    • Projects
    • Practical work
    • Assignments
  • Encourages continuous learning, not just exam preparation.

6. Practical Knowledge

  • Strong emphasis on lab work and practicals, especially in science subjects.
  • Helps students connect theory with real-life applications.

7. International Recognition

  • ICSE is widely recognized globally.
  • Useful for students planning to study abroad.

8. Wide Range of Subjects

  • Offers diverse subjects like:
    • Environmental Science
    • Computer Applications
    • Home Science
    • Art & Performing Arts

In a nutshell, ICSE focuses on deep knowledge, strong English skills, balanced subject exposure, and analytical learning, making it ideal for students who enjoy detailed study and language development.

ICSE Board Exams

The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) board exams are conducted for Class 10 by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. These exams are known for their comprehensive and detailed evaluation system.

Structure and Pattern

ICSE exams follow a balanced and in-depth format, including:

  • Objective-type questions (MCQs)
  • Short and long descriptive answers
  • Subject-specific papers with a focus on application and analysis

Many subjects also include internal assessments, practicals, and project work, which contribute significantly to the final score.

Focus and Approach

ICSE board exams emphasize:

  • Strong command of English language and expression
  • Detailed understanding of concepts across all subjects
  • Equal importance to sciences, arts, and languages
  • Development of analytical and critical thinking skills

Unique Features

  • Greater emphasis on project work and practical learning
  • Encourages application-based and real-world understanding
  • Broad subject choices, allowing a more holistic education

An Overview of the Differences Between CBSE and ICSE 

FeatureCBSEICSE
Curriculum StyleConcept-based, conciseDetailed and comprehensive
Syllabus DepthModerateExtensive and in-depth
Learning FocusUnderstanding + applicationAnalytical + detailed study
English LanguageGoodVery strong emphasis
Science & MathStrong focusBalanced with other subjects
Arts & HumanitiesLess emphasisEqual importance
BooksBased on NCERTPrescribed by CISCE (varied books)
Exams Subjects in Grade XEnglish, Second Language, Math, Science, Social + Optional Subject (Not compulsory)English Literature, English Language, Second language, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History & Civics, Geography  and  Optional subject (compulsory)
AssessmentsBoard exams + internalBoard exams + More project & internal work
Marks weightage Board exams (80) + internal (20)Board exams (80) + internal (20)
Competitive ExamsBest suited (JEE, NEET)Less directly alignedUseful for students planning to study abroad.
Flexibility (Transfers)Easier across IndiaLess common than CBSE
difference between cbse & icse

CBSE or ICSE, Which is Better?

Taking this overall view of both curricula, the question that naturally arises is: Which is better—CBSE or ICSE? Choosing the right education board for your child is not just an academic decision—it is a deeply personal one that reflects both the child’s needs and the parents’ aspirations. This is a very crucial choice and given the differences between CBSE and ICSE it can be an overwhelming decision for a parent. 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The decision isn’t about choosing the “better” board, but about finding the one that best suits your child’s interests, strengths, and learning style. Rather than comparing boards, parents should focus on selecting an environment where their child feels engaged, confident, and motivated to learn.

The questions parents should be asking instead are:  

  • What kind of learner is my child? 
  • Do they enjoy exploring subjects in depth, or do they prefer structured and focused learning? 
  • Are they likely to pursue competitive exams in India or might they look at global opportunities in the future? 

Understanding your child’s personality, strengths and interests becomes just as important as understanding the boards themselves.

Every child learns differently. Some children are naturally curious, enjoy reading extensively and like expressing themselves through writing and projects—such learners may thrive in an environment that encourages depth and creativity. Others may prefer clarity, routine and goal-oriented study patterns, where concepts are taught in a straightforward manner and linked to clear outcomes. Recognizing these differences can help parents make a more thoughtful and informed choice.

It is equally important for parents to avoid comparing their child with others or choosing a board based solely on trends or societal pressure. What works well for one child may not suit another. Instead, the focus should be on creating a positive and supportive learning environment where the child feels confident, motivated and understood.

A well-suited board not only supports academic growth but also nurtures curiosity, builds self-esteem and encourages a genuine love for learning. When a child feels comfortable and motivated in their learning environment, they are far more likely to thrive—not just in exams, but in life beyond the classroom.

(Explore More About CBSE & ICSE Blogs)

(Know More About Chrysalis High)

Written By – Ameeta Bhaskar,

Secondary Teacher – Chrysalis High Horamavu

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)?

The Central Board of Secondary Education is a national-level education board in India that offers a structured, concept-based curriculum. It is widely recognized for its student-friendly approach and alignment with competitive exams like JEE and NEET.

2. What is the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE)?

The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education is an examination conducted by CISCE, known for its detailed and comprehensive curriculum. It focuses on strong English skills, analytical thinking, and balanced subject learning.

3. What is the difference between CBSE & ICSE?

The key difference between CBSE & ICSE lies in their approach to learning. CBSE focuses on concept-based, concise learning with a strong emphasis on Science and Mathematics, while ICSE offers a more detailed syllabus with equal importance to all subjects, especially English and humanities.

4. CBSE and ICSE: which is better for students?

There is no single answer to “CBSE and ICSE which is better.” CBSE is ideal for students preparing for competitive exams in India, while ICSE suits students who prefer in-depth learning, strong language skills, and a broader subject approach.

5. How are CBSE board exams structured compared to ICSE exams?

CBSE board exams focus on conceptual understanding, MCQs, and application-based questions. ICSE exams include more descriptive answers, internal assessments, and project work, making them more detailed.

6. Why is Chrysalis High considered among the top 10 best CBSE/ICSE schools in Bangalore?

Chrysalis High consistently ranks among the top 10 best CBSE/ICSE schools in Bangalore because it offers both curricula under one roof, allowing parents to choose the best path for their child. With campuses in Whitefield, Kadugodi, and across Bangalore, the school is known for its “PUPA” (Prior Understanding of Pupil’s Attributes) philosophy, semi-olympic size pools, and a balanced focus on academic rigor and holistic development.

7. Is CBSE better for competitive exams in India?

Yes, CBSE is generally considered better for competitive exams because its syllabus is closely aligned with national-level entrance tests like JEE and NEET, making preparation more streamlined for students.

8. Is ICSE better for studying abroad?

ICSE is widely recognized internationally and emphasizes English proficiency and analytical skills, which can benefit students planning to pursue higher education abroad.

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Chrysalis School is a hidden gem that is absolutely amazing. The experience started when we were driving through in search of school for our kids and saw this attractive newly built school.

Our interaction with school alumni assured us that our child will be in the best hands with the teachers and staff. The faculty and staff truly care about the students and are available around the clock to help with student needs.

Cheers!
Yaduveer Singh & Tanu Chaudhary

Chrysalis High, is a great school which develops a good foundation for kids both academically and also in character building. Both the pre primary and now the primary school years for Samay, have been socially nurturing and academically challenging. Our son loves his school, he has come a long way from his nursery days till today, the 3rd grade.

Everyone at school, be it the Principal, Coordinators, teachers or the administrative staff, all have been really cooperative and supportive. Chrysalis also has one of the best parent – teacher relationship!

Overall, Chrysalis High, has been a wonderful experience for both Samay and us till date. We appreciate the great work and looking forward for more!

Regard,
Kavita

I have been a student at Chrysalis High Marq for two school years and from what I have experienced, I can tell you it is a great school. The staff is excellent and the rules help keep the school safe and in order.

There is an equal balance of learning and reviewing the information. There are enrichment activity classes as well to where we have life skill and ink well sessions that help in the refinement and polishing of the mind. Chrysalis has initiated many activities for students. We have engrossing and fun-filled Indoor Champs, Performing Arts classes, Buddy interaction time etc. The teachers in Chrysalis are hardworking and determined . I am so proud and lucky to go to Chrysalis!

Sean Lennon
Grade VIII

In the field of Construction, they say- “ A well-designed and strong foundation keeps the building standing while the forces of nature wreak havoc.” The same purpose that a foundation serves for a building, schooling does for our children- ensures they are wholly prepared for the journey called Life!

Having worked for a few schools in the past, I was aware of the paramount role a school plays in the initial nurturing of a child. While joining Chrysalis, I expected a similar school environment as in my past, but to my astonishment, things were incredibly better. While the academics here are indeed exceptional, even better is the focus on the character development of each child. Teachers know their Children really well, beyond just recalling the child’s name; all thanks to initiatives like PUPA. The teachers nurture children in a way that is not just caring and loving but also instills in them qualities like compassion, collaboration, empathy and many more from an early age. Children are also encouraged in a way that they constantly thrive to develop confidence in their own unique abilities.

Well, what we reap is what we sow; and not just the teachers but the whole team in Chrysalis believes in this fact. We work together tirelessly because we know we are nurturing kids to form a responsible and noble generation for the future!

Anjali E
Faculty, Chrysalis High Marq

Chrysalis High Marq has paved new roads of possibilities of learning and fruitful experiences for both teachers such as myself and the students.

The things that are most satisfying for me are the never ending opportunities to learn, perform out of the comfort zone and most importantly the endless love that I receive from the children. Life is a continuous learning process and Chrysalis High Marq has made it possible by giving me many opportunities to be creative in the way I work. The whole team works as a family by supporting and helping each other at any given point of time .

The motivation, appreciation, support and positivity received by us is in turn passed on to our students. The school believes in the holistic development of all its children and takes all the necessary measures to nurture the young minds in a fruitful way. I am extremely proud to be a part of the Chrysalis High Marq family.

Shivani
Educator, Chrysalis High Marq

I enjoy working at Chrysalis High because this is a place where high energy meets absolute dedication.As a teacher, each day is a new day for me and I fully value the myriad opportunities that enhance my experience.

I also appreciate the unique working atmosphere and  the collaborative culture  that allows me to grow not only as a professional, but also as a person.

The school provides me with a lot of scope to interact with children and their parents, and this gives me an opportunity  to gain deeper insights into ways to help each of them achieve their academic goals.

The school’s vision for children is a guiding principle for all of us. It is indeed a pleasure to work with my immediate superiors who are both-understanding and supportive in all aspects. Together, I am certain that we will have a mutually enriching and exciting academic year ahead.

Anuradha Shankar Venkataraman,
Employee, Chrysalis High Marq

My Voyage at Chrysalis High Marq has been spectacular and overwhelming. The school has positive vibes that makes it a beautiful shelter for not only students but also for the teachers. Here at Chrysalis we are motivated to nurture the young minds in the best possible way.

I learnt number of years of work experience is not that counts, what is more important is the quality one possesses through their learning experience. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and unfaltering curiosity.

Chrysalis High is an impressive organization that makes educators feel supported and equipped. I ’am proud to be a part of this institution that strive to take eloquent steps to transform our care philosophy and values into effective action.

I feel privileged to be an integral part of such a proficient and progressive workforce. Chrysalis oozes integrity and excellence that is t=refreshing and essential in our daily duties.

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I have been in Chrysalis High BG Road since 2018. The teachers have laid a strong foundation, helped me improve on my basics in all subjects and played a major role in me evolving into the best version of myself. My school has given me many opportunities to develop my leadership skills and I will always feel grateful about that. I have made many friends in the last couple of years, thanks to the warm atmosphere at Chrysalis High. During online classes our school left no stone unturned and even though our classes were online, they ensured we learnt with the same enthusiasm.

I am very happy studying at Chrysalis High Bannerghatta Road. I got admission during the lockdown period. The online classes were well organized and very interactive.

I gained a lot of knowledge during online classes, and the teachers understood us quickly and were there for us at all times. Even though we didn’t meet personally, the atmosphere at Chrysalis was always very warm and supportive. Even though online classes were new to everyone, our teachers were able to identify where we were lagging, and they provided Individual Support Classes (ISP).

The teachers are very interactive, friendly with us, and support us to come up with our own ideas. Practical explanation of the subject through STEaM is also one of the most exciting sessions in our school. The teachers also covered extracurricular activities and enrichment activities during the online classes. The warm welcome by the teachers to the offline classes made us more excited to attend school and a day at Chrysalis High with my friends and teachers is something that I eagerly look forward to every day.

I started my journey at Chrysalis High in the third grade, and have been studying in the same till now and from all these years, I can say that Chrysalis High has the best staff and curriculum.

PUPA (Prior Understanding of Pupil Attributes) is a unique method used in Chrysalis High to understand a student’s learning ability, skills and emotions. They gain this knowledge from the parents and us in an effort to understand us better. The extracurricular activities, inter-school competitions, sports and cultural days organised help incorporate fun and games along with academics.

The student council and the elections for its positions familiarise a student with a sense of responsibility and teamwork. Studying at Chrysalis High has helped me grow to my full potential and has indeed trained me for the exam called life.

I would like to thank all the teachers and staff at Chrysalis High for making my learning experience the best.

Chrysalis High team integrates compassion into their teaching standards, emphasizes the importance of values and builds leaders through each of their classes and lessons. It allows for a lower student to teacher ratio. Online teaching during difficult times of Covid – 19 was indeed a huge challenge for all schools but the support provided by the school to transcend the challenge of teaching students by providing apt and timely training to teachers in online teaching methodology is commendable. This has been very useful to students as well as their parents. The teachers had worked hard in coming up with innovative methods of teaching to keep the students up breast with subjects with their enthusiasm intact.  It’s been a wonderful journey for me at Chrysalis High so far.  The entire team works in unison with one thought in mind – the betterment of the children.

My sincere thanks to Principal ma’am, Coordinators and last but not least my colleagues for the constant support and love.

Upasana Banerjee –
Primary Teacher

Working at Chrysalis High has been a wholesome experience for me. What stands out for me is the support I receive from the school management in standing by my vision and passion as a teacher.

It would not be an exaggeration in the slightest, if I said that I feel always supported by the principal, coordinator and staff in performing my duties to the best of my abilities. This makes me confident that I would be given room to grow as an educator. It feels great to be part of a group that takes meaningful steps towards turning our philosophy and values into action!”

The values we would love to instill in our students at Chrysalis High are strongly rooted in our hearts by our compassionate and efficient school heads and mentors and model them to our students.

The induction programme has been nothing short of immense learning and much-needed guidance to face all our challenges head-on and it has helped prepare ourselves for the year ahead.

At Chrysalis High, I find myself doing what I love to do, staying true to what I strongly believe in and above all I can see myself as a passionate learner with new opportunities to learn each and every day. To top it all, the love and support my students shower on me is an additional perk without which I cannot be the happy teacher that I am today.

Suhasini. S
Secondary Teacher

Student Safety and School Security

safety-and-security

Safety Always a step ahead!

Chrysalis is inarguably the only school where at no point of time, any child is left without supervision of a female teacher!

CCTV Cameras- Entire premises

  • All classrooms
  • Corridors
  • Outdoor areas

Precautionary measures

  • Presence of a female teacher for all CHAMPS activities
  • Presence of a female teacher in all the classes handled by male teachers

Nutrition

The School serves balanced and nutritious vegetarian snacks and lunch to students who have opted for the facility.

To supervise students during lunchtime, a teacher is appointed for monitoring each table. Children are trained to keep themselves clean and display correct dining manners.

Reverse Osmosis systems for purifying drinking water are available across the campus throughout the day.

Transport

We provide a fleet of well-maintained buses with trained drivers and lady attendants. Special care is taken while appointing the drivers, to ensure that only the experienced and qualified drivers are appointed after undergoing a driving test. The buses are equipped with safety equipment and a first-aid kit in case of an emergency.

Being GPS enabled, the school can locate the position of a bus at any time during commute and in case of a breakdown, can send a replacement bus instantly. To avoid rash driving and speeding, speed governors are installed in all the buses.

Salient Features

  • Well-networked fleet of buses connecting the school to various parts of the city.
  • Trained drivers in each bus.
  • Trained lady attendants to take care of your child in each bus.
  • Mandatory First-Aid kits in all buses.
  • Regular checking by school administration staff to ensure safety of your child.
  • All buses are GPS enabled and for better monitoring, we have in-bus CCTV system complete with camera and recorder.
Indrani-Singh

Ms. Indrani Singh

Chief Vision Officer, Principal, Chrysalis High Marq & Head - Chrysalis Kids

Ms. Indrani Singh possesses a MSc and B.Ed degree to her credit. She has over 10 years of experience in the field of education and has climbed the rungs of leadership with her sheer dedication, hard work and love for her profession. She joined as the Head of Chrysalis Kids in 2013, which is a pre primary school of Chrysalis. Her out of box thinking and her ideology of doing the right thing for the children have helped her to pioneer new processes to make learning an enriching experience for the children. Across a period of seven years, Ms. Indrani Singh has become a flag bearer of Chrysalis vision, especially the PUPA (Prior Understanding of Pupil Attributes) Program. Indrani brought in the idea of Pre-CHAMPS to all Chrysalis schools. Known for her ideation & focus on quality, Indrani leaves no stone unturned to ensure children have a wonderful learning experience at Chrysalis. In 2017, she was made Associate Academic Director – Pre Primary & again promoted to Academic Director – Pre Primary, a role she handles along with the responsibilities of Chrysalis High, Marq. Under her supervision and guidance, many initiatives like Pre-CHAMPS, AwSTEM, Festival of learning were initiated and appreciated by all. Today she handles multitude of responsibilities from heading two schools to overseeing the Pre-Primary Curriculum Team of Chrysalis as the Academic Director. In addition to these profiles, she was recently promoted as Chief Vision Officer to propel PUPA, an initiative of Chrysalis, to greater heights. To this day, her ideas and her sheer determination to always try something different and new makes her a formidable and integral part of Chrysalis. With an unending pandemic looming over us, the future for education looked uncertain. But Ms. Indrani with her belief that learning should not stop for the children, ideated on the perfect balance of online and live class model to suit the learning styles of the children. The plan started with what best would suit the children and also help the working parents who were facing their own challenges and obstacles. The online model started with curriculum videos which the Chrysalis teachers recorded with the right guidance and methodology which was well defined by her. The live classes began with once a week class to slowly introduce the children to digital learning. With children adapting to live class, the sessions increased to add more to their knowledge. Teachers were sensitized about the challenges of live class and how to ensure that they do the right thing for the children and be an integral part in their learning given the circumstances. Providing the right support to parents and the challenges they faced, were also key elements of the whole digital teaching process. Providing individual support to the children was one way to ensure we partnered with parents to provide the right support to the children and ensure that the learning did not stop.