Choosing between CBSE and ICSE is an important decision for your child’s education. Here’s a brief overview of the pros and cons of each board to help you make an informed choice:

School building illustration

CBSE:
Pros:

  • Nationally recognized: CBSE is widely accepted and used across India.
  • Easier transition: It’s easier for students to move between CBSE-affiliated schools due to a consistent curriculum.
  • Focus on competitive exams: CBSE prepares students for various competitive exams like JEE and NEET.

Cons:

  • Limited detailed knowledge: Some argue that CBSE provides less in-depth knowledge compared to ICSE.
  • Rote learning: It is often criticized for promoting rote learning and memorization.

ICSE:
Pros:

  • In-depth curriculum: ICSE offers a comprehensive and detailed curriculum, providing a deeper understanding of subjects.
  • Emphasis on English: ICSE promotes proficiency in the English language.
  • Critical thinking: ICSE encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Cons:

  • More challenging: The syllabus is considered more challenging, which can be stressful for some students.
  • Limited availability: ICSE schools are fewer in number, limiting options in some regions.

Factors to Consider:

  1. Your Child’s Learning Style: Consider your child’s learning preferences, whether they succeed in a more structured or comprehensive educational environment.
  2. Future Goals: Your child’s career aspirations and the importance of competitive exams should guide your choice.
  3. Location: The availability of CBSE and ICSE schools in your area is crucial.

What is the CBSE Board?

The Central Board of Secondary Education, commonly known as CBSE, is the central governing body for secondary and higher secondary education in India. It is one of the most recognized general education boards in the country, catering to a vast number of students across various states.

Formation and History:

Under the guidance of the Indian Union Government, CBSE was founded in 1962. Its primary purpose was to standardise and regulate the education system in the country and ensure quality education for all. Over the years, it has evolved to meet the changing educational needs of the nation.

Role in the Indian Education System:

CBSE plays a key role in the Indian education system. It sets the curriculum, conducts examinations, and evaluates students’ performance for secondary (Class 10) and higher secondary (Class 12) education. The board’s curriculum is designed to be in alignment with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and focuses on providing a holistic education.

Types of Schools Affiliated with CBSE:

CBSE is associated with a diverse range of schools across India. This includes government schools, private schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas (central government schools), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (rural schools), and numerous independent public and private institutions. The board’s wide network ensures that students from all backgrounds have access to quality education by CBSE school .

What is the ICSE Board?

The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) is an education board in India, realised for its comprehensive and detailed curriculum. It aims to provide a well-rounded education to students, emphasising critical thinking, analytical skills, and English language proficiency.

Formation and History:

The ICSE board was established in 1958 by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), a private, non-governmental body. The board was created to offer an alternative to the existing education systems in India by providing a more comprehensive and in-depth curriculum.

Role in the Indian Education System:

ICSE plays a significant role in the Indian education system by offering a curriculum that focuses on a broader range of subjects and encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of each subject. The board’s focus on critical thinking and analytical skills is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education.

Types of Schools Affiliated with ICSE:

The ICSE-affiliated schools can be found across India, and they encompass a variety of institutions, including private schools, missionary schools, and independent public schools. These schools typically follow the ICSE curriculum and offer a diverse range of subjects, including a strong focus on English language proficiency.

ICSE vs CBSE: Pedagogy

CBSE Pedagogy:

The pedagogy of CBSE, the Central Board of Secondary Education, generally follows a more standardised and structured approach. The board focuses on fostering a strong foundation of core subjects, including mathematics and science. CBSE often employs textbooks that are in alignment with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), emphasising conceptual learning.

Unique Teaching Methodologies in CBSE:

  • Problem-Solving Emphasis: The CBSE encourages problem-solving skills by incorporating practical application and analytical thinking.
  • Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE): CBSE has introduced the CCE system, which considers students’ performance throughout the year and not just at the end of a term. This method aims to reduce stress and promote full development.

ICSE Pedagogy:

The pedagogy of ICSE, the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, focuses on a more comprehensive and detailed approach to education. ICSE schools aim to provide a deeper understanding of subjects and critical thinking skills. The curriculum encompasses a broader range of subjects, including languages, arts, and social sciences.

Unique Teaching Methodologies in ICSE:

  • In-Depth Curriculum: ICSE includes a detailed curriculum that encourages a thorough exploration of subjects, promoting a deep understanding and knowledge.
  • Focus on English Language: ICSE schools typically emphasise English language proficiency, to improve students’ communication skills.
  • Project-Based Learning: ICSE often includes project-based learning as a way to encourage the practical application of knowledge and independent research.

CBSE vs ICSE syllabus which is better and why?

The CBSE or ICSE syllabus is better depending on individual preferences and learning styles. Both boards have their unique strengths and cater to different educational needs.

CBSE Syllabus:

CBSE offers a standardised and structured curriculum that focuses on core subjects and is often considered more straightforward than ICSE. It is well-suited for students aiming to appear for national-level competitive exams. The CBSE syllabus typically emphasises conceptual understanding and problem-solving. However, some experts argue that it may lack the depth and detail found in the ICSE curriculum.

ICSE Syllabus:

The ICSE syllabus is known for its comprehensive and detailed approach. It covers a broader range of subjects and encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of each topic. This board is suitable for students who prefer a more holistic education and want to enhance their critical thinking and analytical skills. However, the ICSE syllabus is often scented as more challenging due to its depth and breadth.

Scholarships

CBSE Scholarships:

CBSE offers a range of scholarships to support students in their academic goals. Unique scholarships include the CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for single girl children, financial support for students achieving high scores in board exams, and various central government scholarships. The eligibility criteria typically involve academic excellence and may have specific requirements like single-girl child status. Application processes are usually through schools, with applications submitted to CBSE authorities.

ICSE Scholarships:

ICSE scholarships vary and can be provided by private institutions and NGOs, emphasising both academic merit and financial need. These scholarships aim to encourage and support students in their educational journey. Application processes for ICSE scholarships differ based on the scholarship provider, and students often apply directly to the respective scholarship sources or through their schools.

CBSE scholarships

The specific CBSE scholarships include the CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for single girl children, offering financial aid to top-performing female students. The eligibility criteria typically involve securing top ranks in CBSE examinations. Hence, the application processes involve submission through the respective schools to the CBSE authorities.

ICSE scholarships

The ICSE scholarships vary widely, with some offered by private institutions and NGOs. These scholarships often consider academic excellence, financial need, and specific criteria set by the scholarship providers. Hence, the application processes differ based on the scholarship, and students typically apply directly to the respective scholarship providers or through their schools.

ICSE vs CBSE: Instruction of Medium

The CBSE mostly uses English as the medium of instruction, making it more suitable for students comfortable with this language. In contrast, ICSE schools offer a broader choice of languages, including English and regional languages, giving students more language flexibility.

ICSE vs CBSE: Ease of Board Transfer

The transfer between CBSE and ICSE boards can be challenging due to differences in curriculum and pedagogy. Students should consider the potential trouble in their education when changing boards and evaluate if the new board aligns with their learning style.

ICSE vs CBSE: Which Board has Competitive edge

The choice between CBSE and ICSE doesn’t naturally provide a competitive edge but depends on individual goals. CBSE may align better with national exams, while ICSE emphasises a total education, possibly enhancing critical thinking for future college admissions and career prospects. It ultimately depends on the student’s aspirations and preferences.

Difference in Grading Systems

ICSE and CBSE employ different grading systems. ICSE uses a letter grading system, while CBSE uses a numerical system. ICSE’s grading system includes letter grades from A to E, focusing on qualitative assessment. In difference, CBSE uses numerical scores, with 10 being the highest.

ICSE Grading System

ICSE’s grading system assigns letter grades, with A being the highest and E the lowest. It highlights qualitative assessment, providing a more clarifying evaluation of a student’s performance.

CBSE Grading System

CBSE uses a numerical grading system, with scores ranging from 0 to 100. It provides a more quantitative assessment of a student’s performance, often with a passing grade of 33% or more.

ICSE vs CBSE: Difference in Exam Pattern

The examination patterns of ICSE and CBSE differ significantly. ICSE exams are known for their in-depth and comprehensive approach, containing various subjects. ICSE often includes more clarifying and analytical questions, promoting critical thinking. In contrast, CBSE exams generally follow a more structured format with a focus on core subjects and often include a mix of objective and subjective questions.

ICSE vs CBSE: Which is challenging for students?

ICSE is often sensed as more challenging due to its detailed curriculum, complete syllabus, and strict examination pattern. It demands a deeper understanding of subjects and encourages critical thinking, making it more academically demanding than CBSE.

ICSE vs CBSE: Availability of Tutors and Schools

The availability of tutors and schools affiliated with ICSE and CBSE can vary by region. The CBSE schools are widespread, making them more available in many areas. ICSE schools are comparatively fewer in number but can still be found in urban and semi-urban regions. The availability of tutors for both boards generally depends on the local demand for each curriculum.

ICSE vs CBSE Pros and Cons

This section provides an insightful examination of the advantages and disadvantages of the ICSE and CBSE education systems in India. It offers a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses of each board, helping parents, students, and educators in making informed decisions about their preferred curriculum. By evaluating the unique merits and potential drawbacks, individuals can better align their choices with their educational aspirations and learning styles.

CBSE Pros:

  1. National Recognition: CBSE is widely recognized and accepted across India, ensuring a smooth transition for students moving across regions.
  2. Focus on Competitive Exams: CBSE’s structured curriculum aligns well with competitive exams like JEE and NEET, making it ideal for aspiring engineers and medical professionals.
  3. Standardised Curriculum: The board provides a standardised curriculum, emphasising core subjects such as Mathematics and Science.

CBSE Cons:

  1. Lack of Depth: Critics argue that the CBSE curriculum may lack depth compared to ICSE, affecting the depth of knowledge in subjects.
  2. Rote Learning: The system is sometimes criticized for promoting rote memorization and a focus on exams over practical learning.

ICSE Pros:

  1. Comprehensive Curriculum: ICSE offers a detailed and comprehensive curriculum, promoting a deeper understanding of subjects and critical thinking.
  2. Holistic Approach: It encourages a well-rounded education, incorporating a broad range of subjects, including languages, arts, and social sciences.
  3. English Proficiency: ICSE schools often focus on English language proficiency, a valuable skill in various career fields.

ICSE Cons:

  1. Challenging: ICSE is typically considered more challenging due to its detailed curriculum, demanding greater effort and time from students.
  2. Variability: The syllabus can vary between ICSE-affiliated schools, making it challenging for students who need to transfer between different institutions.

ICSE vs CBSE which is better for a child’s future

The choice between ICSE and CBSE for a child’s future depends on several factors. Parents should consider the following:

ICSE:

  • Ideal for holistic development, emphasising critical thinking and communication skills.
  • Suitable if the child has a strong talent for analytical and research-based learning.
  • Beneficial if they plan to follow fields demanding a deep understanding of subjects.

CBSE:

  • Appropriate if the family expects frequent relocations, as CBSE is widely recognized.
  • Well-suited for competitive exams and national-level tests, with a structured curriculum.
  • Easier transition between CBSE schools, ensuring continuity in education.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no final answer to whether ICSE or CBSE is better, as the choice depends on individual circumstances and preferences. Both boards have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and what matters most is aligning the choice with the child’s learning style, career goals, and local availability. Parents must make an informed decision that supports their child’s overall development and academic success. Finally, the key is to choose the board that aligns best with the child’s strengths and aspirations, setting them on a path to a successful future.

FAQ’s

1. How many education boards in India?

There are multiple education boards in India, including CBSE, ICSE, state boards, and more.

2. Which education board is best in India?

The choice of the best education board in India depends on individual preferences and academic goals.

3. Is physical education compulsory on the CBSE board?

Physical education is a compulsory subject in CBSE schools up to the secondary level (Class 10).

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Student Safety and School 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

Precautionary measures

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

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

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.

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 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.

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.

Chrysalis exemplifies what it means to be an organization that is “To help our children excel by understanding them, guiding them on the right path and strengthening their self belief.”

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

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

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

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