IB vs. CBSE: Which is a Better Choice?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) are the most popular educational systems in India. While IB is an international education board, CBSE is an Indian national one. Both these boards have their own offerings, features and attributes, and opting for one or the other can be a very daunting task, not only for parents but also for children/students. In this scenario, a comprehensive analysis of both the boards and the curricula offered by them can enable parents and students to make well-informed decisions.

Curriculums of CBSE and IB at a glance

Based on the National Curriculum Framework, the CBSE curriculum:

• is designed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
• is based on the National Curriculum Framework
• is followed by some of the top international school in India
• aims at developing a strong foundation in Mathematics and Science
• is divided into the following 2 stages:
  • Primary - Classes 1-5
  • Secondary - Classes 6-12

A well-rounded education in languages, social sciences and arts is among the primary drivers of the CBSE curriculum.

The IB curriculum, on the other hand, is designed and developed to provide students with a comprehensive and globally recognized education. The IB is centrally focused on:

• Aspiring to develop broadmindedness, leading to global citizenship
• Offering a standardized international curriculum that remains the same, the world over
• Providing deeper conceptual understanding in a wide range of local and global contexts
• Practicing inquiry-led instruction with a strong focus on conceptual understanding
• Acting upon formative and summative assessments.

The IB curriculum is also favoured in some of India’s leading and best international schools and is divided into the following 4 programmes:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP)
• Middle Years Programme (MYP)
• Diploma Programme (DP)
• Career-related Programme (CP)

Teaching Methodology

The CBSE curriculum, as taught in the best international school, highlights the following:

• Learning through memorization
• Textbook learning
• Evaluation of students based on their ability to reproduce information after memorization clear evaluation of students’ ability and progression.

The CBSE has also recently introduced new teaching methodologies that include:

• Experiential learning
• Project-based learning, and
• Activity-based learning

The IB curriculum, as followed in top international schools in India, places a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning, where students are urged to raise questions, investigate concepts, and exercise critical thinking. IB learning places more emphasis on building a thorough grasp of subjects than on memorization since it is designed to help learners develop life skills from a young age. Interdisciplinary learning, which encourages students to establish connections between different subjects and explore their relationships, is another aspect of the IB curriculum.

The Assessment System

The CBSE assessment system is based on the following:

• A final exam at the end of each academic year
• A student’s promotion to the next grade is made based on the same
• The curriculum-based exam evaluates the student’s knowledge as well as an understanding of the subject matter.

The foundation of the IB assessment system is a combination of internal and external evaluation. Teachers in top international schools in India use assignments, projects, and presentations as part of internal assessment during the academic year. Exams are used for external assessment at the conclusion of each programme. The IB assessment system is meant to gauge a student's conceptual knowledge, comprehension, and application as well as their capacity for critical thought and effective communication.

Value of Recognition

• The CBSE curriculum is recognized by all educational institutions in India
• Students are eligible to apply for higher education anywhere across the country
• The CBSE curriculum is not recognized internationally
• Those willing to pursue higher education abroad necessarily need to take up some additional courses or exams.

The IB curriculum, as taught in top international schools in India, features the following:

• Recognized by all universities and colleges across the globe
• Students are eligible to apply for higher education anywhere in the world
• Highly respected by educational institutions globally
• Seen as an indicator of academic excellence
• Pursued by 160+ countries across more than 5000+ schools.

Concluding Remarks

Both CBSE and IB curriculums have their own distinct features and attributes. Nevertheless, with the entire world rapidly becoming a global village, an IB education system scores more value since it is recognized globally. Ultimately, the decision to opt for the CBSE or IB curriculum to a large extent depends on the needs and preferences of the concerned students.