CBSE versus IGCSE Schools: Which One to Opt For?

Selecting the right school for your young one can be a daunting task. Their future depends on your decision. One of the major challenges you might face is to decide which board to opt for. Should you go for a CBSE School and take the most common route, like others. Or should you opt for an IGCSE School in Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai or any other Tier 1 city for that matter?
We understand that you can have a lot of confusion when it comes to selecting the right board for your child. Let us help you out with it. Here are some pointers you can refer to while taking your decision.
1. Recognising Authority - CBSE is recognised by the Government of India and follows the NCERT curriculum. IGCSE is recognised worldwide and follows the curriculum laid by University of Cambridge International examinations.
2. Practical Learning - CBSE curriculum is a little more theoretical. While there are lab sessions when it comes to science subjects, there is limited flexibility in practical learning. Schools these days are trying to adapt the curriculum to provide more practical exposure to the students. But it will be some time before they can compete with the IGCSE board. IGCSE board, on the other hand, offers a student centric curriculum and immense practical exposure. It believes firmly in learning by doing.
3. Subject Flexibility - IGCSE Schools give students flexibility in selecting their subject. They can make their own combinations, pairing up History with Chemistry, or Literature with Mathematics. The focus ultimately is on providing relevant global knowledge and exposure. On the other hand, CBSE school provides 3 different streams - Arts, Commerce and Science. You can select one out of these three options. No cross stream subjects are allowed.

4. Curriculum & Textbooks - CBSE follows the NCERT curriculum and prescribes the required textbooks to the students who can purchase them for learning and exam preparations. IGCSE on the other hand, only gives a list of reference books. The students need not compulsorily buy them, but can refer them for better understanding.
5. Future Scope - In India, CBSE schools are well known to prepare students for various competitive exams including engineering and medical entrances. On the other hand, IGCSE schools in Bangalore, or any other city for that matter, prepare the students for a degree outside India, giving students a taste of the education system there.
We hope that the above comparison helps you in making the right choice for your kids.
On a concluding note, if you travel frequently and your job demands frequent relocations, it is best to put the students in CBSE. Not all locations have an IGCSE School. Also, if you are aiming at sending your kid abroad for higher studies, IGCSE should be your go to choice. It will prepare your kid well for the future programs.
All in all, both CBSE and IGCSE Schools offer your kids ample learning opportunities. You just need to see what fits well with your child and go with the flow.