Which School is BEST for Your Kid in India? IB vs IGCSE Vs CBSE
Education expert Mosum with 15+ years experience explains the key differences between IB, IGCSE, and CBSE curriculums. Learn which is most progressive, how assessments differ, and what questions to ask when selecting a school for NRI kids.
Which School is BEST for Your Kid in India? IB vs IGCSE Vs CBSE
Education expert Mosum with 15+ years experience in curriculum development and teacher training explains the key differences between IB, IGCSE, and CBSE. Learn which is most progressive and what questions to ask when selecting a school.
Expert Background
Mosum transitioned from software engineering and MBA to education. He co-founded Ashler Education (curriculum for 1200+ schools), Propel Education (teacher training), and Uncover Math Genius. He and his wife (Delhi University math professor) homeschooled their own children.
📚 Curriculum Overview
The Three Main Curriculums
| Board | Origin | Approach | Progressiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBSE | India's national board | Traditional, memory-based but evolving | Traditional (evolving) |
| IGCSE | Cambridge University, UK | Thinking-based assessments | Middle |
| IB | International (Switzerland) | Experiential, "learn how to learn" | Most Progressive |
🇮🇳 CBSE: India's National Board
Key Characteristics
- Board involvement: Only comes into picture in Grade 9-10; until Grade 8, schools are independent
- Approach: More fact-based, memory-based (though trying to evolve)
- Challenge: Large class sizes (~40 students) make experiential learning difficult
- Teacher background: Teachers come from same traditional system; B.Ed colleges haven't evolved
- Competition effect: Introduction of IB/IGCSE is pushing CBSE schools to evolve
🇬🇧 IGCSE: Cambridge Curriculum
Key Characteristics
- Structure: Outcomes defined in blocks (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-10, 11-12)
- Assessments: Thinking-based, not memorization
- Example question: "A lawnmower cuts grass - what other uses could it have?" vs CBSE's "What year did this happen?"
- Hands-on: Encourages practical experiences more than CBSE
- Publishers: Cambridge, Pearson, and Indian publishers provide books
🌍 IB: International Baccalaureate
Key Characteristics
- Philosophy: Help children "learn how to learn" - skills for future, not just current knowledge
- Structure: PYP (Primary Years, till Grade 5), MYP (Middle Years, 6-8), CP (Certificate, 9-10), DP (Diploma, 11-12)
- Curriculum: IB doesn't prescribe textbooks - schools create their own curriculum
- Focus: Experiential learning, even if covering less content
- Challenge: Teachers often not equipped to design curriculum; IB is smallest segment in India
🔍 How to Select a School
Two Critical Questions
- Meet the school head: Understand their vision for the school
- Ask about teacher training: How much investment (time, effort, money) in training?
Why teacher training matters: The teacher is with children daily. Whatever the head's vision, it must reflect in teachers. Most schools still don't prioritize this.
Common Mistake
"Most people go by branding and 10th/12th percentage marks - which is not the right indicator. Marks are becoming less important; skills are becoming more important."
🗣️ Language Requirements
All boards offer flexibility in language options. English is primary in most schools. Regional language requirements depend on school resources, not the board. Key insight: Even CBSE has flexibility - it depends on what the school offers.
💡 Expert Recommendation
For NRI Kids
"Because of the frameworks and how these boards are created, there's a general tendency that IB will be doing some things right. If I had to take a broad decision, especially from primary to middle years, I would personally opt for an IB school - considering that some things would be aligned whether or not implementation happens at whatever level."
But remember: Implementation matters more than the board. There are excellent CBSE schools and poor IB schools.
Need Help Selecting a School?
School selection is one of the most important decisions for NRI families returning to India. Connect with others who have navigated this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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