School and Board Selection: CBSE, ICSE, IB, IGCSE or State Board
Which board is right for your child?
There is no single best board. CBSE, ICSE, the IB, Cambridge (IGCSE) and the state board each suit a different kind of learner and a different plan for higher education. Global Careers guides parents of children in Grades 1 to 10 on choosing a board, a school or a boarding school, based on the child, the family’s plans and what each option involves in practice.
Our role is to guide the decision. Admission is decided by the school.
The boards compared
- CBSE. The national board, offered by schools across India, which makes it practical for families who move between cities. Its syllabus is the closest to national entrance exams such as JEE, NEET and CUET.
- CISCE (ICSE in Grade 10, ISC in Grade 12). A wide range of subjects, with strong emphasis on English and on detailed study of each subject.
- State board (GSEB in Gujarat). Widely available in Gujarati and English medium, and usually the most affordable option.
- IB (International Baccalaureate). Learning through inquiry, projects and writing. In the Diploma Programme (Grades 11 and 12) students take six subjects and also complete an extended essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS. It is recognised by universities around the world.
- Cambridge (IGCSE and A Levels). IGCSE in Grades 9 and 10, then AS and A Levels, in which a student specialises in three or four subjects. It is examination-based and recognised by universities around the world.
Indian universities accept IB and Cambridge qualifications as well. Families planning college in India should check result dates, subject requirements and entrance-exam syllabuses early.
Two points where families most often need help: the choice of IGCSE or ICSE subjects at the end of Grade 8, and the choice of IB Diploma subjects and levels before Grade 11, which have to match the degree the student plans to apply for.
The questions we work through with parents
- How does the child learn best? From a set syllabus and examinations, or through projects, discussion and independent work?
- Is the family likely to move? To another city in India, or to another country?
- College in India or abroad? Only as a direction. A child in primary school does not need a career plan.
- What will it cost? Across all the school years, not only the first.
- What happens in Grades 11 and 12? For children in Grades 8 to 10, the choice of board is tied to the choice of stream. See career counselling after 10th.
Choosing a school or a boarding school
A board is only as good as the school that teaches it. When we help a family compare schools, we look at:
- the quality and stability of the teaching staff;
- results over several years, not one good year;
- class size, and the subjects offered in Grades 11 and 12;
- how the school supports university applications;
- for boarding schools, pastoral care and whether the child is ready to live away from home.
We help the family draw up a shortlist and prepare the questions to ask on a school visit.
Changing boards
The natural points to change board are the start of Grade 9 and the start of Grade 11, when a new two-year course begins. Boards rarely allow a change in Grade 10 or Grade 12, the board-examination years.
A change works best when it is planned a year ahead, so that the child can prepare for differences in syllabus, language level and style of assessment.
Who guides you
Global Careers was founded in Surat in 2000 by Dr. Manish Mittal. He holds a PhD in Psychology (Career Counselling), an M.A. in Education and a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering, is a certified practitioner of the MBTI®, the Strong Interest Inventory® and Multiple Intelligences, and holds the College Counselling Certificate of New York University.
Dr. Mittal and his team guide students from CBSE, IB and other boards on subjects, streams and college admissions, so we see where each board leads.
Frequently asked questions
Neither is better in general. The IB suits children who enjoy projects, writing and independent work, and families who are considering college abroad. CBSE suits children who do well with a defined syllabus, and it is the closest match to national entrance exams.
No. Students of any recognised board can write these exams. Their syllabus is closest to CBSE, so students of other boards should plan for extra preparation.
Indian universities accept these qualifications. What needs checking early is the date of the final results, the subjects each course requires, and the syllabus of any entrance exam.
The main decision points are the start of school, Grades 6 to 8 when many families reconsider, and Grades 9 and 11 when the board-examination courses begin.
Yes. We help the family decide whether boarding is right for the child and how to compare schools.
An introductory session with our team, in which we explain how our counselling works, is free. A consultation with Dr. Manish Mittal is paid and is by appointment only.
Call +91 99250 33239 or +91 95105 33239, or use the contact page. Our office is at S-8, 3rd Floor, Central Plaza, opposite St. Thomas School, New Citylight, Surat 395007.
Behind every success story, there is a plan.
Let us help you create yours.
Book a ConsultationCall +91 99250 33239