Choosing a board is a very important decision for a parent and a decision should be made considering individual preferences, constraints, and a school’s ecosystem. Well, it’s a very difficult question to answer which board is better ICSE or IGCSE as both boards cater to the different requirements of students and parents. Thus, let us compare the two: https://blog.rewiser.in/difference-igcse-vs-icse/

1. Key differences between IGCSE and
ICSE Curriculum that you need to
Know
Education plays an important role in the development of the nation.
IGCSE and ICSE are considered among the top boards imparting education which are
important in shaping the role of a child in making a better world.
An Overview of ICSE
The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) is a common examination conducted
at the national level by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE).
The test is designed to test students in the curriculum of General Education, as per the
recommendations of the National Educational Policy. English is the main medium of
instruction for all except in specific subjects of education. All the candidates generally have a
total of six subjects.
An Overview of IGCSE
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exam is also based
on the English language, and was developed by the University of Cambridge International
Examinations. This qualification is highly recognized in the UK. Since it is an international
qualification, it is also widely recognized by institutions around the world.

2. IGCSE is a 2-year programme, with a very wide and flexible study schedule in which
students can choose their courses (subjects) from 6 different subject groups. Students must
have a minimum of 5 subjects from different fields, but they can also choose a maximum of
14 subjects if they want to take more courses.
Difference between ICSE & IGCSE
Subjects of ICSE & IGCSE
ICSE Subjects
ICSE students have to study 6 subjects divided into three groups 1, 2 and 3. Group 1
consists of compulsory subjects, students from group 2 have to choose any 2 subjects out of
4, and students in group 3 can choose only 1 subject 11. ICSE results are calculated from
the best of 5 out of 6, including English marks are compulsory.
ICSE subjects are classified as follows:
Group 1 (Mandatory Subjects)
● English
● Second Language
● History/Civics & Geography
● S.U.P.W
Group 2 (Any 2 subjects from the group)
● Maths
● Science
● Economics
● Commercial Studies
Group 3 (1 subject from the lot)
● Technical Drawing
● Computer Applications
● Art
● Dance
● Carnatic Music
● Drama
● Yoga
● Economic Applications
● Instrumental Music
● Mass Media and Communication
● Modern Foreign Language

3. IGCSE Subjects
The main subjects under the IGCSE are:
● First Language
● Second Language
● Mathematics
● 1 or More Sciences Subjects
The subjects are categorized into these groups:
● Languages
● Humanities and Social Sciences
● Sciences
● Mathematics
● Creative, Technical, and Vocational
Students can also choose from a variety of other courses ranging from creative arts to social
sciences.
IGCSE is an English language course offered to prepare students for BTEC Level 3, A Level
and the IB curriculum.
Difference Between ICSE Syllabus & IGCSE Syllabus
ICSE Syllabus
The curriculum adopted by ICSE is more complete and comprehensive, giving equal
importance to all areas (for example Science, Mathematics, Languages, Arts, Home
Science, Agriculture, Fashion Design and Culinary Arts). Overall the ICSE curriculum (like
languages) would give their students a slight edge in English. This will help them in some
English based exams.
IGCSE Syllabus
IGCSE is more practical and application-based. It provides an opportunity to the students to
choose courses according to their interest in the subjects of Science, Humanities,
Languages and Mathematics. The courses also give them an opportunity to combine these
subjects with components of fine arts, visual arts, theatre, technical drawing, music, film
making, community service etc. The curriculum focuses on developing analytical thinking,
communication skills, investigative abilities. Problem-solving techniques, teamwork,
independent research and other qualities valued by all international universities. They have a
wide spectrum of subjects which leads to all round development and are more challenging
than Indian educational boards as it tests student's knowledge rather than memory and
speed.
Private Students
ICSE syllabus does not allow private students to appear for the exam while IGCSE has
space for private students.

4. Localized Content
The IGCSE curriculum allows localized content to be taught in the respective fields while the
ICSE focuses on a general learning goal with content.
Level of IGCSE Vs. ICSE
IGCSE is an international standard curriculum while ICSE is a national level examination
offered in India.
Grading in IGCSE Vs. ICSE
Students with IGCSE merit based on 3 tier grading system. Grades are Distinction, Merit and
Pass whereas ICSE Merit uses student marks. ICSE merit students are awarded grade A1
to E2 on the basis of 100 - 0 marks respectively.
Existence
ICSE board was started in 1986 while IGCSE board was formed in 1988.
So, which one is better?
It is important to understand that both exams have their advantages and disadvantages, and
you can choose a course that best suits the student's preferences and strengths. For
example:- If a student is very good at photographic memory, that would be ideal for rote
learning - so if they choose ICSE, they will get very high grades and find themselves with
great scores.
Simply put, ICSE is great for students who want to pursue their higher education within the
country. Since ICSE is more similar to IGCSE than other Indian boards, it will be easier to
transition to IGCSE in the long run (for Grades 11 and 12), depending on whether the
student wants to pursue higher education abroad. Gain additional skills and experience from
Cambridge Board's differentiated approach.