IGCSE vs ICSE Board : Which Board to Choose?

Students are often not clear about the difference between IGCSE vs ICSE boards. IGCSE is a recognised board based on an international curriculum, while ICSE is an examination administered nationally by CISCE. In India, the Government of India, the Higher Education Department, and the Ministry of Human Resource Development recognise both IGCSE and ICSE. 

IGCSE vs ICSE Differences Overview

Under IGCSE, students get an opportunity to pursue an international level of higher education and more freedom to select their subjects. In comparison, ICSE is an ideal choice for pursuing quality education in India. Here is an overview of the differences between IGCSE vs ICSE.

Basis of Comparison	IGCSE	ICSE
Full Form	International General Certificate of Secondary Education	Indian Certificate of Secondary Education
Governing Body	University of Cambridge International Examinations	Council of the Indian School Certificate Examination
Establishment Year	1988	1986
Examination Level	International level	National level
Subjects	Candidates can select subjects according to their interests.	ICSE follows a fixed curriculum.
Linguistic Support	Students can choose from a combination of 30+ languages.	It focuses mainly on the English language.
Private Students	Under IGCSE, private students can appear for exams.	Private students cannot take exams under ICSE.
Evaluation	Considers maximum marks achieved in 5 subjects out of 6 wherein the English language is mandatory.	External assessment has 80% weightage in ICSE, and internal assessment carries 20% weightage.
Grading	Grading takes place on a scale of A to G, with A being the highest grade and G being the lowest.	Grading is done in numeric terms, from 1 to 9, with 1 being the highest grade and 9 being the lowest.
Duration of Course	2 years	2 years

Overview of IGCSE

IGCSE, short for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, is an English language-based exam formed by the University of Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Institutions across the world recognise IGCSE, which is based on the British curriculum. It is known to be an international alternative to various national curricula.

The Cambridge Assessment International Education and Pearson Edexcel are responsible for facilitating the IGCSE board. The board concentrates on core subjects and their applications in the real world. The duration of the IGCSE program is two years, wherein candidates can opt for subjects from 6 different subject groups.

Overview of ICSE

ICSE, or the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, is an education board that administers exams under CISCE for students studying in class 10th.

The board assesses students based on the suggestions of the New Education Policy, 1986. ICSE focuses on the holistic growth and development of students.

IGCSE vs ICSE Detailed Comparison

There are many differences between IGCSE and ICSE in terms of the curriculum, evaluation, and several other factors. Let us now go through the detailed comparison of IGCSE vs ICSE.

IGCSE vs ICSE Subjects

There is a significant difference between IGCSE and ICSE when it comes to the number of subject options that they offer. Check out the subjects covered by IGCSE vs ICSE.

IGCSE Subjects

IGCSE boards allow students to pick at least 5 subjects, with the maximum limit being 14. The following are the core subjects under IGCSE:

• First Language
• Second Language
• Mathematics
• One or more Science subjects

The board categorises the subjects into the following groups:

• Languages
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Creative, Technical, and Vocational

ICSE Subjects

ICSE students need to select a combination of subjects wherein it is compulsory to choose the English language. All these subjects come under three groups: 1, 2, and 3. Group 1 consists of mandatory subjects, and in Group 2, students can take up any 2 subjects out of 4. Under Group 3, it is necessary to opt for 1 subject out of 11. 

Group 1: (Compulsory Subjects)

• English
• Second language
• History/Civics and Geography
• SUPW

Group 2

• Maths
• Science
• Economics
• Commercial Studies

Group 3

• Technical drawing
• Computer applications
• Art
• Dance
• Instrumental music
• Mass media and communication
• Modern foreign language
• Carnatic music
• Drama
• Yoga
• Economic applications

IGCSE vs ICSE Syllabus

Let us now discuss IGCSE vs ICSE syllabus. The syllabus of IGCSE emphasises application-based learning. In contrast, ICSE provides a comprehensive curriculum that focuses equally on various subjects. 

IGCSE Syllabus

The curriculum followed by IGCSE is practical and application-oriented. Students get an opportunity to opt for courses as per their interests under this board. Besides the core subjects, they can choose from a variety of optional subjects, including filmmaking, fine arts, music, technical drawing, etc. The IGCSE syllabus is designed in a way to develop analytical skills, critical thinking, communication skills, and many other skills among the students. 

Read more: IGCSE Syllabus 2023

ICSE Syllabus 

ICSE, on the other hand, has a detailed syllabus that gives equal importance to all of its subjects like Maths, Science, Arts, etc. In general, the curriculum has more focus on the English language.

Read more: ICSE Syllabus 2023

Private Students

Next, we will understand IGCSE vs ICSE in terms of the acceptance of private students. IGCSE allows private students to take exams. On the other hand, private students are not allowed to appear for examinations under ICSE.

Linguistic Support

IGCSE focuses on an international student population and thus involves candidates from diverse backgrounds. Therefore, IGCSE students have the option of choosing from more than 30 languages. Conversely, ICSE primarily focuses on the English language.

Level of Exam

When it comes to the IGCSE vs ICSE level of exam, IGCSE takes place on an international level, and ICSE is conducted on a national level in India.

Grading System

IGCSE assesses candidates according to a three-tier grading system which involves: Distinction, Merit, and Pass. Contrarily, ICSE evaluates students on the basis of marks. It grades students from A1 to E2, corresponding to 100-0 marks.

Course Duration

Let us now take a look at the course duration of IGCSE vs ICSE. The duration of the IGCSE course is two years. The ICSE program also has a duration of two years, which involves 9th and 10th grades.

Existence

The IGCSE board came into existence in 1988, while the ICSE board was formed in the year 1986.

IGCSE vs ICSE - Which is Better?

Both IGCSE and ICSE have their own merits and demerits. Therefore, parents must evaluate their child’s interests and abilities to take an informed decision on IGCSE vs ICSE. Also, besides selecting the right board, parents should check the fee structure and seat availability of institutes under the two boards.