What is the difference between NIOS and CBSE Boards?

Wondering which one to opt between, NIOS vs CBSE? Learn the differences between the two boards and find out which one is better for you.

Students often get confused between NIOS vs CBSE while choosing a board for pursuing secondary qualifications. The major difference between them is that NIOS does not require its students to attend classes, whereas CBSE students need to attend regular classes. Further, the syllabus of NIOS is brief when compared to the lengthy syllabus of CBSE.

Table of Contents

NIOS vs CBSE - Key Differences
What is CBSE?
What is NIOS?
NIOS vs CBSE - Which one has more Value?
NIOS vs CBSE - Which is a Better Option?

NIOS vs CBSE - Key Differences

Both NIOS and CBSE offer the same fundamental topics to students. However, the number of subjects that students can choose from to expand their knowledge and interests varies. The table below gives an overview of the main differences between NIOS vs CBSE.

Basis of Difference	NIOS	CBSE
Full Form	National Institute Of Open Schooling	Central Board for Secondary Education
Year of Establishment	1989	1929
Function	A non-profit organisation promoting open education	An autonomous body managed by the Government of India regulating secondary education in public and private schools affiliated with it.
Classes	Attending classes is not required	Mandatory to attend classes
Syllabus	Brief syllabus	Lengthy syllabus
Number of Disciplines	The number of disciplines is less.	Students must study various subjects, including English, Math, Science, and more.

What is CBSE?

CBSE is a national governing body responsible for regulating secondary education in affiliated schools. It was established by the Government of India in 1929 to create a unified educational system for all students.

CBSE prepares students for higher education by providing regular lessons and access to multiple resources. The grading system of the board enables its students to obtain the highest possible marks.

CBSE 2022-23 Syllabus

CBSE released the latest syllabus for grades 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th for 2022-23. In the previous session, it restored 100% of the curriculum for all secondary programs. However, the syllabus was reduced yet again this year (similar to the 2020-21 session).

Moreover, the board revealed that it would not follow the term-wise board paper pattern for this academic session. But owing to the 30% reduction policy, the syllabus will be similar to that of the last two years. CBSE encourages schools to adhere to the limited curriculum.

Advantages of CBSE

Studying in a CBSE school comes with several benefits for students. Here are some of them:

CBSE is recognised and accepted widely around the world.
It concentrates on a skill-oriented curriculum.
Allows for the administration of class 12th exams along with medical and engineering exams.
It focuses both on skills and co-curricular activities till the 10th standard to ensure the holistic development of the student.
Conducts daily sessions allowing candidates to be in regular touch with their coursework.
Improves student-to-teacher interaction and relationship.
Students can get their doubts resolved faster as they get to attend the sessions regularly.

Disadvantages of CBSE

There are a few demerits of the CBSE board as well; the following pointers highlight these disadvantages.

CBSE follows the NCERT syllabus, which must be updated consistently to maintain the quality of the content.
There are some challenges with the grading system of CBSE. For instance, suppose you secure 91%, and your classmate obtains 96%; then both of you will get an A grade.
The curriculum of CBSE has to be upgraded constantly to maintain competitiveness.

What is NIOS?

NIOS came into existence in 1989 with the aim of promoting open education. It was established for students who are not able to attend regular sessions due to various circumstances. NIOS is a good option for those who wish to complete their education along with handling other responsibilities at home.

NIOS is followed in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and some Middle East countries as well. The board is very flexible in nature and allows candidates to study in online mode. It also facilitates on-demand exams, wherein students have to book a slot to give exams as per their suitability. Every year, NIOS conducts exams in April and October.

NIOS Syllabus 2022-23

NIOS 2022-23 syllabus is the same for grade 10th and 12th students. Candidates need to opt for at least five disciplines under NIOS. They can select a maximum of 2 additional subjects along with the mandatory ones as per the latest syllabus.

Is NIOS Certificate Valid?

All Indian institutions, as well as foreign universities, consider NIOS diplomas. For instance, one can pursue their education in Australia after studying from the NIOS board. Similarly, Canadian colleges recognise the NIOS certificate, and you can also apply for a Canadian and UK visa through it. Many of the institutes abroad accept the NIOS certificate as eligibility proof for admission.

Advantages of NIOS

There is a lot more flexibility that a student will get through NIOS. Moreover, the worth of the NIOS certificate is almost the same as CBSE. Following are some of its benefits.

No requirement to attend daily classes.
Weekly lessons are delivered by the NIOS study centre.
The syllabus of NIOS is brief and easy to understand.
A flexible curriculum aids students in obtaining a higher percentage.
Learning resources under NIOS are available in digital form, involving video lectures and many more.
NIOS boasts of its flexibility when it comes to on-demand tests. If you fail the exam in March-April, NIOS permit you to reappear for the test in October month of the same year.

Disadvantages of NIOS

Let us now take a look at the demerits of NIOS. Check out the points below for more details.

Learners are not able to get immediate solutions to their questions.
Students need to search for other sources to get their doubts cleared or will have to for the weekly class.
There is less amount of student-teacher interaction in NIOS.
NIOS has a major disadvantage with respect to the query resolution centre. Since it is not proper, students have run here and there to get their queries addressed.

NIOS vs CBSE - Which one has more Value?

Let us now discuss which board has more value between NIOS vs CBSE. The CBSE board holds more value than NIOS because CBSE students attend regular sessions, which allows them to keep up with the topics and syllabus covered in the course. However, NIOS is beneficial only for those who want to study from home as they cannot attend normal classes.

NIOS vs CBSE - Which is a Better Option?

CBSE is an ideal choice for students who can study on a regular basis and do not have any other commitments. Regular studies open up several options for the future. Moreover, students get exposure to meeting individuals from different areas.

Therefore, if you have certain responsibilities or personal duties that hold you back from attending regular sessions, then opt for NIOS. After all, NIOS is known as the largest open board across the globe and holds a great reputation.