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In comparison to over 30,000 CBSE schools, there are around 1500 ICSE schools and only around 270 IB schools in India. Is changing boards a practical soluation?
IB and Cambridge board are recognised for their flexible assessment systems. (AI Image)
For decades, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has been the default option for millions of Indian families, appreciated for its nationwide uniformity and perceived alignment with competitive examinations. However, in light of its recent and growing list of controversies, many parents are now confronting a key question: can they, and should they, move away from CBSE?
Persistent issues such as inconsistent evaluation, delays in grievance resolution, and a lack of transparency in post-result procedures have left numerous families dissatisfied. The stress is especially acute for class 12 students, where even minor discrepancies can influence college admissions and future careers. Some students, after the CBSE 12th result 2026, reported scoring higher in the JEE Main exam than in their class 12 board exams.
ALSO READ | CBSE Class 12 Result 2026: Step-By-Step Instruction To Apply For Re-Evaluation
Consequently, parents are increasingly exploring other boards, including the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), which conducts the ICSE and ISC exams and is often regarded as offering a more balanced, application-oriented curriculum. Meanwhile, international boards such as the IB (International Baccalaureate) and Cambridge Assessment International Education are recognised for their global exposure and relatively flexible assessment systems.
But, how practical is this shift?
Moving away from CBSE is far from easy. Accessibility and affordability remain the top two major hurdle. CBSE schools are far more widespread, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
In comparison to over 30,000 CBSE schools, there are around 1500 ICSE schools and only around 270 IB schools in India.
Reflecting this debate, a user on a microblogging platform, X, TheLiverDoc, wrote: “Stop sending children to CBSE. Start exploring IB/Cambridge syllabi in Indian schools. For those considering a medical career, exams like UCAT/BMAT can open doors to good foreign universities. If anyone has experience making this switch, please share. I have completely lost faith in the country’s pseudoscience-influenced education system.”
Im also thinking about this. Stop sending children to CBSE. Start looking at IB/Cambridge syllabus in Indian schools. If children want to opt for medical career, then UCAT/BMAT exams will help entry into good foreign universities. If anyone has experience in this switch, please…— TheLiverDoc™ (@theliverdoc) May 31, 2026
Echoing similar concerns, another user, Deepak, noted: “Add to this arbitrary policies like making three languages mandatory in Class 9 with barely any notice. It might be time to move away from CBSE. Unfortunately, many entrance exams still rely on the CBSE curriculum.”
Despite growing interest, affordability remains a critical concern for most families. As one user pointed out, “The reality is that 99.8% of the population cannot afford IB or Cambridge curricula.”
Another shared their experience: “I’ve been trying to opt for IB or Cambridge, but school fees range between Rs 3–4 lakh per year, even at the primary level, compared to Rs 50,000–Rs 70,000 for CBSE. ICSE schools aren’t always available either, so I’m forced to stick with CBSE.”
Concerns about teaching quality have also surfaced. “Many schools offering IB or ICSE don’t have teachers who fully understand the syllabus, which makes it difficult for students. Studying Shakespeare and complex grammar can be overwhelming, and only a few children manage to cope,” another user observed.
About the Author
Sukanya Nandy is a sub-editor at News18.com. She has been writing and reporting for the education and careers section of the website since 2021. She completed her graduation in English followed PG in …Read More
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