Difference Between CBSE & ICSE – Which is Better for IIT JEE & NEET Prep?
NEET and IIT-JEE are some of the most difficult exams. Every year, a lot of students appear for these exams. If we talk in numbers, then more than 24 lakh aspirants appeared in NEET-2024 only; if we include the aspirants of IIT-JEE, this number can go around 40 lakh. Preparation for such a highly competitive exam comes with a lot of internal questions and doubts in the minds of aspirants. One such question is which board is best for IIT-JEE and NEET preparation, CBSE or ICSE? In this blog, MENIIT will answer this query of aspirants.
In India, there are two major boards, named Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE Board). Both boards are recognized by the government of India, and both offer high-quality education. However, there are some differences between the two. Let us look at some of the differences between the CBSE and ICSE boards.
- Curriculum: One of the major differences between ICSE and CBSE is the curriculum. Generally, the CBSE is considered tougher in comparison to the ICSE board. However, this might differ from the student’s perspective. The CBSE focuses more on the core subjects like math, physics, etc. Whereas ICSE focuses on the overall development of students and not just on academics. It doesn’t mean that the ICSE board doesn’t give importance to the core subjects, but it has a variety of subjects like environmental education and arts.
- Exam pattern: CBSE and ICSE have different exam patterns.
- Medium of teaching: CBSE doesn’t have any specific language preference; the medium of teaching can be Hindi or English. ICSE focuses more on the English language. ICSE focuses more on literature and language, which helps in the personality development of students.
- Edge in entrance/competitive exams: Generally, CBSE students have an upper edge in competitive exams.
These are some differences between the CBSE and ICSE boards. This is not the end; there are definitely other differences as well.
After all this, one question arises: which board is better for IIT-JEE or NEET? Let us look at the answer to this question.
Which is better for IIT-JEE and NEET
Getting selected in their favourite college after clearing NEET and IIT-JEE is the dream of many aspirants. But getting selected in the first attempt along with school is something that every aspirant desires. However, getting selected with school in IIT JEE or NEET is very difficult. Aspirants try a lot to manage their school/board exams along with IIT JEE and NEET. But managing both together is a very tedious task, as both board exams and competitive exams are very different in nature. In such cases, aspirants try to reduce their efforts by selecting the board so that they can align their board exam preparation with the competitive exam preparation. But which board is better for a competitive examination?
Board exams play a crucial role in clearing IIT-JEE or NEET. Scoring good marks on boards not only helps to score a higher percentage, but it also shows that students have good conceptual knowledge, which is important for IIT-JEE or NEET.
Generally, there are two major boards in India, ICSE and CBSE. Both are good in their own terms. But for competitive examinations like IIT-JEE and NEET, CBSE is more preferred by the students. Let us see how the CBSE is better for IIT-JEE and NEET preparation.
- Syllabus: Generally, the syllabus of most of the competitive exams is based on NCERT books. CBSE follows NCERT books, and thus CBSE students have an upper edge over other board students. For NEET, most of the students prefer to read NCERT biology of classes 11 and 12 multiple times instead of other reference books. However, this doesn’t mean that the syllabus and books followed by other boards are of no use. It simply implies that students from other boards must put in a little more effort in their studies compared to their CBSE counterparts.
- Focus on concepts: CBSE focuses more on conceptual clarity of core subjects. Generally, the ICSE board has a lot of subjects that help in the overall development of students, but on the other side, divert the focus on various subjects.
- Resources availability: Generally, the availability of resources like coaching centers and books is higher for CBSE students in comparison to the ICSE board students.
These are a few points that indicate that CBSE is better than ICSE when it comes to competitive exams like IIT-JEE or NEET. But as said earlier, the board is secondary; the hard work and determination of the aspirants come first. Aspirants can clear NEET or IIT-JEE by focusing on their concepts and practice instead of thinking about the type of boards.
FAQs:
ICSE or CBSE, Which is tough?
Answer: If students study well and have dedication towards their studies, no board is tough.
Can CBSE students crack IIT-JEE?
Answer: Yes, CBSE students can crack IIT-JEE. Clearing IIT-JEE doesn’t depend upon the board.
Which is the toughest subject in ICSE?
Answer: No subject is tough if students keep focusing on their studies.
New Update & Classroom Courses
