IGCSE vs CBSE: What's the Difference?

Key Takeaways

• IGCSE is designed for international pathways: It offers more flexible subject choices, greater focus on global content, and is widely recognised by universities worldwide.

• CBSE is centralised and India-focused: With a standardised syllabus and strong alignment to national entrance exams, like NEET and JEE, it is ideal for students aiming to continue studies in India.

• Both boards are academically rigorous: The right choice depends on your future study plans, whether in India or abroad, and your preferred learning style.

Introduction

With education becoming increasingly global, choosing the right curriculum is more important than ever for shaping your future. IGCSE and CBSE (opens in a new tab) are both qualifications taken in secondary school and are academically rigorous routes to university and various career paths. However, there are key differences between them. As an IGCSE student, you need to be sure of your choice.

This guide will give you a clearer understanding of the main differences between IGCSE and CBSE from a student’s perspective, including curriculum design, assessment styles, subject flexibility and university recognition.

What is IGCSE?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an internationally-recognised qualification offered by exam boards including Cambridge (CIE) (opens in a new tab), Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab), and Oxford AQA (opens in a new tab). It is designed for students aged 14–16 and is taken by learners in more than 150 countries.

IGCSE is known for its wide subject choice, with over 70 subject options. Assessment methods include written exams, coursework and practicals. Exams are graded using a 9–1 scale (Cambridge (CIE) also uses A*–G).

Find out more about IGCSE exams and explore revision resources at Save My Exams.

What is CBSE?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) (opens in a new tab) is India’s national school board, overseen by the Government of India. It serves many students in India and abroad through affiliated schools.

CBSE is known for its emphasis on STEM subjects and is widely recognised across India and by many international universities. Teaching and assessment for CBSE can be done in English or Hindi, with some schools also offering teaching in regional Indian languages. English is the most common medium of study for CBSE.

Compared to IGCSE, the CBSE tends to be more prescriptive and demanding in terms of the volume of content students are expected to learn. The content for IGCSE is also more globally relevant than CBSE, which has a greater focus on India-specific content. The CBSE curriculum is closely aligned with Indian national standards and provides targeted preparation for key competitive entrance exams, such as NEET (opens in a new tab) for medical studies and the JEE (opens in a new tab) for engineering courses.

CBSE grades are awarded as a percentage for each subject and an overall cumulative score. They are also sometimes converted into a CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) (opens in a new tab) on a 10‑point scale.

IGCSE vs CBSE: Curriculum and Subject Choices

One of the most noticeable differences between the IGCSE and the CBSE is the flexibility of subject choices. While IGCSE allows students to mix a wide range of subjects, CBSE has a more standardised approach.

IGCSE’s flexibility makes it easy to personalise your learning according to interests and career goals. You can choose from 70+ subjects and mix-and-match humanities, science and arts disciplines. For example, you can choose to take a humanities subject like English Literature, a science like Chemistry and arts subject like D&T. 

The subject choices for CBSE are more limited. CBSE students select their subjects based on one of three main streams: Science, Commerce, or Arts. Within each stream, the choice is limited to a set of prescribed subjects. For example:

• Science students usually take Physics, Chemistry, and either Biology or Mathematics, with optional subjects like Computer Science or Physical Education.

• Commerce students typically take Economics, Accountancy, and Business Studies, with optional subjects such as Mathematics or Informatics Practices.

• Arts students take subjects like History, Political Science, Geography, or Psychology, but the combinations are often fixed by schools.

While there are some optional subjects within each stream, CBSE does not offer the same level of flexibility as IGCSE. If you value having more flexible subject combinations, IGCSE may be a better fit for you.

IGCSE vs CBSE: Teaching and Assessment Style

IGCSE is popular among international students and schools because of its globally relevant curriculum and flexible assessment options. With 70+ subjects, including 30+ languages, students can engage with international content and develop skills in critical thinking and problem-solving. This breadth of choice allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and future goals.

Assessment in the IGCSE combines written exams, coursework, and practical assessments. This variety accommodates different learning styles and gives students multiple ways to demonstrate their understanding. Additionally, multiple exam sessions each year, typically in May/June and October/November, accommodate local school timetables and provide opportunities for exam retakes.

In contrast, CBSE emphasises STEM skills to a greater extent and is often chosen by students targeting national competitive Indian exams, such as JEE and NEET. Its structured and prescriptive curriculum provides a strong foundation in core subjects, but offers less flexibility and exposure to global perspectives compared to IGCSE. While CBSE ensures consistency and alignment with Indian standards, students seeking a more internationally focused education may prefer the broader, more adaptable IGCSE curriculum.

IGCSE vs CBSE: Recognition and University Admissions

Recognition is a major factor to consider when choosing between the IGCSE and CBSE.

IGCSE is accepted by universities worldwide and considered equivalent to GCSEs in the UK. In India, IGCSE students may need an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) to apply to certain universities.

CBSE aligns closely with national competitive exams, such as the NEET and JEE, giving students an advantage if their goal is to secure a place in Indian medical or engineering colleges.

If your long-term plan is to study abroad, IGCSE offers a smoother pathway, but if your focus is Indian universities, especially in STEM, CBSE is often the more practical option.

IGCSE vs CBSE: Which is Harder?

Both are academically rigorous and can be challenging for students. The best choice for you will depend on your academic strengths and preferred way of learning and being assessed.

IGCSE may feel harder for students used to rote learning because it focuses on applying knowledge to new situations, solving problems, and explaining reasoning. Although the wider range of subjects can be challenging for students who prefer to specialise in a few areas, it benefits those with diverse skills and interests. Students who excel at coursework and practical experiments may prefer IGCSE’s varied assessment options.

CBSE may feel more straightforward for students preparing for competitive exams because its syllabus closely aligns with NEET and JEE content. The focus on exam preparation and memorisation can make studying more predictable, but the heavy workload and emphasis on recalling large amounts of information for exams can be intense and may be more stressful for some students.

Pros and Cons of IGCSE and CBSE

Pros of IGCSE

• International recognition across global universities

• Wider and more flexible choice of subjects

• More varied assessment methods which may appeal to students who like projects, coursework and practical assessments over only traditional written exams

• Greater focus on global content, which may appeal to students interested in studying international issues

Cons of IGCSE

• May require equivalency documents for Indian admissions

• Not as closely aligned with NEET and JEE exam content

• IGCSE schools can be more expensive and less common than CBSE schools in India 

Pros of CBSE

• Well-regarded by Indian universities. Equivalency documents for Indian admissions not needed

• Standardised syllabus helps in preparing for competitive exams, like the NEET and JEE

• More standardised subject options may appeal to students who want to study a narrow range of subjects within the same discipline

• Greater emphasis on traditional exams which test large amounts of content may appeal to students who excel in written exams, rote learning and memorisation 

• Greater focus on India-specific content may appeal to students who intend to continue their studies in India and learn more about local issues

• CBSE schools are generally more cost-effective and widely available than IGCSE schools

Cons of CBSE

• Less well-known by international institutions

• Stronger focus on rote learning and memorisation may not play to all students’ strengths

• Less subject flexibility

• Less emphasis on global perspectives

Which One Should You Choose?

A large part of your choice will depend on your longer term study goals.

If you plan to study abroad in the UK, US, or other countries, IGCSE gives you international recognition and prepares you with skills valued globally. But if you aim to study in India, especially for competitive courses in medicine or engineering, CBSE is better aligned with your needs.

If you’re undecided on your post-school plans, consider which of the following factors is the most important to you right now:

• Greater subject choice and flexibility = IGCSE

• Greater emphasis on written exams = CBSE

• Greater emphasis on India-specific content = CBSE

• Greater emphasis on global content = IGCSE

• Lower cost = CBSE

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IGCSE accepted in Indian universities?

Yes. IGCSE is accepted by Indian universities, but you may need an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

Can I switch from CBSE to IGCSE or vice versa?

Switching is possible, but it depends on your school and the timing. Moving from CBSE to IGCSE may require adapting to a different teaching and assessment style, while moving from IGCSE to CBSE may mean catching up with the Indian syllabus. Always ask your teacher and school about the possibility of switching and whether they think it’s right for you. 

Which board is better for studying abroad?

IGCSE is generally better suited for studying abroad because of its international recognition and curriculum designed for global contexts. CBSE students can also study abroad, but may need to demonstrate equivalency or adapt to international standards.

Final Thoughts

There is no single answer to whether IGCSE or CBSE is better, as it depends on your goals and learning preferences. IGCSE is often the right choice if you want international recognition and greater subject flexibility, while CBSE offers a reliable pathway for students focused on Indian universities and preparing for competitive exams.

Think carefully about where you see yourself in the future, and if you’re unsure, speak to your teachers or school for their advice. The right decision now can set you on a strong path for success. If you’ve chosen to study IGCSE, check out Save My Exam’s extensive revision resources.