By Sandy Hooda

Choosing the right school board is an important decision that will have a lasting impact on your child’s education. There are a variety of school boards available in Gurgaon, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to consider all factors before making a decision. The best schools in Gurgaon offer one or more boards.

The most popular boards for schools in Gurgaon are the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), and the International Baccalaureate (IB).

CBSE is the board most commonly chosen by parents in Gurgaon. Top CBSE schools in Gurgaon follow a standard curriculum set by the Central government. This makes it easier for students to transfer between schools, both within Gurgaon and across India. CBSE schools also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and have a strong focus on discipline.

ICSE is another popular choice for parents in Gurgaon. ICSE schools follow a curriculum set by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. This curriculum is more demanding than the CBSE curriculum, and may not be suitable for all students.

The IB is a relatively new option in Gurgaon. IB schools follow a curriculum set by the International Baccalaureate Organisation. This curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and international perspectives. IB schools are often more expensive than other types of schools, but may be worth the investment for some families.

When choosing a school board, it is important to consider your child’s individual needs and interests. Some students thrive in a traditional learning environment, while others prefer a more progressive approach. There is no single “right” answer when it comes to choosing a school board. The best decision is the one that is best for your child. If you are unsure which school board is right for your child, it is a good idea to speak with educators or other parents who have experience with the different types of boards. Getting inputs from those who have firsthand knowledge can be invaluable in making the best decision for your child.

There are three main types of boards in India: the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education/Indian School Certificate (ICSE/ISC), and the International Baccalaureate (IB). The CBSE is the main education board of India, and it includes both public and private schools. The ICSE/ISC is a private board of education at the national level that was set up in 1956, which ultimately replaced the Cambridge board to provide Indian children with high quality education. The IB is based out of Geneva, Switzerland, and it aims to develop lifelong learners. It is over 50 years old and available in over 140 countries around the world.

So, which board is right for you and your child? It really depends on your child’s learning style and what you as a parent are looking for in their education. With the New Education Policy 2020 and the changes in the CBSE, we believe the CBSE board has become the most suitable. There are several reasons why the CBSE curriculum is advantageous for students.

1. CBSE now focuses on holistic learning and helps to develop a child’s personality and intellect.

2. The CBSE exams are changing to test the depth of knowledge.

3. CBSE is more aligned to Indian colleges and the competitive exams.

4. CBSE (with the implementation of NEP 2020) now supports experiential learning and project based learning (PBL).

5. CBSE is revamping and improving assessment systems.

Traditionally there have been a few potential drawbacks to the CBSE system. Firstly, there is an excessive focus on competitive exams. This means that students often feel immense pressure to perform well in these exams, which can lead to anxiety and stress. Additionally, 100% of the marks in grades 10 and 12 come from CBSE exams. This can put a lot of pressure on students to perform well in these exams, as their future depends on it. Finally, the CBSE curriculum is very rigid and does not allow for much flexibility. This can make it difficult for students to truly explore their interests and find their passion. While the CBSE system has its drawbacks, it is still one of the most popular schooling systems in India.

However with the NEP 2020, the government of India is revamping CBSE and aligning it with less pressure and more learning. The class 10 and 12 question papers are also being changed to provide for questions that made students think (rather than rote memorise). The content is being cut down and development of life skills is being given emphasis. With these wonderful changes the challenge will be to change the mindset of the traditional CBSE teachers and the traditional CBSE schools.

The IB program is child-centric, meaning that it is based on inquiry to make children think. Children own their learning experiences and there are no prescribed textbooks. The program offers standardised worldwide education and exams. The IB has strengthened its dominance and consolidated its position as the mainstream international curriculum in India. The IB has substantial research supporting it, and IB schools are bound to invest in teacher training and development programs.

There are a few potential drawbacks to sending your child to an IB school. Firstly, they can be quite expensive when compared to other schools that offer similar teaching methods. Secondly, if you’re hoping your child will attend an Indian college, an IB school may not be the best option as they often lose marks when converting their grades. Timing of examinations and clash with the IB calendar is yet another issue.

Traditionally there have been a few potential drawbacks to the CBSE system. Firstly, there is an excessive focus on competitive exams. This means that students often feel immense pressure to perform well in these exams, which can lead to anxiety and stress. Additionally, 100% of the marks in grades 10 and 12 come from CBSE exams. This can put a lot of pressure on students to perform well in these exams, as their future depends on it. Finally, the CBSE curriculum is very rigid and does not allow for much flexibility. This can make it difficult for students to truly explore their interests and find their passion. While the CBSE system has its drawbacks, it is still one of the most popular schooling systems in India.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been a game-changer for the CBSE schools in Gurgaon. With the introduction of this policy, CBSE has become more progressive and focused on research and development. As a result, more parents are opting for CBSE schools over ICSE and IB schools. The best CBSE schools in Gurgaon are already implementing the NEP 2020 and adopting progressive teaching methods. This is making a positive impact on the students and helping them to succeed in their studies. For a top CBSE school in Gurgaon, experiential learning and project based learning are becoming preferred teaching methods.

The curriculum is only one aspect of Top schools in Gurgaon – the quality of CBSE, ICSE or IB schools can vary greatly. What ultimately determines the quality of a school is the progressive teaching methods (pedagogy) they adopt, the quality of their teachers and the investment they make in teacher development. When all three of these factors are present, a top school in Gurgaon can provide high-quality education, irrespective of the board.

If you’re looking for a school that will prepare your child for the future, a progressive CBSE school is a great option. This means that your child will be exposed to real-world problems and learn how to solve them. CBSE schools are more affordable than many other school options. So if you’re looking for a school that will give your child a well-rounded education at an affordable price, a CBSE school is the way to go.

The top CBSE school in Gurgaon will be at par with the best IB or ICSE school in the city. The top schools in Gurgaon offer all the curriculums singularly or in combination. Parents have wonderful options to choose from and must invest the time and effort to do proper research. After all, selecting a good school is the most important decision a parent will probably make for the child.