CBSE vs State Board: Which One to Choose after the 10th?
It is common for students to wonder which is better CBSE vs State Board. Choosing a board of education after 10th standard is an important decision as it can affect your future academic and career prospects. Two of the most popular boards in India are the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and various State Boards. Let's discuss which board is better for competitive exam preparation after the 10th.CBSE Board
CBSE stands for "Central Board of Secondary Education" and is a national-level board of education managed by the government of India. It is known for its structured syllabus, which is based on the NCERT books and it is India's most popular educational board. It has a reputation for preparing students for various competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, medical courses, and UPSC. Which helps in preparing students for the competitive world from an early stage. CBSE provides a balanced curriculum with equal emphasis on science, mathematics, and language subjects. It also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to develop the overall personality of the students.Advantages and Disadvantages of CBSE schools:
Advantages:
- One of the significant advantages of the CBSE Board is its recognition by numerous institutions and colleges in India. As a result, it is easy for CBSE students to apply for higher education at numerous institutions without facing any significant difficulties or obstacles.
- The CBSE board is committed to providing students with a well-organized and modern curriculum that will help in the development of their intellectual and practical skills.
- Another advantage is that all CBSE-affiliated schools follow the same curriculum. This ensures academic consistency, regardless of location or affiliation.
Disadvantages:
- Most CBSE are private schools which means the study cost is more expensive than other schools, which can be a disadvantage to students from low-income families.
- Its curriculum is often criticized for focusing on theory rather than practical knowledge, which can limit students' exposure.
State Boards
State Boards have their unique curriculum and follow a state-specific syllabus, which may differ from one state to another. The curriculum is designed to meet the specific needs of the state and is not necessarily structured to prepare students for competitive exams. However, state boards offer a broader perspective and understanding of state-specific topics, which can be helpful for students preparing for state-level competitive exams. In some states, state boards also conduct their entrance exams.Advantages and Disadvantages of State Board School:
Advantages:
- Compared to the central board, schooling is not expensive
- State boards tailor their curriculum to the cultural, social, and economic landscape of each state, ensuring students engage with their local environment.
Disadvantages:
- State board exams may not have the same level of national recognition as CBSE or other central boards. This can make it difficult for students who want to pursue higher education or seek employment opportunities.
- Compared to national boards, state boards provide a more limited selection of elective subjects and educational streams.
- Despite having a strong curriculum, many state board syllabuses use outdated teaching methods.
Central Board of Secondary Education vs State Board- Entrance Exam
The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher School Certificate (HSC), which are typically known as state-specific exams, are determined by each state's education board. Students typically take entrance exams to continue their education beyond high school. Additionally, students enroll in coaching programs to prepare for entrance exams like the JEE and NEET. CBSE students have a better chance of succeeding in these competitive exams because they are based on the CBSE syllabus. The State Board, on the other hand, is less challenging than the CBSE board and focuses more on regional problems. As a result, State Board students find it challenging to succeed in competitive examinations and need to study harder.CBSE vs State Board - International Scope
Several students wish to pursue their higher education abroad. Both CBSE and State board students are eligible to apply for study-abroad opportunities. However, CBSE students get the upper hand in this case. This is because they begin taking English classes in preschool and move on to studying third languages in higher grades. The State Board, on the other hand, only concentrates on the English language and regional levels. As a result, when comparing CBSE and State boards, CBSE has a wider international scope.Which is Better for Competitive Exam Preparation after the 10th? CBSE vs State Board
The answer to this question depends on a student's individual goals, preferences, and strengths. If a student's goal is to appear for national-level competitive exams like JEE, NEET, or UPSC, then the CBSE board would be a better option as it follows a structured curriculum that is designed to prepare students for these exams. Moreover, the NCERT books, which are the backbone of the CBSE board curriculum, are considered the standard reference books for competitive exam preparation. On the other hand, if a student's goal is to appear for state-level competitive exams like CET, SET, or other state-specific exams, then the state board schools would be a better option as it would provide a broader perspective and understanding of state-specific topics, which could be helpful for these exams. Both boards have pros and cons when all factors are taken into account. Based on the benefits and drawbacks of each Educational Board, students and parents can decide together which is best for academic and personal development.Difference between State board and CBSE
Criteria | CBSE | State Boards |
Education system | Most CBSE schools are private and thus the education system is centralized throughout the country | The education system varies from state to state, with different approaches to teaching and curriculum |
Main Focus | The focus is on developing critical thinking skills and subjects like mathematics and science | The focus is on rote learning and regional language, topics, and culture |
Language Mode | The language of instruction is primarily English and Hindi | The language of instruction is a combination of English and the regional language |
Grading System | The percentage system coupled with a positional grading is used in all central government schools | Different grading systems are used in each state |
Updating Syllabus | The CBSE curriculum is updated almost every year to keep up with the latest trends and developments | The syllabus is rarely updated |
Examination | CBSE conducts the All India Secondary School Examination (AISSE) for Class 10 and the All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE) for Class 12 | State Boards conduct the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) for Class 10 and the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) for Class 12 |
FAQ's
All of the national entrance exams and competitive exams are conducted by the CBSE. This is why the CBSE board is preferred by the students.
On one hand, CBSE fosters conceptual understanding and critical thinking, whereas state boards with a wealth of knowledge emphasize memorizing concepts.
While the grading system of the State Boards can vary from one another, the CBSE grading system has a set framework that all the schools certified by it are required to follow. The grading system under CBSE is thus, more uniform and consistent when compared with State boards.
If we compare scoring marks, state boards are easier; but, when it comes to learning the content and student-friendly resources, CBSE is considerably easier than state boards.
For students interested in studying engineering or medical courses, CBSE is the better option. Both boards offer advantages and disadvantages, so students have to evaluate all the options to make the best decision.