ICSE vs CBSE: How English is taught differently in India's top school boards

India Today

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When 15-year-old Aarav switched from an ICSE to a CBSE school due to a family move, he thought English would be the one subject that remained consistent. Instead, he found himself navigating shorter questions, stricter word limits, and a completely different exam style. 'The shift wasn't just about textbooks it felt like learning a new language all over again,' he said.advertisementEnglish , one of the core subjects across Indian education boards is taught and tested differently by CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education). And while both boards aim to build language skills, the approach, depth, and expectations vary noticeably.CBSE VS ICSE: ENGLISH BY THE BOOK(S)While CBSE is India's most widespread school board, ICSE verned by the CISCE is often chosen by parents seeking a "richer" language curriculum. But these are not value judgements; they're reflections of fundamentally different academic philosophies.CBSE English typically follows the NCERT curriculum, which is streamlined, pragmatic, and closely aligned with national-level entrance exams.ICSE English is split into two papers: Language and Literature, and is known for its literary depth and focus on formal grammar."ICSE expects students to read between the lines. In CBSE, it's more about understanding the lines clearly," says Ritu Bhatnagar, an English teacher who has taught both boards for over 18 years.
TEACHING STYLE: EXPRESSION VS EFFICIENCYIn ICSE classrooms, students are often encouraged to write longer, more descriptive answers showcasing not just what they know, but how well they can articulate it. "ICSE builds confidence in writing. We're taught to express, not just respond," says Viha Shah, a Class 10 ICSE student from Mumbai.On the other hand, CBSE promotes structured, exam-oriented formats. Answers are expected to be concise and relevant, often in bullet points or short paragraphs."CBSE English helped me crack the CUET easily because I was used to objective comprehension questions and fast writing formats," says Rishabh Jain, a recent CBSE graduate now preparing for Delhi University.ASSESSMENT: HOW BOARDS JUDGE LANGUAGE SKILLSICSE assessments tend to favor interpretation and creativity. In the Language paper, 20 marks are reserved for composition writing alone, where creativity and coherence matter more than "correct" answers. In Literature, ICSE often expects textual analysis with literary terms like imagery, irony, or symbolism.CBSE, however, leans on clarity. In the 2024 Class 10 English Language and Literature exam, reading comprehension carried 20 marks, and literature sections were largely short-answer based, according to the CBSE marking scheme.IMPACT ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND CAREERSThere's a common myth that ICSE English "helps you speak better" or that CBSE "prepares you for exams" both partly true, but neither is wholly accurate.For competitive exams like JEE, NEET, or CUET, CBSE's format aligns more closely with multiple-choice and time-bound assessments.For humanities aspirants or those pursuing careers in law, liberal arts, journalism, or international studies, ICSE's early literary training can be an asset.advertisementA 2023 report by the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations showed that ICSE students scored an average of 84% in English, while CBSE's average English score was 77%. However, CBSE students had higher performance in Science and Math. The boards don't release direct comparative data, but these trends reflect differing strengths.PARENT AND STUDENT CHOICES: WHAT'S DRIVING DECISIONS?In metro cities, a growing number of parents are opting for CBSE schools due to easier transfers, national standardization, and availability of coaching institutes. But some are willing to take the ICSE route despite the heavier workload. "We chose ICSE because we wanted our son to have command over language, not just clear exams," says Namrata Khanna, a parent in Bengaluru.Others cite practical reasons for choosing CBSE. 'My daughter wants to pursue medicine. CBSE is less stressful on English, which gives her time to focus on science,' says Ravi Iyer, a parent from Noida.advertisementNO 'BETTER', JUST DIFFERENTEducationists unanimously agree on one point: English, regardless of the board, should be a tool for communication, comprehension, and critical thinking."Both boards aim to make students language-proficient in their own way. The choice must depend on the child's interests, abilities, and future plans," says Anuradha Menon, academic advisor and former school principal.Whether your child is crafting a sonnet or drafting a crisp newspaper report, what matters is not just the board, but the support they receive at school and at home.- EndsMust Watch