When you mention School, the first thing anybody asks you is what school are you from and what is the board? A board is nothing but an organization which provides you curriculum and educational facilities and each state has its own state board. CBSE also known as the Central Board of Secondary Education, as the name suggests is a central educational board in India that conducts examinations for secondary and senior secondary classes. It is governed by the Union Government of India and is one of the most prominent education boards in the country.
There has been discussion amongst parents and students regarding which board is better or easier as the education system in India is a little tedious for its students, although you cannot entirely pinpoint which is better I can help you have slight clarity regarding where you would like to spend your formative years.
Crucial Characteristics of CBSE:
- Curriculum: The CBSE adopts a thorough programme that emphasises a well-rounded education that combines academics, extracurricular activities, and skill development.
- Syllabus: To keep it current and in line with local, national, and worldwide standards, CBSE routinely examines and updates its curriculum. The curriculum is created to encourage pupils to grow critically and holistically.
- Exams: The CBSE administers the Secondary School Examination (SSE) for Class 10 and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSC) for Class 12. These tests are given on a nationwide basis and are important for future educational objectives and college admission.
- School accreditation: Affiliation is granted by CBSE to institutions in India and internationally. Schools that want to affiliate must satisfy strict requirements for infrastructure, faculty credentials, and adherence to CBSE standards.
- Focus on Innovation: CBSE supports the use of technology in education and promotes creative teaching strategies. It supports numerous programmes and contests that encourage students’ creativity and problem-solving abilities
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| Central Board of Secondary Education, Office |
Pros and Cons of CBSE
- National Recognition: CBSE is acknowledged by most educational institutions in India and has been recognized for its application in national-level competitive exams.
- Standardized Curriculum: The Central Board of Secondary Education adheres to a uniform curriculum throughout the nation, guaranteeing educational stability and allowing simpler transfers between CBSE-affiliated schools.
- Resources & Study Materials: Students may easily get additional assistance in preparing for tests thanks to the vast selection of study materials, textbooks, and online resources provided by CBSE.
- Competitive Exam Preparation: The CBSE curriculum is created to get pupils ready for several national competitive tests, including JEE Main and NEET.
- Global Perspective: Assists students in building a more comprehensive worldview, the CBSE curriculum frequently includes foreign viewpoints.
- Emphasis on Rote Learning: The CBSE has received criticism for its emphasis on rote learning and exam-focused instruction, which may impede the development of practical skills and critical thinking.
- Extensive Syllabus: The CBSE syllabus is more comprehensive than those of state boards such as the Maharashtra State Board, forcing pupils to learn more material in a shorter amount of time.
Crucial Characteristics of Maharashtra State Board
- Curriculum: For secondary (Class 10) and upper secondary (Class 11 and 12) education, the Maharashtra State Board uses its curriculum and syllabus. The curriculum was created to meet the demands of Maharashtrian students.
- Language Medium: Marathi, English, Hindi, Gujarati, Kannada, Sindhi, Urdu, and other languages are among those offered by the Maharashtra State Board as mediums of instruction. The linguistic medium can be chosen by the students based on their preferences.
- Exams: The board administers tests for Class 10 (also known as the Secondary School Certificate, or SSC), and Class 12 (also known as the Higher Secondary Certificate, or HSC). These tests, which are given at the state level, are crucial for changes in higher education and the workforce.
- Regional Context: When developing the curriculum, the Maharashtra State Board focused on the regional context and culture of the state. It covers issues and subjects important to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the state.
- Vocational Education: To provide students with actual skills and prepare them for certain jobs or professions, the board also offers vocational educational courses at the upper secondary level.
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| Maharashtra State Board, Office |
Pros and Cons of Maharashtra State Board
- Regional Relevance: The Maharashtra State Board curriculum contains regional language, history, and culture, which gives pupils a greater awareness of the surrounding area.
- Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET): Students hoping for state-level admissions would find it simpler because the Maharashtra State Board curriculum is matched with the MHT-CET, a common entrance test for admission to engineering and pharmacy degrees in Maharashtra.
- Language Proficiency: Students who want to work in Maharashtra may benefit from the state board curriculum’s emphasis on language development, particularly Marathi.
- Syllabus: The Maharashtra State Board curriculum is often seen as being less broad than the CBSE curriculum, giving pupils more time for in-depth comprehension and review.
- Limited National Recognition: Maharashtra State Board may have limited acceptability and recognition in some universities or national-level institutions outside of Maharashtra.
- Limited Resources: The state board curriculum may have fewer study materials, sample papers, and other resources accessible than the CBSE curriculum.
- Different Standards: Schools and districts may have different educational standards and exam formats, which can result in educational inequality.
Settling the conflict
This debate comes to an end here with a question to the students? What are your goals? This is an important question as whatever their future goals are that’s what decides their board. Where do you want to study? What career? Will you be doing postgraduation? Do you wanna settle in Maharashtra or India? All these questions will gravitate you towards your goal.
CBSE and State Board both are equally good hence individual board exists, even after all this while. For JEE Mains and Advanced preparation, CBSE is recommended as the concepts are vast and JEE Mains and Advanced are all based on topics you normally encounter in CBSE. MHT-CET will go very smoothly for you if you are on State Board. Moreover, State Board allows you to choose a 4th subject if you want to take admission in Engineering
Meaning PCB/PCM you can add the 4th subject normally PE or CS as an extra to increase your percentage. This is not possible in CBSE as only PCM/PCB options are available online
