By Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
CBSE (the Central Board of Secondary Education) is India's national board for secondary education, used by thousands of schools globally serving Indian-diaspora families. The curriculum leads to All India Senior School Certificate (AISSC) exams at Class 12. CBSE is recognised by universities worldwide and is well-known for its emphasis on mathematics and the sciences.
The learning pathway
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Classes 1–5
Primary
Structured primary programme with English as the medium of instruction in most CBSE international schools. Strong maths and language grounding from year one.
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Classes 6–10
Middle & Secondary
Broad academic coverage culminating in Class 10 AISSC board exams. Strong in mathematics, sciences and Hindi/English.
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Classes 11–12
Senior Secondary
Students choose a stream — Science, Commerce or Humanities — with compulsory subjects plus electives. Class 12 board exams feed Indian and international university applications.
CBSE and international admissions
Top-tier UK universities usually expect 85%+ overall from Class 12; US universities use the percentage marks alongside SAT/ACT. CBSE results are the direct pathway into IITs, NITs, AIIMS and other Indian institutions.
Is CBSE / Indian right for your child?
It tends to suit families who…
- •Have strong India connections
- •Plan to apply to Indian universities (IITs, NITs, AIIMS)
- •Want a strong mathematics and science foundation
- •Value an exam-driven, structured system
It may be less ideal if…
- •Your child prefers project-based learning
- •You'd like a broader senior curriculum (IB) than the three-stream model
- •The exam-heavy style is a concern
Common questions
FAQs about the CBSE / Indian curriculum
Is CBSE accepted at UK and US universities?
Yes — UK and US universities accept Class 12 CBSE results. Top-tier UK universities usually expect 85%+ overall; US universities use the percentage marks alongside SAT/ACT.
How does CBSE differ from ICSE?
Both are Indian boards. CBSE follows the national curriculum and is heavier on STEM; ICSE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) is broader, more language-focused, and known for English-language depth. Both are widely accepted at universities.
Can my child switch from CBSE to IB or British later?
Switching pre-Class 9 is straightforward. From Class 10 onwards it gets harder because the exam boards lock in. Speak to admissions teams early — most international schools have bridging support.
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