Head to head
CBSE vs IB
A side-by-side look, pulled from each board's own curriculum.
| CBSE | IB | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | India (Pan-India) | International |
| Curriculum focus | The Central Board of Secondary Education follows the NCERT curriculum, with a strong focus on science, mathematics and concept clarity. It is the most common… | The International Baccalaureate is an inquiry-driven programme that builds critical thinking, research skills and international mindedness through projects… |
| Exam pattern | Board exams in Classes 10 and 12. Question papers mix MCQs, short and long answers plus case-based questions; internal assessment carries 20 marks. | Assessed through internal assessments, an extended essay and final exams, graded on a 1-7 scale per subject for a maximum of 45 points. |
| Classes covered | 7 classes | 7 classes |
FAQ
Common questions
Is CBSE harder than IB?
They differ in style rather than raw difficulty. Compare the curriculum focus and exam pattern above, then browse each board's chapters to see which suits you.
Can I switch between CBSE and IB?
Switching is usually possible around Class 9 or 11, but the syllabus and assessment differ — plan the move around your exam years.
Which has better exam resources here?
Both boards have chapter notes, worksheets and quizzes on EssayQX. Open either board to start practising.
See the full board comparison or all head-to-heads.