Teaching Medium
Because CBSE is a pan India examination that covers all parts of the country, it offers students the choice of studying and doing the examination in either English or Hindi. This is a huge benefit for those who may not be fluent in English. IGCSE is globally accepted as a school leaving or secondary examination which evaluates a student’s knowledge of what has been taught in school. Being global, the examination is conducted only in English as it is the most widely spoken language across the world.
Examination Authority
CBSE is recognized by the Government of India as the standard and accepted secondary examination for those completing their school level education and the results are accepted across the country. IGCSE is conducted by the University of Cambridge and while it has a global acceptance that CBSE does not, the level of acceptance in India is less than that of CBSE.
Curriculum
CBSE uses the NCERT curriculum that has been set by the Government of India. While the range of subjects covered is wide, there is an undoubted bias towards further studies in the fields of engineering and medicine. The focus of IGCSE is more towards creativity and helping the student acquire the tools and learning skills to continue his or her education in any field.
Choice Of Subjects
CBSE offer set combinations of subjects that students may opt for. These are known as “streams.” In other words, a student may opt for a Commerce or science stream, etc. In IGCSE, students have over 70 different subjects to choose from and there are no set “streams” that must be followed. An IGCSE student may choose any combination of subjects.