Shifting from CBSE to IGCSE in Malaysia

Having an internal debate about what curriculum suits best for your child and what benefits it brings over time is one of the most daunting experiences that you go through as a parent. After all, making the right choice from the first step is crucial to your child’s bright future!

Here is a comprehensive guide to help you out in understanding CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and IGCSE (International General Certification of Secondary Education).

What is CBSE and IGCSE?

CBSE and IGCSE are two distinct Educational boards that are followed in schools which offers an ideal platform for students that leads to a transition from high school to the university of their dream While CBSE is an Indian National Curriculum that is followed in countries like Malaysia, IGCSE is an internationally acknowledged education curriculum outlined by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).

CBSE Vs. IGCSE: Key differences

CBSE	IGCSE
1. Adopted towards the traditional method of teaching and learning, this provides less flexibility in subject streams -3 subject streams; science, commerce, art/humanities. Once chosen the students are not able to change the stream of subjects and hence have to continue.	1. Adopted towards modern learning strategies, a student-centered approach to teaching and learning, this takes holistic growth with extensive flexibility in subject areas. -70+ subject combinations offered. Unlike CBSE, students are able to decide which stream to continue despite having done a different stream earlier.
2. Lays more emphasis on subjects such as math, sciences, and engineering with less attention to creativity and individualism	2. Originally leads to promote individuality, creativity, and emphasis on discovery learning
3. Maximum average marks the students can obtain is between 50-60% which is lesser than the score expected to be eligible for an international university. -Remember: CBSE is mainly curated to meet the requirements of local universities	4. Maximum average mark the students can obtain is 100% which creates a path to getting chosen for an international university that expects 80-90% scores.

Which curriculum has better future prospects- IGCSE or CBSE?

IGCSE has more future prospects because it focuses on practical applications of knowledge. The curriculum is designed to be more challenging than CBSE, and it is internationally recognized by top universities and employers. A broad and balanced curriculum can be tailored to the individual needs of each student. It also allows students to specialize in specific areas of study.

For many students in Malaysia, the possibility of shifting from CBSE to IGCSE is an attractive, possible option. With the increasing popularity of IGCSE, more and more students are considering this option as a way to gain access to a wider range of educational opportunities

Benefits of IGCSE

Making the switch from CBSE to IGCSE comes with several benefits, including:

Access to international universities and employers
Challenging curriculum that develops key skills
Improved job prospects
Acknowledgment of achievement by international employers
Chance of retaking an exam if the students aren’t satisfied with the grades. Moreover, the students can. request to recheck their answer sheet and get a copy of their answer sheets to their hand.
encourages students to take ownership of their learning

Are you planning on shifting from CBSE to IGCSE in Malaysia?

If Yes, here is a list of requirements that you MUST know about to make it a smooth, hectic-free experience for your child.

In order to successfully register for an IGCSE in Malaysia, students must meet the following requirements:

Must be at least 14 years of age
Must have completed at least 8 years of school
Must have a valid passport
Must have achieved at least 65% in the CBSE examinations (the students are expected to sit for a practice exam to be eligible to go forward with IGCSE)