PARENT GUIDE · BOARDS

CBSE vs ICSE: which is better?

How the two boards differ, and which suits your child — explained plainly.

IN SHORT

CBSE suits most families, especially those aiming for JEE, NEET or other national entrance exams: its NCERT syllabus is the base those exams are set on, and CBSE schools are found across India, which makes moving schools easy. ICSE offers a broader syllabus with more English literature and project work, but a heavier load. Mayo International School in East Delhi is a CBSE school.

Updated 17 October 2026 · Mayo International School, Patparganj, East Delhi

CBSE books: NCERT
CBSE fits: JEE, NEET, CUET
ICSE strengths: English, breadth
Mayo: CBSE, Nursery to XII

The main differences

Board	CBSE: Central Board of Secondary Education · ICSE: Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
Books	CBSE: NCERT textbooks · ICSE: books from several publishers
Syllabus	CBSE: focused, concept-based · ICSE: broader, more detail and literature
Entrance exams	CBSE: JEE, NEET and CUET follow the NCERT syllabus · ICSE: covers it, with extra content
Schools	CBSE: the most schools across India · ICSE: fewer schools
Moving cities	CBSE: easiest to transfer · ICSE: fewer options

When CBSE is the better choice

Your child may aim for engineering or medicine (JEE, NEET)
You may move cities or schools
You prefer a focused syllabus that leaves time for sport and activities

When ICSE can suit

Your child loves reading and languages
You want a wide syllabus with lots of project work

CBSE at Mayo

Mayo International School in Patparganj is a CBSE school for Nursery to Class XII.

It recorded 84% first divisions and 80% of students above 90% in the CBSE 2026 board exams.

Preparation with Physics Wallah and VMC happens inside the school timetable, not in a coaching centre after school.

Questions parents ask

Which is better, CBSE or ICSE?

For most families CBSE is the better choice: its NCERT syllabus is the base for JEE, NEET and CUET, and CBSE schools are found across India. ICSE suits children who enjoy a broader, literature-heavy syllabus.

Is CBSE better for JEE and NEET?

Yes. JEE and NEET are set on the NCERT syllabus that CBSE schools teach.

Is Mayo International School CBSE or ICSE?

CBSE, from Nursery to Class XII.

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Sources

Central Board of Secondary Education

Rules change each year: check the official notice for your year. Mayo's own figures come from the school's records.

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