The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is the most popular board in India
The CBSE follows the National Curriculum Framework which is the basis for all entrance examinations to universities in India. The focus of the CBSE recently has shifted towards a more conceptual understanding and the application of concepts learned.
Levels I & III
The focus is on learning through experiments and activities. Storytelling workshops and dedicated book reading programmes inculcate regular reading habits. A wide range of co-curricular activities is integrated into the schedule and all activities are compulsory. The focus is based on foundational literacy and numeracy through play-based learning.
Levels IV to V
The focus is on learning through hands-on experiences, projects and multidisciplinary learning activities. Students are exposed to a greater choice of co-curricular activities and club activities. Students are placed in one of 4 houses – Prithvi, Agni, Vayu or Akash. Students can elect to participate in the After School Activities (ASA) programme. Class IV is when students move to the system of formal examinations. Competitions required for skill development are compulsory and they are conducted once in a month.
Levels VI to VIII
The curriculum becomes more challenging with the requirement to learn more abstract concepts. Multi-media in the form of videos and presentations, is used more often. Learning Management Systems are used often with online exercises. Students are free to select from a range of co-curricular activities and clubs based on their area of interest. Reading and language enrichment is still given importance with activities like Mini TedEd, drama, debate, open mic, etc. Students interact more with the external world and form opinions.
Levels IX to X
Students start preparing for their entry into university. Career counselling programme starts from grade IX. Dedicated laboratory facilities for Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology are provided. The CATALYST programme provides a strong foundation and prepares students for all competitive examinations including CUET, CLAT, Olympiads, NEET and JEE. Students develop leadership skills by participating in Student Government led events and projects. Students are offered Artificial Intelligence as a skill subject, apart from the core subjects including languages, science, mathematics and social studies.
Levels XI to XII
Allocation of groups is dependent on performance in grade X, an assessment test and an interview. For Grades XI and XII, students can choose skill-based subjects such as Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, Business Administration or Data Science, based on their interests. Students have the option to enrol in the CATALYST Advanced Programme an integrated JEE and NEET preparation programme, integrated with the CBSE curriculum and delivered in the classroom.