What should you know about the CBSE school curriculum? It is often said to be one of the most rigorous in the country, offered in over 20,000 institutions worldwide. But how is it applied in affiliated schools?
Major objectives of the CBSE school curriculum
The Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE) first established the CBSE curriculum in 1962, aiming to provide a robust, vibrant, and holistic education for its learners.
More specifically, the CBSE’s Academics Unit strives to attain the following:
- Define appropriate approaches of academic activities to provide stress-free, child-centred, and holistic education to all children without compromising quality
- Adapt and innovate methods to achieve academic excellence in line with psychological, pedagogical, and social principles
- Organise empowerment programs to update the professional competency of teachers
With these goals in mind, there’s no doubt that the CBSE curriculum is developed under a research-based strategy that has effectively shown positive results.
Major learning areas under the secondary-level CBSE school curriculum
In line with the Academic Unit’s goals, the CBSE curriculum follows a standardised program across all affiliated institutions. For secondary students, this means they are heavily educated in the following areas:
- Commerce
- Humanities
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology
- Health and Physical Education
- Visual and Performing Arts
Note that subjects may vary depending on the school, and some institutions may place greater focus on specific areas following their objectives. In addition, CBSE-affiliated academies are equipped with co-curricular, sports, and recreational facilities to encourage more well-rounded development.
The CBSE assessment system
The most significant difference between the CBSE school curriculum and other educational boards is its assessment system. Unlike most academies, CBSE schools do not conduct three exams in an academic year.
Instead, a continuous Formative Assessment is implemented throughout two semesters. This gives students the opportunity to develop both theoretical and practical knowledge through individual projects, group activities, and only one written exam.
