What is IGCSE Board? Complete Guide for Students

Do you remember hearing about the IGCSE board in your life or someone talking about it?

I think more people would disagree with that. Or maybe you might have but really don’t have much idea about it.

This article here is all to you for serving you with everything that you might require to know and understand about IGCSE board , especially if you are a student or your child is trying to find a board to start their education with.

There are many other boards that are operated and executed in India other than CBSE and state boards like IGCSE. It can provide your children with academic excellence and practical skills required as lifelong learning .

What is IGCSE Board?

IGCSE is an international board of education which stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education . 

IGCSE, stating its credibility by Cambridge University since 1988, welcomes students of age group from 14 to 16. 

For exam purposes and syllabus structures, highly efficient CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) and Pearson Edexcel are responsible.

IGCSE board is widely known for its practical infusion into the academia of the children. It provides them whole-individual development in career and life.

Key Features of the IGCSE Board

Characteristics that speak for the popularity of IGCSE board can be noted as follows:

1. Global Recognition: IGCSE board is accepted and appreciated globally by various universities and employers around the globe. 
2. Flexibility in Curriculum: There are multiple subjects and programs to offer flexible learning to students and make learning fun .
3. Multiple Assessments Methods: Exams are conducted with all including assignments, coursework, practical assessments and written exams.
4. Skill-Oriented: IGCSE is totally focused on building a skill-oriented curriculum that teaches real life skills apart from theoretical knowledge .
5. Wide Subject Choices: A total number of 70 subjects are given to choose from and students only need to choose a minimum of 5 subjects.
6. Cultural Emphasis: Being an international board, it develops awareness of national, international and global issues.

IGCSE Board Curriculum Structure 

The IGCSE board has diverse curriculum structure which contains six groups of subjects in which multiple subjects are included to be opted for your education:

Group of Subjects	Example of Subjects
English Language and Literature	English, Literature in English
Languages	French, German, Spanish, Hindi
Mathematics	Core and Extended, or Additional Mathematics
Humanities and Social Sciences	History, Geography, Economics, Sociology, etc.
Science	Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Combined Sciences
Creative and Vocational	Art & Design, Drama, Business Studies, Information Technology, etc.

These subjects form a combination for students trying to ensure whole-person development.

IGCSE Board Subjects

The total number of subjects offered is 70 and language subjects are 30, of which only 5-14 subjects are to be selected by the learners for their session planning and studies.

These subjects are:

• Languages: Has English literature, English and various other First languages, etc.
• Sciences: Includes subjects like Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences
• Mathematics: Core or extended Mathematics, along with International Mathematics
• Humanities: Examples are as Global Perspectives, History, and Geography
• Creative or Vocational:  Offers subjects like Art & Design, Drama, Music, Business Studies, ICT, and Accounting

This wide variety of subjects may allow students to learn their favourite subject combinations and enjoy their academic teachings with interest.

IGCSE Board Examination and Assessment 

The assessment process of IGCSE is unique. It focuses on practical application and in-depth knowledge of concepts.

Coursework, viva exams, practical assessments, and written exams are multiple ways in which the exams or evaluation of students is conducted here, without emphasizing on rote learning . 

The exams are mostly conducted during the months of February/March (India only), May/June, and October/November to avoid chaos and anxiety of exams. 

Due to the involvement of Cambridge University for taking and conducting exams of IGCSE it is accepted by various colleges and universities within India and internationally.

IGCSE Board Grading System (what is The ICE Award)

There is the grading system of IGCSE board that needs your attention, breaking down into two types:

1. 9 (Highest) – 1 (Lowest)
2. A* (Highest) – G (Lowest)

Among all this, there is also an ICE award which simplifies as International Certificate of Education. And you get this award only when you pass 7 subjects from different groups mentioned above, giving you the breadth of knowledge attainment from this board.

IGCSE Board vs Other Boards

The IGCSE board is quite different from any other boards that you might have known. Let’s understand these variabilities with the help of a table.

Feature	IGCSE	CBSE	ICSE	IB (International Baccalaureate)
Recognition	Global	Primarily India	India, some global recognition	Global
Approach	Application-based	Rote + Conceptual	Detailed and rigorous	Inquiry-based
Flexibility	Wide subject choices	Limited electives	Balanced but less flexible	Highly flexible
Examinations	Practical + theory	Theory-heavy	Theory + some practical	Research + projects
Grading	A* – G	Marks/Grades	Marks	1 – 7 scale

Understand the process of shifting from cbse to igcse .

Benefits of the IGCSE Board

We have already seen how the IGCSE board gets highlighted due to its different approach towards education, and recognition. 

Other benefits of the IGCSE board that requires your appreciation are:  

1. International Mobility

Due to being highly recognized across borders, students can actually depend on the IGCSE board if they like to pursue higher education in foreign colleges and universities.

2. Skill Development

The IGCSE board is very serious about skills development along with making students ready for academic scores. 

The curriculum design follows development of communication skills , and problem-solving techniques , as it is driven by research and practical approaches.  

3. Personalised Learning

The other benefit of the IGCSE board is that it provides a personalized learning facility  to each student because of the wide range of interesting subjects offered. 

This leads the learners to stay attached to their future dreams and achievements. 

4. Cultural Understanding

The international component of the IGCSE board gives an upper hand for students of this board to be introduced to multiple diversity and global exposure, that inculcates cultural understanding in them.

5. Preparation for Higher Studies

Igcse board is one of the best boards if you want to prepare for higher studies. It is recognized and accepted all over the world, which would be highly beneficial for finding future jobs in the 21st century .

Limitations of the IGCSE Board 

Before you choose IGCSE as your educational board, limitations that need consideration are as follows:

• Higher costs of educational programs in IGCSE objects with admissions of middle-class students.
• Cultural relevance and local diversity are missing. Some students might want it in their educational syllabus.
• It is not really suitable for you if you want to prepare for competitive exams like NEET or JEE.
• There are not many schools of this board in India yet
• Due to the vastness and tough examination approach, it might be stressful for some students.

IGCSE Board: Who Should Choose It?

Another question that might be floating in your head might be that if you are a good match for this board. Then look at who should choose the IGCSE board:

• Students who want to experiment and learn with skill-development
• Students who want variety of subject combination in their syllabus
• Students have an aim to study abroad in a well-renowned university
• Parents who want something different for their kids that help in their whole-person growth.

In Conclusion

The IGCSE board has come up with many solutions for matching today’s level and demands in education. This is majorly due to the global exposure, skill-development and influence in higher education that lures any students’ attraction.

If you want to really study in this curriculum design, you need to be economically capable, living in metropolitan cities (where its schools might be) and much more.
Begin your educational journey with the IGCSE board and get your career aligned with your multiple interests

IGCSE