Comparing School Boards in Kolkata
When selecting a school in Kolkata, one of the biggest decisions that parents face is choosing the curriculum. With each board having distinct strengths and pathways, it is important to understand the differences between each of these in order to choose the curriculum that is best suited for your child.
Here is a table comparing the common boards available in Kolkata:
| Feature |
CBSE |
CISCE/ ICSE |
IB |
IGCSE/ Cambridge |
| Curriculum Focus |
National (India-centric), STEM-Heavy, exam-oriented |
Holistic (equal focus on English, arts, science), detailed syllabus |
Global, enquiry-based learning with interdisciplinary projects |
Flexible, globally recognised, balanced mix of theory & application |
| Teaching Style |
Structured, textbook-driven, with recent competency-based reforms |
Project-based, emphasis on analytical and creative thinking |
Student-led exploration, critical thinking, and real-world application |
Practical, skill-focused learning with global perspectives |
| Assessment Style |
Final exams (80% theory, 20% practicals) |
Mix of exams (80%) + internal projects (20%) |
Continuous assessment (oral, written, projects). No final board exams |
Final Cambridge exams (70-80%) + coursework (20-30%) |
| Competitive Exams |
Very well suited for competitive Indian exams like JEE and NEET |
Provides a strong foundation but less directly aligned with Indian competitive exams |
Prepares for international exams and assessments |
Prepares for international exams and assessments |
| Key Features |
Large student base, widely available resources, aligns with national exams |
Strong language focus, detailed syllabus, strong analytical development |
Focus on international mindedness, develops independent learning, global perspective |
Globally standardized, flexible subject choices, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills |
| Best For |
JEE/NEET aspirants; families prioritizing affordability & flexibility |
Creative learners; parents valuing language proficiency & depth |
Globally mobile students; those seeking non-traditional education |
Students aiming for UK/US universities; those wanting a bridge between Indian and international boards |
Source: Official curriculum websites CBSE, CISCE/ ICSE, IB, IGCSE/ Cambridge
Admission Process, Criteria and Documents Required
Admission Criteria
Each school might have slightly differing admission criteria, the most prevalent being:
- Satisfying the minimum age criteria according to the class in which admission is sought (if applicable)
- Past school records and marksheets to determine eligibility for admission to a particular class
- Medical fitness certificate, as residential schools prioritize student health and well-being
- Behavioural certificate if transferring from another school
- Priority to siblings of current students or children of alumni is also given in some schools
- Parent-child interviews (common in IB/ICSE schools) to assess alignment with school values
- Qualifying entrance tests might also be a criterion of applying for admission to higher classes
Admission Process
While each school may have its own nuances, the general admission process follows these steps:
- Online/Offline Registration: Fill out the application form on the school's website or in person during the admission window.
- Submission of Required Documents: Upload or submit physical copies of all required documents along with the application form and fee.
- Entrance Assessment (if applicable): Students may be invited to take a written test in subjects like English, Math, or Science, depending on the grade level.
- Parent-Child Interaction/Interview: An informal session to assess the child's readiness and the family's compatibility with the school's philosophy.
- Review of Academic & Medical Records: The school verifies previous performance, health status, and overall suitability.
- Offer of Admission: Selected candidates receive an admission offer via email or official communication.
- Fee Payment and Enrollment Confirmation: Admission is confirmed after fee payment within the given deadline.
- Orientation & Onboarding: Parents and students are invited to orientation sessions before the academic session begins.
Note: Parents can apply to partner schools directly through the Ezyschooling website, online, in less than 15 minutes. With a single form, you can apply to multiple schools, track application status, get personalized recommendations, and access expert admission support, all in one place.
Documents Required
The documents required for admission usually include the following:
- Birth certificate (original + copy)
- Address proof (Aadhaar, utility bill, rental agreement)
- Parent/child ID proofs (PAN, passport)
- Previous school transcripts (if applicable)
- Medical records (vaccination certificate, allergy/disability disclosures)
- Transfer certificate, for mid-year admissions
- Passport-sized photos of the child and parents
- Application form (online/physical) with fee receipt
- Extracurricular certificates, if required
The admission timeline, criteria, process and document requirements mentioned above are general guidelines and may vary between schools. Some institutions might waive certain documents or request additional ones. Verify all the information on the official school website before proceeding further.
Our Data and Methodology
Information is gathered from official school websites (especially Mandatory Disclosures), data provided by partnered schools, education board portals (CBSE, CISCE/ ICSE, IB, IGCSE/ Cambridge), government databases(Know Your School and UDISE+), parent feedback, site visits (wherever feasible) as well as analysis of public domain data, verified and cross-referenced with school authorities by our team of education experts.
We prioritize transparency by:
- Regular Updates: Updating data regularly to reflect new schools, fee revisions, curriculum changes, and more school-related data.
- Verification Process: Cross-checking critical details (e.g., fees, facilities, board affiliations, etc) with multiple sources.
- User Feedback: Encouraging schools and parents to suggest corrections or additions via (+91)-8766340464 or query@ezyschooling.com.
Expertise Behind This Page
Ezyschooling is India's trusted school discovery and admissions platform, specialising in the Indian educational landscape, with a focus on schools in Kolkata since 2021. Our team of education experts ensure that parents have access to accurate, reliable and helpful information by analysing school performance metrics, understanding curriculum differences, and helping parents navigate the school selection process with help from our expert counsellors in choosing the right school for their child.
