Common
Compare boards
CBSE vs ICSE/ISC vs IB vs Cambridge vs your state board — the factual differences that actually matter. Pick any board to open its full hub.
| Board | Type | Class 10 | Class 12 | Medium | Exams | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBSE | National | AISSE (All India Secondary School Examination) | AISSCE (All India Senior School Certificate Examination) | English, Hindi | Feb–Apr | May |
| CISCE (ICSE/ISC) | National | ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) | ISC (Indian School Certificate) | English | Feb–Apr | May |
| NIOS | National | Secondary Certificate | Senior Secondary Certificate | Hindi, English, Regional languages | Apr & Oct (public) + on-demand | ~6 weeks after exam |
| IB | International | — | IB Diploma (DP) | English, French, Spanish | May (and Nov) | Jul (and Jan) |
| Cambridge (CAIE) | International | IGCSE / O Level | AS & A Level | English | May/Jun & Oct/Nov series | Aug & Jan |
| UP Board | State · Uttar Pradesh | High School (Madhyamik) | Intermediate | Hindi, English | Feb–Mar | Apr–May |
| Maharashtra Board | State · Maharashtra | SSC | HSC | Marathi, English, Hindi | Feb–Mar | May–Jun |
| Bihar Board | State · Bihar | Matric | Intermediate | Hindi, English | Feb | Mar–Apr |
| RBSE | State · Rajasthan | Secondary | Senior Secondary | Hindi, English | Mar–Apr | May–Jun |
| MP Board | State · Madhya Pradesh | High School | Higher Secondary | Hindi, English | Feb–Mar | Apr–May |
| West Bengal Board | State · West Bengal | Madhyamik (WBBSE) | Higher Secondary (WBCHSE) | Bengali, English, Hindi | Feb–Mar | May |
| Tamil Nadu Board | State · Tamil Nadu | SSLC | HSC Second Year (+2) | Tamil, English | Mar–Apr | May |
| Karnataka Board (KSEAB) | State · Karnataka | SSLC | II PUC | Kannada, English | Mar–Apr | Apr–May |
| Gujarat Board (GSEB) | State · Gujarat | SSC | HSC (General / Science) | Gujarati, English, Hindi | Mar | May |
| AP Board | State · Andhra Pradesh | SSC (BSEAP) | Intermediate 2nd Year (BIEAP) | Telugu, English | Mar–Apr | Apr–May |
Exam and result months are typical — confirm exact dates on each board's official site.
What each board emphasises
Neutral facts to weigh against your own needs — not a ranking.
National — CBSE
Follows the NCERT curriculum, is available across India and abroad, and aligns closely with the syllabus of many national entrance exams. Good fit if you may relocate between states.
National — CISCE (ICSE/ISC)
English-medium with a detailed syllabus and strong weight on language, projects and practicals. Suits students who enjoy in-depth reading and writing.
National — NIOS
Open, distance and self-paced, with on-demand exams. Built for flexibility — useful for athletes, performers, or anyone who needs a non-standard schedule.
International — IB & Cambridge
Global curricula with an inquiry and critical-thinking focus. Available at fewer (mostly metro) schools and typically at higher fees; valued for study-abroad pathways.
State boards
Aligned to the state curriculum with regional-language options, the widest reach, and usually lower fees. Strong for students staying within the state system.
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