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To pursue an entrepreneurship or management career, it is important to have a background in Business education. The core business courses in 12th grade will introduce you to the core concepts and shape your worldview as a businessperson. IBDP curriculum offers the Business Management course, CIE offers Business Studies and CBSE has a Business Studies course in the Commerce stream. Here is a comparative look at the three courses to help you make an informed choice.
Syllabus & Curriculum: IBDP Business Management
Through the IBDP Business Management course learners will analyse, discuss, and evaluate business activities at local, national, and international levels. The course syllabus broadly covers -
Learners have the option to choose the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL) Business Management course, depending on how deeply they want to study the subject. At the HL level, the syllabus will include a few extra topics under the broad syllabus subjects - Organisation (Corporate Culture), Industrial/employee relations, Debt/equity ratio analysis, Budgets, Sales forecasting, International marketing, Lean production and quality management, Production planning, Crisis management and contingency planning, research and development, and Management Information Systems (MIS).
The assessment includes three external papers and one internal business research project.
Syllabus & Curriculum: CIE Business Studies
The CIE Business Studies course is designed to motivate learners to study contemporary business issues, learn relevant terminologies and concepts, and understand the various business stakeholder perspectives. The syllabus for the course broadly covers -
For external assessment, the learner attempts -
Paper 1 - Question paper with short answers inculcating graphs, tables, and images.
Paper 2 - a case study will be given, and learners will answer four questions, strengthening their answers with newspaper extracts, graphs, and tables.
Internal assessments will include a viva voce and project work.
Who can do it: IBDP Business Management vs. CIE Business Studies vs. CBSE Business Studies
IBDP has an interdisciplinary approach, so anyone interested can take the IBDP Business Management course. Similarly, the CIE Business Studies course can also be taken by anyone as one of the core courses. CBSE programme offers Business Studies to students in the Commerce stream and only they can pursue the course in the 11th and 12th grades.
Syllabus & Curriculum: CBSE Business Studies
CBSE Business Studies course teaches learners the framework in which business operates, discussing the technologies and environmental interactions that are pertinent in the decision-making process. The broad syllabus for the course is -
At the end of the semester, students will appear for the Board exam in which they will attempt an 80-mark paper. Internal exams include viva voce, project, and presentation.
Scope after the programme: IBDP Business Management vs. CIE Business Studies vs. CBSE Business Studies
All three courses lead towards a career in management and business studies. Students can consider college programmes in Business Management, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain or Management software development. CBSE Business Studies curriculum is more academic, delving into the theory of business studies. IBDP and CIE curriculum attempt to delve into the practical aspects of business studies by creating coursework to assess the current business environment and promoting activities where learners can juxtapose the textual theory against current business events.
Final thought:
Even if you are planning to pursue a college programme in engineering or aspire to become a doctor or photographer, business studies are a relevant course. It will help you develop an entrepreneurial flair and understand the market potential of the product or service. Furthermore, you will be able to ascertain the market conditions and make better decisions by viewing issues with a broader perspective.
Mathematics is a compulsory subject for many university programmes, especially Engineering, Architecture, Applied Sciences, Business Studies, Mathematics and Finance. IBDP programme offers Standard Level and Higher Level (HL) alternatives for Mathematics with two courses - Analysis and Approach and Application and Interpretation. The HL alternative of the current Mathematics programme has replaced the Further Mathematics that IBDP offered between 2014 and 2020. CIE’s AS & A Level Further Pure Mathematics course takes A-Level Maths as a foundation subject and delves deeper into Mathematical concepts. CBSE curriculum is designed to promote objective reasoning skills among learners, thus, its Advanced Maths course is competitive. Let us take a look at the mathematics courses offered by the three Boards.
Syllabus and curriculum: IBDP Further Math
IBDP Further Math is an HL subject and has 6 subjects -
IBDP Further Math assessment has internal and external assessments. The external assessment consists of three written papers and the internal assessment comprises a project and coursework. Learners have to write a Theory of Knowledge assignment and complete assignments along with giving the final exams.
Syllabus and curriculum: CIE Further Pure Math
To qualify for AS or A level Further Pure Mathematics, learners must have studied the majority of the Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics or studied their course content. CIE AS & A Level Further Pure Math is divided into 4 Papers.
Paper 1 - Further Pure Mathematics 1 | Paper 2 - Further Pure Mathematics 2 | Paper 3 - Further Mechanics | Paper 4 - Further Probability & Statistics |
Roots and polynomial equations, Rational Functions and graphs, Summation of Series, Matrices, Polar coordinates, Vectors, Proof by Induction | Hyperbolic Function, Matrices, Differentiation, Integration, Complex Numbers, Differential Equations, | Motion of a projectile, Equilibrium of a Rigid Body, Circular Motion, Hooke’s Law, Linear motion under a variable force, Momentum, | Continuous random variables, X2 -tests, non-parametric tests, Probability generating functions, |
AS Level Further Mathematics learners can choose one of the Paper options:
A Level Further Pure Mathematics learners will pick all four papers.
There will be a written examination for each paper, which will be assessed externally.
Syllabus and curriculum: CBSE Advanced Math
The syllabus for the CBSE Advanced Math course covers topics such as Sets and Functions, Algebra, Calculus, Vectors and three-dimensional geometry, Linear Programming, and Statistics and Probability. The learner will take one Board exam at the end of the year which will be a written test worth 80 marks. They will also take an internal assessment which will include periodic tests worth 10 marks and mathematics activities worth 10 marks.
Who should take IBDP Further Math/CIE Pure Math/CBSE Advanced Math?
Only those who have a high aptitude for Mathematics and a background in the subject must attempt the advanced Mathematical courses in IBDP and CIE curriculum. The course curriculum is rigorous and deep, and that is why only students who meet the pre-set criteria in terms of the subjects they have studied, and their grades are allowed to take the course. CBSE’s Advanced Math programme is available only to students who have opted for the Science and Commerce streams.
If you are planning to pursue a career in pure science subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, or in the field of technology, then advanced Mathematics will be a pre-requisite. The university programme will specify the course curriculum and the basic requirements for prospective candidates. If you are planning to pursue a career in Management or media studies or take Humanities courses in college, then you needn’t take Further Math courses. The basic or foundational Mathematics courses in IBDP and CIE will be adequate.
Closing thoughts
Mathematics is an interesting subject with applications across various fields and even outside them. However, further mathematics courses delve into complex mathematics and explore their applications in diverse ways. The assessments are also challenging, and course requirements can be daunting if you are unable to comprehend the concepts. Hence, schools also offer the course only to students who have proven mathematical skills to ensure they can handle the rigours of the curriculum and do well in the course.
The IBDP course Language A: literature is a core course focusing on the comprehensive study of cultures, literary forms, and periods. The course builds the learner’s oral and written communication and develops their research, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and presentation skills. In CIE’s English as a first language learners will learn to read, write, and listen to the language. Through the course, they will appreciate good literature and identify styles, learn standard writing practices, develop skills for evaluation, analysis, inference, and understand spoken language. CBSE programme has English as a core and elective subject, which concentrates on building their written and verbal communication skills. Let us look at the three courses.
Syllabus and Curriculum: IBDP Lang-Lit
IBDP Language A: literature can be opted in Standard Level or Higher-Level options. Students will learn analysis of literary works, techniques in literary criticism, and the role of cultural assumptions in interpretation. They will be assessed through a combination of written examination and oral and written coursework.
The curriculum design is –
Standard Level | Higher Level |
Minimum 150 class hours | Minimum 240 class hours |
Study 13 literary works | Study 9 literary works |
Present a 1200–1500-word essay |
Syllabus and Curriculum: CIE English
CIE’s English as a First Language curriculum seeks to engage learners with a wide range of genres and literary styles from the 20th and 21st centuries in fiction and non-fiction texts, and other forms of writing, such as discursive essays, reviews, and articles. Learners will study the effects and influences. They will learn to compose essays, letters, reports, articles, journals, speeches, interviews, and summaries. The course stresses presentation skills through organising content and applying language devices, such as irony, tone and emphasis.
Syllabus and Curriculum: CBSE English
CBSE English curriculum covers Reading and comprehension, creative writing skills, and Literature. Learners will study prose, poetry, and applied grammar and write an 80-mark written exam. Their listening, reading and comprehension skills will be assessed with a 20-mark seminar. The creative writing skills will be assessed through short writing tasks such as question and answers or advertisement copy. There will also be a long writing task such as a speech or essay on contemporary issues.
Assessment: IBDP Lang-Lit
IBDP Language A: literature assessment includes one paper on Guided Literary Analysis and one Comparative Essay which is externally assessed. There will be an individual oral exam which will be assessed internally. HL learners have to present an essay, which will be an academic research paper on a topic of their choice that will delve into the course and demonstrate their learning.
Assessment: CIE English
CIE English as a First Language learners will be assessed through two papers for Reading and Directed Writing and Composition. The written tests will include Questions and Answers, comprehension and summary writing, extended responses to reading, discursive/argumentative/persuasive speech writing, and descriptive or narrative composition. There is one Component for creating a portfolio of the three assignments done through the duration of the programme and a final component that includes a speaking and listening test. There will be internal and external moderation.
Assessment: CBSE English
CBSE’s English assessment includes a 20-mark internal assessment which will have a Listening and speaking skill assessment and a 10-mark project work. The written exam will be assessed and conducted by the Board and will cover Reading and comprehension of unsees passages, creative writing with question and answers, letter writing, article/report writing, and invitation and reply writing. There is a third component in the written exam with Multiple Choice Questions, Objective Type Questions, Short Answer Type Questions and Long Answer Type Questions to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and extrapolation beyond the text.
Scope after 12th: IBDP Lang-Lit vs. CIE English vs. CBSE English
All three courses are compulsory subjects, and their primary aim is to hone the communication and soft skills of the learners. Students will be introduced to popular works of literature, and different oral and written communication styles and improve their presentation skills. These are essential for writing coursework and thesis, and preparing presentations in college. Furthermore, learners will be prepared for composing and articulately presenting long-form and short-form responses. These are basic skills every professional must know, irrespective of which field they choose to pursue their career in. From the basics of composing formal letters to preparing informal invitations, learners will learn the importance of grammar and syntax, and expand their vocabulary through reading literary texts. These will be beneficial in preparing for entrance exams such as SAT, CET, CAT, TOEFL or other important tests.
Final Thoughts
Command of the English language helps in succeeding anywhere in the world because it is one of the most widely spoken languages internationally. Furthermore, a lot of the tools that we use to work and communicate have English as the mode or language of instruction. IBDP, CIE, and CBSE all offer a challenging curriculum which will help the student build a strong command of the language.
The social science or humanities stream is suited for learners who aim to enter civil services, management, or social sector-related fields. IBDP’s Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) course is an interdisciplinary course that blends societal issues with different science subjects to teach learners about the environment and sustainability. CIE Humanities and Social Studies subjects are Law, Sociology, Geography, Economics, History, Sanskrit, English General Paper, Hindi Literature, Global Perspectives & Research, Psychology, Classical Studies, and Divinity. CBSE Social Science studies various aspects of human society and culture through subjects such as History, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. Here is a comparison of IBDP ESS, CIE Social Studies, and CBSE Social Science
Curriculum Design and Syllabus: IBDP ESS
The IBDP curriculum ESS syllabus covers topics such as Ecosystem and Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation, Water and aquatic food production systems and societies, Soil systems and terrestrial food production systems and societies, Atmospheric systems and societies, Climate change and energy production, and Human systems and resource use. In the High Level (HL) ESS course, learners will study three additional courses -
Learners will take two written assessments, and they have to write a research essay in HL.
Curriculum Design and Syllabus: CIE Social Studies
In CIE programme, learners must study at least three subject groups and write the Cambridge International Project, which is a 5000-word written project. Students must also appear for the Cambridge Global Perspective, which is a skill-based programme to present a group project. Cambridge International has a linear assessment model with exams at the end of the course. In CIE, learners can take three assessments in three ways -
Curriculum Design and Syllabus: CBSE Social Science
In the CBSE social science curriculum, there are mandatory and elective subjects -
Mandatory | Elective |
History, Political Science, Language (English and another Elective Language), Geography | Psychology, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Fine Arts, Legal Studies, Mathematics |
The two years of high school are divided into four semesters and there will be one written exam at the end of every semester. The 12th Board exam is the final exam taken at the end of the year. It is an external exam that will be conducted and assessed by the Board. Students have to submit a project for the compulsory papers, which will carry 20% weight of the total marks.
Courses: IBDP ESS vs. CIE Social Studies vs. CBSE Social Science
IBDP ESS is an alternative for learners who do not wish to pursue Pure Science subjects. Since IBDP is an interdisciplinary programme, learners can combine Social studies, Science and Commerce courses and not adhere to strict demarcations between the three branches. CIE requires learners to choose three courses in A-levels, and they can choose these from any of the streams. In CBSE curriculum, students only choose Humanities courses if they opt for the Social Science stream. In all, a learner can take up to 6 subjects and a minimum of 5 subjects for 11th and 12th grades.
Scope after 12th - IBDP ESS vs. CIE Social Studies vs. CBSE Social Science
IBDP, CIE AS and A levels, and CBSE 12th Board are all pre-university programmes, and the course selection and results will have a bearing on university programme admissions. Social Studies students can pursue college programmes such as -
Along with the 12th final exam results, learners will have to take additional entrance exams such as SAT, CAT, CET, CLAT or university or course-specific entrance exams to qualify for a college programme.
Final Thoughts:
While selecting courses for the pre-university course, learners in bear in mind the course requirement of the university programme to which they plan to apply. For all three Boards, to excel in the programme, the learner must ensure efficient time management and organisation to do well in the programme. Since the course load will be high, the students must strike a balance between the project, exam preparation, presentations, and preparation for entrance exams.
11th and 12th grade are critical years for any student as their course selection and performance will determine their career path. Regular self-study, timely completion and submission of projects and assignments, and planning will help one mitigate the stress and manage their academic rigours.
The IBDP Extended Essay, CIE Research Project, and CBSE Project offer opportunities for the learner to demonstrate their understanding of the theoretical concepts. In all three curricula, the projects are designed to test the learner’s critical thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, research and collaboration skills, and application in real-life situations. Let us take a look at the structure and expectations from IBDP Extended Essay, CIE Research Project, and CBSE Projects.
IBDP Extended Essay Structure:
The IBDP Extended Essay (EE) is a 4000-word mandatory research-based essay. This is an interdisciplinary essay in which learners have to present their case while drawing inferences from real-life instances and the subject they are studying in their course. The EE must have -
The external examiner will check the content originality, so ensure that the citations are mentioned.
CIE Research Project Structure:
CIE Research Project is the Cambridge International Project Qualification (IPQ) where the learner has to write a 5000-word research project on a subject that complements their AS or A Levels. For CIE Research Project, learners have to demonstrate their engagement with the subject, beyond the textbook. So, choose a topic with ample scope for research and relevance in the current scenario.
CBSE Projects Structure:
In CBSE curriculum, from 11th grade, learners can choose Science, Commerce or Arts stream. Depending on their elective, they can choose a research-based project with a strong sub-theme and a 200-word synopsis explaining their stance. The case of the CBSE project aims to ensure learners can visualise what they are learning and engage with the curriculum. The CBSE project courses by stream -
Science |
Commerce |
Arts |
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IBDP Extended Essay Learning Outcomes:
IBDP programme is mandatory and it is assessed by an external examiner. The IBDP EE proactively engages the learner in research and compels them to view what they are learning with a broader perspective. The parameters on which the learner is scored are –
Through the EE, learners will acquire skills for academic research, critical thinking, time management, report writing, and presentation.
CIE Research Project Learning outcomes:
The CIE IPQ is externally assessed, and students are graded separately for it. The CIE IPQ assesses the learners for –
With the CIE IPQ, learners will acquire analysis, evaluation and synthesis skills, communication skills, and research skills.
CBSE Projects Learning outcomes:
CBSE project aims to assess the following in learners –
With the project-based learning exercise, CBSE is allowing the learner to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts and their relevance. Students also learn to design experiments, present papers, and use technological aids to make presentations and design research papers. For the CBSE subject in which the learner has to submit a project, 20 marks out of 100 marks are assigned to the project.
Tips to do well: IBDP Extended Essay, CIE Research Project, and CBSE Projects
The most important factor in doing well in IBDP Extended Essay, CIE Research Project, or CBSE Project -
The IBDP EE, CIE IPQ and CBSE projects are scoring opportunities which can affect the final scores. In all three boards, the learner will design and develop research questions, conduct research to answer the questions, design and conduct experiments, record their progress and findings in a research log and write a research report. The skills learnt through the practical application of one’s learning are transferable. So, approach this component strategically and take advantage of its learning opportunities.
Learners who are contemplating career opportunities in design, performing arts, animation, or arts can opt for a Fine Arts course in their 12th-grade programme. IBDP offers a course in Arts, CIE offers an Arts and design course, and CBSE programme has Fine Arts as an elective course in the Humanities stream. All three courses offer an introduction to different art forms and have a unique approach to the subject. Let us take a look at the three courses and explore their scope after 12th grade.
Curriculum and Syllabus: IBDP
The IBDP Arts subject group has four courses which are Dance, Music, Films, Theatre, and Visual Arts. You can opt for a maximum of two courses from the subject group in Higher Level or Standard Level. The syllabus covers -
Dance |
Music |
Films |
Theatre |
Visual Arts |
Composition and analysis, World dance studies, Performance |
Exploring music in context, Experimenting with Music, Presenting music, The contemporary music Maker (HL only) |
Reading Films, Contextualising Films, Exploring film production roles, Collaboratively producing film (HL only), Textual analysis, Comparative Study, Film portfolio, Collaborative film project |
Creating theatre based on theatre theory, Working with play texts, Examining world theatre traditions, Collaboratively creating original theatre |
Theoretical practice, Art-making practice, Curatorial practice |
The curriculum has internal and external assessments which include written exams, projects, and an exhibition.
Curriculum and Syllabus: CIE
The curriculum of the CIE IGCSE Art & Design course requires a learner to take one compulsory Component 1, which is a broad-based assignment and -
Component 2 - A design-based assignment
Or
Component 3 - A critical and historical assignment
Or
Component 4 - Coursework assignment
The course syllabus covers fine arts, graphic communication, three-dimensional design, and textiles and fashion. Within these broad courses, students will present a project in sculpting, ceramics, photography, theatre/set design, environmental/architectural design, or product design.
Curriculum and Syllabus: CBSE
The CBSE Fine Arts course has theoretical and practical components for which learners have to take written exams and prepare a portfolio of their work. Learners will learn concepts such as the six limbs of Indian painting, Visual Arts - Fundamentals, Elements and Principles, Drawing and painting, media of composition, sculpture, and graphics. The four alternatives in the Fine Arts course from which the student can choose any one Course -
Course |
Theory Topics |
Practical Topics |
Painting |
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Graphics |
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Sculpture |
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Applied Art-Commercial Art |
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Assessments: IBDP
In IBDP curriculum, learners will have both external and internal assessments and for SL, students have to attend 150 hours and HL 240 hours. For each course, there is -
Assessments: CIE
In the CIE assessment of the Art & Design course, for the first component, they will submit a portfolio of their work from the initial draft to the outcome. Component 2 is an externally set assignment for which learners record ideas and observations and present original images and secondary imagery and sources. They will demonstrate the use of different techniques, processes, and influences of culture and artists. In component 3, which is a Personal Investigation internal assignment, the learner has to submit one practical work and a written analysis of about 1500 words.
Assessments: CBSE
The assessment criteria for CBSE Fine Arts are the same for all four courses - to test their creativity, innovation, and technique. The theory subjects touch upon Indian Art history and students will learn about different styles and modes of art expression. They will write one written exam on the theory subject and the practical work they do throughout the year will be arranged in a portfolio, from the first sketch to the finished product.
Final Thought
The IBDP course has more practical application and stresses students using their creativity and innovation to produce original works of art. CBSE programme introduces learners to different Indian styles and grounds them in techniques that will help them innovate and produce original work. The CIE programme introduces learners to the global fine arts scene and helps them develop skills and techniques through demonstrable activities. All three courses come with their distinct advantage in providing learners with an early introduction to various art forms and career opportunities in fine arts.
Conducting experiments and testing theories are integral to understanding scientific principles and understanding their applications. IBDP and CIE stress immensely upon the practical application of science and scientific investigations. The curriculum includes setting and conducting experiments, writing research papers, and creating case studies to explore and test theories. CBSE also has practical components in the syllabus in the form of lab experiments and projects. Science experiments can be Investigative Projects, Research Projects, Demonstration Projects, Models and Collections.
Understanding IBDP Group 4 Project
The Group 4 project in IBDP programme is a collaborative activity in which students from different Group 4 subjects work together on a scientific or technological topic. It is designed to encourage interdisciplinary investigations of scientific principles and understand the relationship between different scientific disciplines and the overarching nature of the scientific method. These projects can be theory or practical-based. Students can consider the global, environmental, social, and ethical implications of science and technology.
There are three stages to a Group 4 project – planning, action and evaluation divided across a 10-hour duration. The planning phase will have 1-2 sessions where the group will discuss the topic, share ideas, and conduct the activity. In the action phase, the students will investigate the topic, collaborate, and share their findings. In the evaluation phase, there will be a symposium or science fair where all groups will present their investigation reports.
Understanding CIE Practical Assessment
Under CIE curriculum, there are separate practical assessments for Physics, Chemistry and Biology, which are the core Science subjects offered by the board. The practical assessments will include laboratory experiments and practical investigations. Students will plan, set up and conduct the experiments, collect and analyse data, draw conclusions, answer questions and submit lab reports. Students’ skills such as setting up laboratory equipment, drawing diagrams and graphs, and taking measurements will be assessed.
In Physics, practical assessments have experiments in areas such as electricity, optics, and mechanics among others. In chemistry, there will be experiments for testing chemical reactions and performing titrations. In Biology, practical assessment topics are in anatomy, genetics, physiology, and ecology. The assessments may require students to dissect specimens and conduct field research.
Understanding CBSE Science Projects
CBSE science projects for PUC include conducting practical experiments to enhance the student’s understanding of scientific concepts and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Science projects can be done in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or a combination of the multiple scientific disciplines. Students may be assigned project topics or teachers may specify requirements or give recommendations. Students will be assessed for their understanding of scientific concepts, research and presentation skills, and documentation of the project.
IBDP vs. CIE vs. CBSE
The three education boards have different curriculums, assessment criteria, and formats. In IBDP, the Group 4 Project is integrated into the curriculum, and CIE and CBSE practical assessments are conducted in a laboratory setting. Student assessment criteria will include preparing lab records, viva voce, written exams, data collection and analysis, and presentation.
IBDP’s Science programme is more practical and project-based, so there is the same weightage for theory papers and practical work such as projects and lab experiments. The problems are designed to study the real-life application, global implications, and interdisciplinary scope.
For CBSE curriculum, the greater emphasis is on theory and understanding of the concepts. Students pick problems that test theories and develop a deeper understanding of the concepts they are learning in the classroom. In CIE, they assess practical skills and knowledge of Science subjects like CBSE, however, the content differs.
Both IBDP and CIE give equal weightage to Science, Mathematics, Language and Humanities. Thus, if your project tackles problems that can touch upon different subjects and have a wider perspective, then you will perform well.
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