As the terms CBSE and NCERT appear together often, most people are confused between the terms. Mainly, the difference between CBSE and NCERT lies in its function, but it is related to each other and serves a single goal – to provide quality and holistic education for the students. CBSE is a national education board governing the education system of schools in India, while NCERT is an autonomous organization of MoE focused on educational research and producing textbooks, educational materials and resources. NCERT develops the curriculum and educational resource, and CBSE implements it and administers examinations. In this article, you can get a clear understanding of the difference between CBSE and NCERT.
As Mahalakshmi Vidya Mandir recognized as a Best CBSE school in Trichy, we focused on educating and teaching the students to achieve excellence.
What is CBSE?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a national-level education board in India that governs both public and private schools, following the NCERT curriculum. CBSE is known for its well-structured syllabus, competency-based education, and emphasis on experiential and project-based learning. It conducts the Class 10 and Class 12 Board Examinations, with a clear focus on internal assessment, practical exams, and scholastic and co-scholastic development through its Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) system. CBSE regularly updates its academic structure in line with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introducing skill-based subjects, coding, and AI as electives.
What is NCERT?
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is an autonomous organization under the Government of India that plays a crucial role in shaping school education. It is responsible for developing and publishing textbooks, known as NCERT books, which are widely used in CBSE-affiliated schools across the country. NCERT designs the national curriculum framework, creates syllabus guidelines, and supports teacher training and educational research. Its focus is on child-centered learning, competency-based education, and the integration of experiential learning, art, and life skills into the teaching process.
Let’s get into the next section to understand the difference between CBSE and NCERT.
CBSE vs NCERT – Key Differences
If you read the CBSE and NCERT introductions carefully, you can see the connection between them. CBSE syllabus, subject matter and books are followed by the NCERT curriculum. Let’s see difference between CBSE and NCERT in terms of function, which clarifies its distinctive place in the Indian education system.
Difference Between CBSE and NCERT | ||
|---|---|---|
| Aspect | CBSE | NCERT |
| Nature | Educational Board | Autonomous organization under Ministry of Education |
| Function | Conducts examination and awards certifications | Develop curriculum, textbooks, educational materials and resources |
| Key Responsibilities |
|
|
| Decision Making Authority | Makes policies for CBSE board schools | Determines curriculum and make recommendations for National education policy |
| Examinations | Conducts board examination | Does not conducts any sort of examination |
| Board-level authority | Board-level authority | Advisory authority at national level |
How CBSE and NCERT Are Related to Each Other?
As discussed, NCERT focuses on designing the curriculum and materials and CBSE implements it. CBSE uses NCERT books and materials, since it structures curriculum based on the CBSE’s guidelines. This is the prime difference between CBSE and NCERT. Questions in the 10th and 12th standards examination papers often reflect the NCERT textbooks. Additionally, supplementary materials like model question papers, sample papers, and solutions books are well developed by NCERT. These educational resources help the students to prepare effectively for the CBSE-board examinations.
Conclusion
CBSE and NCERT do not stand in opposition, but relate with each other. Students achieve excellence through NCERT’s effort in building the curriculum and CBSE’s commitment to deliver it in a proper manner. Though their functions and responsibilities differ, they are fused by the single goal. We described and explained the difference between CBSE and NCERT, in the clearest possible way. We hope that you are cleared by these terms and welcome you to read other articles for greater understanding of the Indian education system.
FAQs on Difference between CBSE and NCERT
1. What is the Full Form of CBSE?
CBSE stands for Central Board of Secondary Education, a national-level education board in India for public and private schools.
2. What is the Full Form of NCERT?
NCERT stands for National Council of Educational Research and Training, an autonomous organization that develops textbooks, curricula, and educational resources in India.
3. Which is better, CBSE or NCERT?
CBSE is an education board that conducts exams and affiliates schools, while NCERT is a curriculum and textbook publisher. They are not competitors – CBSE often follows the NCERT syllabus.
4. Is the CBSE syllabus based on NCERT?
Yes. CBSE’s syllabus for many subjects, especially in Classes 9–12, is largely based on NCERT textbooks.
5. Do CBSE students study NCERT?
Yes. Most CBSE-affiliated schools use NCERT books, particularly for core subjects like Science and Mathematics.
6. Which is better, CBSE or ICSE or NCERT?
CBSE and ICSE are both education boards, while NCERT is a publisher. CBSE is known for a science and math focus, ICSE for a broader curriculum, and NCERT for standard reference books used nationwide.
7. Is CBSE very difficult?
No. CBSE is considered moderately challenging, focusing on conceptual clarity rather than excessive memorization.
8. Which is better, NCERT or CBSE?
Neither is “greater” as they serve different roles – CBSE is a board that conducts exams, and NCERT is the body that prepares textbooks for it.
