IGCSE v/s IB: Which Program Should You Choose?

There is often a great deal of confusion among students on the precipice of higher education about the IGCSE and IB Programs. igcse vs ib which program choose. In this article, we attempt to compare and contrast the two.

International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

Developed by the University of Cambridge International Examinations, IGCSE exams are a universally recognized qualification test—similar to the GCSE exams in the UK.

These exams are primarily designed for 14 to 16-year-olds and provide opportunities for higher education in the UK as well as other countries. The exams are available in multiple subjects including English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science and Social Sciences, and even traditional languages like French, Japanese, Urdu, and more.

In India, there are about 300 schools that follow the IGCSE syllabus, and private tuition for the program is also available all across the country. Fees for IGCSE home tutors in Mumbai usually range from 500/- per hour to over 3,500/- per month.

The International BaccalaureateProgramme (IB)

The IB Program, on the other hand, is designed by the International Baccalaureate—a Switzerland-based NGO that offers educational programs in over 146 countries. It has 3 categories: Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and Diploma Program (DP). The MYP—designed for 11-16-year-olds is most akin to the IGCSEs.

The curriculum consists of eight subject groups—Language Acquisition, Language and Literature, Individuals and societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Physical and health education, and Design which aim to provide a holistic education. The program also focuses on the psychological development of students by aiding their understanding of self-actualization and communal responsibilities.

Similarities

Grade 10 students of both programs are required to write exams at the end of the course
Both programs aim to nourish critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Both IB and IGCSE are hefty curricula in themselves and demand hard work
Both programs hold Internal assessments to test students all year round

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Differences

IGCSE provides an exam-oriented curriculum aimed to garner knowledge whereas IB emphasizes a more holistic way of learning and developing a global mindset. IB requires students to dive deep into the subjects taught in class and also perform some amount of social work

IGCSE provides a concrete and structured curriculum, complete with available study materials as prescribed by Cambridge University. IB, on the other hand, is better described as a ‘framework’ that is greatly focused on the 6 global contexts

IGCSE is usually more affordable than IB due to the fact that the latter uses modern technology for teaching. Around 130 Indian schools provide IB framework and fees of IB home tutors Mumbai may rank up as high as 35,000/- per month.

IB uses the 1-7 method of grading whereas IGCSE uses the A*-G method

So how do you choose one? Both programs have their benefits and limitations and the choice ultimately depends on your specific goal. If you’re interested in an innovative way of learning, IB helps in creating a global mindset and allows for hands-on experience through projects and activities. IGCSE on the other hand provides an internationally recognized qualification that could open up multiple international opportunities. Do note, however, that the two programs aren’t mutually exclusive and a student pursuing IGCSE can later pursue IB as well.

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IGCSE v/s IB: Which Program Should You Choose?