The Truth About the Indian Curriculum (CBSE/ICSE): Risks Behind its 'Math Supremacy' and Is It Right for Your Family?

"Tuition is less than half that of Western international schools, yet the math level is world-class."

In recent years, Indian international schools in Japan have seen a surge in popularity.

Schools like GIIS (Global Indian International School) and IISJ (India International School in Japan) are so popular they often have waiting lists.

However, choosing a school based on low cost and reputation alone can be risky.

This is because the reality of Indian education is a world of intense memorization and competition (Drill & Kill)—the polar opposite of the 'inquiry-based learning' found in Western systems.

• "Which is better, CBSE or ICSE?"
• "Do they really memorize multiplication tables up to 19×19?"
• "Is it true that graduates may not be able to enter Japanese universities?"

In this article, we'll provide a straightforward explanation of how the Indian curriculum works, the 'culture shock' that international families often face, and the critical risks related to university qualifications you absolutely must know.

1. The Two Pillars of the Indian Curriculum: CBSE vs. ICSE

India has two main national curricula.

① CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)

• Characteristics: A curriculum directly overseen by the Indian government.
• Strengths: Extremely strong in Math & Science. It is specialized for preparing students for competitive entrance exams like those for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), and the content is standardized.
• For families in Japan: Most Indian international schools in Japan, such as GIIS and IISJ, use the CBSE curriculum. It is also adaptable for families who may relocate.

② ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education)

• Characteristics: A more comprehensive curriculum with roots in the Cambridge University examination system.
• Strengths: Emphasizes English Literature and the liberal arts. The English level is considered more difficult than CBSE and is seen as advantageous for university admission in the West.
• Reputation in India: It often has an image of being "for the elite" or "the choice of wealthy families," and the workload is even more demanding than CBSE.

2. Why is 'Indian Math' Considered World-Class?

It's said that Indians invented the concept of zero, but its modern strength lies in a combination of 'conceptual understanding' and 'overwhelming practice volume.'

Curriculum Pace Comparison (Approximate)

The Wall of 'Practice Volume'

In an Indian-style class, after learning a single formula, students are assigned dozens or even hundreds of drill problems (homework) to master it.

In contrast to the IB (International Baccalaureate), which focuses on discussing 'why,' the Indian style is to 'drill until you can solve it reflexively.' This approach builds the foundation for the IT engineers and mathematicians who excel worldwide.

3. Challenges and Disadvantages for International Families

Families who enroll their children with the simple hope of "making them good at math" often encounter the following hurdles.

① The Downsides of Rote Learning

The Indian system traditionally places a heavy emphasis on Rote Learning.

Students are expected to memorize historical dates, chemical formulas, and long poems "without a single mistake."

Risk: For families who want to cultivate creativity and critical thinking, this style can be 'painful' and may cause children to dislike studying.

② Fierce Competition and Pressure

The scores from the standardized Board Exams in Grades 10 and 12 are considered so important they are said to determine one's future.

As a result, there is constant competitive pressure within the school to be conscious of one's academic rank. This is far removed from a collaborative, non-competitive school culture.

③ Basic Facilities

One reason for the low tuition (from under 1 million JPY per year) is the lack of investment in facilities.

It's not uncommon for schools to have small playgrounds, no swimming pool, or for the campus to be located within a single office building. This differs from the typical image of an international school with a spacious, open campus.

4. 【CRITICAL】University Pathways and Qualifications (Can Graduates Enter University?)

The most critical point to be aware of is the 'qualification for entrance into Japanese universities.'

Check for 'WASC Accreditation'

While a Grade 12 completion certificate from CBSE or ICSE is recognized by universities in India and the West, it is not automatically recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

• GIIS (Global Indian International School):

  If the campus has WASC accreditation, graduates are qualified to apply to Japanese universities.

• IISJ (India International School in Japan):

  You must confirm whether the school is on MEXT's list of 'Designated Foreign Schools' or has accreditation from an agency like WASC. (*While it is currently recognized as an accredited school, this status can change with campus relocations, etc.*)

If a student graduates from a 'non-accredited Indian school,' they will have to pass the 'High School Equivalency Examination' before they can apply to a Japanese university.

5. Conclusion: The Indian System is 'Strong Medicine.' Can You Handle the Dose?

When it's a good fit, the Indian curriculum offers unbeatable cost performance, providing world-class math and English skills at a low cost.

However, this is only achievable for a child who can withstand 'several hours of homework daily' and 'intense competition,' and with the commitment of parents who can support them through it.

ELT | Indian Curriculum & Tutoring Support

At ELT, we provide academic support tailored to the unique methods of Indian math and the challenging English of the CBSE curriculum.

• Math Support: Tutoring for children who are struggling to keep up with the fast pace of their school lessons.
• English Catch-up: ESL lessons to help students cope with the fast-paced spoken English common in the Indian system and its advanced vocabulary.
• School Pathway Counseling: Consultations for families considering a transfer to other curricula (IB/British) if they feel the Indian system isn't the right fit.

Don't choose a school based on 'low cost' alone; carefully assess whether it is the right fit for your child.