What is the Main Difference between CBSE and NCERT?

Are CBSE and NCERT the same? Read till the end to enhance your understanding about these two educational entities and their different roles.

If you are studying in a CBSE school, you might hear the terms CBSE and NCERT the most. In fact, most students and parents think these two educational bodies are similar. Some might wonder what is the difference between CBSE and NCERT. This article is here to solve all your queries regarding NCERT and CBSE and make you understand how they work collectively.

Major Differences between CBSE and NCERT

So, let’s understand the basic difference between CBSE and NCERT, which is, their functioning. CBSE is the popular education board while NCERT is the publishing body. The full form of NCERT and CBSE is the National Council of Education Research and Training, and the Central Board of Secondary Education, respectively.

CBSE is a governing body that controls the education system in CBSE-affiliated schools. NCERT is a publishing organization that publishes books for CBSE schools. Most CBSE-affiliated schools follow the NCERT textbooks as NCERT books cover all the syllabus of CBSE subjects. 

Another difference between CBSE and NCERT is based on their roles in the education sector. CBSE is the main governing body that conducts board exams in schools all over India, both public and private. CBSE board has mentioned guidelines for all the students to follow NCERT textbooks and syllabus. 

Still don’t understand what NCERT is? It is an autonomous body established by the government of India for supporting and advising central and state boards on academic affairs. It is the top educational organization that is continually working on the improvement of education quality in schools all across the nation. CBSE board is recognized by the NCERT and strictly follows its syllabus. 

NCERT is an apex and reputable publisher that publishes course books for classes 1st to 12th. Each book is published after thorough research from experts in each subject. This is why most CBSE schools in India recommend NCERT books. So, CBSE books are actually published by NCERT. Also, other state boards refer to the NCERT books to form their curriculum and impart a quality education. 

How CBSE and NCERT Related and Complement Each Other?

Now that we know the difference between CBSE and NCERT, let’s see how these two educational bodies are related to and function together. There is a misconception among students and parents that CBSE and NCERT are the same. 

There are several differences between NCERT AND CBSE, they are not the same. CBSE is related to NCERT in terms of study material. Most books recommended by CBSE are NCERT compiled. In addition to that, it is often observed that most questions asked in the CBSE board examination in both 10th and 12th are closely associated with NCERT books. 

NCERT books are not just relevant in the board exam conducted by the CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION but have also proven to be beneficiary in other class examinations. The CBSE books syllabus revolves around the standards of education set by NCERT as the organization is responsible for developing and publishing textbooks for standards 1 to 12.

Speaking about the specification of questions asked in the CBSE board examination conducted for class 12th or to understand How to score good marks in an exam, know the fact that most questions in inorganic chemistry originate directly from the NCERT textbooks. In addition to that, the questions asked in subjects like Physics, Mathematics, Biology, etc. are also taken from NCERT. 

For students opting for the arts stream, NCERT textbooks provide the most accuracy rate among others. Students appearing for the class 12th board examination can also refer to NCERT exemplar books for practicing efficiently.

The syllabus of the class 10th board examination is completely based on NCERT. 

When we analyze the previous year’s question papers, it is observed that most of the questions asked are closely associated with NCERT textbooks. Along with that NCERT provides different study materials like books, NCERT SOLUTIONS, question banks, model question papers, and much more, which are available online for ease of access.

In the end, we conclude that CBSE is related to NCERT in the terms of syllabus and hence complements each other.

Is it Compulsory to Recommend NCERT Books in the CBSE Board Schools?

NO! The NCERT books are not at all mandatory in CBSE schools but are recommended. Mark that the CENTRAL BOARD of SECONDARY EDUCATION(CBSE) has not prescribed NCERT textbooks as mandatory in any of its schools. There are times when schools don’t recommend NCERT textbooks, but in most cases, NCERT books are included in the school syllabus along with other reference books. Belonging to this specific board the student is made to go through the NCERT books and NCERT solutions for concept clarity and a better approach to the examination as NCERT’s syllabus is the standard mark of education. 

This is because the NATIONAL COUNCIL OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING(NCERT) is the organization set up to assist in improving school education in India. NCERT reflects the aim to build a common and standardized education system for all. 

Hence, CBSE along with other state boards follow the NCERT official study resources issued by this government organization. However, students/ schools may refer to other textbooks from different publications but the syllabus remains intact.

Check CBSE Date Sheet 2023 (Revised) For Class 10th and 12th Board Exams

Final Words

Hopefully, this article answers most of your queries such as the difference between CBSE and NCERT, how these are related, and work together. Here are some more frequently asked questions related to the same. 

FAQs on the Difference Between CBSE and NCERT