Choosing the Right Board for 11th and 12th: CBSE vs CG
Choosing the right board of education for your 11th and 12th grades is a crucial decision that can impact your academic journey significantly. While many engineering aspirants prefer State boards for clearing the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council of Educational Research and Training (CERT) generally known as CG board, offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Let's break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of CBSE
Central Board: CBSE is a central board, which means it has a national-level curriculum and standardized examinations. This makes it easier to compare performance across different states.
Better English Syllabus and Curriculum: CBSE's English syllabus includes a wide range of literature readings, advertisements, and posters, which enhances your writing and communication skills. In contrast, the CG board focuses more on grammar and eliminates literature completely. If you plan to pursue a career in fields like UPSC, where language and communication skills are crucial, CBSE's syllabus is highly recommended.
Better Stream Options: CBSE offers a more flexible curriculum. If you are planning to pursue Engineering or Medical, you can select both Mathematics and Biology, giving you options for both fields. You can also choose subjects like Mathematics and Computer Science or Biology and Hindi.
Easily Available: CBSE is widely available, with many schools in Bilaspur or Raipur being CBSE affiliated. This ensures that you can access quality education in top schools. In contrast, finding a good CG board school can be more challenging.
Holistic Approach: CBSE emphasizes a holistic development of students. Schools conduct various activities and focus on personality development, speaking skills, sports, and arts. These activities contribute to a rounded education and development.
Less Errors in Board’s Question Paper: CBSE tends to have fewer errors in its question papers compared to other boards, providing a more reliable and fair examination.
Cons of CBSE
Burden of Projects: CBSE places a significant emphasis on project work, which can be time-consuming. Additionally, there are many extracurricular activities that can further limit your time for preparations for entrance exams.
Long Exam Duration: While this can be an advantage as it allows sufficient time between exams, a science student preparing for JEE may find it challenging. The exams usually end a few days before the JEE Mains, leaving only 2-3 days for revision.
Toughness of Maths Question Paper: Although the recent Maths paper was easy, the last two years have seen the toughest question papers in CBSE's history. The board's leniency is more for reputation's sake and does not significantly benefit students in a difficult position.
Conclusion
Choosing between CBSE and CG board ultimately depends on your career aspirations and personal preferences. CBSE offers comprehensive educational resources, better stream options, and a holistic approach to student development. If you aim to pursue a career in engineering, medicine, or UPSC, CBSE is a recommended choice.
My personal suggestion is to opt for CBSE over CG, as it offers a wide array of benefits for your future academic and career endeavors.