CBSE to launch a brand new global curriculum in 2026: How is the existing international syllabus different from the regular one? | – The Times of India

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to introduce a global curriculum for foreign students starting from the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative is part of a broader reform plan aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to provide students with greater flexibility and a globally competitive education. As part of these changes, CBSE is also considering conducting board exams twice a year from the same academic session, allowing students to retain their best scores.

Not the first time CBSE has taken a global initiative

This is not the first time CBSE has ventured into an international curriculum. More than a decade ago, back in 2010, CBSE introduced the CBSE International (CBSE-i) curriculum to cater to Indian students living abroad.
The initiative was implemented in multiple phases, beginning with a pilot program in 25 schools across the Middle East and South Asia for classes I to IX. It was later extended to more international schools and select Indian institutions. The syllabus was structured based on the National Curriculum Framework and National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) guidelines, integrating a global perspective while maintaining core Indian subjects.

What is the CBSE International (CBSE-i) curriculum?

The CBSE-i curriculum emphasizes global education with a strong focus on critical and creative thinking, research orientation, and effective communication. It offers a diverse range of subjects, including languages, performing arts, visual arts, physical education, social sciences, life skills, research projects, science, and mathematics with both elective and core options.
The evaluation system moves away from traditional rote learning, incorporating continuous assessment and project-based evaluations to promote holistic development. The curriculum also includes locally relevant components and enrichment programs, particularly in science and technology.
A distinguishing feature of CBSE-i is its integration of international methodologies, particularly inspired by the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The syllabus includes innovative subjects such as ‘History of Knowledge’ and a mandatory social work component to instill social responsibility in students. Additionally, extracurricular activities such as gymnastics, performing arts, and gardening are emphasized to promote all-round development.

CBSE-i vs CBSE regular curriculum

CBSE’s regular curriculum, taught in Indian schools, follows a traditional Indian educational approach based on NCERT guidelines and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). It is structured around three main academic streams, Science, Commerce, and Humanities, and is largely focused on standardized board examinations.
While the regular CBSE curriculum ensures a comprehensive academic foundation, it is primarily oriented towards Indian educational standards and competitive exams such as JEE and NEET. The evaluation system in the regular curriculum is heavily dependent on annual board examinations rather than continuous assessments.

Comparison: CBSE International vs CBSE Regular curriculum

CBSE’s new Global Curriculum can potentially make international education more accessible in India

The launch of CBSE’s Global Curriculum is expected to make international education more accessible, particularly for middle-class students who may not have the financial means to enroll in expensive international schools. Currently, international education in India is largely restricted to elite institutions affiliated with IB or Cambridge boards.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program emphasizes inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary connections, assessing student skills through ongoing coursework. In contrast, the Cambridge curriculum focuses on in-depth subject knowledge, with student performance primarily measured through external examinations. According to Cambridge tests and assessments, last year, over 1600 schools in 101 countries used Cambridge Checkpoint tests to benchmark student achievement internationally.
With the introduction of CBSE’s global curriculum, students will have access to an internationally aligned education at a fraction of the cost, potentially bridging the gap between traditional Indian education and global learning standards.