These days, if you were to open a parents’ group chat on social media, you would find the most intense and heated discussions centred around which board is ideal for children. Trying to figure out which curriculum is best suited for your child is so confusing that, right now, you would almost be thinking “Our parents had it so easy” since the debates back then were restricted to either English or Indian-language medium schools. In case you are having a hard time deciding on the right board for your child, this article will simplify the task for you, explaining the benefits of joining a CBSE school and the 1st standard age criteria for admission.
What is CBSE?
The Central Board of Secondary Education or CBSE is an examination conducted by a private school board- the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). It focuses on students’ well-rounded growth and gives an edge on competitive exams conducted both inside and outside India. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is recognised by various universities, colleges and institutions worldwide including the Government of India. Due to the emphasis on practical knowledge and in-depth learning, the curriculum is regarded to be of high standards and allows flexibility to pursue individual interests.
What are the Age Criteria for Class 1 on the CBSE Board?
The CBSE board age limit for 1st standard is generally 6 years by the date of admission. The 1st std age limit is based on the clearance of preschool. The preschool involves three stages- the nursery or daycare, LKG (Lower Kindergarten) or K1, and UKG (Upper Kindergarten) or K2. The ideal age for a child to get admitted to K1 and K2 is between 3-6 years of age. Children below the age of 3 years are admitted to the daycare.
Why Is The CBSE Board The Best Choice For A Child’s Education?
Global Recognition
The CBSE board is recognised by both national and international educational institutions. In addition to being on par with other recognised institutions such as the state and CBSE board in the country, foreign countries view the CBSE syllabus as on par with exams conducted in their nation’s schools. The curriculum involves a wide range of activities and experiments that enable children to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This allows children to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and gain a better understanding of study concepts.
Emphasis on English language
Since English is recognised as a global language for communication, it is an important part of the CBSE curriculum and students are expected to develop strong English language skills. Thus, the CBSE board emphasises laying a strong foundation in English literature and grammar. Additionally, it also incorporates other foreign and native languages including Hindi and Sanskrit. This ensures that children are exposed to multiple languages and are proficient in them to navigate today’s globalised world.
Balanced Curriculum
The CBSE curriculum prioritises maintaining a balance between academic and extracurricular activities. Instead of restricting itself to traditional academics, the CBSE board’s curriculum is designed to develop cognitive, social and emotional skills in children. This approach will enable them to grow up as well-rounded individuals who are ready to face the challenges of the real world.
It also supports artistic activities such as music, dance, drama and storytelling, and sports to enhance students’ creative and physical skills. This way students are exposed to various activities to discover their areas of interest and strengths.
Social Responsibility
The board encourages community service projects and conducts social awareness programs to help children develop feelings of empathy and compassion towards others. Instilling these qualities in children from a young age will enable them to become responsible citizens who are aware of their social duties.
As a parent, you need to initiate the process of securing admission for your child well in advance. CBSE schools generally have limited seats, so do your research well, understand the admission process, gather all the documents and prepare your child for the interview. Before finalising the desired school, make sure to visit all the schools on your list and interact with teachers to have a better understanding of the school’s atmosphere and culture. To ensure your child performs well in interviews, practice mock sessions at home to give them confidence.
