When parents approach her seeking admission, they rarely ask only about academics. Over the years, a Noida schoolprincipalsays she has noticed a growing anxiety among families who are worried about one thing above all else: whether their child will stand out. "Some parents feel that CBSE will make their child a commoner, while IB and Cambridge will give them an edge. There is this perception that if everyone is doing CBSE, then it cannot be special," she says.
The observation comes at a time when an increasing number of urban Indian parents are moving towards international boards, often citing global exposure, critical thinking and holistic development as reasons for the shift. However, according to the principal, the motivations are not always purely academic.
"Many families genuinely believe these boards suit their child better, and that is perfectly valid but there are also parents who choose them because they feel it elevates their child's profile. It becomes less about learning and more about standing apart from the crowd," she says.
According to her, this reflects a larger shift in how education is being viewed in India. "School boards have almost become brands.Parentscompare them the way they compare lifestyle choices. Somewhere, education has become linked to social identity," she says.
Ironically, she points out, many of the same parents who complain about excessive academic pressure are also drawn towards programmes known for their extensive research projects, presentations, essays and independent work. "Parents often tell us children are stressed, burdened and overwhelmed. Yet when they hear about research papers, thesis work and advanced projects, they see it as a sign of quality. There is a contradiction there that we don't talk about enough."
The principal is careful to clarify that she is not criticising international curricula themselves. Each board, she says, has its own strengths and serves different student needs. The problem, according to her, begins when parents assume that one board can automatically guarantee success. "No curriculum can make a child extraordinary on its own. A board provides a framework. What ultimately matters is the child's curiosity, effort, teachers, home environment and opportunities."
She believes the perception that CBSE is somehow inferior is particularly misplaced. Every year, millions of students studying under CBSE go on to secure admissions in leading institutions, crack some of the country's toughest competitive examinations and build successful careers across professions. "People forget that excellence has never belonged to a single board. Successful students come from CBSE, ICSE, IB, Cambridge and state boards. There is no monopoly on talent."
What concerns her most is the growing tendency among parents to equate exclusivity with quality. "Sometimes I feel parents are not asking which board will help their child learn best. They are asking which board will make their child appear different and elite."
That mindset shifts the focus away from what education is supposed to achieve. "The purpose of schooling is not to create a hierarchy of children. It is to help every child discover their strengths and realise their potential."
For parents trying to choose between boards, her advice is simple: stop looking for status and start looking for fit. "The right board is the one that suits your child," she says. "Not the one that sounds the most impressive at a dinner party."
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
