While all boards focus on learning, some are known for their tough syllabus and strict marking. These boards challenge students with wide subjects, detailed study material, and high competition. Many students feel they prepare better for future exams because of these boards, but they also find the journey demanding. Let us explore what makes some boards tougher than others and which ones are considered the hardest in India.
What Makes a Board Tough?
A board is known as a “tough” one when it expects more from the students in terms of learning, tests, and skills. Syllabus, exam type, and even language requirements have a significant impact. We will have a close look at these factors.
Syllabus Depth.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Syllabus Depth | Some boards include more topics in each subject. As a result, the study material is more detailed, and it becomes difficult to complete it within the set time. |
| Assessment Style | Strict marking, long descriptive answers, and fewer objective questions are some features that make exams tough. |
| Mastering Multiple Languages | Boards setting a requirement that students learn more than one language add more pressure and load to the preparation. |
List of Toughest State Boards in India
Below is a list of some boards which are most often referred to as the toughest because of their syllabus, exam system, or study load.
Tripura Board
The Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) has the most comprehensive syllabus, especially in the case of science and language subjects. Students are tested with descriptive answers and essays, which makes exams difficult. Besides, students are required to be proficient in English and the regional language.
Maharashtra Board
The Maharashtra State Board is famous for its huge syllabus and very strict evaluation. Subjects like Mathematics and Science are full of concepts and require a clear understanding. On top of this, students also get prepared for competitive exams based on this syllabus, thus making it a tough board.
Goa Board
The Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE) keeps equal focus on academics and practical learning. However, students often complain about the detailed textbooks and the marking system.The balance between theory and practical exams adds extra pressure on students.
Chhattisgarh Board
The Chhattisgarh Board emphasises languages as well as technical subjects. Students not only learn the normal subjects but also the regional culture. Such a study pattern obviously increases their workload. The rigid marking and descriptive exam pattern put the board in a difficult category for most students.
West Bengal Board
The West Bengal Board is ranked as one of the toughest boards in India. Mathematics, Science, and language have been given special attention in the syllabus, and it is also very detailed. Students also learn in Bengali or English medium, which is an additional difficulty for those who have to be proficient in both. The evaluation system is also of a very strict nature
Karnataka State Board
The Karnataka State Board is very demanding and students have to work a lot in subjects like Science, Math, and Social Science. Along with English, students are made to learn Kannada as a compulsory subject; thus, their study time keeps increasing. The problems are lengthy, and scoring is tough.
Kerala State Board
The Kerala Board has been known for its solid and thorough syllabus in Science and Mathematics. It also pays equal attention to all the local language studies. Students generally find the textbooks loaded and exams tough because the tests are based on concepts and not on memorisation.
Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE).
Though not a state board, ICSE is still one of the most challenging boards in India. With special focus on English and Science, it gives a very detailed syllabus. Students have to study not only theory but also arts and practicals. The exams are stringent, and writing skills matter a lot.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Board.
The International Baccalaureate Board is an international system, but is implemented in many Indian schools. It is very difficult because it emphasizes research, global standards, and hands-on learning. Critical thinking, rather than rote memorization is what students are required to do. Apart from that, it needs a lot of time and projects.
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Board.
CBSE is considered the most popular national board and is still difficult. Its syllabus is well-balanced but a bit challenging in senior classes. Moreover, it serves as a foundation for competitive exams like JEE and NEET. Students consider the exams not as hard as some state boards, whereas the level of the syllabus is challenging.
FAQ’s on Toughest State Boards in India
Is the West Bengal Board tougher than CBSE?
Yes, that is the perception that the West Bengal Board is considered more difficult than CBSE. This is because of the strict marking and the detailed syllabus of the former. CBSE focuses more on competitive exam preparation, whereas the West Bengal board emphasizes detailed study.
Is ICSE tougher than state boards?
Yes, ICSE is generally considered more difficult because of its vast syllabus, detailed textbooks, and more subjects. State boards may be more focused on regional learning, whereas ICSE is very demanding in terms of the overall development of a child.
Are state boards recognized internationally?
State boards have limited international recognition, they are recognized mostly within India and for university studies in the country. Boards such as IB, IGCSE, and CBSE are more widely preferred for foreign studies.
Which board is considered student-friendly?
CBSE is considered one of the most student-friendly boards. It adopts very simple textbooks (NCERT) for its courses, and its exam style is much easier compared to some strict state boards.
Which board gives more practical exposure to students?
IB and ICSE are more hands-on as they emphasize projects, research, and skill-based learning. State boards also have practicals, but they are less detailed than these boards.
Conclusion
Each board has its strengths and challenges. The tricks one student finds hard, another might find easy. State boards such as West Bengal, Kerala, and Maharashtra are known for their very strict evaluation and their detailed syllabus. ICSE and IB are two alternative extreme cases which have quite a lot of subjects and high international standards. However, the students' effort, interest, and preparation are the factors that matter most at the end of the day.
