ICSE – Indian Certificate of Secondary Education brought by the Anglo Indian Community (later 50s) initially governed by education board in Britain but in the 1960s it started being governed by the Central Board in Delhi. It is a National level accredited board which is more urban (more cosmopolitan) and focuses more on languages. Exam pattern is 60 % subjective and 40 % objective. The level of math’s and science and other subjects is as per the age appropriate objectives set by the NCF (National Curriculum Framework),the Education governing body of India. CBSE ( Central Board of Secondary Education)-is the other National level Indian Central Board owing to the fact that it is providing quality education to every nook and corner of India. It is 40% and 60% in its approach. 40% subjective and 60% objective. All national level exams are based on the CBSE curriculum. It has a good balance of science and language input. Books used are prescribed by the Board (NCERT books). Classes 9, 10, 11, 12 books and question papers are all set by the Board.
To reduce the stress level CBSE has gone for CCE (Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation) which due to regular evaluation reduces stress to the minimum. Schools are allowed to conduct certain number of exams in a year. The cumulative average of all these exams are taken for final consideration. In CBSE the whole personality is assessed, writing ability, class work, homework discipline participation in co-curricular activities all these are taken into account.
The Board focuses on the overall development of the child and not only rote learning. All National Level Exams are based on CBSE so the child is well groomed to take up any competitive exam in future. It is a progressive board and brings in regular updations for betterment.
IGCSE-(International Global Certificate of Secondary Examination ) is akin to the  state Board of England. The focus is more on application and content knowledge of students CBSE– is good if you if you want to appear for the competitive exams otherwise both the Boards are at par with each other and are globally accepted and recognized. It is a progressive board where reforms are introduced as per the topical needs of the students.