India’s education landscape is evolving rapidly. Once dominated by CBSE and state boards, it is now witnessing a quiet revolution led by international curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). The reason behind this shift goes beyond brand prestige — it reflects changing priorities among Indian parents who want their children to be globally competent, confident, and future-ready.
According to Cambridge Assessment, the number of Cambridge schools in South Asia has crossed 1,000, with more than 800 in India alone. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization reports similar growth — a 40 per cent increase in affiliated schools since 2019. Together, these numbers signal a transformation in what Indian families value most: relevant, application-based education over rote learning.
The Shift: From Textbook Learning to Real-World Skills
For decades, Indian classrooms have been built on memorization, rigid exam patterns, and theoretical assessments. But parents today want more — they want creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking to be part of their children’s learning journey.
“I wanted my daughter to learn beyond the textbook,” says Radhika Sharma, a parent from Gurugram whose child attends an IB school. “The IB curriculum encourages her to question, explore, and think independently — skills that traditional boards often overlook.”
International curricula such as IB and Cambridge focus on inquiry-based education. Students learn how to research, analyze, and present ideas rather than just memorize them. Subjects like the “Theory of Knowledge” (TOK) in IB or research-driven projects in Cambridge A Levels train students for university-style learning early on.
Why Parents Are Making the Switch
Several factors drive this change. One is global recognition. IB and Cambridge qualifications are accepted by thousands of universities worldwide — from the UK and the US to Australia and Singapore. This means students applying abroad don’t have to take extra equivalency exams.
Vinay Sharma, Senior VP at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, explains, “Cambridge qualifications are recognised in more than 90 countries and by over 2,350 universities. Many even award college credit for advanced-level courses, allowing students to fast-track their degrees.”
Another factor is alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes flexibility, interdisciplinary learning, and skill-based education. International boards have been following these principles for decades — long before NEP made them mainstream in India.
Beyond the Metros: Growth in Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities
Interestingly, international schools are no longer limited to India’s metropolitan elite. Nearly half of Cambridge-affiliated schools now operate in smaller cities such as Indore, Lucknow, and Coimbatore.
Rima Singh, Head of DPS International, Gurugram, says, “Parents from smaller towns are becoming more aware. They want their children to compete globally but still stay connected to India’s higher education opportunities.”
The newly introduced Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) is also expanding aggressively across India, offering an affordable international alternative. As Syed Sultan Ahmed, who oversees WACE operations in India, notes, “WACE integrates Indian culture while maintaining international standards, ensuring students can still take exams like NEET, JEE, and CUET.”
Affordability and Accessibility
Despite perceptions, not all international schools are prohibitively expensive. Cambridge schools, for instance, vary widely in fee structures. Many mid-range schools now offer IB-inspired teaching models, bridging the gap between global education and Indian affordability.
To further support Indian students, Cambridge introduced the Cambridge Connect Bridge Course (2024) — designed to help students align their preparation for Indian competitive exams such as JEE and NEET while studying under the Cambridge curriculum.
The Student Perspective
Students themselves feel the difference. Priya, a Class 10 student at a Cambridge school in Delhi, says, “When I study through IGCSE, I understand the ‘why’ behind every concept. It feels more real and prepares me better for college life abroad.”
Such feedback captures what parents and educators have been aiming for — a learning system that values understanding over repetition.
Looking Ahead: A Global Mindset with Indian Roots
The growing popularity of IB, Cambridge, and now WACE reflects a broader change in mindset. Parents are no longer satisfied with high marks alone — they want holistic development, international exposure, and adaptable skills for the future.
As Anita Paul, Principal of Amity Global School Noida, puts it: “Education is no longer about what you know, but how you think. Employers and universities value creativity, collaboration, and communication. These curricula prepare students exactly for that.”
The rise of international boards in India is not a rejection of traditional systems — it’s an evolution. It represents the ambition of a generation of parents who want their children to dream beyond boundaries, while still having the choice to return and contribute meaningfully to India’s growing global footprint.
Also Read: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ec-special-intensive-revision-sir-electoral-rolls-states-ut-10330059/?ref=rhs_top_stories_education
https://thenewstudent.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=4193&action=edit