ICSE
Pros:
The ICSE board is highly comprehensive as it ensures that students learn subjects from all fields. While Group 1 subjects are mandatory, students get to pick two subjects from group 2 and one from group 3, thus providing them with flexibility when picking subjects of their interest.
There is emphasis on english in ICSE, making it easier for students to take other English based exams like the IELTS, TOEFL or scholarship examinations.
ICSE also exposes students to the practical applications of what they learn which are aggregated to their final results. These are known as internal assessments. This provides students with a better understanding of their subjects.
Cons:
Unlike the IB, ICSE is entirely academic driven. It does not equip students with writing or critical thinking skills which are essential at a university level and in the real world.
In the sixth grade, students must take 13 subjects/ examinations which could seem quite intensive and stressful for students from that age group.
If students wish to pursue their higher education abroad, they may find it difficult as the ICSE is the national curriculum of India and is not globally recognised like the IB.
IGCSE
Pros:
IGCSE allows students to pursue their higher education abroad. The syllabus emphasizes on developing critical thinking, analytical skills, communication skills, investigative abilities, problem-solving techniques, teamwork, independent research and other qualities valued by all international universities.
IGCSE gives importance to all fields which provides students with a vastness of knowledge. It provides students with an opportunity to select courses according to their interest in the subjects. The courses also provide them with an opportunity to mix these subjects with components of fine arts, visual arts, theatre, technical drawing, music, film making, community service, etc.
Cons:
Taking up the curriculum is quite expensive in comparison to other boards in India.
As the curriculum is vast, it can be stressful for students.
Textbooks are not as easily available compared to textbooks from other boards in india.
IB
Pros:
Students have the freedom to seek out what truly interests and inspires them. Unlike most boards, IB students have the liberty to pick subjects of interest from 6 groups namely, mathematics, language acquisition, the arts, sciences, humanities and literature.
The IB really teaches students that education is more than just memorising the content in their textbooks. In order to prepare for higher learning and success in their future careers, the IB equips students with thinking skills to develop and demonstrate the ability to learn, apply and use knowledge to solve real-world problems.
The level of personal growth that IB students achieve is one of the major reasons for choosing this programme. IB not only helps you grow academically by making students more knowledgeable, it also helps students grow as people. Reflecting on daily tasks, balancing multiple things at once, caring, open-mindedness, increased and effective communication— these are skills that students can carry forward in life.
The extended essay, internal assessments and the theory of knowledge are components of the IB programme that demand students to develop advanced independent research and organizational skills. This skill in particular is highly essential to carry forward as it will help familiarise students with doing research at a university level.
Cons:
Taking up the curriculum is quite expensive in comparison to other boards in India.
Textbooks are not as easily available compared to textbooks from other boards in india.
This two year course can be extremely rigorous and extensive. Students may find it hard to balance their school life with responsibilities at home which can cause large amounts of stress.
If you plan to pursue education in the US, you may not receive college credit for the subjects at standard level.