ICSE schools may use NCERT books as reference material

Patna: Schools affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) may now use National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books as base reference material to prepare students for Class XII boards as well as competitive exams.
“From examination year 2018 onwards, schools may use NCERT textbooks for physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics as base while other books may also be referred to for complete coverage of the syllabus,” said a press note issued by the CISCE after a recent meeting of principals and teachers of ICSE schools in Bihar and Jharkhand.
It may be mentioned that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) also primarily prescribes NCERT books for Class IX to XII students, especially for the board exams.
Prominent ICSE schools such as St Joseph’s Convent High School, St Xavier’s High School, Don Bosco Academy and International School took part in the Ranchi meet that was attended by about 120 delegates, including over 30 from Bihar. “Various issues and achievements of ICSE schools in the region was discussed at the meeting,” International School principal Farhat Hasan, who attended the meeting, said and added, “Next year, Patna will host the conference.”
The principals and teachers also discussed the ‘myth’ that CBSE’s Class XII is easier than ICSE and helps better in preparing for various competitive exams. “A number of modifications have been made in physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology subjects, keeping in mind the requirements of the engineering and medical examinations in the country. The CISCE is also in the process of preparing study material and questions based on the competitive exams, along with video lectures, for Class XII students,” the press statement said.