CBSE-i

HANDBOOK
for CBSE-i
Central Board of Secondary Education

&Vision

Mission
CBSE

The CBSE envisions a robust, vibrant and holistic school education that will
engender excellence in every sphere of human endeavour. The Board is
committed to provide quality education to promote intellectual, social and
cultural vivacity among its learners. The Board is working towards
evolving a learning process and an environment which would empower
the learners as - future citizens to become global leaders in the emerging
knowledge society. The Board commits itself to providing a stress-free
learning environment that will develop competent, confident and
enterprising citizens who will promote harmony and peace.
CBSE-i
In addition the CBSE is formulating an internationally benchmarked global
curriculum, the CBSE-i will be enquiry and skill focused, catering to
individual learning styles in terms of pedagogy and assessment. It will
address global needs as well as relate to local issues and local culture. It
aims to promote critical and creative thinking skills, effective
communication skills, interpersonal and collaborative skills and
information and media skills. There is an inbuilt flexibility as it provides a
foundation and an extension curriculum in all subject areas to cater to the
different pace of learners. Through CBSE-i, the Board hopes to provide
quality with a reasonable fee commensurate with the facilities offered
(infrastructural and academic).
Mandate of the Board
"The services of the Board may be availed of by any educational
institution in India or outside India, which wishes to prepare candidates
for the examinations conducted by the Board and the Board shall have
the power to affiliate such institutions for the purpose of its
examination."
Source : The Manual of Rules and Regulations of CBSE

HANDBOOK
for CBSE-i

Shiksha Kendra, 2, Community Centre, Preet Vihar, Delhi-110 092 India

CBSE-i : Leading for Change

Introduction:
Education is the most powerful instrument of change. It has to be
meaningful for meeting the challenges of the present and the future. In
a globalised world in addition to knowledge, attitude and skills play an
equally important role to determine success.
It is becoming increasingly important for people to have the right
attitude, a willingness to learn and an understanding of how to
collaborate in teams. Skills will determine economic fortunes for many
countries in the foreseeable future and education will be the key to
acquiring thinking skills, social skills and a positive attitude.
In response to this the CBSE is formulating CBSE International
(CBSE-i) - an Internationally benchmarked curriculum which will be
implemented in phases and initially offered to schools overseas that are
affiliated with the Board.
Key Features of CBSE-i

Enquiry and skill based curriculum

Catering to individual learning styles
Learner and learning centric
Focus on experiential learning
Focus on analysis and discovery approach
Focus on real world experiences
Languages
English, Mother
tongue/Hindi/
any other
foreign language

Performing Arts
Music, Drama, Dance
Social Studies
Visual Arts - Fine
EE, History, Political
Arts, Pottery,
Perspectives
l
and Social life,
Sculpture Physical l
Critical Thinking Module
Geography
Education
Life Skills
l
SEWA
l
Research Project
l
Mathematics
Core and Elective
ICT

Sciences
EE, General Science
Physics, Chemistry,
Biology,
Breakthroughs

All areas of learning will have

a foundation and an extension.
The extensions will not be
examinable and will be present
as optional areas.

There are five learning areas or Units of Enquiry with a Core Area that
incorporates Perspectives (informed positions), Critical Thinking,
Research Project, Life Skills and Social Empowerment through Work
and Action (SEWA).
Five learning areas are represented diagrammatically as the 5 petals
which intersect in a cross curricular approach.
The first learning area is languages, and students will study two
languages upto Class V, English and one other which could be Hindi,
the student's mother tongue, a local language or any other
international language. At Classes VI - X they will study three
languages.
The language curriculum aims to develop the skills of listening,
speaking, reading and writing in a variety of contexts and train
students to be able to adapt language to suit different tasks, audiences
and purposes. It aims to develop confidence in the students' so that
they can use their skills and abilities effectively. It helps to develop
students' critical abilities - to analyze and critically evaluate diverse
texts; and to equip learners with the language to question ideas and
articulate their point of view.
The second area of learning is Social Studies. This is called
Environmental Education for classes I and II where it is a combination
of Science and Social Studies. In classes III to V students study a
combination of History, Geography, Social and Political Structures and
in classes VI to X it crystallizes into the study of History, Social and
Political Structures, Geography and Economics.
The Social Studies curriculum aims to develop in students an
understanding and evaluation of the social, political, economic and
environmental dimensions of the world, and helps them formulate and
justify arguments in response to a diverse range of issues.
The third area of learning is Mathematics and
Technology. All students study Mathematics till class
X. For classes I to class VIII the focus is on developing
core mathematical skills in all learners. There will be a
2

choice between Core and a Higher Elective Mathematics in class IX

leading to class X. The Mathematics Curriculum helps students
develop strategies that improve their logical thinking and analytical
ability. These include the ability to approximate and estimate, to use
trial and improvement techniques, look for patterns and make
hypotheses. They will acquire Computational Skills of approximation,
estimation and measurement and ability to identify patterns which
facilitate logical and spatial intelligences. The Mathematics Lab
activities will be an integral and a compulsory part of the Mathematics
curriculum and will be examinable from classes VI to X.
Information and Communications Technology is a compulsory
component of the curriculum which will help students assess the
impact of new technologies on society and train them to use these
productively. The focus of the program is to help students understand
and use common software applications and use technology to enhance
their ability to access, evaluate and research information;
The fourth area of learning is Science which in classes I and II is
covered as Environmental Education and from classes III to V is treated
as General Science. In classes VI to X Science is studied as individual
disciplines of Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
The Science curriculum offers students the opportunity to be curious,
to question, to investigate, to formulate hypotheses, design and carry
out experiments, make critical observations and record results.
An addition to this there is an extension programme called
Breakthroughs which will familiarize students to stay familiar with
current trends of scientific thinking and developmental processes.
This will cover current developments such as Telecommunications, the
Genome project, and new age materials like recyclable plastics etc.
The fifth area of learning combines the areas of Physical
Education, Performing Arts and Visual Arts. These offer
opportunities for the development of imagination,
sense of aesthetics, sensitivity and inventiveness all of
which are requirements of a balanced curriculum.
3

The Physical Education (PE) curriculum contributes to the physical

fitness aspect and all round development of students. The subject is
unique in that it seeks to promote basic body management, developing
into a mastery of coordinated and skilful

movement. Physical

education will be a compulsory element of the curriculum for every

class, from I to X. This element of the curriculum will not be formally
examined at the end of the year but will be graded across the year based
on students participation and teachers observations. The Physical
Education Cards (PEC) will be a unique feature for classes I-V.
The Performing Arts Curriculum provides a means for personal
expression, and the articulation of ideas. This will lead to inspiring and
confident participation thus developing social skills through creative
teamwork as well as enhancing communication skills.
The Visual Arts program is aimed at promoting intellectual, aesthetic
and emotional growth. Students realize the joy of expression through
various mediums. They learn to appreciate art from different cultures
as well as the native arts of the country against the backdrop of the
cultural context in which they exist. From classes I to V, all students
experience the arts of music, dance and theatre. In Middle school from
class VI to X each student opts for one learning area from the
Performing Arts and one from the Visual Arts. This element of the
curriculum will not be formally examined at the end of the year but will
be graded across the year based on students participation and
teachers observations.
At the heart of the Curriculum or the core is an innovative programme
called Perspectives, Life Skills, SEWA (Social Empowerment
through Work and Action), Critical Thinking Module and Research
project.
Perspectives introduces students to both global and local
issues and through research, discussion and debate and
encourages students to arrive at informed positions
about contemporary issues that affect us all.

The Life skills Programme will be able to help students, lead balanced,
happy and successful lives. The program covers Creative and Critical
Thinking Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Effective Communication Skills,
Problem-Solving and Decision Making Skills, Conflict Resolution
skills, Cooperation, Leadership Skills and Adolescent Education.
Critical Thinking Module contains a series of exercises in critical
thinking, logic and reasoning which will build their higher order
thinking skills.
From class I to class X all students will be a part of program of
community service to be held every year. Students will keep a journal
of their association and a log of their hours spent meaningfully in a
Social Empowerment through Work and Action (SEWA).
Research Project Module will include research or extended writing on
a programme topic chosen by the student. This will be cross curricular
in nature and will provide the opportunity to use experiences from the
Perspectives and the Critical Thinking Module. This will be initiated
from class VI onwards.
All the elements of the Core will be commented upon and are not
examinable. The exhaustive syllabus document is accompanied by
teacher support materials and extensive teacher training particularly
in the areas of pedagogy and assessment.
Proposed Courses (Session 2012 - 2013 onwards)
The courses are offered in following class:

Class I, II and III

Class VI, VII, IX, X and XI

Class I & II

Two languages

English

Hindi / Mother Tongue/Local

Language/Any International Language
5

Environmental Education (Science and Social Studies)

Mathematics and Technology

Physical Education

Performing Arts

Visual Arts

The Core

SEWA

Life Skills

Class III to V

Two languages

English

Hindi / Mother Tongue/Local Language/

Any International Language

Science

Social Science

Mathematics and Technology

Physical Education

Performing Arts

Visual Arts

The Core

SEWA

Life Skills

Class VI to VIII

Three languages

English

Mother Tongue / Any Indian Language /

Local Language / Hindi

Foreign Language
Social Science

History

Geography
6

Mathematics and Technology

Science

The Core

Perspectives

SEWA

Life Skills

Research

Class IX & X

Three languages

English

Mother Tongue / Any Indian Language /

Local Language / Hindi

International Language

Social Science

History

Social and Political Structures

Geography

Economics

Mathematics and Technology

Core Mathematics

Mathematics Lab Activities

Higher Elective Mathematics

Information Communication Technology

Science

Physics

Biology

Chemistry

Breakthroughs

Core

Perspectives
-

Global and local issues

Critical Thinking Module

-

Higher Order Thinking Skills

7

Research Project
-

Research writing

Life Skills
-

Creative - Critical Thinking

Problem Solving - Decision Making

Communication - Interpersonal Skills

Empathy - Self Awareness

Dealing with Stress - Managing Emotions

SEWA

Course Transaction:

Enquiry and skill based

Catering to individual learning styles

Enabling constructivist approach

Learner and learning centric pedagogy

Enabling experiential learning

Facilitating experimental analysis

Discovery approach

Assessment Guidelines

Continuous and Comprehensive evaluation

Move from purely summative assessments to a variety of

assessment tools catering to varying learner needs

A combination of formative and summative assessments

Including research projects (students work at their own

pace), non examinable elements in all curriculum areas

Guidelines (Academic)
1.

The students opting for CBSE-i in Class 1 will follow

the syllabus document worksheets provided and
teachers guidelines in complete conformity with
those provided.
8

2.

In case of Class IX the students opting for CBSE-i will follow the
syllabus document curriculum guidelines and teachers detailed
plan as given by the CBSE.

3.

In case of Social Science, Hindi and Additional Language they will

follow the guidelines provided in the subject separately.

4.

CBSE-i Class IX will also follow the assessment pattern advocated

by CCE. There will be 60 % Weightage to Formative Assessment
and 40% Weightage to Summative Assessment.

5.

The Formative Assessment will be focused on assessment for

learning and Summative Assessment will be focused on
assessment of learning.

6.

It is compulsory for all students under CBSE-i Class IX to follow the

framework of co-scholastic assessment as provided below :

Life Skills

Creative - Critical Thinking

Problem Solving - Decision Making

Communication - Interpersonal Skills

Empathy - Self Awareness

Dealing with Stress - Managing Emotions

Literary Skills

Debate

Declamation

Creative Writing

Recitation

Drawing

Poster - Making

Slogan Writing

On-the-Spot Painting

Theatre

Attitudes

Value Systems

Scientific Skills

Science Club

Projects

Maths Club

Science Quiz

Science Exhibition

Olympiads

Performing Arts

Music (Vocal, Instrumental)

Drama

Dance

Visual Arts

Craft

Sculpture

Puppetry

Folk Art forms etc.

Health & Wellness

Clubs

Eco

Others

Health and Physical Education

Sports / Indigenous sports

Scouting and
Guiding

Swimming

Gymnastics

Yoga

First Aid

Gardening

Life Skills and other co-scholastic skills will be assessed on a five

point scale.

Assessment Tools

Written tasks - extended and short

Oral

Listening

Speaking

Visual

Kinesthetic

Team/group

Research

Observation and
Self Reflection

10

Who Can Join the Course?

Initially schools affiliated to CBSE.
Medium of Instruction:
The medium of instruction will be English.
Enrollment Registration:
Enrollment for the course will be done by the CBSE on payment of
requisite fee by the date(s) to be prescribed separately for the purpose.
The application form for enrolment is given as Annexure-1.
Registration will be done once a year.
Course Fee:
(i) The Course Fee for the introduction would be Rs. 2,50,000/- for
introduction of the International Curriculum or CBSE-i.
The fee would include:
-

Course material (Curriculum framework, Syllabus, Student

Worksheets)

Academic guidance through support material and teacher

guidelines

Evaluation & Certification

(ii) The fee would not include expenses incurred on teacher training
for attending contact programme arranged by the Board. These
expenses will be borne by the schools themselves.
(iii) Late fee of Rs.10,000/- will be charged if the registration is done
within one month from the last date prescribed.
(iv) All fees are payable in Indian rupees at the Board's office, in cash or
through credit card / electronic transfer / bank draft in favour of
the Secretary, CBSE at the time of registration for which the school
must obtain a receipt.
(v) Fee paid is not refundable.
(vi) Fresh fee will be required to be paid if the school
wants to be re-enrolled for a course next time
11

The Board may, however, refund the fee deposited, if it thinks it

necessary, after deducting incidental charges as may be fixed by it.
Scheme of Evaluation :

Learners registered for the course will be evaluated on the basis of

Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) and wherever
feasible `on line' evaluation will be followed.

Learners will be graded on a 9-point scale in scholastic and 5 point

scale in co-scholastic areas :

9 - point scale :
Marks Range

Grade

Grade Point

91-100

A1

10.0

81-90

A2

9.0

71-80

B1

8.0

61-70

B2

7.0

51-60

C1

6.0

41-50

C2

5.0

33-40

4.0

21-32

E1

20 and below

E2

5-point scale :
Grade

Grade Point

A+

B+

12

General :
1.

The school will follow the curriculum of CBSE International

(CBSE-i).

2.

The school will make separate facilities for the classes following
the syllabus of CBSE/NCERT and CBSE International within the
existing structure.

3.

The students enrolled for CBSE International will be provided with

separate class rooms.

4.

The school will arrange classrooms with facility for use of

technology in teaching learning process for CBSE International
syllabus.

5.

The school shall use qualified teaching staff with 03 years teaching
experience as per provisions of Affiliation Bye-Laws of the CBSE-i.

6.

The school will maintain teacher student ratio of 1:25 for each
section and classes following CBSE International curriculum.

7.

Teachers will follow Continuous Professional Development

through teacher training on a consistent and sustainable basis.

8.

Teacher training will be done by CBSE.

9.

The school will depute its teachers selected for the course CBSE
International to attend a training programme organized by the
CBSE as and when required.

10. The school will provide necessary facilities i.e classrooms,

laboratories, library and other facilities as per requirement of the
syllabi prescribed for CBSE International curriculum.
11. The school will appoint or assign responsibility to an Academic
Supervisor to co-ordinate CBSE-i activities. This person
will be designated as CBSE-i Co-ordinator.
12. The school will submit an application in the
prescribed enclosed format before commencement
of the International course.
13

Contact Address
For all correspondence the following officers of the Board may be
contacted:
Mr. Joseph Emmanuel
Deputy Secretary (Aff.)
Central Board of Secondary Education
Shiksha Kendra, 2-Community Centre,
Preet Vihar, Delhi-110 092.
Contact No. : 011-22426938
e-mail : josephe.cbse@nic.in

Mr. Al Hilal Ahmed

Asstt. Education Officer
Central Board of Secondary Education
Shiksha Sadan, 17, Rouse Avenue
Institutional Area, New Delhi - 110 002
Contact No. : 011-23237780
e-mail : sadhanap.cbse@gmail.com
sadhanap.cbse@nic.in

14

Annexure 1
APPLICATION FOR INTRODUCTION OF CBSE
INTERNATIONAL (CBSE-i)
AFFILIATION NO. ___________________________________________
WEBSITE ADDRESS _________________________________________
1.

Name & Address of the school

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

2.

Name of Chairman /Manager/Director

_________________________________________________________

3.

Name of Principal
_________________________________________________________

4.

Phone numbers ____________________, ______________________

Office

Residence

Fax / telex no

Email id

Manager
Principal
5.

Status of Affiliation
Category

Affiliation Period upto Number of Students

Middle
Secondary
Sr. Secondary
6.

Particulars of land and buildings

i)

Total Area in Sq. mts. _________________

ii)

Built up area in Sq. mts. _______________

iii) Accommodation

15

S. No. Details

Number Size Capacity

I)

Class rooms

II)

Lab

III)

Library

IV)

Other rooms
A. Art & craft room
B. Music room
C. Sports room
D. Gymnasium
E. Activity room
F.

V)
7.

Playroom for primary classes

Playgrounds
Details of teaching staff

S. No.

Staff details

No. of
trained

No. of
CCE/CPD
untrained trained

Teachers Teachers

8.

I)

Principal

II)

Librarian

III)

PE

IV)

Primary Teachers

V)

Graduate Teachers

VI)

Post Graduate Teachers

Total number of books in school library (please do not attach

list)
Details
Periodicals
Dailies
Titles
Reference books
16

Number of books

9.

Lab facilities
S. No.

Subject

Laboratories Fully / partially

size
equipped

I)

Physics

II)

Chemistry

III)

Biology

IV)

Computer

V)

Composite lab

VI)

Maths lab

VII)

Bio-technology lab

VIII)

Home science lab

IX)

Art & craft room

X)

Music room

XI)

Sports room

XII)

Gymnasium room

XIII)

Activity room

XIV)

Playroom for primary

classes

XV)

Any other

10. Subjects taught

Secondary

Senior Secondary

17

11. The number of teachers trained as part of continuous

professional development (CPD) and the areas covered in the
last three years.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
12. Diversity in terms of faculty and students
No. of teachers from different countries with details: ____________
No. of students from different countries with details: ____________
13. Names and details of teachers who will teach CBSE -i Classes.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
14. Particulars of fee remitted
DD No

Date

Drawee bank

Date

____________________

Place

____________________

Amount

Signature _____________________
Name_____________________
Designation_____________________
Note :
(i) The above document may be mailed to Mr.
Joseph Emmanuel, D.S. (Affiliation) at
josephe.cbse@nic.in with a copy to
sadhanap.cbse@nic.in
(ii) For any further query you may please contact
at 011-22023737, 22467263.
18

CBSE-i is .
A response to the need to create schools which are futuristic.
CBSE-i is
A way to move to an enquiry based skills approach in which
teachers and students engage in collaborative learning
CBSE-i is .
Involved in creating students who raise questions, think,
reflect, analyse, interpret, experiment, research and create
knowledge.
CBSE-i is .
A set of materials, print and electronic which help teachers
to innovate and create

CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

Shiksha Kendra, 2, Community Centre, Preet Vihar, Delhi-110 092 India