IB vs Cambridge Is the Wrong Question

Vinayak Rao

A study abroad counselor at Gradmonk

Former Immigration Officer, New Zealand Embassy

Ex-India Representative, University of Auckland

Education Counsellor in Hiranandani, Powai

LinkedIn

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Mrs. Baluwala recently asked me,

“Which international board IB or Cambridge should we choose for Vihaan?”

It’s a common question.

But it’s also the wrong one.

Because choosing between IB and Cambridge (IGCSE / A-Levels) isn’t about which board is “better.”

It’s about how your child learns, thinks, and grows.

The IB is built on breadth and inquiry.

Students write, reflect, debate, connect subjects, and learn to think across disciplines.

It rewards curiosity, time management, and intellectual risk-taking.

The Cambridge pathway is built on depth and mastery.

Students go deep into fewer subjects, focus on content rigor, and are assessed through structured exams.

It suits learners who like clarity, structure, and academic specialization.

IB asks:

Can you connect ideas?

Cambridge asks:

Can you master a subject deeply?

Neither is superior.

They simply value different skills.

I often tell parents this:

IB prepares students for uncertain futures.

Cambridge prepares students for clear academic trajectories.

One trains generalists who can adapt.

The other trains specialists who can go deep.

And then there’s the child in the middle —

creative but disciplined, curious yet focused.

For them, the decision isn’t about the board.

It’s about the environment — the school, the teachers, the support system.

Because no curriculum works in isolation.

A great IB school can outperform a weak Cambridge one. And vice versa.

So before asking, “IB or Cambridge?”

Ask instead:

How does my child learn?

Do they thrive with exploration or structure?

Breadth or depth?

Reflection or exams?

The right board won’t just help your child get into a university.

It will help them become a learner who understands how they think.

And that matters far more than the logo on the report card.

Book an expert consultation for Admissions with Vinayak Rao (Education Consultant) on 9819700567