Is Delhi Public School ICSE or CBSE? Here's the Real Answer

When parents in India ask whether Delhi Public School (DPS) follows ICSE or CBSE, they’re not just checking a box on a form. They’re trying to understand the learning path their child will take-what subjects they’ll study, how they’ll be tested, and how it affects future options like engineering, medicine, or studying abroad. The answer isn’t simple, because Delhi Public School isn’t one school. It’s a network of over 100 campuses across India, and each one makes its own choice.

Most Delhi Public Schools Follow CBSE

The majority of DPS campuses, especially the flagship ones in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and other major cities, are affiliated with the Congress of Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This isn’t random. CBSE is the most widely recognized board in India, especially for students aiming for competitive exams like JEE (for engineering) and NEET (for medicine). Since DPS schools are often seen as academies for high-achieving students, CBSE makes practical sense. Its syllabus is standardized, national in scope, and heavily aligned with entrance exam patterns.

For example, DPS Delhi (Rohini) and DPS Vasant Kunj both list CBSE as their board on their official websites. Their curriculum, textbooks, and exam schedules all match CBSE guidelines. Even their science labs and math modules are designed around CBSE’s emphasis on conceptual clarity and problem-solving-exactly what JEE and NEET demand.

Some DPS Campuses Use ICSE

But not all. A few DPS schools, particularly those in southern or western India, are affiliated with the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE). ICSE is known for a broader, more detailed curriculum. It includes more literature, environmental science, and practical projects. ICSE also requires students to take English as a core subject with heavy emphasis on grammar and composition.

For instance, DPS Pune and DPS Indore have historically offered ICSE streams, especially in older branches that were founded before CBSE became dominant. These schools often attract families who value holistic education over exam-focused training. ICSE students tend to score higher in English proficiency tests and perform well in international universities-something many of these DPS campuses highlight.

Why the Difference? Location and History Matter

The board a DPS campus follows often depends on when and where it was founded. Schools established in the 1980s and 1990s in northern India mostly picked CBSE because it was the fastest-growing board at the time. Schools opened later in cities like Jaipur, Bhopal, or Surat sometimes chose ICSE to stand out or because local education authorities recommended it.

There’s also a cultural factor. In Delhi and Haryana, parents prioritize entrance exam success. In Mumbai or Bangalore, some families prefer ICSE because it’s seen as more globally oriented. So if you’re considering a DPS school, don’t assume the board is the same everywhere. You have to check the specific campus.

CBSE vs ICSE: Key Differences That Affect Your Child

Here’s how CBSE and ICSE actually differ in practice:

For example, in CBSE, Class 10 science has 3 main subjects-Physics, Chemistry, and Biology-with a clear weightage. In ICSE, students study Environmental Science, Computer Applications, and even Art as part of the core curriculum. That means ICSE students spend more time on research projects and presentations.

How to Find Out Which Board Your DPS Campus Uses

If you’re considering admission, don’t rely on hearsay. Here’s how to get the real answer:

1. Visit the official website of the specific DPS campus you’re interested in. Look for a section labeled "Academics" or "Board Affiliation".
2. Check the school’s annual report or prospectus-these usually list the board clearly.
3. Call the admissions office and ask directly: "Which board is this campus affiliated with for Class 10 and Class 12?"
4. Ask current parents in local Facebook groups or WhatsApp communities. They’ll know the real experience.

Some schools even offer both streams. For example, DPS South Ex (Delhi) has a CBSE stream for science and commerce, and a separate ICSE stream for humanities and international pathways. That’s rare but worth knowing.

What Happens If You Switch Boards?

Switching from CBSE to ICSE-or vice versa-is possible but not easy. The syllabi don’t align. A student moving from CBSE Class 9 to ICSE Class 10 will face unfamiliar topics in English literature and history. The reverse is true too: ICSE students switching to CBSE often struggle with the faster pace and exam-focused teaching style.

Most DPS schools don’t allow mid-course transfers between boards. If you’re planning ahead, choose wisely in Class 6 or 7. Once you’re in Class 9, changing boards becomes a big disruption.

Which Board Is Better?

There’s no universal answer. If your child wants to become an engineer or doctor, CBSE is the safer bet. It’s what most coaching centers, textbooks, and mock tests are built around. If your child excels in writing, enjoys research, or plans to study abroad, ICSE gives them a stronger foundation in English and critical thinking.

But here’s the truth: Delhi Public School is not about the board. It’s about the quality of teaching, the discipline, and the peer environment. A good student will thrive in either system. A poor one won’t be saved by the board name.

Final Tip: Look Beyond the Board

Don’t pick a DPS campus just because it’s CBSE or ICSE. Visit. Talk to teachers. Ask about the student-to-teacher ratio. Check if they have labs, libraries, and debate clubs. Ask how many students from the last batch got into top colleges. Board matters-but not as much as the culture of the school.