What is International Baccalaureate (IB)?

Seeking a global education that promotes holistic growth and opens the doors to top universities around the world? Thus, among Indian students, the International Baccalaureate has become a sought-after credential to pursue. Here's a look at what the IB is all about, its various courses and pricing, along with an easy comparison with Indian Boards, so that you can understand why the IB could give you that edge that might be invaluable for your personality or career.

Between 2020 and 2024, the demand for pursuing the International Baccalaureate increased by 34.2%. International Baccalaureate credential is essential for Indian applicants in not just abroad university admissions but also for gaining an extra edge in their personal and professional growth. Explore the International Baccalaureate meaning, courses it offers, pricing, and comparison with other Indian Boards in this article. 

What is International Baccalaureate (IB)?

The International Baccalaureate (IB or International Bacc), is a curriculum managed by the non-profit organisation of the same name, that is, the International Baccalaureate. The IB offers different types of programs, suitable for various age groups. There are programs available for children aged 3 to 19 and above. This IB course credential is essential for not just undergraduate admission abroad but also for an MS abroad or an MBA from abroad. There are also International Baccalaureate programs for professionals. 

Where is IB Offered?

There are 8,000 International Baccalaureate courses offered across 5,900 schools globally (as of October 2024). Out of which, there are over 200 IB courses in India, provided across approximately 255 Indian IB World Schools. In India, these IB World Schools are located in the following popular cities:

• Delhi 
• Mumbai
• Pune
• Jaipur 
• Kolkata
• Hyderabad
• Bangalore

Some of the well-known IB schools in India are - 

Dhirubhai Ambani International School (Mumbai), Aditya Birla World Academy (Mumbai), The International School Bangalore (TISB), The British School (Delhi), Calcutta International School (Kolkata), Mahindra International School (Pune) and others.

Understanding the International Baccalaureate Courses

There are four prominent International Baccalaureate courses for students, and they are as follows:

IB Program Curriculum

The International Baccalaureate at the diploma level is essential for applicants applying to universities abroad. Let's examine the IB Diploma Curriculum in detail in the section below to gain a deeper understanding of it, since it is essential part of the eligibility fulfilment to study abroad.

What is in IB Diploma Curriculum?

International Baccalaureate Diploma is for 16-19 year olds. On completion of this level of IB curriculum, applicants are eligible to apply for undergraduate admissions. But what is in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme? Here is what it usually includes:

1. Subject Groups of six (students pick one subject from each group):

• Language & Literature
• Language Acquisition
• Individuals & Societies (e.g., History, Economics)
• Sciences (e.g., Biology, Physics)
• Mathematics
• Arts (or another subject from groups 1–5)

2. 3 Core Components:

• TOK (Theory of Knowledge) – critical thinking about knowledge
• EE (Extended Essay) – 4,000-word independent research paper
• CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) – extracurricular, community involvement

3. Subject Levels:

• 3 at Higher Level (HL)
• 3 at Standard Level (SL)

Upon completing this, students are eligible to apply for college admissions in India and abroad. 

International Baccalaureate Price in India

The International Baccalaureate price in India varies per school and level of IB course. However, an average estimate to pursue these courses annually is as follows:

• IB schools in metropolitan areas, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, can charge annual fees ranging from ₹6,00,000 to ₹12,00,000. 
• The tuition fees of schools in tier-2 cities or suburban areas would be slightly lower than what is stated here, costing around 20% less per year than those in tier-1 areas.

Benefits of International Baccalaureate Curriculum

There are various benefits of pursuing an International Baccalaureate curriculum, and they are as follows:

• The International Bacc encourages the development of a critical thinking mindset and the ability to solve complex problems.
• Learners in the IB curriculum can lead their learning, guided by their curiosity and personal growth goals.
• International Baccalaureate also constitutes core components of education, which will eventually enable them to enter some of the top-ranking universities in the world.
• Through the IB program curriculum, students become more culturally aware by studying a second language.
• Also, those who graduate with an International Baccalaureate can easily engage with people in an increasingly globalised and fast-paced world.
• The majority of the top countries abroad accept the International Bacc for admissions from Indian applicants. 

Thus, students with an International Baccalaureate usually progress with strong academic, emotional, and social skills. Hence, the IB exams aim for the overall growth and development of the students. 

Why IB for Indian Students Aiming Abroad?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a popular choice for Indian students seeking to pursue higher education abroad, particularly at top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. Here are some aspects that make the IB a meaningful choice for these results-oriented students:

1. International Recognition: 

The IB Diploma Programme is recognised by top universities around the world, including those of the Ivy Leagues. Many international universities accept the IB Diploma as a valid academic qualification and, therefore, do not usually require additional exams, which is an added advantage for Indian applicants applying abroad.

2. Adequate Preparation for University:

The IB programs offer a well-rounded education, with coursework encompassing a diverse range of subject areas, including languages, sciences, humanities, and the arts. IB focuses on essential skills, such as critical thinking, research skills (via Extended Essay), learning to learn, and time management. 

Also, IB encourages students to think critically, objectively question assumptions, and consider alternative views. These can be beneficial for Indian applicants while pursuing popular courses abroad, and including these key skills in their motivation letters or statement of purpose and admission essays. 

3. Development of Global Citizenship:

The IB curriculum, with its interdisciplinary approach, promotes the study of diverse cultures and global issues, preparing learners for an increasingly interdependent world. 

Problem-solving from diverse global viewpoints is taught to students, emphasising certain human qualities such as empathy and understanding. Indian students can primarily benefit from this aspect of the International Baccalaureate, as it enables them to adjust to a culturally diverse institution more flexibly.

4. Competitive Edge in Admissions:

The rigours of IB coursework signal to universities the ability of a student to bear demanding, large-scale academic courses. Depending on the student's high scores in IB college courses, many international universities may offer students direct college credit or advanced placement, which can be beneficial for Indian applicants planning to study abroad. 

Also, students with an IB course credential will not be required to submit SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admissions to universities abroad. 

IB vs. Indian Boards (CBSE/ICSE/ISC): Comparative Study for International Aspirations

For those who want to understand the difference between IB curriculum and other Indian boards, here is a comparative study below:

*Full forms used in IB:

• TOK - Theory of Knowledge (explores how we know what we know; encourages critical thinking)
• EE - Extended Essay (4,000-word research paper on a topic that the student chooses to work on independently)
• CAS - Creativity, Activity, Service (core feature involving students in arts, sports, and community service)

Students who graduate with an International Bacc can have a stronger academic background through holistic and curiosity-driven learning. On the other hand, Indian Boards can help students gain an academic edge through history and linear-subject-based learning. 

Check out: How to Apply to Universities Abroad?

International University Admissions with IB Credential

Indian students can easily apply for undergraduate admissions after completing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This is equivalent to 10+2 or +2 in India and abroad. The IB credential can be used to get admission to Ivy League universities, top UK universities, and some popular universities in Canada and Australia. Here is a list of the universities:

US Universities Accepting IB Credential

For those planning to study in USA with an International Baccalaureate can study at 791 US universities. Some of the popular tier-1 US universities accepting IB curriculum for admissions are as follows:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Harvard University
• Columbia University
• Brown University
• Stanford University

UK Universities Accepting IB Credential

There are 118 UK universities that accept the International Bacc from international students as part of admissions. If going to study in the UK, check out where IB can be accepted:

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Manchester
• University of Glasgow

Canada Universities Accepting IB Credential

Indian students who plan to study in Canada soon and have acquired the IB credential or completed the IB Diploma Curriculum can apply to 86 Canadian universities. Some of the most renowned ones are as follows:

• Concordia University
• Queen’s University
• Trent University
• University of Calgary
• University of British Columbia

Australian Universities Accepting IB Credential

Australia also accepts International Baccalaureate credential for international student admissions. The Group of Eight (Go8) universities and Level 1 universities in Australia, which are tier-1 colleges, accept the IB curriculum. Overall 34 Australian universities accept it, and some of them are:

• Australian National University
• University of Melbourne
• University of Sydney
• University of Adelaide
• University of Technology Sydney

The International Baccalaureate curriculum offers a foreign and enriching educational path, particularly to Indian students seeking to become global citizens. Critical thinking skills, inquiry-based teaching, purposeful inquiry, and global skill building are among the primary focus areas that prepare students for not only academic success in prestigious universities worldwide but also for navigating the increasing complexities of interdependent nationhood.

Admittedly, while somewhat steeper than conventional Indian boards, the ankle wing typically provides students with admission opportunities to international courts, along with advanced placement choices and networking opportunities for future learning, growth, and development. Ultimately, the IB produces academically capable, culturally diverse, and distinctly capable individuals who serve the community to a large extent, making it an excellent option for those who truly need an international educational experience.

So if you are an Indian student planning to study abroad with your International Baccalaureate credential, you can sign up for free counselling and request a callback from our expert counsellors at Shiksha Abroad Counselling.