Chatrabhuj Narsee School is a Candidate School for the IBDP programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—
a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that CNS believes is important for our students. Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four
academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no
guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org

Proposed IBDP School in Pune

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (IBDP)

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General FAQs

What makes a school an IB World School?

A school must be authorized by the IB Organisation (Geneva) to teach any IB programme; authorisation requires curriculum alignment, teacher training, leadership commitment, infrastructural requirement of laboratories and library to be met along with resources for ongoing professional development. Schools may offer one or more of the four programmes (PYP, MYP, DP).

When and how did the IB begin?

The IB was established in 1968 (Geneva) to create a high-quality Pre University programme with the facility of an internationally transferable curriculum for globally mobile families allowing them to get admitted in premiere Universities to study tertiary programmes offered globally.

What are the IB core competencies / learner profile?

The IB Learner Profile names the attributes the IB develops: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, reflective. These traits are central to classroom design, assessment and overall learner development.

Training of teachers based on ever changing curriculum and assessment based on changes in the dynamic curriculum.

How many IB programmes are there? Must a school offer all four?

The IB offers four programmes (PYP, MYP, DP , CP)

No — a school does not have to offer all four; authorization is granted per programme, independently by IB  and many schools offer one or two programmes (CNS offers only the Diploma Programme).

Can a student from CBSE/ICSE/IGCSE join the IB? Will they cope?

Yes. The programs are designed in such way that the other program learners can adapt to the DP program. Students from CBSE, ICSE or British systems can enter the DP. Bridge courses are usually provided (e.g. orientation, skill-building in research, argumentation, academic writing) because DP emphasises inquiry, extended writing and independent research.

Does a student from the British system have to lose a year?

No. Students coming from the British system do not need to lose a year when entering IBDP Year 1. While the British curriculum follows an 11+2 structure, where students complete their IGCSE/O Levels at the end of Grade 11. The Indian system follows the 10+2 pattern with board exams in Grade 10. With proper subject mapping and recognition of prior learning, students can transition smoothly into the IB Diploma Programme after completing the first year of their IGCSE cycle. Schools routinely support this process through careful guidance and course alignment. As a result, the graduating age remains comparable, and learners can enter DP Year 1 without any academic delay.

What does a gap year, a year off or a third year option mean?

A gap year is a planned break after school that allows a student to gain experience. It may include volunteering, internships or other activities that build skills and strengthen the student’s resume for university applications. It is a purposeful break that supports personal growth and readiness for higher studies.

Why are IB students often successful in university admissions and higher studies?

IB students succeed because they complete a rigorous pre-university programme that strengthens critical thinking and independent learning. They perform well in higher secondary levels and are known to have strong academic discipline. Universities recognise this and therefore IB students often have a higher acceptance rate and tend to outperform many of their peers in further studies.

What are the reasons for higher placement success of IB students?

IB learners undergo a rigorous pre university program effectively adding to their metacognition and analytical skills in higher secondary thus placing them in a better position for acceptance in renowned universities. Additionally, they out perform their peers coming from other boards in many aspects because of the rigour of the DP curriculum.

What does IB mean for the parents?

It inculcates values and builds character. The curriculum is working to find a balance of skills, attitudes, knowledge and curriculum. The curriculum promotes good teaching practice through the written documents and by providing sharing of ideas throughout the various schools.

What does IB mean for teachers?

All the teachers are committed to International mindedness and work collaboratively. Reflection is an integral part of IB practices along with sharing ideas and strengths. All the faculty are driven by the spirit of inquiry and a sense of purpose. Teachers are not expected to discard years of skills and experience, rather they utilize that to bring innovation to their classrooms.

What if the school doesn’t offer a student’s mother tongue?

Students can choose from 110 world and regional languages which can be taken as a self taught subject as Language A and the school provides guidelines and support for the same. Students can study a different language course (Language B / ab initio) while the school supports mother-tongue maintenance through supplementary arrangements if feasible. Schools often provide guidance on certificate options and college language requirements.

What if a student struggles in Maths/Sciences/Humanities?

The DP allows careful subject selection (SL vs HL) and schools provide learning support, scaffolding, remedial help and mentorship. CNS will offer tailored learning support and subject counselling so students choose a programme that is rigorous yet realistic. Our academic counselor will help the learner choose subjects as per their passion and aptitude.

What is unique about the IBDP program?

IBDP’s combination of breadth + depth, the TOK/EE/CAS core, internationally-benchmarked assessments, and the Learner Profile focus on dispositions makes the DP unique — it develops academically capable and globally responsible students.

Can you take three sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)?

Yes — students may choose three science subjects across SL/HL depending on timetable and school offerings. CNS will recommend subject combinations for career pathways such as Engineering or Medicine.

Students need to take prior approval to take three Sciences from IB upon which an Irregular Diploma will be awarded which is equivalent to a regular Diploma.

Where does specialization come from?

Specialization in the DP happens through Higher Level (HL) subjects — students typically take 3 HL and 3 SL subjects.

How is the final assessment done?

A combination of external exams (final papers), internal assessments (IAs) graded by teachers and externally moderated and performance in TOK and EE for the additional 3 core points. Mandatory CAS hours to be completed by the learners for the successful Diploma completion. Final results are awarded by the IB.

College admission FAQs

Do universities require the IB programme?

No — but the IB is widely recognised and valued by top universities worldwide. In India the IB Diploma is recognised by the Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to +2 for entry (guidance varies; always check the specific university). 140 countries across the world accept the IB Diploma as a prerequisite for UG admissions.

Do IB students get advanced placement or credit?

Many universities award advanced standing credit or college credit for high scores on IB exams. It is up to the learners to use the credits allowing students to potentially graduate early or skip introductory courses, though policies vary by institution

Do IB students need SAT/TOEFL/IELTS?

Depends on the destination country/university. Universities in the US commonly expect SAT or ACT (alternatives exist), and non-native English speakers may need TOEFL/IELTS per university rules.

Are Indian colleges ready for IB students?

Yes— The association of Indian universities and other competitive admission bodies recognize the IB though processes (percentile conversion, document timelines) differ. CNS provides targeted university counselling for Indian and International applications. CNS also hosts university fairs for Indian universities and colleges abroad  by providing an AIU recognition letter and percentage equivalent after two weeks of result declaration.

Can IB students take IIT/JEE / medical entrance exams?

Yes — students who choose the right subject combination (Maths HL, Physics HL, Chemistry HL/SL) and undergo focused competitive exam coaching can pursue IIT/JEE and medical entrances.

Does late declaration of IB results affect Indian admissions?

Some Indian timelines differ from IB result dates. CNS assists with pre-application documentation and liaises with universities to manage timing constraints.