Students switch boards, pick inter colleges to gain competitive edge

By: Manvi Vyas

Students from ICSE, CBSE and IB schools in the city are opting for Intermediate colleges for preparation of competitive exams, academic flexibility and affordability.

As admissions begin, a growing number of students from ICSE, CBSE and IB schools in Hyderabad are shifting to Telangana Intermediate colleges, driven by competitive exam preparation, affordability and academic flexibility.

Many intermediate colleges under the Telangana Board of Intermediate Education (TGBIE) combine the board syllabus with in-house coaching for competitive exams such as JEE and NEET, reducing the need for separate tuition centres after class 10.

Students, parents and counsellors said the reasons for the shift range from limited class 11 and 12 seats in schools under other boards to higher costs, proximity concerns, and the perception that the state board syllabus is easier to manage alongside entrance exam preparation. "For me, it was more about the subjects offered.


I did not want to study mathematics and accounts. That’s the main reason why I am shifting from ICSE, though it has its own pros,” said Dhrithi Nahata, who recently completed class 10 from an ICSE school.

Dhrithi said she was also looking for greater flexibility and more time for extracurricular activities and exploration. Another student, Dhruv Kumar, said he made the switch in search of better teachers and stronger entrance exam preparation. "My school has only recently started classes 11 and 12.

There are very few teachers, and many are not very experienced,” he said. “They had competitive exam coaching, but not as intense as that offered by inter colleges,” Dhruv added. For some, the shift was also driven by logistics, with Intermediate colleges offering more options across the city and helping reduce the stress of long daily travel.