ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) and CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) are two prominent education boards in India. While both boards follow the national curriculum, they have some fundamental differences that set them apart. Below is a detailed comparison of ICSE and CBSE students:

1. Curriculum:
- ICSE curriculum is more comprehensive and focuses on a wider range of subjects including arts, science, and commerce. It offers a diverse range of subjects to choose from.
- CBSE curriculum is more streamlined and focuses on core subjects such as mathematics, science, and social science. It offers limited subject choices compared to ICSE.

2. Examination Pattern:
- ICSE students have to study the entire syllabus of each subject as their final examination includes both internal assessment and external board exams. The internal assessment carries weightage in the final grades.
- CBSE students have a more modular examination pattern where they can choose to appear for either the internal assessment, external board exams, or both. The final grades are determined based on the performance in the chosen exams.

3. Language:
- ICSE students have to study two languages, one being English and the other being an Indian language. They also have to study a third language which can be a foreign language.
- CBSE students have to study two languages, with English being compulsory and the second language being any Indian language.

4. Emphasis on English:
- ICSE places a strong emphasis on English language skills, including grammar and literature. The language component is more extensive and detailed in ICSE.
- CBSE also emphasizes English language skills but to a lesser extent compared to ICSE.

5. Board Exams:
- ICSE board exams are known for their rigorous evaluation and detailed marking schemes. They tend to have more application-based questions and require in-depth understanding of concepts.
- CBSE board exams are comparatively less rigorous, with a focus on testing conceptual knowledge and application. The marking scheme is generally more lenient than ICSE.

6. All India Validity:
- CBSE is accepted by most universities across India, making it easier for CBSE students to seek admission in higher education institutes in any state.
- ICSE, being more popular in certain regions, may have limited recognition in some states, which could pose challenges for students seeking admission in universities outside their region.

In conclusion, while both ICSE and CBSE students follow the national curriculum, ICSE offers a broader range of subjects and has a more comprehensive evaluation system. On the other hand, CBSE has a more streamlined curriculum and is more widely accepted across India.