Balancing national heritage and global standards: The CBSE evolution

In recent years, the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) curriculum has evolved to align with global educational standards while preserving its foundation in national heritage and moral values. Today, CBSE schools such as Oakridge Gachibowli ensure that this balance is reflected in an approach that nurtures core values while equipping students with real-world skills essential for success.
The integration of CBSE into international educational frameworks has empowered schools to refine their skill-based education strategies while maintaining a strong academic foundation. Oakridge Gachibowli has played a key role in adapting CBSE to meet the progressive reforms introduced by the board over the past two decades, offering parents a blend of tradition and modernity for their children’s education.
“At Oakridge, we empower future leaders with real-world skills! NEGOTIUM, our Shark Tank-inspired pitch competition, sharpens entrepreneurial and negotiation skills, while Mock Markets bring financial literacy to life. Competitions like Young Orators and Mock Parliament refine research, public speaking, and leadership, preparing students to think critically, speak confidently, and excel in a dynamic world,” said Rukmani Kumar, Head of the CBSE Segment at Oakridge International School, Gachibowli.
With an unwavering focus on holistic development and academic excellence, the CBSE curriculum continues to produce high-performing students who are well-prepared for both national and international opportunities.
CBSE has extended its influence beyond local communities, becoming a sought-after choice for students seeking a future-focused education within their home country.
Creating emotionally intelligent individuals

In an era of rapid change, CBSE schools recognise the importance of emotional intelligence alongside academic excellence. To enhance student well-being, schools are introducing dedicated counseling departments and specialized programs for students with special education needs, fostering an environment where students feel both academically and emotionally supported.
Rukmani Kumar emphasises, “SEWA (Social Empowerment through Work Education & Action) initiatives, such as bake sales, sustainability campaigns, and community service projects like carpooling awareness and lake cleaning, instill compassion, teamwork, and leadership in students.”
By nurturing emotional resilience, CBSE ensures that students develop the ability to navigate future challenges without being overwhelmed by stress.
Artificial intelligence & future-ready learning
The emergence of Artificial Intelligence has fueled a rise in competency-based learning, experiential learning, and programming, all of which are essential components of CBSE education. This structured approach ensures that students are not just academically proficient but also industry-ready, preparing them to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.
Broadening horizons through global exposure

As an internationally focused school inspired by global standards, Oakridge Gachibowli caters not only to the local community but also to a diverse student base seeking a rigorous, future-ready education in India.
While academics remain a priority from Grade 6 to Grade 12, Oakridge ensures that students actively participate in global programs offered through IB and CAIE frameworks. Students engage in national and international conferences such as Model United Nations (MUNs), summer programs at Oxford, leadership initiatives like boot camps and SGLI, and entrepreneurship summits.
These co-curricular initiatives align with modern educational paradigms, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, compassion, social skills, and digital literacy—all essential for success in the 21st century.
Future-ready education
Over the past few decades, CBSE has evolved to place greater emphasis on skill-based education, bridging the gap between academia and industry demands. As Oakridge Gachibowli continues to embrace a forward-thinking vision and student-centered methodology, it remains at the forefront of defining the future of education, not only preparing students for academic excellence but also for leadership in an ever-changing world.
Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Oakridge International School by Times Internet’s Spotlight team