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Nikita Parmar

Updated on 18th January, 2023 , 4 min read

Difference Between Curriculum and Syllabus: Definitions, Key Differences, and Similarities

Difference Between Curriculum and Syllabus Overview

The distinction between curriculum and syllabus is that a topic syllabus is only a component of a course or subject curriculum. The curriculum is a mixture of the syllabus, course design, class schedule, and lesson plans for the subject. A curriculum also aids in the planning of how a specific subject or course will be taught, whereas a syllabus just lists the subjects and concepts that will be covered. We frequently use them interchangeably without realizing that they are quite different.

Difference Between Curriculum and Syllabus Definitions

The following table gives details about the definitions for curriculum and syllabus-

Curriculum 

Syllabus

A curriculum is essentially a collection of instructions for various academic themes and chapters studied in a certain program offered by a specific institution or college. 

A syllabus is a document that contains information on the many topics or portions that must be covered for a certain subject or course.

A curriculum is often well-planned and meticulously crafted by educational institutions or the government, focusing on the total learning experience offered by a course and focusing primarily on the student's mental and physical growth.

This document was selected by the examination board and prepared by many academics. It also includes basic policies, regulations, topics to be addressed, directions, assignments, exam dates, and projects, among other things.

Difference Between Curriculum and Syllabus Purpose

The following table gives details about the purpose of curriculum and syllabus-

Curriculum 

Syllabus

Building excitement and drive in pupils is essential for successful learners. 

Mutual subject comprehension between students and professors.

Students should be able to generate fresh ideas and think creatively.

Setting a responsible expectation of concepts to understand and learn with a goal in mind.

Students should be responsible citizens who respect others. 

Providing a complete course and institute plan.

studying disciplines to gain knowledge.

They should learn about the globe as well as other religious and cultural ideas and policies.

Meeting the expectations of the students based on their age level.

Students should learn to communicate well as they grow older. 

-

Assuring that they can work in groups as well as alone. 

-

Read more about MA Subjects and Syllabus and Data Science Syllabus.

Difference Between Curriculum and Syllabus

The following table gives information about the major differences between curriculum and syllabus- 

Parameters

Curriculum 

Syllabus

Definition 

A collection of rules for the various academic themes and chapters studied within a program given by a certain educational institution.

A document that contains all of the material regarding various themes or concepts that must be covered for a certain subject.

Origin 

Latin Term 

Greek Term 

Nature

Specific

Explanatory

Set For 

Complete Course

Each Subject Under the Course

Changes 

Cannot be easily changed

Can be easily changed

Determined By

School or the Government, Administration of College or Institute

Exam Board

Scope 

Wide

Narrow

Uniformity 

Uniform for all the teachers

Different from one teacher to another

Term Duration

Until the course lasts

A fixed-term, can also be a year.

Also read more about the-UPTET Syllabus 2022 and GPAT Syllabus 2023.

Difference Between Curriculum and Syllabus Key Differences

  1. The curriculum is still prescriptive because its framework must be followed exactly, whereas the syllabus is more descriptive and flexible in form and can be covered in a non-prescriptive way.
  2. The curriculum is methodically established by the management of the school or institution, whereas the syllabus is created by instructors for the educational board.
  3. The curriculum is the same for all teachers, however, the syllabus varies and can be covered in a unique way based on their specific teaching style.
  4. Another significant distinction between syllabus and curriculum is that the term "curriculum" is derived from the Latin word "curriculum," which means to run or follow a course. The name syllabus, on the other hand, derives from the Greek word "sittuba," which means title slip or label.

Also read more about the- SAT Exam Syllabus 2022 and GNM Syllabus and Subjects.

Difference Between Curriculum and Syllabus Similarities

The following are some of the similarities between curriculum and syllabus-

  1. Both the curriculum and the syllabus have the same purpose: to teach.
  2. The curriculum and syllabus are both prepared with strict educational criteria in mind.
  3. Both the curriculum and the syllabus are critical for students' overall development.

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MBA in HR Syllabus and Subjects 

Relationship Between Curriculum, Syllabus, and Textbook

Curriculum, syllabus, and textbooks have a strong and interconnected relationship since these three components are vital components of an academic session. The following table gives the details about the relationship between curriculum, syllabus, and textbook-

Curriculum 

Syllabus

Textbook

The curriculum specifies the intricate structure of the syllabus, teaching periods, and prescribed study materials.

The syllabus includes all of the chapters and topics in detail, as well as reference books, study guides, and additional academic instructions;

The textbook follows all of the essentials mentioned in both the curriculum and the syllabus for an academic semester or year.

The curriculum is offered for the entire year.

The syllabus is for a certain academic session, such as a semester.

The textbooks change according to the syllabus for each session and the curriculum for each year.

The curriculum and syllabus are established by the education board and instructors.

Textbooks are created by academic writers and publishers in accordance with the curriculum and syllabus.

The more organized a curriculum is, the simpler and easier the syllabus will be to cover with textbooks.

Lesson plans for a certain subject are part of the curriculum, but they are specified in terms of chapters and subjects in a syllabus and are supplemented by textbooks.

Read more about the MAT Syllabus 2022 and the GATE Syllabus 2023.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ans. Yes, the curriculum can change, but this is not something that happens very often. The curriculum may differ for a variety of reasons. However, the fundamental reason is to enhance the overall instructional method. This covers educational methods, sources used, and so on.

Ans. Both syllabus and curriculum are significant terms in the context of an educational program, but they have different meanings. A curriculum is a set of topics, themes, or activities that will be covered in an educational program. The syllabus, on the other hand, covers sections of subjects in a certain discipline.

Ans. Some teachers primarily create curricula. Teachers are in charge of subject-related issues. The curriculum is mostly developed by the test control board. It is supervised by the same agency that prepares the final exams in schools and universities.

Ans. A redesigned curriculum is one that has been restructured depending on the students’ skills, as well as their requirements and capacities. An updated syllabus entails making modifications to an existing syllabus, such as adding, eliminating, or updating it. Curriculum changes occur more frequently than syllabus changes.

Ans. In language instruction, two words are used: syllabus design and curriculum development. The syllabus is a precise collection of course content and a list of subjects to be covered in a subject. The process of developing the full syllabus is known as syllabus design or curriculum.

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