Distinguish between Curriculum and Syllabus

by Yuvi - January 1, 2021

We use two words Curriculum and Syllabus having same meaning in daily life but they have different meaning according to nature.

An outline of the course of study to be completed in a fixed time.

Curriculum is the total effort of the school to bring the desired outcomes in school and out of school situations
Curriculum is a sequence of potential experiences set up in school for the purpose of bringing discipline in children and youth in group, by ways of thinking and acting.
Curriculum is the way of preparing young people to participate as productive members of our culture.
The Curriculum does not mean only the academic subjects, traditionally taught in the school, but it includes totality of experiences that a child receives at the school. In this sense, the whole life of the school becomes the curriculum which can touch the life of the students at all points and help in the evolution of a balanced personality.

It is a vast concept
It is made at different stages/levels, e.g. primary stage, secondary stage, higher secondary stage.
It includes only general objectives at various levels or stages.
It deals with philosophy of life and education.
It is flexible and informal in nature.
It has no duration/ time limit.
It guides teachers and administrators every time.
It includes objectives, methods of teaching learning, evaluation system etc.
It is helpful to formulate syllabus, textbooks.

It is a limited concept
It is made for only one standard.
It includes objective related to specific subject and standard.
It deals with capacity, ability of pupils and psychological theories, principles.
It is rigid and formal in nature.
The study is to be completed in definite duration.
It is useful to teacher for daily teaching.
It includes only objectives related to specific subject, standard and content.
It depends upon curriculum.

Curriculum means a course of study and includes all the experiences which are provided by the school to attain the aims of education
It has a broad scope
It is framed according to stages. Eg. Primary, secondary, higher secondary, etc.
All the co-curricular activities are involved
Competencies of the students are not considered
Stages of growth and development are not considered
Teaching aids, learning activities are not mentioned
Index of subject-wise activity is not framed
The curriculum is the guideline according to which the syllabus is framed
There is no separate evaluation of the curriculum.

Syllabus is a part or sub-set of Curriculum and means a plan showing the subjects and content to be studied in a particular course in a fixed time
Its scope is narrower and limited
It is framed for each standard. Eg. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.
Only school subjects, their units and sub-units are mentioned
Intellectual, mental, verbal, social competencies are considered.
Stages of growth and development and also the age-group is taken into consideration
Teaching aids and learning activities are a major part of the syllabus
Index of subject-wise activity is framed
The syllabus is framed in keeping with the experiences mentioned in the curriculum
Evaluation of the syllabus leads to evaluation of the curriculum.