2. Definition of Syllabus
• The syllabus is defined as the documents that consist of topics or
portion covered in a particular subject. It is determined by the
examination board and created by the professors. The professors are
responsible for the quality of the course. It is made available to the
students by the teachers, either in hard copy or electronic form to
bring their attention towards the subject and take their study
seriously.
• A syllabus is considered as a guide to the in charge as well as to the
students. It helps the students to know about the subject in detail,
why it is a part of their course of study, what are the expectations
from students, consequences of failure, etc. It contains general rules,
policies, instructions, topics covered, assignments, projects, test
dates, and so on.
3. Definition of Curriculum
• The curriculum is defined as the guideline of the chapters
and academic content covered by an educational system
while undergoing a particular course or program.
• In a theoretical sense, curriculum refers to what is offered
by the school or college. However, practically it has a wider
scope which covers the knowledge, attitude, behaviour,
manner, performance and skills that are imparted or
inculcated in a student. It contains the teaching methods,
lessons, assignments, physical and mental exercises,
activities, projects, study material, tutorials, presentations,
assessments, test series, learning objectives, and so on.
4. Comparison Chart
Basis for Comparison Syllabus Curriculum
Meaning
Syllabus is the document that
contains all the portion of the
concepts covered in a subject.
Curriculum is the overall
content, taught in an
educational system or a
course.
Origin Syllabus is a Greek term. Curriculum is a Latin term.
Set for A subject A course
Nature Descriptive Prescriptive
5. Basis for Comparison Syllabus Curriculum
Term
For a fixed term, normally a
year. Till the course lasts.
Uniformity
Varies from teacher to
teacher. Same for all teachers.
6. Key Differences Between Syllabus and Curriculum
• The syllabus is described as the summary of the topics covered or
units to be taught in the particular subject. Curriculum refers to
the overall content, taught in an educational system or a course.
• Syllabus varies from teacher to teacher while the curriculum is
same for all teachers.
• The term syllabus is a Greek origin, whereas the term curriculum is
a Latin origin.
• The curriculum has a wider scope than the syllabus.
• The syllabus is provided to the students by the teachers so that
they can take an interest in the subject. On the other hand,
normally the curriculum is not made available to the students
unless specifically asked for.
7. • Syllabus is descriptive in nature, but the curriculum is
prescriptive.
• Syllabus is set for a particular subject. Unlike
curriculum, which covers a particular course of study
or a program.
• Syllabus is prepared by teachers. Conversely, a
curriculum is decided by the government or the
school or college administration
• The duration of a syllabus is for a year only, but
curriculum lasts till the completion of the course.
