Curriculum vs Syllabus

Difference Between Curriculum and Syllabus 

In education, the word ‘syllabus’ is often used along with the word ‘curriculum’, but there are several differences between the two words.

The word “curriculum” refers to all the experiences that the student acquires in his/her school life, which includes academic, co-curricular and extracurricular activities conducted inside and outside the school.

The word “syllabus” is only the subject centric part of the curriculum. Hence it is a narrower ideology than curriculum and is limited to the content (or subject matter) only.

The main points of difference between Curriculum and Syllabus are:

S.No.	Basis	Curriculum	Syllabus
1.	Origin	The word ‘curriculum’ originated from Latin word ‘currere’, which means to run a course.	The word ‘syllabus’ has originated from Greek word ‘sittyba’, which means a parchment label.
2.	Meaning	Curriculum refers to all those experiences and activities designed for the holistic development of learner and attainment of educational aims.	Syllabus refers to the content (or subject matter) to be studied or taught in a particular subject in a class or course.
3.	Significance	Curriculum is the main central element for learning in education and is designed in a standardized way for the entire educational period in school or universities.	Syllabus is the secondary element in education. It is a part of curriculum.
4.	Formulated by	Curriculum is formulated (/designed) by higher authorities who are highly qualified and experience in their field of education and research.	Syllabus is formulated by subject professors or teachers.
5.	Requirement for construction	Curriculum construction requires extensive research.	Syllabus construction requires no research at all but consultation of curriculum.
6.	Nature	Curriculum is prescriptive in nature.	Syllabus is descriptive in nature.
7.	Scope	Curriculum has a wide scope.	Syllabus has a narrow scope.
8.	Term (time duration)	Time duration for curriculum is till the educational program or course lasts.	Time duration for syllabus is fixed, usually a semester (i.e. 6 months) or year.
9.	Accessible to	Curriculum is a tool only accessible to teachers.	Syllabus is accessible to learners as well as teachers.
10.	Set for:	Curriculum is set for entire course or program.	Subject is set for a particular subject.