Student Experiences with Rote Learning in Indian vs International Boards

Rote Learning Culture of School I vehemently rant about the rote learning culture of CBSE, at least from my 8-ish years of experience studying in CBSE. This led me to change my board to the IGCSEs, and while I can see a more practical approach being implemented, rote learning culture was present there too. I just want to ask you all what are your views on rote learning, how acute the problem it is in Indian boards as compared to international boards (I personally found it prevalent in both sectors). Do you think rote learning is an integral part of education or is it something we should aim to eschew completely. I just want to know other people's experiences and disillusion myself from this being a problem everyone suffers from if it really isn't the case. (Doing this for an article I'm writing, any opinions on the matter are really appreciated) :)