Top/Best Schools in India – Admission, Ranking, Fees, Eligibility

A Complete Guide to Choosing the Best School in India

Finding the best school in India is a significant decision for parents and students alike. With numerous options, including CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE, IB board schools, and Sainik schools, selecting the right institution can be challenging. This guide will help you explore the top-ranked schools in India, admission procedures, fees, and eligibility criteria, making your school selection process easier and more informed.

1. Introduction

India’s education system is among the most diverse, offering national and international curricula. Parents today seek schools that provide academic excellence, well-rounded development, and strong career prospects.

This guide highlights:
✅ Top-ranked schools in India (CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE, IB)
✅ Boarding and day schools
✅ Fee structures & admission procedures
✅ Eligibility criteria

Whether you’re looking for a premier boarding school or a top CBSE school, this article will help you make an informed decision.

 

2. Advantages of Studying in India’s Top Schools

High-Quality Education

Top schools follow well-structured curricula, preparing students for national and international competitive exams.

Experienced Faculty & Advanced Infrastructure

• Highly qualified teachers ensure the best learning experience.
• Smart classrooms, libraries, and advanced labs provide an interactive learning environment.

Holistic Development

• Focus on extracurricular activities like sports, music, and art.
• Leadership training through debates, Model United Nations (MUN), and student councils.

Global Exposure

• International curricula like IB and IGCSE offer study-abroad opportunities.
• Many schools have global student exchange programs.

 

3. Top 10 Schools in India

Here are the top ten schools in India that excel in academics, faculty quality, infrastructure, and student achievements.

Rank	School Name	Location	Board
1	The Doon School	Dehradun	IB, CISCE
2	Dhirubhai Ambani International School	Mumbai	IB, IGCSE
3	The Shri Ram School	Delhi, Gurgaon	CBSE, ICSE
4	Modern School	Delhi	CBSE
5	Mallya Aditi International School	Bangalore	ICSE, IGCSE
6	Greenwood High International School	Bangalore	ICSE, IB
7	Scindia School	Gwalior	CBSE
8	Sainik School, Ghorakhal	Uttarakhand	CBSE
9	Mayo College	Ajmer	CBSE
10	Heritage Xperiential School	Gurgaon	CBSE, IB

These schools focus on high-quality education, extracurricular activities, and leadership training.

4. Best CBSE Schools in India

CBSE schools are ideal for students preparing for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and UPSC.

Top CBSE Schools in India

1. Delhi Public School, RK Puram, Delhi
2. National Public School, Bangalore
3. Amity International School, Noida
4. Bishop Cotton School, Shimla
5. Podar International School, Mumbai
6. Ryan International School, Bangalore
7. DAV Public School, Chennai
8. Cambridge School, Indore
9. The Millennium School, Lucknow
10. St. Xavier’s High School, Kolkata

Advantages: Ideal for JEE, NEET, UPSC preparation; CBSE board is widely accepted in India and abroad.

 

5. Best ICSE Schools in India

ICSE schools focus on English proficiency, literature, and a well-rounded curriculum.

Top ICSE Schools in India

1. La Martiniere, Kolkata
2. Campion School, Mumbai
3. Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai
4. St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata
5. Hiranandani Foundation School, Mumbai
6. Loreto House, Kolkata
7. Jamnabai Narsee School, Mumbai
8. Don Bosco High School, Pune
9. The Assam Valley School, Assam
10. St. Mary’s School, Pune

Advantages: Best for students interested in creative arts, literature, and science.

 

6. Best IGCSE and IB Board Schools in India

IGCSE and IB schools provide international exposure and global career opportunities.

Top IGCSE & IB Schools

1. Oberoi International School, Mumbai
2. Indus International School, Pune
3. Pathways World School, Gurgaon
4. American Embassy School, Delhi
5. Ecole Mondiale World School, Mumbai
6. Stonehill International School, Bangalore
7. Oakridge International School, Hyderabad
8. Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai
9. The British International School, Chennai
10. Aditya Birla World Academy, Mumbai

Advantages: Global exposure, strong foundation for Ivy League and European universities.

 

7. Top Boarding Schools in India

Boarding schools focus on discipline, independence, and leadership.

Best Boarding Schools in India

1. The Doon School, Dehradun
2. Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun
3. Lawrence School, Sanawar
4. Bishop Cotton School, Shimla
5. Mayo College, Ajmer
6. Scindia School, Gwalior
7. Rishi Valley School, Andhra Pradesh
8. Woodstock School, Mussoorie
9. Sherwood College, Nainital
10. The Lawrence School, Lovedale

Advantages: Builds self-reliance, discipline, and leadership skills.

 

8. Most Expensive Schools in India

Top-tier schools offer world-class infrastructure and global faculty.

India’s Most Expensive Schools

1. Ecole Mondiale World School, Mumbai
2. Good Shepherd International School, Ooty
3. Woodstock School, Mussoorie
4. The Doon School, Dehradun
5. Kodaikanal International School, Tamil Nadu
6. The International School Bangalore
7. Indus International School, Hyderabad
8. Swiss Cottage International School, Mumbai
9. Sahyadri School, Pune
10. Stonehill International School, Bangalore

Advantages: State-of-the-art infrastructure, international faculty, global networking opportunities.

 

9. Sainik Schools in India

Sainik Schools prepare students for defense careers.

Top Sainik Schools

• Sainik School, Ghorakhal
• Sainik School, Kunjpura
• Sainik School, Kazhakootam

Advantages: Military discipline, leadership training, excellent career prospects.

 

10. Admission Process and Eligibility Criteria

• Admission Season: December – April
• Entrance Exams: CBSE, ICSE, and Sainik Schools require entrance exams.
• Eligibility: Age criteria vary from 3 years (nursery) to 17+ years (higher secondary).

 

11. School Fees Structure in India

• CBSE Schools: ₹50,000 – ₹3,00,000
• ICSE Schools: ₹75,000 – ₹4,00,000
• IGCSE/IB Schools: ₹5,00,000 – ₹15,00,000

 

Conclusion: Choosing the Right School

The best school in India depends on academic goals, budget, and extracurricular activities. By considering curriculum, infrastructure, and global opportunities, parents can make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Schools in India

1. Which is the oldest school in India?

St. Paul’s School, Darjeeling (founded in 1823) is the oldest school in India. Other historic schools include Bishop Cotton School, Shimla (1859), La Martiniere, Kolkata (1836), and Mayo College, Ajmer (1875).

2. What is the school system like in India?

India follows a structured system:

• Pre-primary (3-5 years) – Nursery, LKG, UKG
• Primary (6-10 years) – Class 1-5
• Middle (11-13 years) – Class 6-8
• Secondary (14-15 years) – Class 9-10 (Board exams)
• Senior Secondary (16-17 years) – Class 11-12
• Higher Education – College & University

3. Where are the best schools in India?

Top schools are in major cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Dehradun, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad. Cities like Dehradun and Ooty are famous for boarding schools.

4. How many Sainik Schools are there in India?

There are 33 Sainik Schools in India, run by the Ministry of Defence. The government is expanding with 100+ new Sainik Schools in collaboration with private institutions.

5. Where are Sainik Schools in India?

Sainik Schools are across India:

• North: Ghorakhal (Uttarakhand), Kunjpura (Haryana), Kapurthala (Punjab)
• West: Satara (Maharashtra), Balachadi (Gujarat), Chittorgarh (Rajasthan)
• South: Amaravathi Nagar (Tamil Nadu), Korukonda (Andhra Pradesh), Bijapur (Karnataka)
• East: Purulia (West Bengal), Imphal (Manipur), Nalanda (Bihar)
• Central: Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh)

6. Which schools in India allow phones?

Most schools ban mobile phones, but some international and boarding schools allow regulated use:

• Pathways World School, Gurgaon
• Indus International School, Bangalore
• The Doon School, Dehradun (for seniors)
• Oakridge International School, Hyderabad
• Woodstock School, Mussoorie

7. Will schools reopen tomorrow in India?

School reopening depends on state government rules, weather conditions, and holidays. Check:

• Your school’s website
• State education board website
• Local news channels

For real-time updates, contact your school administration.