Top 10 Best Schools in India 2024-25

Top 10 Best Schools in India 2024-25

The question of ‘What are the best schools in India?’ resonates not only among Indian parents but also captures the attention of international families. This widespread interest is credited to – India’s rich legacy of education, which dates back centuries to renowned institutions such as Takshashila and Nalanda and continues to thrive through modern schools like The Doon School, Welham Girls’ School, JAIN International Residential School and Tula’s International School.

“As Indians, our pride in the nation’s educational heritage runs deep.”

With an array of popular education boards, including CBSE, ICSE, IB, state boards, and others, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best schools in India based on boards, quality, features, and other criteria.

Also Read: 10 Best Boarding Schools in India

 

List of the Top 10 Best Schools in India

Now let’s find the outstanding, top-rated, high-quality school that has been serving nurturing lives that not only make a kid educated but also make them a better human – intellectually, physically, mentally and spiritually:

1. The Doon School, Dehradun

The Doon School

Image Credit: The Doon School, Dehradun

The Doon School stands as one of the oldest and best schools in India. Catering to boys aged 12 to 18, it opens its doors to students from across India and abroad. Now, let’s see what makes this school one of the top-notch schools in India:

Features & Facilities
  • Infrastructure: Equipped with modern classrooms, laboratories, library, auditorium and indoor & outdoor sports facilities.
  • Extracurricular programs: This encompasses a diverse range of sports, arts, music and wellness centres.
  • Teachers: Well-qualified faculty, who reside on campus to provide holistic support beyond academic hours.
    • Factors Determining the Best School
  • Focus: Strong emphasis on academic rigor alongside character development.
  • Campus: Surrounded by nature with a wide range of flora, fauna and birdlife.
  • Diversity: Welcomes students from diverse cultural, regional, and socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Social Service: The Doon School Integrates social service initiatives into the curriculum and teacher training programs.
    • Entry To Doon
  • Admissions: Open annually for entry into classes VII and VIII only.
  • Entrance Examination: Conducted in October each year.
  • Age Criteria: Candidates applying for class VII should be over 11 and under 12 by September of the examination year, and for class VIII, over 12 and under 13.

    •  

    Year of Establishment1935
    School TypeAll-boys boarding school
    BoardsAffiliated with IB, CISCE and IGCSE boards.
    GradeVII to XII
    Students to Teacher Ratio10:1
    Yearly Fees 2024-2510 Lac +
    Rating4.3
    Location AddressThe Doon School, Mall Road, Dehradun, India, Pin-248003

    The Doon School

     

     2.  The Lawrence School Sanawar, Solan

    The Lawrence School Sanawar

    Image Credit: The Lawrence School Sanawar, Solan

    Sanawar is regarded as the world’s first co-educational residential school. Sir Henry Lawrence and his wife Honoria created The Lawrence School. This Co-ed Boarding School is an English Medium school. And here is what makes it one of the elite schools in India.

    Features & Facilities
  • Campus: Situated amidst picturesque surroundings, providing an ideal environment for learning.
  • Academic Curriculum: Comprehensive curriculum supplemented by a wide range of extracurricular activities.
  • Adventure Activities: Provides opportunities for camping, trekking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting to enrich students’ experiences.
  • Faculty: Lawrence School comprises experienced educators dedicated to nurturing students’ talents and fostering leadership skills.
  • Healthcare: Equipped with a well-equipped school hospital staffed by qualified nursing personnel to attend to any medical emergencies or needs.
  • Orientation Program: Offers an orientation program to new students upon enrolment and transition to the senior school.
    • Factors Determining as the Best School
  • Rich History: Blends a rich history and tradition with a modern approach to education.
  • Character Building: Places a strong emphasis on character development, discipline, and values-based education.
  • Social Responsibility: Integrates Socially Useful Productive Work (S.U.P.W) into the curriculum to instil compassion, charity, empathy, and social responsibility among students.
  • Positive Feedback: Earns positive feedback from students, parents, and educational experts.
    • Entry to the Lawrence School, Sanawar
  • Admissions: Open annually for boys and girls between 9-16 years of age.
  • Applications:
    1. Classes V, VI & VII: First week of November each year.
    2. Classes VIII & IX: In December.
    3. Class XI: In April.

     

    Year of Establishment1847
    School TypeCo-educational boarding school
    BoardsCentral Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
    GradeV to XII
    Students to Teacher Ratio24:1
    Yearly Fees 2024-257-10 lac
    Rating4.3/5
    Location AddressThe Lawrence School, Sanawar, Distt. Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India – 173202

    The Lawrence School Sanawar

     

    3.  Bishop Cotton School, Shimla (BCS)

    Bishop Cotton School, Shimla
    Image Credit:  Bishop Cotton School, Shimla (BCS)

    One of the first “public schools” in India, Bishop Cotton School, Shimla is a boys’ boarding school that dates back centuries in Asia. With a proud history the school aspires to become a global legacy for the 21st century – wondering how to check this:

    Features & Facilities
  • Curriculum: It offers a strong focus on academics, sports, and co-curricular activities.
  • Facilities: Bishop Cotton School boasts well-equipped facilities including libraries, laboratories, and sports complexes.
  • Fitness and Health: Instils the fundamentals of fitness and health through daily activities and coaching sessions in various sports such as cricket, hockey, tennis, basketball, swimming, boxing, Rifle Shooting, and self-defense.
  • Clubs: Provides a diverse range of clubs, from nature to creative writing and debating, catering to varied interests and talents.
    • Factors Determining as the Best School
  • Academic Excellence: Maintains a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and holistic development.
  • Life Preparation: Prepares students for life by integrating deportment, manners, and hygiene into the daily routine of every Cottonian.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Offers an extensive range of extracurricular activities aimed at fostering creativity and leadership skills.
  • Reviews from Students and Parents: Renowned children’s author and BCS alumni, Ruskin Bond, attests to the transformative learning and holistic development experienced at the school.
    • Entry to the Lawrence School, Sanawar
  • Admissions: Open annually for entry into classes IV to IX only.
  • Entrance Test: Conducted from September each year in Shimla, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata (online interviews are also available, T&C apply).

    •  

    Year of Establishment1859
    School TypeAll-boys boarding school
    BoardsCambridge and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ICSE) Board
    Grade4 to 12
    Students to Teacher Ratio50:1
    Yearly Fees 2024-257-8 Lac /- Per Annum
    Rating4/5
    Location AddressShimla Bypass, Near Khalini, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171002, India

    Bishop Cotton School, Shimla

     

    Related Posts: Why Start Your Search Early When Applying To Boarding Schools?

    4. JAIN International Residential School, Bangalore (JIRS)

    JAIN International Residential School, Bangalore (JIRS)
    Image Credit: Jain International Residential School, Bangalore

    JAIN International Residential School (JIRS) stands as one of the largest residential schools in India, renowned for its commitment to providing students with a nurturing and home-like environment. Here is why JIRS is one of the top schools in India.

    Features & Facilities
  • Residential facilities: Suvidha for girls’ dorm and Chalukya & Hoysala for boys’ dorms, along with a cafeteria, ensure a safe, nurturing, and homely environment.
  • Curriculum: Robust academic curriculum aligned with international standards for holistic development.
  • Extracurricular: Multifaceted extracurricular programs covering advanced sports, arts, digital library, and leadership development enhancing students’ skills and talents.
  • Campus: Technologically advanced campus equipped with hi-tech projectors, smart screens, laboratories, and computer labs to facilitate interactive learning experiences.
    • Factors Determining as the Best School
  • Life Skills Program: The Life Skills Department at JIRS provides innovative soft and interpersonal skills to make students proactive leaders, effective participators, strategic thinkers, resilient learners, and decision-makers.
  • Integrated Coaching: Offers integrated coaching for competitive exams such as IIT-JEE and SAT through on-campus training sessions, supplementing regular learning.
    • Entry to JAIN International Residential School
  • Admissions: Open annually for entry into classes V to XII.
  • Jain Excellence Test (JET): Conducted each year, admission is based on merit.

    •  

    Year of Establishment1999
    School TypeCo-education
    Boards1.        Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

    2.        International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

    3.        International Baccalaureate (IB)

    4.        United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)

    GradeClass V to XII
    Students to Teacher Ratio9:1
    Yearly Fees 2024-258 – 14 Lacs /- annum
    RankingNo 1. School In 2023-24 by Education today & Times Schools Survey.
    Location AddressJakkasandra Post

    Bengaluru – Kanakapura Main Road

    Ramanagara District

    Karnataka, India – 562112

    JAIN International Residential School, Bangalore (JIRS)

     

    5. Tula’s International School, Dehradun

    Tula’s International School, Dehradun
    Image Credit: Tula’s International School, Dehradun

    Tula’s International School was founded with a visionary approach to education, aiming to integrate progressive methodologies with the essence of the Modern Gurukul Concept.

    Features & Facilities
  • Campus: Modern campus equipped with advanced facilities and amenities.
  • Curriculum: Offers an international curriculum with a global perspective on education.
  • Sports: 15+ Olympic sports including swimming, horse riding, shooting, etc.
  • Teaching Methodology: Innovative teaching methods to foster critical thinking and creativity.
  • Musical learning facilities
  • School Management: Extremely Friendly and Approachable Management that gives both parents and students a sense of belonging.
  • Technology Integration: Wi-Fi, Smart Classrooms, Camera Monitored and Secure Campus
    • Factors Determining as the Best School
  • Development: Tula’s International School emphasizes on holistic development not just through academic rigor but also through mental, spiritual, emotional, and critical thinking processes.
  • Approach: Strong focus on student-centric learning and individualized attention.
  • Curriculum: Blend of old and new tried and tested methods of teaching to include life skills, human behavior, health management, and diverse management in the curriculum.
    • Entry to Tula’s International School
  • Registration Form: Can be collected from the school admission office or requested online.
  • Registration Period: It begins in September every year for grades IV to IX & XI.
  • Mid-year vacancies: Contact the school admission office via email for further information.

    •  

    Year of Establishment2012
    School TypeCo-Ed Residential School
    BoardsCBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)
    GradeIV to XII
    Students to Teacher Ratio5:1
    Yearly Fees 2024-255-8 Lacs /- Per Annum
    Ranking4.5
    Location AddressTula’s International School, vill.dhoolkot, near Tulas Institute Selaqui near mandir, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248197

    Tula’s International School, Dehradun

     

    6. Mody School for Girls, Rajasthan

    Tula’s International School, DehradunMody School for Girls, Rajasthan
    Image Credit: Mody School for Girls, Rajasthan

    Mody school for Girls is the premier boarding school for girls’ education that offers residential facilities from classes III to XII. The school develops individuals with an ecumenical perspective. The following makes it one of the outstanding schools in India:

    Features & Facilities
  • Campus: Modern campus equipped with advanced facilities and amenities.
  • Curriculum: Offers an international curriculum with a global perspective on education.
  • Sports: 15+ Olympic sports including swimming, horse riding, shooting, etc.
  • Teaching Methodology: Innovative teaching methods to foster critical thinking and creativity.
  • Musical learning facilities
  • School Management: Extremely Friendly and Approachable Management that gives both parents and students a sense of belonging.
  • Technology Integration: Wi-Fi, Smart Classrooms, Camera Monitored and Secure Campus
    • Factors Determining as the Best School
  • Foreign Language: Mandates the learning of French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish for all students.
  • Competition: Conducts several inter-house and inter-school cultural, literary and sports competitions annually to provide students with opportunities to showcase their talents.
  • Sports: It is mandatory for every girl to specialize in any one game of their choice, and this has emerged many national level players from the school.
  • Professional Courses: To prepare IX – XII grade students for IIT, PET, PMT, NIFT & CA foundation exam the school provides intensive coaching.
    • Entry To Mody School for Girls
  • Admissions: Admission is granted based on students’ performance in the General Aptitude test in English and Maths, followed by an interview.
  • Entrance Test: Conducted on the campus and at selected centers across India.

    •  

    Year of Establishment1989
    School TypeGirls Day Cum Boarding School
    BoardsCentral Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
    GradeClasses from III to XII
    Students to Teacher Ratio11:1
    Yearly Fees 2024-251.        Boarders: 4,65,000

    2.        Day Scholar: 2,40,000

    Rating4.2
    Location AddressMody School, Lakshmangarh – 332311, Distt: Sikar, (Rajasthan) India

    Tula’s International School, DehradunMody School for Girls, Rajasthan

     

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    7. GD Goenka International School Rohtak, Haryana

    GD Goenka International School Rohtak, Haryana
    Image Credit: GD Goenka International School Rohtak, Haryana

    GD Goenka International School shines as a star performer in the realm of education, blending ancient wisdom with modern innovations on a global scale.

    Features & Facilities
  • Campus: Modern campus equipped with advanced facilities and amenities.
  • Curriculum: Offers an international curriculum with a global perspective on education.
  • Sports: 15+ Olympic sports including swimming, horse riding, shooting, etc.
  • Teaching Methodology: Innovative teaching methods to foster critical thinking and creativity.
  • Musical learning facilities
  • School Management: Extremely Friendly and Approachable Management that gives both parents and students a sense of belonging.
  • Technology Integration: Wi-Fi, Smart Classrooms, Camera Monitored and Secure Campus
    • Factors Determining as the Best School
  • Holistic Development: Emphasis on holistic development, innovation, and global citizenship.
  • Faculty: The school’s strong network of faculty and resources opens new avenues and experiments with kids’ adventurous creativity and enriches their knowledge.
  • Quality: The highest standard of quality checks is made for food procurement, kitchen and cafeteria staff also undergo routine health checkups. And Principal and Management also get the same food that is cooked for children.
  • Student Service: Every enrolled student gets a proper barber appointment, scheduled and monitored laundry, and a fresh set of bed linen.
    • Entry To GD Goenka International School
  • Admissions: Open annually for entry into classes Nursery to XII.
  • Mode: Via written Test.
    • Year of Establishment2014
    School TypeCo-educational day cum Boarding School
    BoardsCentral Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
    GradeNursery to XII
    Students to Teacher Ratio20:1
    Yearly Fees 2024-253 LPA
    Rating4.4
    Location Address8th Milestone, Sonepat Road Rohtak, Haryana 124001

     

    GD Goenka International School Rohtak, Haryana

     

    8. Macro Vision Academy, Burhanpur

    Macro Vision Academy, Burhanpur
    Image Credit: Macro Vision Academy, Burhanpur

    Features & Facilities
  • Campus: Equipped with modern facilities including air-conditioned classrooms, libraries, laboratories, the American standard Anhad Anand auditorium, and Josh sports club, all within a Wi-Fi enabled environment.
  • Teachers: Comprising experienced faculty members who live on campus, providing round-the-clock care, personalized attention and support.
  • Innovation & Tech: Offers fully-equipped science & V-MAT, Robotics Lab, interactive flat panel, iPad Integration and more.
  • Canteen: Houses FSSAI-certified canteen called Swad Sansad, offering a wide range of home-cooked, nutritious meals prepared with utmost hygiene.
    • Factors Determining as the Best School
  • Cores: Prioritizes affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity in education.
  • Curriculum: The school’s curriculum is a unique blend of NCERT with a competitive exam syllabus (IIT, Medical, CPT, CLAT, NDA, etc), resulting in a high success rate in both national and international competitive exams.
  • Personalized Sessions: Conducts regular meetings between students and directors to discuss progress and goals for academic and personal development, fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Holistic Skills: Provides students with a blend of soft and hard skills, nurturing holistic growth.
  • Maharath: Introduces the Maharath initiative to impart valuable practical skills in home-furnishing, culinary arts, fashion designing, and financial literacy.
    • Entry To Macro Vision Academy
  • Admissions: Every year the school opens admission for classes 1st to 9th and 11th

    •  

    Year of Establishment2002
    School TypeCo-educational day and residential school
    BoardsC.B.S.E.
    GradeClasses 1st to 12th
    Students to Teacher Ratio25:1
    Yearly Fees 2024-251-3 LPA
    Rating4.2
    Location AddressMacro Vision Academy Near All is well Hospital, Burhanpur (M.P.) Pin-450331

    Note: Hostel Facility is provided from class Vth onwards.
    Macro Vision Academy, Burhanpur

    Check This:  Best Boarding Schools in India Across Diverse Categories: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024-2025

     

    9. Heritage Public School, Vrindavan Uttar Pradesh

    Heritage Public School, Vrindavan Uttar Pradesh
    Image Credit: Heritage Public School, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

    Features & Facilities
  • Academics: Esteemed educational institution with a legacy of academic excellence and values-based education.
  • Campus: Spacious campus offering modern infrastructure, libraries, and well-equipped classrooms.
  • Sports and Co-curricular activities: Comprehensive curriculum complemented by sports facilities including a football ground, basketball court, volleyball court, badminton court, table tennis hall, and skating facility.
  • Faculty: Qualified, committed, experienced, and enthusiastic faculty trained as per CBSE guidelines.
  • Boarding Facility: The school offers an all-boys boarding hostel for Indian and overseas students.
    • Factors Determining as the Best School
  • Character Building: Strong emphasis on ethics, and social responsibility to establish them as a global citizen.
  • Individualized Attention: Focus on individualized attention, student engagement, and overall well-being.
    • Entry To Heritage Public School
  • Admissions: This is done through a standard process i.e. written test and an interview round for interaction with the child and parents.
  • Entrance Test: It’s mandatory to bring a previous class report card during the selection test.

    •  

    Year of Establishment2017
    School TypeCo-Ed
    BoardsCBSE
    GradeNursery to XII
    Students to Teacher Ratio20:1
    Yearly Fees 2024-251.        Boarding: 4,35,000 LPA

    2.        Day school: 20-50k annually

    Rating3.5
    Location AddressHeritage Public School In front of Iskcon Temple, Raman Reti, Vrindavan (Mathura) U.P-281121

    Heritage Public School, Vrindavan Uttar Pradesh

    10. Sharda World School, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

    Sharda World School, Agra
    Image Credit: Sharda World School, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

    Sharda World School is one of those schools that has designed their educational approach based on five elements of nature. Embracing nature as well as National Education Policy 2020 the school has been implementing relevant innovative models to nurture well-rounded individuals.

    Features & Facilities
  • Campus: Modern campus equipped with advanced facilities including smart classrooms, science labs, social science lab, math lab, computer lab, robotics lab, English language lab, and libraries.
  • Curriculum: Comprehensive curriculum offering a blend of academics, arts, sports, and extracurricular activities all this is done in accordance with five elements.
  • Faculty: Experienced Indian and foreign faculty providing mentorship, guidance, and personalized support to students.
  • Boarding Facility: Students get an environment to grow and they have separate study space, a cafeteria with an ayurvedic diet based on individual needs, outings, laundry, etc.
    • Factors Determining as the Best School
  • Nature & Education: Sharda World School is India’s 1st school integrating education with the five elements of nature.
  • Global Community: Rich legacy of students from 95+ countries.
  • Diverse Faculty: Only schools in the region with foreign faculty.
  • Curriculum offerings: One of the only schools in India to offer British & Finnish curriculum.
  • Achievements:
    1. “Emerging School in India” award from Business World magazine.
    2. “Best Private School for Educational Excellence”- State-wise by SA Indian School Awards, 2023
    3. “The highly prestigious International School Awards” for Experiential Learning.
    Entry To Sharda World School
  • Admissions: Open throughout the year, depending upon the vacancy in the intended class.
  • Priority:
    1. First-come, first-serve basis.
    2. Siblings of enrolled students,
    3. Children of employees,
    4. Children of those residing in close proximity to the school.
  • Physical Impairment Students: Admissions are open, provided the school environment can adequately support their unique needs and the family is ready to pay for extra support (if any).

    •  

    Year of Establishment2022
    School TypeCo-ed
    BoardsCBSE, IGCSE
    GradeNursery to XII
    Students to Teacher Ratio10:1
    Yearly Fees 2024-254-5 Lacs Per Annum
    Rating4.7
    Location Address19 Km Mile Stone, Agra-Delhi Highway, NH-19, Agra, 282002, Uttar Pradesh

    Sharda World School, Agra

    Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best School in India

    The criteria for ranking the best schools vary greatly, depending on individual preferences and priorities. For some, academic results are the most important, for others, it’s the campus and quality of education. Some value experienced and committed faculty, while others believe that the best schools are the ones that have stood the test of time or provide unique, relevant, and innovative offerings.

    Ultimately, making an informed decision is crucial. Whether you prefer a school in the serene hills of Shimla, amidst the bustling streets of Bangalore, or within the picturesque landscapes of Rajasthan, there’s a perfect school waiting to unlock your child’s potential and turn their dreams into reality.

    If you’re looking for guidance, support, or clarity on the best school for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to Boarding Schools of India. We’re here to help you find the best school in India for your little lion, lioness, or both.

    Also Check: Blog | Boarding Schools of India – Explore and Find Best School

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    Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Schools in India

    Q. 1 Which is the best school in India?

    The best school in India varies based on individual preferences and priorities, but some renowned institutions include The Doon School, Lawrence School Sanawar, and Bishop Cotton School.

    Q. 2 Which is the best school in the world?

    The determination of the best school in the world depends on various factors and is subjective to individual needs and preferences.

    Q.3 What are the different types of schools in India?

    Different types of schools in India include boarding schools, day schools, co-educational schools, single-gender schools, international schools, and specialized schools focusing on specific subjects or methodologies.

    Q.4 Which is the best school board in India, CBSE or ICSE?

    Both CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) boards have their merits, and the choice between them depends on factors such as teaching methodology, curriculum, and personal preferences.

    Q.5 Are there any unique teaching methodologies or programs offered by these schools?

    Many of these top schools in India offer unique teaching methodologies or programs, such as integrating education with the five elements of nature, international curricula, or specialized coaching for competitive exams.

    Q.6 Why is it important to choose one of the best schools in India for a child’s education?

    Choosing one of the best schools in India is important for a child’s education because it can provide a strong academic foundation, opportunities for holistic development, exposure to diverse cultures, and preparation for future success.

    Q.7 What extracurricular activities are available at these top schools in India?

    Extracurricular activities available at these top schools in India often include sports, arts, music, debate, drama, community service, leadership programs, and outdoor adventure activities. These activities contribute to the overall development and well-being of students.

    Last Updated On: 22-April-2024
    Fact Checked By: Dr Monika Vishwakarma
    Written By: Aditi Gupta
    Proofreading By: Mansi Dubey

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