Courses
By Ankit Gupta
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Updated on 28 May 2025, 15:14 IST
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for parents and students. The school you select shapes a student’s future by providing not just education but also discipline, skills, and values. India has many good schools, but finding the best school in India can sometimes be difficult because of the many options available. Some schools are known for their excellent academics, some for their strong extracurricular activities, and others for their focus on special areas like sports, business, flying, law, or acting.
When we talk about the best school in India, we look for schools that offer a balanced education. These schools help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. The best boarding schools in India provide a safe and supportive environment where students live on campus and learn to be independent. There are also best residential schools in India that combine academics with personal growth. For parents who want their children to follow special careers, there are schools and institutes known as the best flying school in India or the best acting school in India to develop those specific skills.
Another popular category is the best CBSE schools in India, which follow the Central Board of Secondary Education curriculum. These schools are preferred for their consistent teaching methods and focus on exams like JEE and NEET. For those interested in defense careers, the best Sainik school in India prepares students for the National Defence Academy with discipline and physical training.
In this article, we will look at the top 10 best schools in India. These schools have been selected based on their academic results, infrastructure, extracurricular opportunities, and overall reputation. We will also include schools that are the best boarding school in India for girls and some of the finest best business schools in India and best law schools in India.
Whether you want your child to excel in academics, sports, leadership, or arts, this guide will help you find the right school. After reading this, you will have a better idea about which is the best school in India that suits your child’s needs and ambitions.
Do Check: List of All Universities in India
Before listing the schools, it's important to understand what makes a school one of the best schools in India:
| Rank | School Name | Location | Board/Type |
| 1 | The Doon School | Dehradun | ICSE (Residential) |
| 2 | Mayo College | Ajmer, Rajasthan | CISCE (Residential) |
| 3 | Welham Girls' School | Dehradun | ICSE (Residential) |
| 4 | Sanskriti School | Delhi | CBSE |
| 5 | Rishi Valley School | Andhra Pradesh | ICSE (Residential) |
| 6 | Sainik School, Amaravathinagar | Tamil Nadu | CBSE |
| 7 | Lawrence School, Sanawar | Himachal Pradesh | ICSE (Residential) |
| 8 | TISS School of Law | Mumbai | University-affiliated |
| 9 | Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) | Various Cities | Management Institutes |
| 10 | Zee Institute of Media Arts | Mumbai | Private |
The Doon School is widely known as the best boarding school in India for boys. Established in 1935, it offers a rich academic environment along with sports and extracurricular activities. The school follows the ICSE curriculum and is known for producing leaders in various fields.
Students here enjoy excellent facilities, a beautiful campus, and a supportive environment. The school’s alumni include many famous politicians, artists, and professionals, making it a top choice for parents wondering which is the best school in India for boys.
Mayo College is another prestigious best boarding school in India mainly for boys. It provides high-quality education under the CISCE board and is known for its royal heritage and discipline. It is famous for grooming students to excel in academics and sports.
Parents looking for a school with a strong tradition and excellent infrastructure often consider Mayo College as one of the top 10 best schools in India.
If you are searching for the best boarding school in India for girls, Welham Girls' School in Dehradun is one of the finest options. It is a fully residential school that offers ICSE curriculum along with a focus on arts, sports, and leadership.
This school is popular among parents who want a safe, nurturing environment for their daughters while ensuring academic excellence. Welham Girls' School often ranks among the best residential schools in India for girls.
Sanskriti School is recognized as one of the best CBSE schools in India. Located in Delhi, it offers high standards of education and encourages students to participate in various cultural and academic activities.
The school is well known for its disciplined environment and quality teaching, making it a preferred choice for parents who want a day school with strong CBSE academics.
Rishi Valley School is a great example of one of the best residential schools in India. Founded by the philosopher J. Krishnamurti, it focuses on holistic education, combining academics with nature and arts.
Students here get a unique experience of learning away from city life, which is why many parents consider Rishi Valley School when asked which is the best school in India for a calm and peaceful environment.
For students interested in joining the armed forces, the best Sainik school in India is a good choice. Sainik School Amaravathinagar in Tamil Nadu is one of the top schools that prepares boys for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other defense-related careers.
The school follows the CBSE curriculum and focuses on discipline, physical training, and academics. It is a preferred option for parents looking for the best boarding school in India with a focus on defense education.
Established in 1847, Lawrence School Sanawar is one of the oldest and best boarding schools in India. Located in Himachal Pradesh, it offers ICSE education in a beautiful hill station.
The school provides a well-rounded education, including academics, sports, and cultural activities. It is known for discipline and strong community spirit, making it a popular choice among the top 10 best schools in India.
When it comes to higher education, the best law schools in India include the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) School of Law in Mumbai. It offers excellent courses in legal studies with a focus on social justice and development.
Students aiming for a career in law consider TISS one of the most respected institutions. It has modern facilities, expert faculty, and good placement records.
Though not schools for children, the IIMs are considered the best business schools in India. Located in various cities such as Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Kolkata, these institutes offer world-class management education.
For those asking about the best B schools in India, the IIMs always top the list due to their academic excellence, strong alumni networks, and great placement opportunities.
For students interested in arts and entertainment, the best acting school in India is the Zee Institute of Media Arts (ZIMA) in Mumbai. It offers courses in acting, direction, and media production.
This school is perfect for young talents who want to pursue a career in movies, TV, or theater. It provides hands-on training and access to industry professionals.
These are the best day schools in India that follow an international curriculum. They help students learn in a global way while living at home.
| Rank | India's Best Day Schools (International Curriculum) | Total Score (1450) |
| 1 | Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai | 1313 |
| 2 | Oberoi International School, Mumbai | 1291 |
| 3 | Ascend International School, Mumbai | 1278 |
| 3 | Pathways School, Noida | 1278 |
| 4 | Pathways School, Gurugram | 1269 |
| 5 | K C High, Chennai | 1253 |
| 6 | Aditya Birla World Academy, Mumbai | 1242 |
| 6 | The Riverside School, Ahmedabad | 1242 |
| 7 | Jamnabai International School, Mumbai | 1227 |
| 7 | The Gaudium School, Hyderabad | 1227 |
| 8 | Bombay International School, Mumbai | 1222 |
| 8 | Ecole Mondiale World School, Mumbai | 1222 |
| 9 | Tridha, Mumbai | 1219 |
| 10 | Gems Modern Academy, Kochi | 1218 |
| 10 | Podar International School, Mumbai | 1218 |
Top schools that offer both day and boarding options with an international curriculum. Students can choose to stay at home or live on campus.
| Rank | India's Best Day Cum Boarding Schools (International Curriculum) | Total Score (1450) |
| 1 | Indus International School, Bengaluru | 1355 |
| 2 | The International School Bangalore | 1299 |
| 2 | Pathways World School, Aravali | 1299 |
| 3 | Indus International School, Pune | 1287 |
| 4 | Stonehill International School, Bengaluru | 1286 |
| 5 | Indus International School, Hyderabad | 1284 |
| 6 | Aga Khan Academy, Hyderabad | 1264 |
| 6 | Genesis Global School, Noida | 1264 |
| 7 | Greenwood High International, Bengaluru | 1234 |
| 8 | Singapore International School, Mumbai | 1229 |
| 9 | Jayshree Periwal International School, Jaipur | 1222 |
| 10 | Canadian International School, Bengaluru | 1218 |
| 10 | Srinidhi International School, Hyderabad | 1218 |
The best co-ed day schools in India teach using the Indian curriculum. Boys and girls study together in a friendly environment.
| Rank | India's Best Co-Ed Day Schools (Indian Curriculum) | Total Score (1450) |
| 1 | Step by Step, Noida | 1359 |
| 2 | The Valley School, Bengaluru | 1354 |
| 2 | Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Gurugram | 1354 |
| 3 | The School KFI, Adyar, Chennai | 1346 |
| 3 | Vasant Valley School, Delhi | 1346 |
| 4 | The Shri Ram SchoolThe Shri Ram School, Vasant Vihar/Moulsari, Delhi | 1330 |
| 5 | Mallya Aditi International School, Bengaluru | 1329 |
| 5 | Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania School, Thane | 1329 |
| 6 | The Mothers International School, Delhi | 1310 |
| 7 | Inventure Academy, Bengaluru | 1308 |
| 8 | Eklavya School, Ahmedabad | 1307 |
| 8 | The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, Hyderabad | 1307 |
| 9 | The Shri Ram School, Aravali, Gurugram | 1291 |
| 10 | Vidyashilp Academy, Bengaluru | 1284 |
| 10 | Sanskriti School, Chanakyapuri, Delhi | 1284 |
These schools offer both day and boarding options and follow the Indian curriculum. They give students flexible choices for studying.
| Rank | India's Best Day Cum Boarding Schools (Indian Curriculum) | Total Score (1450) |
| 1 | Modern School, Barakhamba Road, Delhi | 1300 |
| 2 | DPS, RK Puram, Delhi | 1293 |
| 2 | Pallikoodam School, Kottayam | 1293 |
| 3 | The Daly College, Indore | 1262 |
| 4 | Greenwood High, Bengaluru | 1233 |
| 4 | The Sanskaar Valley School, Bhopal | 1233 |
| 5 | DPS, Vasant Kunj, Delhi | 1230 |
| 6 | The Emerald Heights International School, Indore | 1229 |
| 7 | DPS, Mathura Road, Delhi | 1209 |
| 8 | Yadavindra Public School, Mohali | 1204 |
| 8 | Neerja Modi School, Jaipur | 1204 |
| 9 | Maharana Mewar Public School, Udaipur | 1203 |
| 10 | The Choice School, Kochi | 1201 |
The top residential schools with international curriculum provide students with a full-time campus life and global education.
| Rank | India's Best Residential Schools (International Curriculum) | Total Score (1450) |
| 1 | Woodstock School, Mussoorie | 1329 |
| 2 | UWC Mahindra College, Pune | 1327 |
| 3 | Kodaikanal International School | 1305 |
| 4 | Good Shepherd International School, Ooty | 1266 |
| 5 | Hebron School, Ooty | 1260 |
| 6 | Corvuss American Academy, Karjat | 1211 |
| 7 | The Plenum School Sirmanur ,Nahan | 1151 |
| 8 | MIT Pune's Vishwashanti Gurukul | 1118 |
Best boys-only day schools in India teach the Indian curriculum and focus on strong academics and discipline.
| Rank | India's Best Boy's Day Schools (Indian Curriculum) | Total Score (1450) |
| 1 | Campion School, Mumbai | 1243 |
| 2 | St. Johns High School, Chandigarh | 1237 |
| 3 | The Bishops School, Camp, Pune | 1225 |
| 4 | St. Josephs Boys High School, Bengaluru | 1218 |
| 5 | St. Mary's School, Mazgaon, Mumbai | 1196 |
| 6 | St. Xaviers Collegiate School, Kolkata | 1195 |
| 6 | St. Columba's School, Delhi | 1195 |
| 7 | La Martiniere College, Lucknow | 1187 |
| 8 | Bishop Cotton Boys School, Bengaluru | 1186 |
| 9 | La Martiniere for Boys, Kolkata | 1180 |
| 10 | DAV Boys Senior Secondary School, Gopalapuram, Chennai | 1170 |
Leading girls-only day schools that follow the Indian curriculum and help girls grow with confidence and knowledge.
| Rank | India's Best Girl's Day Schools (Indian Curriculum) | Total Score (1450) |
| 1 | The JB Petit High School for Girls, Mumbai | 1233 |
| 2 | Sacred Heart Sr Sec School, Chandigarh | 1232 |
| 3 | Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls Public School, Jodhpur | 1228 |
| 3 | Carmel Convent School, Chandigarh | 1228 |
| 4 | La Martiniere for Girls, Kolkata | 1223 |
| 5 | Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls Public School, Jaipur | 1220 |
| 6 | Sophia High School, Bengaluru | 1216 |
| 7 | St. Marys School, Pune | 1206 |
| 8 | Modern High School for Girls, Kolkata | 1202 |
| 9 | Loreto House, Middleton, Kolkata | 1194 |
| 10 | Sacred Heart Convent School, Jamshedpur | 1192 |
| 10 | Villa Theresa High School, Peddar Road, Mumbai | 1192 |
Boarding schools run by the government or defence follow the Indian curriculum and prepare students for service and leadership.
| Rank | India's Best Government/Defence Services Boarding Schools (Indian Curriculum) | Total Score (1450) |
| 1 | Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun | 1204 |
| 2 | Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Sonipat | 1182 |
| 3 | Rashtriya Military School, Bangalore | 1164 |
| 4 | Simultala Awasiya Vidyalaya, Jamui | 1158 |
| 5 | Oak Grove School, Dehradun | 1142 |
| 6 | Rashtriya Military School, Chail | 1129 |
| 7 | Rashtriya Military School, Ajmer | 1125 |
| 8 | Army Public School, Dagshai | 1089 |
| 9 | Sainik School, Ghorakhal | 1071 |
| 10 | Rashtriya Military School, Dholpur | 1066 |
Government and defence day schools teach Indian curriculum and focus on discipline and good values.
| Rank | India's Best Govt/Defence Day Schools (Indian Curriculum) | Total Score (1450) |
| 1 | Army Public School, Bolarum, Secundrabad | 1173 |
| 2 | Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi | 1144 |
| 3 | Army Public School, Delhi Cantt, Delhi | 1135 |
| 4 | Navy Children School, Colaba, Mumbai | 1126 |
| 5 | Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute, Delhi | 1118 |
| 6 | Army Public School, K. Kamaraj Road, Bengaluru | 1117 |
| 6 | Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram | 1117 |
| 7 | Army Public School, Southern Command, Pune | 1115 |
| 7 | Air Force School, Hebbal, Bengaluru | 1115 |
| 8 | Air Force Bal Bharati School, Lodhi Road, Delhi | 1114 |
| 8 | Army Public School, RK Puram, Secundrabad | 1114 |
| 9 | Navy Children School, Kochi | 1113 |
| 10 | Army School BEG & Centre, Kikee, Pune | 1112 |
The Doon School in Dehradun is often called the best school in India, especially among boarding schools for boys. It is known for its excellent academics and all-round development.
Welham Girls' School in Dehradun is widely recognized as the best boarding school in India for girls. It offers a safe and supportive environment with strong academics.
Sanskriti School in Delhi and Delhi Public School (DPS) are among the best CBSE schools in India, known for their quality teaching and disciplined environment.
Rishi Valley School in Andhra Pradesh is one of the best residential schools in India, offering a peaceful learning environment and holistic education.
Sainik School Amaravathinagar in Tamil Nadu is considered one of the best Sainik schools in India, focusing on preparing students for careers in defense services.
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are regarded as the best business schools in India. They are famous for their management courses and strong placement records.
The Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics is known as one of the best flying schools in India, offering pilot training and aviation courses.
Zee Institute of Media Arts (ZIMA) in Mumbai is one of the best acting schools in India, offering courses in acting, film-making, and media arts.