Registrationwala
  • Update and Alerts
  • Become an Associate
  • Get a Quote
  • Login
  • Register

Top 10 Schools in India

A school is an educational institution where students are taught various subjects by teachers, give exams, participate in extracurricular activities, and learn discipline and manners that shape their future. 

In this blog post, we shall provide you with the list of top 10 schools in India. If you are a parent looking for the best educational options for your child or a student seeking quality education, we recommend you to read this blog post!

List of Top 10 Schools in India

Our list of top 10 schools in India includes some of the most popular schools in the country. They are popular for their academic excellence.:

1. Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai

Year of Establishment: 2003

Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai

Dhirubhai Ambani International School is one of the top 10 private schools in India. It is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Built by Reliance, this school is named after the conglomerate’s late patriarch Dhirubhai Ambani. 

Since January 2003, the school has been recognized as an IB World School. The chairperson is Mrs. Nita Ambani, the wife of Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Mr. Mukesh Ambani. It is one of the most expensive schools in India and can be counted as one of the top 10 expensive schools in India.

The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program in its Diploma form and prepares students for the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and the IB Diploma examinations.

Many star kids received their education from this school, including Aaradhya Bachchan, Abram Khan, Taimur Ali Khan, Jeh Ali Khan, Azad Rao Khan, Suhana Khan, Aryan Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan and Nysa Devgan. There’s no doubt that Dhirubhai Ambani International School is one of the top 10 schools in Mumbai.

2. Delhi Public School Society, New Delhi

Year of Establishment: 1949

Delhi Public School Society, New Delhi

The Delhi Public School Society, commonly known as DPS Society, manages a network of schools. Functioning as a private, non-profit organization, it is dedicated to delivering high quality education to the children. The society oversees all its schools both within India and internationally. The DPSS network includes around 222 English-medium, co-educational, secular institutions and serves students from Pre-Nursery/Nursery up to Class XII. DPS is one of the top 10 schools in Delhi.

The first school under the society’s banner was Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, established in 1949. The foundation stone for its building was laid in 1956 by then Vice President S. Radhakrishnan. Alumni of DPS are notable figures like Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon and legendary actor Vinod Khanna.

Most DPS schools are accredited by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), except for a few like the (i) DPS in New Town, Kolkata; (ii) DPS in Mega City, Kolkata; (iii) and DPS International, Singapore, which follow the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), and (iv) DPS International, Saket, New Delhi, which is affiliated with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). As of October 2024, there are 13 main branches of Delhi Public School.

3. Wellham Girls School, Dehradun

Year of Establishment: 1957

Wellham Girls School, Dehradun

Wellham Girls School is one of the top 10 girls schools in India. It was founded in 1957 by Ms H Oliphant, a British Woman, with just 10 girls. Now, it has grown into a 550 strong educational institution that stays true to its founding motto “artha shanti phala vidya” (the true aim of education is to spread peace).” The school exposes students to diverse international experiences through exploration trips that encourage immersive, hands-on learning. A democratically elected student council ensures that the voices of students are heard and community issues are addressed. 

Environmental consciousness is deeply ingrained in the school culture through initiatives like rainwater harvesting, water and energy audits, composting and cleanliness drives. To keep the spirit of curiosity and adventure alive, the school organizes outdoor activities such as mountaineering, camping, rafting and rappelling. The student leadership team takes charge of planning and executing various projects, fostering teamwork, responsibility, and mindfulness while setting examples of effective leadership. 

Academically, Wellham Girls School is affiliated with two boards i.e., the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), New Delhi, and the Cambridge Assessment International Examination (CAIE). The school offers classes from Grades VI to XII, with the academic session starting in March and concluding with final examinations in February of the following year. 

English is the primary medium of instruction, while Hindi is given equal importance to ensure proficiency. With that being said, students who are studying in Grades VI to VIII can choose a third language from Sanskrit, French, Spanish, German or Punjabi. This adds a multilingual dimension to their education. Alumni of Wellham Girls School include Subhashini Ali, Nivedita Basu, Devika Bulchandani, Jyoti Ann Burrett, Renuka Chowdhury, Priyanka Gandhi and Madhu Jain.

4. Bombay Scottish School, Mumbai

Year of Establishment: 1847

Bombay Scottish School, Mumbai

Bombay Scottish School is one of the best top 10 schools in India and also one of the top 10 schools in Bombay. It is located in Mahim West in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This school is a private, Christian co-educational day school. Scottish Christian missionaries established this institution, in 1847, under the name Scottish Female Orphanage. This institution’s affiliate is Bombay Scottish School in Powai.

The school is one of the top 10 ICSE schools in India. It admits students from junior kindergarten through class 12. English is the primary medium of instruction at this school. It is affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), New Delhi and prepares students for both the ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) examinations. For several decades, Bombay Scottish School has consistently featured as one of the best schools in India.

The school follows ICSE curriculum as prescribed by CISCE. Along with English, students get to study Hindi and French as second languages. English and Hindi are introduced from Class 1, while Marathi, the regional language, is taught as a third language and is compulsory from Class 1 to Class 7.

To qualify for the ICSE examination, students must successfully complete courses in Marathi, Art and Craft, Physical Education, Moral Education and Socially Useful Productive Work. These components are assessed internally and count towards the ICSE pass certificate. The school emphasizes holistic development through regular field trips, camps and community service visits, making it one of the top 10 schools in Maharashtra. Notable alumni of the Bombay Scottish School are Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Hrithik Roshan, Ekta Kapoor, Aamir Khan and Neerja Bhanot.

5. The Modern School, New Delhi

Year of Establishment: 1920

The Modern School, New Delhi

The Modern School is one of the top 10 schools in Delhi and also one of the top schools in India. It was founded in 1920 as a distinguished co-educational institution in New Delhi. It is one of the top 10 private schools in Delhi. The school is known for its holistic approach to education and academic excellence.

It was established by Lala Raghubir Singh, an influential businessman and philanthropist. The school was envisioned as a place that would blend India’s rich cultural heritage with modern educational needs. It was also the first co-educational private school founded in Delhi after the British shifted their capital to the city.

The motto of Modern School is “Nyaymatma Balheenien Labhya,” meaning “Self-realization cannot be achieved by the weak.” The school has around 2,500 students, most of whom move up from its junior wing known as Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School. Students appear for CBSE examinations in Class 10 and AISSCE in Class 12. 

The main campus on Barakhamba Road consistently is among the top 10 schools in India. The junior branch, located on Humayun Road, was set up in 1961 and caters to students up to Grade 5. While Modern School primarily functions as a day school, it also offers residential facilities for boys.

6. The Doon School, Dehradun

Year of Establishment: 1935

The Doon School, Dehradun

The Doon School, in Dehradun, is one of the top 10 schools in Dehradun. It is one of the top 10 boys schools in India, according to our list. It was founded in 1935. Doon is a selective all boys pvt boarding school in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. It is often regarded as one of the top 10 boarding schools in India by many.

The school was envisioned as a school modelled on British public school while remaining conscious of Indian ambitions as well as desires by Satish Ranjan Das - a Calcutta lawyer. The first batch of students joined on 10 September 1935, and the school was officially inaugurated on 27 October 1935 by Lord Willingdon. 

Arthur E. Foot, an English educator who had taught at Eton College UK, became the first headmaster. Today, Doon houses around 580 students, with admissions granted only in Grade 7 (January) and Grade 8 (April) through a rigorous entrance exam and interview. By 2019, its student body represented 26 Indian states, alongside 35 non-resident Indians and international students.

The school is fully residential, with both students and most teachers living on campus. In Class 10, students appear for the Cambridge IGCSE, and for the final two years, they can choose between the Indian School Certificate and the International Baccalaureate curriculum. 

A hallmark of Doon’s culture is its emphasis on extracurricular activities. It offers around 80 options, including a strong tradition of mountaineering established by early masters such as R.L. Holdsworth and Jack Gibson. The campus, located on the former grounds of the Forest Research Institute, is rich in biodiversity.

Doon has consistently been ranked among the top boys residential schools in the country and is often referred to by international media as the “Eton of India,” though the school distances itself from the label. Notable former students include former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra.

7. The Scindia School, Gwalior

Year of Establishment: 1897

The Scindia School, Gwalior

Scindia School is one of the top schools in India for boys. It is located on the iconic Gwalior Fort in Gwalior, India. It is regarded as one of the most elite residential schools in India for boys. Founder of this school was Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia of princely Gwalior state. Initially, the school’s name was Sardar’s School. 

The Scindia School is one of the top 10 schools in Madhya Pradesh and was originally founded to educate the sons of royalty and nobility. But in 1933, the school broadened its admissions to welcome students from a wider range of social backgrounds. Since then, it has functioned as an independent boarding school affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education.

The school has many prominent alumni like Mukesh Ambani, Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Jalal Agha, Sooraj Barjatya, Anurag Kashyap, and Ameen Sayan. Today, the school accommodates around 600 boys aged 12 to 18. Its entry is based on a competitive entrance examination. Its alumni network includes a distinguished list of actors, musicians, business leaders, diplomats, politicians, military officers and top executives.

The school offers a wide curriculum from Classes VI to XII that focuses on nurturing analytical skills, creativity and leadership qualities. Situated on a 110-acre campus, the school features modern classrooms, well-equipped science and computer labs and an extensive library. All of them are designed to support not just academic excellence but also personal development of students studying at the school.

Life at The Scindia School goes far beyond just classroom learning. Students at the school are encouraged to take active participation in sports, arts, music, drama and community initiatives. With its strong heritage and commitment to holistic education, the school continues to rank among the top schools in India. It produces well-rounded and confident individuals who excel in a variety of fields.

8. St John’s High School, Chandigarh

Year of Establishment: 1959

St John’s High School, Chandigarh

St. John’s High School is one of the top 10 schools in Chandigarh. It was founded in 1959. It is an Edmund Rice Educational Institute founded by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. This school is an all-boys school and is well known for its academic excellence and holistic approach to education. 

The French architect Pierre Jeanneret designed the school building. St John’s has consistently been ranked as one of the best schools in Chandigarh. It is affiliated with CBSE and provides a wide curriculum from Kindergarten to 12 Class. It encourages critical thinking, leadership skills and moral values among its students.

The school is situated on a sprawling 30-acres campus. It comes with state-of-the-art facilities like advanced science and computer labs, modern classrooms and dedicated spaces for music and arts. All this ensures a well rounded learning environment for the students. The school provides a wide range of co-curricular activities like drama, arts, music, sports and community service. 

It places strong emphasis on character development and social responsibility among the students and encourages them for active participation in environmental initiatives as well as global outreach programmes. St. John’s alumni includes politician Kapil Sibal, golfer Jeev Milkha Singh, actor Ayushmann Khurrana and former Minister Manish Tewari.

9. La Martiniere for Girls, Kolkata

Year of Establishment: 1836

La Martiniere for Girls, Kolkata

La Martiniere for Girls was established in 1836 in accordance with the will of Major General Claude Martin. The medium of instruction at the school is English. The school is affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), and has a large student body at its campus. It is one of the top 10 schools in Kolkata, and also one of the top 10 schools in West Bengal. 

This school is widely recognized for being dedicated to academic excellence as well as all-round student development. It provides a wide, well structured curriculum from Lower Nursery till 12 Class. It encourages intellectual and moral growth for all the students.

The infrastructure of the school consists of advanced science and computer labs, a well-maintained library, modern classrooms and top-tier facilities like gymnasium and swimming pool. All this ensures a learning environment that is dynamic as well as engaging. The school focuses on more than academics. It also provides a rich spectrum of co-curricular activities like tennis, basketball, debate, swimming, art, drama, robotics and music. 

At La Martiniere School, students are motivated to partake in community service activities. This shows the commitment of schools when it comes to shaping responsible as well as compassionate individuals. Alumni of this school are Nafisa Ali, Sadhana Bose and Shoma Chaudhary. 

10. Sainik School, Ghorakhal

Year of Establishment: 1966

Sainik School, Ghorakhal

Sainik School is located in Ghorakhal, Uttarakhand. It is one of the top schools for boys. The school was established in 1966 as a prestigious residential institution for the purpose of grooming young boys for National Defence Academy (NDA) and careers in the army, navy and air force. Sainik School Ghorakhal is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). It offers a comprehensive from Class 6 to Class 12. 

It covers STEM subjects, humanities and languages to ensure a strong academic foundation. It offers state of the art infrastructure consisting of modern classrooms, advanced computer and science labs and a library that’s well stocked. All this creates an environment that boosts academic excellence among the students.

The school places major emphasis when it comes to holistic development via a diverse range of extracurricular activities. The students at Sainik School actively participate in sports, debate clubs, music, art, etc. In addition to this, the school also encourages its students for community service and national events. It instills a deep sense of leadership as well as social responsibility among them.

The environment at the school is disciplined. Sainik School showcases commitment when it comes to shaping the future leaders and continues to uphold its reputation as one of the top 10 schools in Uttarakhand. It prepares students not just for defense careers but also for many other professional roles. 

Conclusion

In this blog post, we provided you with the list of top schools in India. They are: (i) Dhirubhai Ambani International School, (ii) Delhi Public School Society, (iii) Wellham Girls School, (iv) Bombay Scottish School, (v) The Modern School, (vi) The Doon School, (vii) The Scindia School, (viii) St. John’s High School, (ix) La Martiniere for Girls and (x) Sainik School. These schools are well-known for their academic excellence and holistic approach to education. Want to open a school in India? Connect with Registrationwala for assistance in fulfilling the legal and regulatory requirements for starting a school successfully!


Disclaimer: This article is based on the author’s personal opinion and may or may not represent views of the general public, institutions or organizations.


3791 Views
  • Share This Post

Author: Manish Kumar
I’m Manish Kumar, a content management specialist. I simplify complex financial and regulatory topics into clear, insightful content. As a regular contributor to the Registrationwala portal, I provide updates on finance, Tax, government schemes, compliance, and other incorporation information. My goal is to keep you informed about key industry developments and their impact.

Leave a Comment

Related Posts

Subscribe
to our newsletter

Top