Education and Schools in India

India's strong emphasis on education is one of the driving forces behind its emerging economy, though standards at public schools vary dramatically.

Private schools are popular in India, and most families who can afford to send their children to these institutions. As an expat parent, you'll likely opt for a private international school, but with hundreds to choose from throughout the country, the decision can be a tough one. The curricula, learning environments, and teaching philosophies at these institutions vary, so you'll need to select a school that aligns with your budget and expectations.

If you have younger children or differently abled children, you have additional factors to consider, but there is a broad scope of education options in large cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Bengaluru. We recommend that you start planning for schools and admissions as early as possible.

Public schools in India

Public schools in India are managed at central, state, and local levels, with various school boards such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) setting the curriculum. Exams are mainly conducted in Grades 10 and 12, and there are also opportunities for vocational education.

While private schools often provide a mix of the Indian curriculum with an international one, wholly public schools in India are unlikely to meet your standards as an expat.

If your children are aged 6 to 14, they have the right to free public education in India. However, the lack of funding lowers the quality of facilities and education. Class sizes frequently exceed international norms, facilities may be mediocre at best, and administrative and budgetary issues are common. Additionally, while many public schools in India teach in English, not all do, which creates a language barrier that your children may struggle to overcome.

Useful links

• CBSE Schools in India
• CISCE Schools in India

Private schools in India

Indian private schools have a good reputation, but the emphasis on results and rote learning can be challenging for your children as expat students. Students are incredibly competitive and are pushed to perform by their families and society in general. Your children may be unaccustomed to this pressure, and as a result, many expat children feel frustrated and insecure in local schools. That said, many students rise to the occasion and benefit greatly from learning in a multicultural environment.

Local private schools are also a great option if you plan on living in India long-term. Additional benefits to private schools in India are that your children will get an opportunity to integrate into their local community and make friends with local children while receiving a high standard of education.

International schools in India

International schools in India are ideal if you want your children to continue with their home-country curriculum. These schools also maintain their home country's primary teaching language and tend to employ familiar methods of instruction. American and British international schools are well represented across India, while several schools representing countries such as France and Germany have opened in larger cities.

You should note that international schools are among the most expensive. If you are hired to work in India on a lucrative employment package, ensure a sizeable allowance for school fees is included.

Another consideration is the shortage of seats at international schools throughout India. It's best to start the admissions process early. Often consisting of entrance exams and interviews, the admissions process is highly competitive, and waiting lists at popular schools are long.

Useful links

• International Schools in Gurgaon
• International Schools in Mumbai
• International Schools in Bengaluru
• International Schools in Delhi
• International Schools in Pune

Nurseries in India

Large cities in India provide a host of playgroups, daycares, and nurseries. Some international schools have kindergartens attached, and these meet high standards of care.

One of the main factors determining which nursery to select will be its location. Pre-primary schools are limited in number in rural villages, while in major cities, you can find many well-established and reputable nurseries. But, due to heavy traffic and transport issues, we recommend choosing an area near your home or workplace.

Homeschooling in India

Despite confusion over the compulsory schooling age and the feasibility of homeschooling in India, the homeschooling community is growing. The flexibility and personalisation of education offered by homeschooling are significant draws for parents. Online support and resources for homeschooling are widely available, so be sure to explore various curricula. International schools may also provide distance-learning opportunities or act as an exam centre where your homeschooled children can write their exams.

Useful links

• Swashikshan Indian Association of Homeschoolers
• National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)

Special-needs education in India

If you are a parent of a child with learning challenges, you must do your research when looking for the right schooling option. Policies on special-needs education in India have seen significant improvements in recent years.

International schools in India often adopt best practices for inclusive education. These include individualised education plans (IEPs), professional development for teachers on inclusive practices, collaborative learning environments, and parental involvement in the educational process.

Useful links

• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016)
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

Tutors in India

Education is highly valued in India, and there are many opportunities for additional tuition for your children alongside their mainstream schooling or homeschooling education. You can also find tutors for your educational needs as an adult.

Several tutoring platforms have gained popularity in India, including Vedantu, Byju's, UrbanPro and TeacherOn. The demand for online tutoring has significantly increased, particularly following the pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of digital learning solutions. Many parents now prefer online tutoring due to its convenience and flexibility. However, in-person tutoring remains popular for its personal touch and immediate feedback, especially for younger students or those requiring more hands-on assistance.

Useful links

• Vedantu
• Byju's
• UrbanPro
• TeacherOn