Education and Schools in Delhi

Delhi’s schools are among the best in India, but the most popular institutions are often oversubscribed, making admission a competitive process. It’s wise to begin your search and application process early.

If you’re staying in Delhi for the short term, you might prefer to enrol your children in one of the international schools in the city. These schools offer curricula and environments that align with what your children are accustomed to back home. There’s no shortage of options, including a robust selection of private schools where English is the primary teaching language.

When choosing a school, consider its proximity to your home and workplace. Getting around in Delhi can be time-consuming due to frequent traffic congestion. While many private and international schools offer bus services, selecting a school close to home or finding accommodation near your chosen school can save time and reduce daily stress.

Public schools in Delhi, though better than those in many other parts of India, are typically not considered by expats or Indian families who can afford private education. Aside from private and international school options, you might also explore homeschooling and supplementary tutoring sessions to provide a well-rounded education for your children.

Private schools in Delhi

Delhi is a leading education hub in India, with its private schools known for producing top-tier talent. A key advantage of private schools in Delhi is that most use English as the medium of instruction.

Integrating your children into Indian private schools can be a rich opportunity for them to immerse themselves in Delhi's local culture, languages, and people. The Indian curriculum is strong and is assessed by various boards, primarily the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE).

However, gaining admission to a prominent Indian private school can be challenging. The number of applicants often far exceeds the available seats, making the admission process competitive. Additionally, courses in Indian schools can be rigorous, and your children may face high academic pressure. Ensure that they are prepared for this environment.

Useful links

• Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
• Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)

International schools in Delhi

International schools in Delhi offer the advantage of maintaining your home country’s teaching language and curriculum, providing continuity in your children’s education, especially if you’re frequently on the move.

The range in tuition fees for international schools in Delhi is broad. It’s best to visit individual school websites for specific information. Given the high cost, it’s advisable to negotiate an education allowance in your relocation package.

Available seats in these schools tend to be limited, so starting the admission process as early as possible is crucial to securing a spot for your child.

Read more

• International Schools in Delhi | Expat Arrivals
• International Schools in Gurgaon | Expat Arrivals

Nurseries in Delhi

If you have young children, you’ll find a wide array of nurseries and daycare centres in Delhi. These include kindergartens that are part of larger international schools and various private nurseries, such as the EuroKids chain of preschools.

Many kindergartens are located in suburbs and areas just outside the city centre. When choosing a nursery, it’s important to consider both the location and the fees, as these can vary significantly.

Useful links

• EuroKids
• Footprints Education

Homeschooling in Delhi

If traditional school environments or steep tuition fees don’t suit your family, homeschooling might be a viable option for you in Delhi. Although homeschooling is not explicitly recognised by law in India, many parents still pursue it, drawing on the fundamental right to education.

Connecting with the homeschooling community through forums and social media groups is essential. These connections can help you navigate the legal landscape, share resources, and find support as you create a tailored learning environment for your child.

Useful links

• Homeschooling India

Special-needs education in Delhi

Providing a quality education for children with special needs can be challenging, but Delhi offers a range of options that cater to diverse requirements. Special-needs education in Delhi is steadily improving, with several private and international schools leading the charge in offering inclusive and supportive environments.

The Delhi government has enhanced its commitment to inclusive education, mandating that all teachers undergo training in special-needs education. This initiative is designed to improve educators' awareness and capabilities to address the unique needs of students with disabilities. Furthermore, there has been increased funding for assistive technologies and modifications to school infrastructure, ensuring that students with physical disabilities have better access to education.

Many of the leading private and international schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) now offer specialised programmes for children with disabilities. These programmes often include dedicated learning support staff, counsellors and therapists who work closely with students to provide personalised care.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The availability of trained special educators is still limited, and awareness among the general public and school staff can vary significantly. Additionally, the costs associated with special-needs education can be high, leading some families to seek alternative solutions or additional support outside the school system.

Tutors in Delhi

Many children in Delhi benefit from extra tuition outside their regular school or homeschool environment. The demand for tutoring services remains high, especially in subjects like maths, science and languages, where extra support can make a significant difference in a student's performance. Tutors are also in high demand for preparing students for crucial exams like the CBSE, ICSE and various international exams such as the SATs and A-Levels.

The tutoring landscape in Delhi is evolving, with a noticeable shift towards online platforms that provide greater flexibility and access to a wider range of tutors. Platforms like TeacherOn, BharatTutors and FabTutor allow parents to connect with qualified tutors across various subjects and levels.

In addition to one-on-one tutoring, group classes and specialised coaching centres are also popular, particularly for competitive exams. These centres often have experienced teachers who are well-versed in exam patterns and can provide targeted instruction to help students excel.

With the increasing popularity of online learning, many tutors now offer hybrid models, combining in-person and online sessions to cater to different learning preferences.

Useful links

• TeacherOn
• BharatTutors
• FabTutor