Education and schools play a major role in India and are among the driving forces behind its emerging economy, though standards in public schools can vary dramatically.
Private schools are popular in India, and most families who can afford to send their children to one of these institutions. As an expat parent, you'll likely opt for a private international school, but with hundreds to choose from throughout the country, choosing one can be difficult. 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 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
Children aged six to 14 have the right to free public education in India. However, challenges such as underfunding and poor infrastructure undermine the quality of 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 can create a language barrier that your children may struggle to overcome.
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.
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Private schools in India
Indian private schools have a good reputation, but the emphasis on results and rote learning doesn't suit every educational preference. Students are typically highly competitive and are pushed to perform by their families and society at large. 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 for the long term. Additional benefits of private schools in India include the opportunity for your children 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 from 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 high demand for international schools throughout India. It's best to start the admissions process early. Often consisting of entrance exams and interviews, the admissions process is often highly competitive, and waiting lists at popular schools are long.
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 offer a wide range 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, choosing a nursery near your home and workplace is reccommended.
Special educational needs in India
If you are a parent of a child with learning challenges, you'll need to do your research when looking for the right schooling options in India. Even though a number of policies focus on equal educational opportunities for children with special needs, implementation varies across areas and schools. Public schools often don't have the facilities to support inclusive SEN practices, prompting most parents who can afford it to choose a private or international school.
International schools in India almost always 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.
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Homeschooling in India
Despite some confusion over the feasibility of homeschooling in India, the homeschooling community is growing. The flexibility and personalisation of education offered by homeschooling are significant draws for many expat 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 serve as exam centres where your homeschooled children can write their exams.
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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 online 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.