The boards, compared
| Board | What it is like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| CBSE | The national board, used by most private and central schools. Strong in maths and science; the syllabus follows NCERT books. | Families who may move cities; competitive entrance exams. |
| CISCE (ICSE and ISC) | A national board with a wider syllabus and a strong focus on English and humanities. | Children used to reading-heavy, project-based classes. |
| State boards | Run by each state, taught in English or the state language. | Families settling long term in one state. |
| IB (PYP, MYP, Diploma) | International curriculum at international schools, close to what many children study abroad. | Children coming from IB schools, or who may study abroad. |
| Cambridge (IGCSE, A levels) | British curriculum offered by many international schools. | Children coming from UK-style schools. |
Moving into the final two years of school (classes 11 and 12) is the hardest switch between boards. If you can, time the move before class 9 or class 11.
When admissions happen
- CBSE and CISCE schools: the academic year usually starts in April, with admissions from about October to February. Some southern schools start in June.
- IB and Cambridge schools: many follow an August or June start, closer to the calendar abroad, and admit through the year if seats are free.
- Popular schools in Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad fill early. Apply to two or three.
Documents most schools ask for
- Birth certificate and passport (and OCI card for foreign-citizen children).
- Report cards for the last two years and a transfer or leaving certificate from the current school.
- Immunisation record.
- Aadhaar, once you have it; schools should not refuse admission only because a child has no Aadhaar yet.
- For entry into higher classes from a foreign board, schools may ask for an equivalence or eligibility check; ask the school what it needs.
Settling children in
- Hindi or a regional language is usually compulsory as a second or third language. Many schools allow newcomers to start at a beginner level; ask.
- Expect more homework and exams in CBSE and state-board schools than in most Western primary schools.
- Visit in person if you can. Ask about class size, the commute (school buses are common) and how the school helps children from abroad settle.
Choose the neighbourhood after the school
Traffic in big Indian cities makes a long school run exhausting. Most families pick the school first and rent within 5 to 8 km. See where to live in India and our renting guide.
This guide describes how Indian boards and schools generally work; check each school’s own admission rules and dates.
