“Mani, we’ve decided to move back. But my 10-year-old has been in an American school since kindergarten. What do we do about her education?”
This question comes up more than anything else in our WhatsApp community. More than taxes. More than jobs. More than housing.
Because when it comes to your child’s education, there’s no room for trial and error.
I’ve been through this myself. When we moved back in 2017, my younger son had spent his early years in California.
Finding the right school that wouldn’t feel like a completely alien world for him – that was probably our biggest worry.
Almost a decade later, I can tell you this with confidence – India’s international school landscape has transformed dramatically. You have real options today. Good ones.
But you need to know where to look and what to look for.
This guide covers specific schools across every major Indian city, what they cost, how admissions work, and the honest truths our community has learned over the years.
Why International Schools Make Sense for NRI Kids
Let me be direct. Not every NRI child needs an international school.
But if your child has been studying in an IB, Cambridge, or American curriculum abroad, switching them to CBSE or ICSE mid-way can be jarring. The teaching style is different. The assessment approach is different. The peer environment is different.
International schools in India bridge that gap. They offer:
Curriculum continuity.
Your child can stay in the IB or Cambridge system without starting over.
A multicultural environment.
Many of these schools have students from 20-70 nationalities. Your child won’t be the only “new kid from abroad.”
English as the primary language.
No sudden switch to Hindi-heavy instruction that might overwhelm a child who’s grown up in the US or UK.
Global university pathways.
If you’re keeping the option open for your child to study abroad for college, IB and Cambridge qualifications are recognized worldwide.
A smoother emotional transition.
And honestly, this is the biggest one. Moving countries is hard enough for adults. For kids, having a school environment that feels familiar can make all the difference.
For a broader understanding of how India’s education system compares to the American system, we have a dedicated guide.
Understanding the Curriculum Options
Before we get into specific schools, let’s quickly understand your options.
| Curriculum | Best For | Key Features | University Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB (International Baccalaureate) | Families who may relocate again, or want the most globally portable curriculum | Inquiry-based, holistic, strong emphasis on critical thinking and CAS (creativity, activity, service) | Accepted at universities worldwide – US, UK, Europe, Australia, India |
| Cambridge (IGCSE + A Levels) | Families wanting a structured British-style education with subject flexibility | Strong subject-specific depth, external exam-based assessment, flexible subject combinations | Widely accepted globally, especially in UK, Commonwealth, and India |
| American Curriculum (AP/US standards) | Families returning from the US who want direct continuity | GPA-based, AP courses for college credit, SAT/ACT preparation built in | Primarily US universities, but increasingly accepted globally |
| IB + IGCSE (Dual) | Families who want flexibility to choose the best of both | Many schools offer IGCSE for Grades 9-10 and IB Diploma for Grades 11-12 | Maximum flexibility for university applications worldwide |
The most common path NRI families in our community choose: IGCSE for middle and high school (Grades 6-10), then IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11-12. This combination gives strong subject depth plus the globally respected IB diploma.
For a detailed breakdown of how these curricula differ, check our comparison of CBSE vs IB and CBSE vs IGCSE.
Fee Ranges – What to Expect
Before jumping into city-wise school lists, let’s set expectations on fees. This is the question everyone asks first.
| Fee Category | Annual Fees (Approx.) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget International | ₹1.5L – ₹3.5L per year | Newer schools, recognized IB/Cambridge curricula, developing infrastructure |
| Mid-Tier International | ₹4L – ₹8L per year | Established schools, good facilities, proven track record |
| Premium International | ₹8L – ₹15L per year | Top-tier facilities, high teacher-student ratios, strong global university placements |
| Ultra-Premium / Embassy Schools | ₹15L – ₹25L+ per year | World-class infrastructure, international faculty, 70+ nationalities, fees often in USD |
Important note for NRI parents: These fees are significantly lower than what you’d pay for comparable schools in the US (where private school tuition averages $15,000-$30,000+), the UK, or UAE.
Many parents in our community are genuinely surprised by how much they save on education after moving back.
Watch out for hidden costs: Registration fees (one-time, ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000+), exam fees for IGCSE and IB (₹1L – ₹3L per exam session), transport, uniforms, EAL (English as Additional Language) support fees, and development/capital fees.
Always ask for the complete fee breakdown before committing.
City-Wise Guide to International Schools
Now, the part you’ve been waiting for. I’ve organized this by city, covering the schools that NRI families in our community most frequently choose and recommend.
Bangalore – India’s International School Capital
Bangalore has the highest concentration of international schools in India. Period.
With its tech industry, pleasant weather, and cosmopolitan culture, Bangalore attracts the largest number of returning NRI families.
The city has over 400 international schools, giving you genuine options across every budget.
If you’re considering moving to Bangalore, the school ecosystem is one of its strongest draws.
Top International Schools in Bangalore:
| School | Curriculum | Annual Fees (Approx.) | Grades | NRI Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian International School (CIS) | Cambridge IGCSE + IB Diploma | ₹6L – ₹10L | Montessori to Grade 12 | Excellent – first school in Bangalore to offer IBDP, diverse student body, 100% solar campus |
| The International School Bangalore (TISB) | IGCSE + IB Diploma | ₹5.5L – ₹9L | Grade 1 to 12 | Excellent – 16-acre Whitefield campus, National Curriculum of England for younger grades |
| Stonehill International School | IGCSE + IB Diploma | ₹7L – ₹12L | Pre-Primary to Grade 12 | Excellent – 34-acre campus near airport, day + boarding, multinational student body |
| Indus International School | IGCSE + IB Diploma | ₹5L – ₹8L | Pre-KG to Grade 12 | Very Good – large campus, strong sports program, boarding available |
| Bangalore International School (BIS) | IGCSE + IB Diploma | ₹3.75L – ₹6L | Nursery to Grade 12 | Very Good – oldest international school in Bangalore (est. 1969), founded for American families |
| Oakridge International School | IB PYP + IGCSE + IB DP | ₹4L – ₹7L | Pre-Primary to Grade 12 | Good – multiple campuses, tech-enabled learning |
| Trio World Academy | IB (Full continuum PYP-MYP-DP) | ₹5.5L – ₹8.25L | Nursery to Grade 12 | Very Good – named ‘Best School Brand’ by Economic Times, BARCA football academy partnership |
| Candor International School | IGCSE + IB Diploma | ₹5L – ₹8L | Pre-KG to Grade 12 | Good – 25-acre campus off Bannerghatta Road, newer but well-reviewed |
| Greenwood High International School | IGCSE + IB Diploma | ₹4L – ₹7L | Pre-Primary to Grade 12 | Good – multiple campuses, strong academic results |
| Neev Academy | IGCSE + IB Diploma | ₹6L – ₹9L | Early Years to Grade 12 | Very Good – progressive pedagogy, strong arts focus, smaller and more intimate |
Community tip: Canadian International School and TISB are the two schools that come up most often in our Bangalore WhatsApp group when NRI parents ask for recommendations. Both have significant NRI and expat populations, so your child won’t feel like the odd one out.
Bangalore’s advantage: You have genuine depth of choice here. Whether your budget is ₹4L or ₹12L, there’s a quality international school for your family.
Mumbai – Premium Options with Global Exposure
Mumbai’s international schools tend to be more expensive than other cities (land costs), but several are genuinely world-class. The city offers excellent schools for families returning from the US, UK, and Middle East.
Top International Schools in Mumbai:
| School | Curriculum | Annual Fees (Approx.) | Grades | NRI Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS) | IB + IGCSE | ₹8L – ₹14L | Nursery to Grade 12 | Outstanding – ranked 11th globally in IB results, Microsoft Showcase School, Bandra-Kurla Complex |
| American School of Bombay (ASB) | American + IB Diploma | ₹15L – ₹22L | Pre-KG to Grade 12 | Outstanding – American curriculum, strong tech emphasis, primarily expat + NRI families |
| Oberoi International School | IB (Full continuum) | ₹8L – ₹14L | Nursery to Grade 12 | Excellent – IB continuum school, Goregaon campus, diverse student body |
| Ecole Mondiale World School | IB (Full continuum) | ₹9L – ₹18L | Nursery to Grade 12 | Excellent – Juhu campus, full IB from PYP to DP, strong university placements |
| Aditya Birla World Academy | IB + IGCSE | ₹8L – ₹15L | Nursery to Grade 12 | Very Good – premium facilities, Worli location, strong academic support |
| Jamnabai Narsee International School | IGCSE + IB | ₹5L – ₹9L | Pre-Primary to Grade 12 | Good – Juhu campus, established legacy school with international wing |
| Podar International School | Cambridge + IB | ₹4.5L – ₹7L | Pre-Primary to Grade 12 | Good – multiple branches across Mumbai, mid-tier pricing, accessible |
Community tip: DAIS consistently gets the highest praise from NRI parents in our group. The IB results speak for themselves – it’s one of the best IB schools not just in India, but globally.
If you can get admission and manage the fees, it’s hard to beat. ASB is the go-to for American families who want direct curriculum continuity.
Mumbai reality check: Space is tight. Many top schools have long waitlists, especially for Grades 6-10. Start your application 12 months before you plan to move.
Delhi NCR – The Widest Range of Choices
Delhi NCR (Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida) offers everything from ultra-premium embassy schools to excellent mid-range international options. It’s particularly popular among NRIs returning from the US, UK, and Middle East.
Top International Schools in Delhi NCR:
| School | Location | Curriculum | Annual Fees (Approx.) | NRI Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Embassy School (AES) | New Delhi (Chanakyapuri) | American + IB Diploma | USD 16,500 – USD 26,000 (fees in USD) | Outstanding – students from 70+ countries, AP + IB options, campus in diplomatic enclave, primarily for diplomatic/expat/NRI families |
| The British School, New Delhi | New Delhi (Chanakyapuri) | British National + IGCSE + IB | ₹10L – ₹18L | Excellent – British curriculum, strong pastoral care, Chanakyapuri campus |
| Pathways World School | Gurgaon (Aravalli) | IB (Full continuum) | ₹10L – ₹16L (Day), ₹18L+ (Boarding) | Excellent – first IB Day-cum-Residential school in North India, 42-acre campus, inquiry-based |
| Step By Step School | Noida | IB + Cambridge | ₹5L – ₹9L | Very Good – well-established in Noida, strong IB results |
| Scottish High International School | Gurgaon | IGCSE + IB + CBSE | ₹3L – ₹6L | Good – multi-curriculum options, good value for money |
| Heritage International Xperiential School | Gurgaon | Cambridge + IB | ₹6L – ₹10L | Good – experiential learning focus, modern campus |
| The Shri Ram School (Aravali) | Gurgaon | IGCSE + IB | ₹6L – ₹10L | Very Good – strong academic reputation, progressive approach |
| Sanskriti School | New Delhi | IB + CBSE | ₹3L – ₹5L | Good – more affordable, offers IB alongside CBSE |
| G.D. Goenka World School | Gurgaon | IB + Cambridge | ₹6L – ₹9L | Good – full boarding option, near Sohna Road |
Community tip: AES is in a league of its own – fees are in USD, the student body is primarily international, and admission priority goes to diplomatic families.
But if you’re an NRI with a US passport child, it’s worth applying. Pathways is the go-to for NRI families in Gurgaon who want a full IB experience with boarding option. For Noida families, Step By Step consistently gets good reviews.
Delhi NCR advantage: Gurgaon alone has more international schools than most Indian cities combined. You’ll find something at every price point.
Hyderabad – Great Quality, Lower Costs
Hyderabad is emerging as one of the best cities for NRI families – strong tech job market, lower cost of living, and a rapidly improving international school scene. Fees here are noticeably lower than Mumbai or Delhi.
Top International Schools in Hyderabad:
| School | Curriculum | Annual Fees (Approx.) | NRI Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| International School of Hyderabad (ISH) | IB (Full continuum) | ₹8.7L – ₹13.6L | Excellent – located at ICRISAT campus, truly international student body, one of the oldest IB schools in South India |
| Oakridge International School (Gachibowli) | IB + IGCSE | ₹4L – ₹7L | Very Good – Cyberabad location near tech companies, modern infrastructure |
| Chirec International School | Cambridge + IB | ₹3.5L – ₹6L | Good – multiple campuses, established reputation, mid-range pricing |
| Manthan International School | Cambridge IGCSE | ₹3L – ₹5L | Good – Manikonda location, growing reputation |
| DPS International | IB + IGCSE | ₹4L – ₹7L | Good – DPS brand with international curriculum wing |
| Rockwell International School | IGCSE + IB | ₹3.5L – ₹6L | Good – Kokapet campus, newer but well-reviewed |
| Sancta Maria International School | IGCSE | ₹2.5L – ₹4L | Good – affordable IGCSE option, good facilities |
Community tip: ISH (at ICRISAT campus in Patancheru) is the most “truly international” school in Hyderabad – it literally sits on an international research campus with families from around the world. For families living in the Gachibowli/HITEC City tech corridor, Oakridge is the most convenient and well-reviewed option.
Hyderabad advantage: You can get a quality IB or Cambridge education here for 30-40% less than Bangalore or Mumbai.
Chennai – Academic Rigor Meets International Exposure
Chennai combines South India’s academic discipline with growing international school options. The city is particularly strong for families who value structured academics.
Top International Schools in Chennai:
| School | Curriculum | Annual Fees (Approx.) | NRI Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| The American International School Chennai (AISC) | American + IB | ₹12L – ₹20L | Excellent – American curriculum, expat/NRI focused, near OMR tech corridor |
| Lalaji Memorial Omega International School (Heartfulness) | CBSE + Cambridge + IB Diploma | ₹3L – ₹6L | Good – 22-acre green campus, multiple curriculum choices, boarding available, 5000+ students |
| M.Ct.M. Chidambaram Chettyar International School | Cambridge + IB Diploma | ₹4L – ₹7L | Good – Mylapore location, first school in Chennai to offer IB DP |
| The Indian Public School (TIPS) | IB PYP + Cambridge + IB DP | ₹5L – ₹9L | Very Good – Perungudi campus, residential option, fine dining and modern facilities |
| Chettinad Vidyashram | Cambridge + CBSE | ₹2.5L – ₹5L | Good – strong academic reputation, R.A. Puram location |
| Athena Global School | Cambridge | ₹3L – ₹5L | Good – newer, OMR location near tech parks |
Community tip: AISC is the clear choice for American NRI families in Chennai – it follows US standards and the community is primarily international. For a more affordable option with curriculum flexibility, Heartfulness (formerly Lalaji Memorial Omega) offers a rare combination of IB, Cambridge, and CBSE under one roof.
Pune – Quality Education with Balanced Lifestyle
Pune attracts NRI families who want quality education without the intensity (and cost) of Mumbai. The city’s pleasant climate, strong cultural scene, and growing international school ecosystem make it a popular choice.
Top International Schools in Pune:
| School | Curriculum | Annual Fees (Approx.) | NRI Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahindra United World College (MUWCI) | IB Diploma | ₹15L+ (includes boarding) | Outstanding – on 175-acre biodiversity reserve, students from 70+ nationalities, highly selective, 80%+ on financial aid |
| Symbiosis International School | IB (Full continuum) | ₹5L – ₹8L | Very Good – part of the respected Symbiosis education group |
| MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul | IB | ₹6L – ₹10L (Day), ₹12L+ (Boarding) | Good – 125-acre campus in Rajbaug, IB-affiliated day-cum-boarding |
| Mercedes-Benz International School | IB (Full continuum) | ₹7L – ₹12L | Good – supported by Mercedes-Benz, modern infrastructure |
| Victorious Kidss Educares | IB (Full continuum) | ₹4L – ₹7L | Good – IB World School, Kharadi location |
| The Orchid School | IB | ₹4L – ₹7L | Good – progressive approach, Baner area |
| Elpro International School | IB + Cambridge | ₹4L – ₹7L | Good – Chinchwad location, dual curriculum |
Community tip: MUWCI is one of the most prestigious IB schools in the world – not just India. But it’s a Grades 11-12 boarding school only and highly selective. For a full K-12 option, Symbiosis International is the most recommended in our Pune community group.
Other Cities Worth Considering
Ahmedabad:
- Ahmedabad International School (AIS) – IB PYP + Cambridge IGCSE + IB DP/A Levels. Also a College Board AP exam center. Fees ₹3L – ₹6L. Well-regarded with strong curriculum flexibility.
- JG International School – IB + Cambridge + CISCE. Residential option. 1:8 teacher ratio.
- Calorx Olive International School – IB curriculum.
Kochi:
- Choice School – Cambridge IGCSE. Growing reputation among Kerala NRI families.
- GIIS Kochi – Global Indian International School, IB and Cambridge options.
Goa:
- Sharada Mandir International School – IB programme, growing NRI community.
- International Centre Goa (ICG) – IB World School, Dona Paula.
Kolkata:
- Calcutta International School – IB + IGCSE, the most established international school in the city.
- The Heritage School – IGCSE + IB, Anandapur campus.
Hill Station Boarding Schools (Popular with NRI families):
- Woodstock School, Mussoorie – AP (American) curriculum + IB. One of Asia’s oldest international schools. Founded in 1854. Fees ₹10L – ₹15L including boarding.
- The Doon School, Dehradun – IB Diploma + ICSE. All-boys boarding. One of India’s most prestigious schools.
- Good Shepherd International School, Ooty – IGCSE + IB. Hill campus, affordable (₹3L – ₹4L), popular with NRI families.
- Kodaikanal International School (KIS) – IB curriculum, over a century old, Christian values, multinational boarding community.
Community tip: Hill station boarding schools are a hidden gem for NRI families. Woodstock and Kodaikanal in particular have historically large NRI and international student populations. If you’re open to boarding, these schools offer a quality of life and campus experience that city schools can’t match.
How Admissions Work – A Practical Guide
Admissions at international schools are different from the CBSE/ICSE system. Here’s what to expect.
Timeline: Start 6-12 months before your move. For top schools, 12 months is safer. Mid-year admissions are possible at some schools, but seats are limited.
Typical admission process:
Step 1 – Inquiry and application.
Most schools have online application portals. You can start this from abroad. Fill in the form, upload documents, pay the application fee (₹1,000 to ₹5,000 typically).
Step 2 – Assessment.
Most international schools conduct an assessment – usually in English, Math, and sometimes a reasoning test. This isn’t like Indian competitive exams. It’s designed to check if your child can access the curriculum at grade level. Many schools offer online assessments for overseas applicants.
Step 3 – Interview.
A conversation with the child and parents. Schools are looking for “fit” – whether the child and family align with the school’s values and approach. This is usually more relaxed than you’d expect.
Step 4 – Offer and enrollment.
If accepted, you’ll receive an enrollment contract with fee details. A deposit (typically ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000) secures the seat.
Documents you’ll typically need:
- Child’s passport and visa
- Last 2-3 years of school report cards / transcripts
- Transfer certificate from previous school
- Birth certificate
- Passport-size photographs
- Parent ID proof and address proof
- Immunization records
- Any learning support documentation (if applicable)
For the broader picture of school admissions, our school admission process guide covers everything.
Things NRI Parents Get Wrong
These are real lessons from families in our community. Every single one of these comes from someone who learned it the hard way.
1. Waiting until you land in India to start looking.
By then, the best schools may be full. Start your research and applications 6-12 months ahead.
2. Assuming all “international schools” are the same.
Some schools use the word “international” loosely. Check if the school is actually authorized by IB (ibo.org) or recognized by Cambridge (cambridgeinternational.org). Accreditation matters.
3. Not considering the commute.
India’s traffic can add 45-90 minutes to a school commute. Choose your home and school together, not separately. Many families in our community say they picked their neighborhood based on school proximity.
4. Ignoring the mid-year admission challenge.
If you’re moving mid-academic-year (say, December or March), seat availability drops significantly. Some schools flat-out don’t accept mid-year admissions for certain grades. Plan around academic calendars.
5. Not preparing the child for assessment.
International school assessments aren’t difficult, but they may test topics your child hasn’t covered in their current curriculum. Ask the school for sample papers or suggested prep areas.
6. Overlooking the social transition.
Academic fit is important. But so is social fit. Visit the school if possible. Ask about how they support new students. The best schools have structured transition programs for incoming NRI and expat children.
7. Comparing Indian fees to US fees without context.
Yes, ₹10L per year sounds expensive in India. But you were paying $20,000-$30,000 in the US. Keep perspective. And remember – the savings on education is one of the biggest financial advantages of moving back.
8. Not checking IB Diploma availability.
Some schools offer only IGCSE up to Grade 10 but don’t have IB Diploma for Grades 11-12. If you want the full IB pathway, confirm that the school offers PYP + MYP + DP (or at least IGCSE + DP).
9. Forgetting about university counseling.
If your child plans to apply to US or UK universities, check whether the school has dedicated university counselors who understand international applications. Not all schools do.
10. Not talking to current NRI parents at the school.
The best due diligence is a conversation with 2-3 NRI parents whose children already attend the school. Ask the admissions office to connect you, or post in our WhatsApp community – someone will know someone.
What About Kids Who Don’t Fit Neatly Into International Schools?
Not every NRI child needs or wants an international school. Here are some alternative paths from our community’s experience.
ICSE schools with international exposure.
ICSE is the closest Indian board to international curricula. Schools like Cathedral & John Connon (Mumbai), La Martiniere (Kolkata, Lucknow), and Bishop Cotton (Bangalore) offer excellent English-medium education with strong global perspectives. Fees are significantly lower than international schools.
CBSE schools with international wings.
Some CBSE schools offer IGCSE or IB as an additional track. DPS International (multiple cities) and Amity International are examples. This gives you the flexibility to choose.
National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
For older children (Grade 10+) who struggle with the transition, NIOS allows flexible, self-paced learning. It’s recognized by Indian universities and can be combined with AP or IB self-study.
For understanding the differences between boards, our CBSE vs ICSE comparison and IB syllabus explainer can help you decide.
Making the Transition Easier for Your Child
The school choice matters. But how you manage the transition matters just as much.
Start before the move.
If possible, have your child interact virtually with the new school – some schools offer “buddy programs” where a current student connects with an incoming one over video calls.
Be honest with your child.
Don’t oversell India or undersell the change. Kids are resilient, but they need to feel heard. Let them express their worries.
Give it time.
Most children in our community take 3-6 months to fully settle in. The first month is usually the hardest. By the third month, most kids have found their group.
Stay connected to the old world.
Let your child maintain friendships from their previous school. Regular video calls with old friends make the transition less isolating.
Get involved.
Volunteer for school events. Join the parent WhatsApp group. When your child sees you engaged, it normalizes the new environment faster.
We have a thoughtful guide on dealing with teenagers during the return – because the teenage years add a whole extra layer of complexity to this transition.
For US-born children specifically, our guide on benefits for US-born kids in India covers the unique considerations for American citizen children attending school in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child join an international school mid-year?
Some schools accept rolling admissions, especially at younger grades. But for Grades 6 and above, mid-year seats are limited. Call the school’s admissions office directly and ask – don’t assume based on the website.
Do international schools in India accept foreign transcripts directly?
Yes, most do. IB and Cambridge schools are experienced in evaluating foreign transcripts. You may need an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) for some schools, but many international schools handle this internally.
Is my child at a disadvantage if they don’t speak Hindi?
Not at international schools. English is the primary medium, and Hindi (or a local language) is taught as a subject, not a medium of instruction. Most international schools offer Hindi at beginner and intermediate levels for children who aren’t fluent.
What’s the teacher-student ratio at these schools?
Most quality international schools maintain 1:15 to 1:25 ratios. Premium schools like AES Delhi, DAIS Mumbai, and Stonehill Bangalore maintain even smaller class sizes. Always ask about this during your school visit.
Can OCI card holders study at international schools in India?
Absolutely. OCI holders are treated the same as Indian citizens for school admission purposes. Some schools may also have separate international/NRI fee structures, so ask about this upfront.
When do Indian international schools start their academic year?
Most start in June or July (aligned with the Indian academic year). Some IB schools follow an August/September start aligned with international calendars. Check with each school specifically.
Are there any scholarships available?
Some schools offer merit-based or need-based scholarships. MUWCI in Pune is notable – over 80% of its students receive financial support. Ask each school individually about scholarship and fee reduction options.
What if my child has learning differences (ADHD, dyslexia, etc.)?
International schools are generally better equipped for learning support than traditional Indian schools. But the quality varies significantly. Ask specifically about the school’s learning support department, the qualifications of their specialists, and whether there’s an additional fee for these services.
My Honest Take
After years of watching NRI families navigate this decision, here are three things I believe:
One – India’s international schools today are genuinely world-class. The gap between a top IB school in Bangalore and one in the US or UK has narrowed dramatically. Your child is not “settling” by studying in India.
Two – the school matters less than you think, and the transition matters more. A B+ school where your child feels happy and supported will produce better outcomes than an A+ school where they feel isolated and stressed. Prioritize fit over prestige.
Three – start early, but don’t panic. This feels overwhelming right now. But thousands of NRI families have done this before you, and their children are thriving. Our community has parents in every major city who can share firsthand experiences with specific schools.
The right school is out there. You just need to find it.
Planning your return and worried about schools? You’re not alone. Join our WhatsApp community at https://backtoindia.com/groups – 20,000+ NRIs helping each other with real, lived experience. Ask about specific schools in your target city and you’ll get honest answers from parents who are already there. It’s free and volunteer-run.
Disclaimer: Fees mentioned are approximate and based on publicly available information as of early 2026. School fees, curricula, and admission policies change frequently. Always verify directly with the school’s admissions office before making decisions. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement of any specific school.
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