Last month, a dad from our WhatsApp community posted this at 1 AM.
“We’re moving back to Bangalore in June. My daughter is in 5th grade in California. She loves art and hates rote learning. Which board do I put her in? I’m losing sleep over this.”
Thirty seven people replied within two hours. Because every single returning NRI parent has been exactly there.
I was there too. In 2017, when we moved back from the US, my older son was entering middle school.
My younger one, born in Dallas, had only known the American school system.
My wife and I spent weeks comparing boards, visiting schools, talking to other parents. We made some good calls. We also made mistakes we wish someone had warned us about.
Eight years and thousands of community conversations later, here’s everything I know about choosing the right school syllabus for your kids when you move back to India.
Why This Decision Matters More Than You Think
Choosing a school board is not just about academics. It shapes how your child thinks, how they’re tested, what language they study in, and which colleges they can get into later.
Pick the wrong board and your kid might struggle with an unfamiliar teaching style. Pick the right one and the transition feels almost seamless.
The thing is, India now has more board options than ever before. And with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 gradually changing how schools operate, the landscape in 2026 looks quite different from even three years ago.
Here’s what we’ll cover: the five major syllabus options, how they compare on what actually matters to NRI families, the NEP changes you should know about, and real advice from parents who’ve been through it.
The Five School Boards You Need to Know
India has over 60 education boards. But as a returning NRI parent, you’ll realistically be choosing from five.
| Board | Full Name | Governed By | Schools in India |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBSE | Central Board of Secondary Education | Government of India (Ministry of Education) | 28,000+ |
| ICSE | Indian Certificate of Secondary Education | CISCE (Private body, est. 1958) | 2,700+ |
| IB | International Baccalaureate | IBO, Geneva, Switzerland | 200+ |
| IGCSE/Cambridge | International General Certificate of Secondary Education | Cambridge Assessment International Education, UK | 600+ |
| State Board | Varies by state | Respective State Government | Varies (largest combined network) |
Source: CBSE, CISCE, IBO, and Cambridge official websites
Each board has a completely different philosophy, teaching style, exam pattern, and fee structure. Let me break them down one by one.
CBSE: The Mainstream Powerhouse
If India had a “default” school board, it would be CBSE. And there’s a reason.
CBSE is the most widely recognized board in India. Almost every competitive exam, JEE, NEET, CUET, all of them align most closely with the CBSE syllabus. If your child is likely to pursue engineering or medicine in India, CBSE gives them the most direct path.
What it’s like for NRI kids:
The syllabus is structured and standardized. NCERT textbooks are the backbone. The focus is heavily on Science and Maths, with a more compact syllabus compared to ICSE. The medium of instruction is English or Hindi.
For returning NRI kids, CBSE can feel like a sudden shift. The teaching is more textbook driven. Classroom sizes are larger. There’s less emphasis on discussion and more on notes, memorization, and exam technique.
That said, CBSE has been changing. Under NEP 2020, schools are moving toward competency based assessments. The rigid stream separation (Science/Commerce/Arts in Class 11) is loosening. Students can now combine subjects across streams in many CBSE schools.
Where CBSE works well:
Kids who are strong in Maths and Science. Families planning to stay in India long term. Families on a moderate budget. Kids who might take JEE/NEET later.
Where it might struggle:
Kids used to project based, discussion heavy American or British school systems. Creative kids who thrive on flexibility. Kids who find rote learning draining.
If you’re exploring CBSE options, our CBSE vs ICSE comparison goes deeper into the differences.
Fee range: Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh per year (varies hugely by city and school reputation)
ICSE: The Comprehensive Middle Ground
ICSE is often called the “tougher” Indian board. That reputation is partially deserved.
The ICSE syllabus covers more ground than CBSE. It gives equal weight to languages, science, arts, and humanities. The English curriculum is significantly more rigorous with multiple novels, plays, poetry analysis, and long form essay writing. Science papers require detailed diagrams and step by step reasoning.
What it’s like for NRI kids:
For kids coming from American or British schools, ICSE can actually feel more familiar than CBSE. The emphasis on English proficiency, analytical writing, and breadth of subjects maps better to what international schools teach.
Internal assessments count for 20% of marks, which means projects, presentations, and practical work matter. This is closer to how most Western schools evaluate students.
The catch? ICSE exam papers change every year. There’s no predictable pattern. You can’t just practice past papers and ace the exam. Your child actually needs to understand the concepts.
Where ICSE works well:
Kids strong in English and humanities. Kids who want a well rounded education without going fully international. Families who want a recognized Indian board but with more depth. Kids who might apply to universities abroad later (ICSE is better recognized internationally than CBSE).
Where it might struggle:
Kids who find heavy reading and writing overwhelming. Families on a tight budget (ICSE schools tend to be more expensive than CBSE). Kids in smaller cities (far fewer ICSE schools outside metros).
For more context, check out our detailed CBSE vs IGCSE guide.
Fee range: Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per year
IB (International Baccalaureate): The Global Gold Standard
If money is not a constraint and your child was already in an IB school abroad, this is the smoothest transition.
The IB system runs across four programs: PYP (Primary Years, ages 3 to 12), MYP (Middle Years, ages 11 to 16), DP (Diploma Programme, ages 16 to 19), and CP (Career related Programme). Most IB schools in India offer PYP and DP. MYP is less common.
The IB Diploma Programme is widely considered the most rigorous pre university curriculum in the world. It requires students to study six subjects (three at Higher Level, three at Standard Level), write an Extended Essay, complete a Theory of Knowledge course, and do CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) hours.
What it’s like for NRI kids:
For kids coming from IB schools abroad, moving to an IB school in India is nearly seamless. Same curriculum. Same philosophy. Same assessment style. The only differences are the school culture and peer group.
For kids coming from American public schools, IB can feel more demanding but also more engaging. The inquiry based approach, where students learn through questions rather than textbooks, suits kids who are curious and self motivated.
Where IB works well:
Kids who were already in IB or similar inquiry based systems. Families who might relocate again (IB is recognized in 150+ countries). Kids aiming for universities abroad, especially US, UK, and Canada. Kids who are self driven learners.
Where it might struggle:
It’s expensive. Really expensive. Annual fees at top IB schools in Bangalore, Mumbai, or Delhi range from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. There are only about 200 IB schools in all of India, mostly in metros. And here’s something most people don’t mention: IB graduates who later want to write JEE or NEET face a disadvantage. The IB curriculum doesn’t align with the Indian competitive exam syllabus. It’s possible but requires separate coaching.
We’ve written about specific options in our guide to international schools in Bangalore.
Fee range: Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh per year
IGCSE/Cambridge: The Practical International Option
Cambridge IGCSE is the middle path between IB and Indian boards. It’s international but more structured than IB. It’s flexible but more exam focused.
The Cambridge system runs through several stages: Primary (ages 5 to 11), Lower Secondary (ages 11 to 14), IGCSE (ages 14 to 16), and then AS/A Levels (ages 16 to 19). Many schools in India offer IGCSE followed by either A Levels or the IB Diploma.
What it’s like for NRI kids:
The IGCSE syllabus is application based. In Biology, kids interpret clinical trial data. In Economics, they analyze World Bank graphs. In Maths, they solve multi step problems that combine algebra, geometry, and statistics.
Kids coming from American or British systems usually find IGCSE comfortable. The subject diversity is excellent, with 70+ subjects available globally. Schools typically offer 8 to 10 subjects at IGCSE level.
One major advantage: IGCSE allows retakes. If your child doesn’t perform well, they can resit the exam. This reduces the one shot pressure that makes CBSE and ICSE stressful.
Where Cambridge works well:
Kids who need flexibility in subject choices. Families planning a possible return abroad. Kids who do better with application based learning rather than theory. Kids aiming for UK universities (Cambridge qualifications are directly recognized).
Where it might struggle:
Like IB, Cambridge schools in India are concentrated in metros. Fees are high, though generally less than IB. And the same JEE/NEET misalignment applies. Also, Cambridge may lack depth in the Indian context, which matters if your child ultimately stays in India for college.
For a comparison with CBSE, check our CBSE vs IB guide.
Fee range: Rs 3 lakh to Rs 15 lakh per year
State Boards: The Underrated Option
I know what you’re thinking. “State board? For my NRI kid? No way.”
Hear me out.
State boards get a bad reputation among NRI families. And for most returning NRI kids, they’re genuinely not the best fit. But there are specific situations where they make sense.
State boards are governed by each state’s Department of Education. Maharashtra Board (SSC), Karnataka Board (SSLC), Tamil Nadu State Board, Kerala Board, each has its own syllabus, exam pattern, and medium of instruction.
When state boards might work:
If you’re settling in a smaller town where CBSE/ICSE schools are limited or far away. If your child is young (Class 1 to 3) and you want them to learn the local language and culture deeply. If you’re planning for state level quota seats in professional colleges (some states reserve seats for state board students).
When they won’t work:
If your child doesn’t speak the regional language. If you might relocate to another state. If your child is in middle or high school and coming from an international curriculum. The gap in teaching methodology and content would be too large.
One community member moved to a small town in Tamil Nadu and put her 6 year old in a state board school. Two years later, her daughter speaks fluent Tamil, has a strong friend circle, and is thriving academically. A different family tried the same with a 14 year old in Maharashtra. It was a disaster. The child couldn’t cope with Marathi medium instruction and the vastly different syllabus. They switched to CBSE within four months.
Age matters enormously here.
Fee range: Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh per year
The Big Comparison: What Actually Matters to NRI Families
Here’s the comparison table that our community parents find most useful. I’ve focused on the factors that matter specifically to returning NRI families.
| Factor | CBSE | ICSE | IB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching approach | Textbook driven, structured | Balanced theory + practical | Inquiry based, student led |
| English emphasis | Moderate | Very strong | Very strong |
| Exam pressure | High (board exams in 10, 12) | High (board exams in 10, 12) | Moderate (continuous assessment) |
| Subject flexibility | Improving under NEP | More options than CBSE | Most flexible |
| JEE/NEET alignment | Highest | Moderate | Low |
| Global recognition | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
| Availability across India | Widest (28,000+ schools) | Limited to cities (2,700+) | Mostly metros (200+) |
| Annual fee range | Rs 50K to Rs 3L | Rs 1L to Rs 5L | Rs 5L to Rs 25L |
| Best transition from | Any system (with adjustment) | US/UK schools | IB schools abroad |
| Hindi/regional language | Required in most schools | English focused, language options | No Hindi requirement |
| Factor | IGCSE/Cambridge | State Board |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching approach | Application based, practical | Varies widely by state |
| English emphasis | Strong | Depends on medium chosen |
| Exam pressure | Moderate (retakes allowed) | Moderate to high |
| Subject flexibility | Very flexible (70+ subjects) | Limited |
| JEE/NEET alignment | Low | Moderate (varies by state) |
| Global recognition | Excellent | Minimal |
| Availability across India | Mostly metros (600+) | Everywhere |
| Annual fee range | Rs 3L to Rs 15L | Rs 10K to Rs 1L |
| Best transition from | British/Cambridge schools | Not ideal for NRI transition |
| Hindi/regional language | No mandatory requirement | Regional language often required |
The NEP 2020 Factor: What’s Changing in 2026
The National Education Policy 2020 is the biggest shake up in Indian education in 34 years. And it directly affects your board decision.
Here’s what NEP 2020 is changing:
The 5+3+3+4 structure replaces 10+2. Schools are moving toward four stages: Foundational (ages 3 to 8), Preparatory (ages 8 to 11), Middle (ages 11 to 14), and Secondary (ages 14 to 18). This is being rolled out in phases. By 2026, about 35% of schools have adopted elements of this structure.
Flexible subject choices. The rigid Science/Commerce/Arts stream separation after Class 10 is going away. Students in CBSE and many state board schools can now combine Physics with Art, or Economics with Computer Science. This is huge for NRI kids who are used to choosing their own subjects.
Mother tongue instruction until Grade 5. NEP recommends teaching in the local language or mother tongue until Grade 5. This is advisory, not mandatory, and most English medium schools continue as before. But some state board schools are implementing this more strictly.
Competency based assessment. The shift is away from one big exam at the end of the year toward continuous evaluation. CBSE has introduced semester based board exams and is piloting competency based questions. This makes CBSE feel slightly more like the international boards.
Vocational education from Grade 6. Coding, AI, and vocational skills are now part of the curriculum from middle school. This is still in early stages but signals a move toward practical learning.
Board exams twice a year. Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, students can appear for board exams twice and retain the better score. This reduces the one shot pressure significantly.
Source: Ministry of Education, NEP 2020 framework document; NCF 2023
What this means for you: If you’re choosing CBSE, the system is becoming more flexible and less exam focused than it used to be. The gap between CBSE and international boards is narrowing. Give it a few more years and the differences may shrink further.
But implementation is uneven. Some states (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra) have moved faster. Others are still figuring it out. The school you choose matters more than the board in many ways.
The Language Question (This Trips Up Almost Every NRI Family)
Every single week, someone in our community asks about Hindi.
“My daughter grew up in California. She understands Tamil at home but can’t read or write it. She has zero Hindi. What do we do?”
Here’s the reality:
CBSE: Most CBSE schools require Hindi as a second or third language until at least Class 8. Some schools in South India offer regional languages instead. But if you’re in Delhi, Bangalore, or Mumbai, Hindi is often unavoidable in CBSE.
ICSE: English is the primary language. Hindi is one of many options. Some ICSE schools offer French, German, or regional languages as alternatives.
IB and Cambridge: No mandatory Hindi requirement. These boards offer language options based on what the individual school provides.
State Boards: Regional language is typically required and sometimes the medium of instruction.
For NRI kids who don’t speak Hindi, ICSE, IB, or Cambridge schools are generally easier to navigate. If you go CBSE, look for schools that offer Hindi as a second language with beginner level options, or schools in South India that substitute a regional language.
I’ll be honest. My younger son, born in the US, had a rough first year with Hindi. He could barely write the alphabet. His school was understanding and gave him extra time. By the end of Year 2, he was keeping up. Kids are more adaptable than we give them credit for. But it helps to set realistic expectations and talk to the school about support before admission.
For more on handling the language transition, our guide on common syllabuses for NRI kids has specific tips.
Grade Placement: Will My Child Be Put in the “Right” Class?
This comes up constantly. And the answer isn’t always straightforward.
In the US, a child born in 2015 would typically be in 5th grade in the 2025-26 school year. In India, the same child might be placed in Class 4 or Class 5 depending on the school and the board’s age cutoff.
The general rule:
Most Indian schools follow the March 31 cutoff. A child must be a certain age by March 31 of the academic year to be placed in a specific class. This can cause NRI kids (who follow September or January cutoffs in Western countries) to be placed one grade lower than expected.
Some international schools (IB, Cambridge) are more flexible and will look at the child’s academic level rather than strictly following the age cutoff.
My advice:
Don’t fight the grade placement just because it feels like your child is “going backwards.” One community member insisted her 8 year old be placed in Class 4 instead of Class 3 as the school suggested. The child struggled all year with content that was too advanced for her age group in the Indian system. The next year, they moved her down. Two years of disruption that could have been avoided.
Trust the school’s assessment. A year “lost” in primary school is meaningless in the long run. Your child’s confidence and comfort matter more than being in the “right” grade number.
Admission Timelines: Plan Way Ahead
This is where NRI parents get caught off guard.
Indian academic year: April to March (most boards) or June to April (some states like Kerala and Karnataka).
Admission cycle for top schools: Applications typically open in October to December for the following academic year. Some top schools in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi fill up by January.
If you’re moving in June, you should ideally start the school search in October of the previous year. For popular IB and ICSE schools, 6 to 12 months of lead time is normal.
Documents you’ll need:
Your child’s birth certificate. Previous school report cards and transfer certificate. Your passport and visa copies. Proof of address in India (this can be tricky if you haven’t found a house yet – some schools accept a relative’s address initially). Passport sized photos. For some schools, an entrance test or interview.
One thing that catches NRI parents off guard: the Transfer Certificate (TC). Your child’s previous school abroad needs to issue this. Some Indian schools require the TC to be attested by the Indian Consulate or Embassy in the country you’re moving from. Check with your target school early. Getting a TC attested can take weeks.
Our detailed admission process guide walks through each step.
Mid Year Admissions: What If You Can’t Wait Until April?
Many NRI families move mid year. Maybe it’s October. Maybe it’s January. The Indian academic year doesn’t care about your corporate relocation timeline.
The good news: Most schools will accept mid year transfers, especially in primary classes. International schools (IB, Cambridge) are generally the most flexible because they’re used to globally mobile families joining at any point.
CBSE and ICSE schools can be more rigid. Some will only accept mid year admissions if there’s a vacancy and the child passes an entrance assessment. Others will admit the child but make them repeat the current academic term.
What works best for mid year moves:
Start with an international school (IB or Cambridge) that accepts rolling admissions. This gives your child a stable environment immediately. Then, if you want to switch to CBSE or ICSE later, you can do that at the beginning of the next academic year.
Several families in our community have used this “bridge school” approach. International school for 6 to 9 months, then transition to the board of your choice at the natural starting point. It works well, especially for kids in Classes 3 through 8.
What Our Community Parents Say (Real Feedback)
I asked parents in our WhatsApp group to share their honest experience. Here are some that stood out:
“We went CBSE and our daughter adjusted faster than expected.”
Family moved from Houston to Hyderabad. Daughter was in 3rd grade. Parents chose a well known CBSE school. “The first month was tough. She missed the hands on projects and group activities from her US school. But by month three, she had friends, was keeping up with Maths (which was actually easier than what she was doing in Houston), and only struggled with Hindi. By end of the year, she was doing fine.”
“IB was worth every rupee for our 10th grader.”
Family returned from Singapore to Bangalore. Son was in Grade 10. “We couldn’t risk disrupting his academics with a board change. Put him in an IB school in Whitefield. The transition was invisible. Same curriculum, same approach. He didn’t miss a beat. Expensive? Yes. But the alternative was risking his university applications.”
“We regret not going ICSE.”
Family moved from Dubai to Pune. Put both kids in CBSE. “Our older one adapted fine. But our younger daughter is creative, loves writing, loves art. CBSE doesn’t give those subjects enough weight. An ICSE school with its broader approach would have been better for her personality. We’re considering switching next year.”
“State board was the right call for us.”
Family moved to a small town in Kerala. Put their 5 year old in a Malayalam medium state board school. “Everyone told us we were crazy. But we wanted her to learn the language, connect with her grandparents, understand the culture. She’s thriving. We’ll reassess when she’s older, but right now, it’s exactly right.”
The pattern I see across hundreds of these conversations: The “best” board depends entirely on your child’s age, personality, and your family’s long term plans.
My Decision Framework: How to Choose
After eight years of helping families through this, here’s the framework I recommend:
If your child is under 8 (Primary school):
Almost any board works. Kids this age adapt quickly. Choose based on proximity, school quality, and teaching philosophy. CBSE is the safe bet. ICSE if you want stronger English focus. IB or Cambridge if budget allows and you want the smoothest transition.
If your child is 8 to 13 (Middle school):
This is the trickiest age. Old enough to feel the disruption, young enough to adapt. If your child was in a Western school system, ICSE or Cambridge will feel more familiar. CBSE is fine if the school has a progressive teaching approach (not all CBSE schools are the same). Avoid state boards unless language immersion is a specific goal.
If your child is 14+ (High school):
Minimize disruption. If they were in IB abroad, continue IB. If they were in a British system, go Cambridge. Switching boards in Class 9 or 10 is risky. The syllabus differences are large enough that your child could fall behind. If CBSE is the only option, choose a school with experience handling NRI transfers and ask about bridge support.
If your child plans to take JEE/NEET:
CBSE is the clear winner for alignment. ICSE works but may need supplementary coaching. IB and Cambridge graduates need significant additional preparation for Indian competitive exams.
If your child plans to apply to universities abroad:
IB is the gold standard. IGCSE with A Levels is excellent. ICSE is well recognized. CBSE works but may require additional effort in college applications.
For a comprehensive planning view, our return to India checklist covers education alongside finances, housing, and logistics.
A Note About “International Schools” in India
This label is used very loosely. Be careful.
In India, any school can call itself “international.” There’s no regulation on the term. A CBSE school with air conditioning and a swimming pool might market itself as an “international school.” That doesn’t mean it follows an international curriculum.
When NRI parents say they want an “international school,” they usually mean a school affiliated with IB, Cambridge, or another globally recognized board. Make sure you verify the actual board affiliation. Check the IBO website (ibo.org) or Cambridge website (cambridgeinternational.org) to confirm whether a school is genuinely authorized.
Some of the best international schools in Hyderabad and other cities are listed in our city specific guides.
What About Homeschooling?
A growing number of NRI families are choosing to homeschool in India, at least temporarily.
Homeschooling is legal in India. There’s no law requiring children to attend a formal school. Some families homeschool for the first 6 to 12 months while they settle in, explore schools, and let their child adjust to India at their own pace. Others homeschool long term using international online curricula.
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) provides a recognized certification path for homeschooled students. NIOS is equivalent to CBSE for most purposes, including college admissions.
If you’re considering this route, know that homeschooling communities exist in most Indian metros. Our community has several homeschooling families who share resources and tips regularly.
Common Mistakes NRI Parents Make
From eight years of conversations, here are the mistakes I see repeated:
Choosing a board based on what other NRI parents chose.
Your child is different. What worked for the neighbor’s kid from California might not work for yours.
Prioritizing brand name over teaching quality.
A lesser known CBSE school with dedicated teachers and small class sizes will serve your child better than a famous school with 50 students per classroom.
Not visiting the school in person.
Websites lie. Visit the school. Talk to the principal. Talk to parents of current students. Watch a class if they’ll let you.
Ignoring your child’s opinion.
If your child is 10 or older, involve them. Let them visit schools. Ask what feels right to them. They’re the ones who will spend 6 to 8 hours there every day.
Switching boards too frequently.
I’ve seen families switch from IB to CBSE to ICSE in three years. Each switch is disruptive. Choose thoughtfully and give it at least two years unless something is seriously wrong.
Underestimating the adjustment period.
No matter which board you choose, expect 3 to 6 months of adjustment. Your child will feel out of place. They’ll miss their old friends. They’ll find things confusing. This is normal. Don’t panic and switch schools after the first month.
For broader guidance on managing the transition, our guide on India’s competitive education system and dealing with teenagers during the move are worth reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child transfer from an American curriculum to CBSE mid year?
Technically yes, but it depends on the school. Most CBSE schools prefer admissions at the start of the academic year (April). Mid year transfers are possible in lower classes but harder in Classes 8 and above. The school will likely conduct an assessment test.
My child doesn’t know any Indian language. Is that a problem?
Not for IB or Cambridge schools. For CBSE, Hindi (or a regional language) is usually required. Some schools offer beginners’ Hindi and give NRI kids extra time. For ICSE, language options are more flexible. Talk to the school before admission about what support they offer.
Is the IB Diploma recognized for Indian college admissions?
Yes. Most top Indian universities, including DU, accept IB scores. For engineering (JEE) and medicine (NEET), IB students can appear for these exams but will need separate preparation as the syllabus doesn’t align.
Which board is best for a child who might go back abroad?
IB, then Cambridge. Both are recognized globally. ICSE has reasonable international recognition. CBSE is recognized but less familiar to foreign universities.
Are Indian schools really that focused on rote learning?
It’s changing. Slowly. NEP 2020 is pushing toward competency based learning. Progressive CBSE and ICSE schools have already moved away from pure memorization. IB and Cambridge schools never relied on it. But yes, many mid tier Indian schools still lean heavily on rote learning. This is where school selection within a board matters enormously.
My child has learning differences (ADHD, dyslexia). Which board is most accommodating?
IB schools tend to have the best support systems for learning differences. Some progressive ICSE and CBSE schools also offer support. Look for schools with dedicated learning support coordinators and small class sizes. This is a specific need, and I’d recommend posting in our WhatsApp community where several parents of children with learning differences have shared school recommendations.
What if we’re not sure how long we’ll stay in India?
Go with IB or Cambridge. Both are globally portable. Your child can transfer to an IB or Cambridge school anywhere in the world with minimal disruption. CBSE and ICSE are harder to transfer out of internationally.
Wrapping Up
Choosing a school board for your returning NRI child is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make during the move. There’s no universal “best” board. There’s only the best board for your child, at their age, with their personality, given your family’s plans.
Take your time. Visit schools. Talk to other NRI parents who’ve been through it. And trust that kids are remarkably resilient. They adjust faster than we expect.
My own kids are proof. The first few months were bumpy. There were tears (theirs and ours). But looking back eight years later, they found their footing. They made friends. They discovered parts of themselves that the American system hadn’t tapped into.
Your kids will too.
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance based on publicly available information about Indian school boards as of February 2026. Board policies, fee structures, and admission requirements change regularly. Always verify directly with your target school and the respective board’s official website before making decisions.
Sources:
- CBSE Official Website – cbse.gov.in
- CISCE (ICSE) Official Website – cisce.org
- IBO Official Website – ibo.org
- Cambridge Assessment International Education – cambridgeinternational.org
- Ministry of Education, NEP 2020 – education.gov.in
- National Curriculum Framework 2023 – ncf.ncert.org.in
- NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) – nios.ac.in
If you’re planning your move back, join our WhatsApp community at backtoindia.com/groups – 20,000+ NRIs helping each other with real, lived experience. It’s free and volunteer-run.
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