Top Best Schools in Bihar 2026-27
Bihar is undergoing a remarkable educational transformation, with private schools and central-government funded Navodaya Vidyalayas raising academic standards significantly. Patna, the state capital, houses several excellent CBSE and ICSE institutions that regularly produce national-rank holders in JEE and medical entrance exams. The state has over 70,000 schools serving nearly 2 crore students.
Top Schools in Bihar by City
Patna
| School | Board | Annual Fees (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Don Bosco Academy | ICSE | 40,000–70,000 |
| Loyola High School | ICSE | 35,000–60,000 |
| St. Michael's High School | ICSE | 30,000–55,000 |
| DPS Patna | CBSE | 50,000–85,000 |
| Mount Carmel School | CBSE | 40,000–70,000 |
| Nalanda Open University Senior Secondary | CBSE | 30,000–50,000 |
Gaya & Muzaffarpur
| School | Board | Annual Fees (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Cross School Gaya | ICSE | 25,000–45,000 |
| DPS Muzaffarpur | CBSE | 35,000–60,000 |
Bihar School Board Overview
- BSEB (Bihar School Examination Board): Matriculation (Class 10) and Intermediate (Class 12) exams. Hindi and English medium. Largest board in Bihar covering government and most aided schools.
- CBSE: Available at private schools in Patna and major district towns. Growing rapidly due to JEE/NEET alignment.
- ICSE: Concentrated in Patna at missionary schools like Don Bosco and Loyola with strong academic reputations.
Admission Process in Bihar 2026-27
Government school admissions are managed by the District Education Officer. Private CBSE and ICSE schools in Patna typically open admissions in November for the next academic year.
- Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV): Free residential schools; admission via JNVST exam in Class 5 for Class 6 entry
- Private CBSE/ICSE: School-level admission; written test for Classes 4 and above
- Documents: Birth certificate, Aadhaar, local address proof, previous class marksheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best schools in Patna for JEE/NEET preparation?
DPS Patna, Don Bosco Academy, and Loyola High School are well-regarded for science stream preparation. Many students also supplement with private coaching at Patna's Super 30 and other institutions.
Is there a good quality boarding school in Bihar?
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across Bihar districts offer free quality residential education. There are also a few private boarding schools near Patna.
How do Navodaya schools compare to private schools in Bihar?
JNV schools offer excellent free education — many JNV graduates go on to IITs and AIIMs. They are highly competitive to get into (JNVST exam) but represent outstanding value.