Top Best Schools in Kerala 2026-27
Kerala stands apart in Indian education with a near-100% literacy rate and one of the most robust public school systems in the country. Government schools in Kerala are genuinely competitive with private schools, making the state unique. With over 12,000 schools and consistently high performance in national assessments, Kerala offers excellent educational options across CBSE, ICSE, and the Kerala State Board (SSLC/DHSE).
Top Schools in Kerala by City
Kochi (Ernakulam)
| School | Board | Annual Fees (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Bhavan's Varuna Vidyalaya | CBSE | 50,000–90,000 |
| Choice School | CBSE / IB | 80,000–2,00,000 |
| DPS Kochi | CBSE | 60,000–1,00,000 |
| Lourdes Central School | ICSE | 40,000–70,000 |
| Sacred Heart School | ICSE | 35,000–60,000 |
Thiruvananthapuram
| School | Board | Annual Fees (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Chinmaya Vidyalaya | CBSE | 40,000–75,000 |
| Holy Angels' ISC | ISC / ICSE | 45,000–80,000 |
| Kendriya Vidyalaya | CBSE | 10,000–20,000 |
Kerala School Board Overview
- Kerala SSLC (State Board): Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan conducts SSLC (Class 10) and DHSE (Class 12) exams. Malayalam and English medium. Kerala government schools are among the best-resourced in India.
- CBSE: Popular in Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode for competitive exam preparation.
- ICSE: Available in Catholic and other private schools across major cities.
Admission Process in Kerala 2026-27
Kerala's government schools use a centralized admission system. Private CBSE and ICSE schools run their own admission processes.
- Government school admissions: Through GHSS (Government Higher Secondary Schools) lottery system
- CBSE private admissions: November–February; some schools have entrance tests
- Documents: Birth certificate, Aadhaar, address proof, TC from previous school
Frequently Asked Questions
Are government schools in Kerala good?
Yes — Kerala's government schools are among the best-maintained in India, with excellent infrastructure, trained teachers and comparable academic outcomes to private schools. The Kerala Hi-Tech School programme has computerised thousands of government schools.
Which board is most popular in Kerala?
The Kerala State Board (SSLC) is followed by the majority of schools. CBSE is the second most popular, especially in urban Kerala for competitive exam preparation.
Is there a quota system for private school admissions in Kerala?
Yes — Government-aided schools follow Kerala's communal reservation system for admissions. Unaided private schools have more flexibility but must comply with RTE 25% EWS reservation norms.