Top Best Schools in Maharashtra 2026-27
Maharashtra is home to over 1.1 lakh schools serving more than 2.3 crore students, making it one of India's most educationally diverse states. From elite international schools in Mumbai to prestigious boarding institutions in Pune, Maharashtra offers families an exceptional range of academic choices across CBSE, ICSE, SSC (State Board), IB, and IGCSE curricula.
This guide covers the top-ranked schools across Maharashtra's major cities, with fee ranges, board affiliations, and admission insights to help parents make informed decisions for 2026-27 admissions.
Top Schools in Maharashtra by City
Mumbai
| School | Board | Annual Fees (₹) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhirubhai Ambani International School | IB / IGCSE | 7,00,000–11,00,000 | Day School |
| Cathedral & John Connon School | ICSE / ISC | 1,50,000–2,50,000 | Day School |
| Bombay Scottish School | ICSE | 1,20,000–1,80,000 | Day School |
| Podar International School | CBSE / IB | 1,00,000–3,50,000 | Day School |
| Vibgyor High School | CBSE | 80,000–1,40,000 | Day School |
Pune
| School | Board | Annual Fees (₹) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symbiosis International School | CBSE / IB | 1,80,000–4,00,000 | Day / Boarding |
| The Orchid School | CBSE | 1,00,000–1,60,000 | Day School |
| Indus International School Pune | IB / IGCSE | 5,00,000–9,00,000 | Boarding |
| Bishops School | ICSE | 70,000–1,20,000 | Day School |
| Ryan International School | CBSE | 60,000–90,000 | Day School |
Nagpur
| School | Board | Annual Fees (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi Public School Nagpur | CBSE | 60,000–1,00,000 |
| Centre Point School | CBSE | 55,000–85,000 |
| Montfort School | ICSE | 50,000–80,000 |
| Somalwar High School | SSC / CBSE | 30,000–60,000 |
Maharashtra School Board Overview
- SSC (Maharashtra State Board): Largest board; medium of instruction in Marathi, Hindi, English, Semi-English. Affordable fees. Ideal for regional university admissions.
- CBSE: Widely preferred for national competitive exams (JEE, NEET, NDA). Available across Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane.
- ICSE: Strong in English language and science subjects. Popular in Mumbai.
- IB / IGCSE: Elite international curriculum; concentrated in Mumbai and Pune. Fees ₹5L–₹11L annually.
School Admission Process in Maharashtra 2026-27
Maharashtra's Right to Education (RTE) Act mandates 25% reservation for economically weaker sections in Class 1 admissions at all private unaided schools. For SSC schools, the state government manages admissions through online portals. CBSE and ICSE schools run independent admission processes — typically October to February for the following academic year.
- RTE admissions: Apply online via student.maharashtra.gov.in
- Private CBSE/ICSE admissions: School-specific registration; November–February
- Documents required: Birth certificate, Aadhaar, address proof, previous marksheet, transfer certificate
Average School Fees in Maharashtra
- SSC Government Schools: ₹0–₹5,000 per year
- SSC Private Schools: ₹10,000–₹50,000 per year
- CBSE Private Schools: ₹50,000–₹1,50,000 per year
- ICSE Schools: ₹70,000–₹2,50,000 per year
- IB / IGCSE Schools: ₹3,00,000–₹11,00,000 per year
Frequently Asked Questions
Which board is best for schools in Maharashtra?
CBSE is recommended for families considering competitive entrance exams (JEE, NEET). SSC is best for students staying in Maharashtra for state-level admissions. IB/IGCSE suits students targeting overseas universities.
What is the fee cap for SSC schools in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra's School Fee Regulation Act caps SSC school fees. Private SSC schools must get prior government approval before increasing fees beyond the prescribed limit.
Are there good boarding schools in Maharashtra?
Yes — Symbiosis International School and Indus International School in Pune, along with several schools in Nashik and Mahabaleshwar, offer quality boarding programmes from Grades 5 onwards.
