How many ICSE schools in India: A state-wise list

Written By Anshima | Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 23rd August, 2024


Today, the classic dilemma for Indian parents is: CBSE or ICSE? It’s like choosing between chai and coffee, isn’t it? CBSE, ICSE, or the newer addition, IB—they are all shaping education in India. But you’re right, ICSE seems to strike the right balance between the structured approach of CBSE and the international flair of IB.

The stats speak for themselves! With nearly 2891 ICSE-affiliated schools across India and beyond, it’s like they’re popping up everywhere. And Maharashtra is leading the pack with new 118 schools—that is quite the feather in their cap! Isn’t it? It seems like parents are onto something with ICSE, aiming for a worldly education that is pocket-friendly too.

In this blog, we will dive into the world of ICSE schools across India. We will be your guides, showing you how many ICSE schools are in each state, from big cities to smaller towns. Plus, we will cherry-pick some of the finest ones out there, giving you a sneak peek into what the ICSE schools in India look like.


Quick Summary

How many ICSE schools in India: A state-wise list

  1. History of ICSE Schools in India
  2. Number of ICSE Schools in India
  3. Trending ICSE Schools in Tier 1 Cities  
  • New Delhi   
  • Bangalore  
  • Chennai 
  •  Mumbai  
  • Pune

4.   Trending ICSE Schools in Tier 2 Cities 

  • Dehradun
  • Lucknow 
  • Jaipur 
  • Chandigarh
  • Coimbatore

Conclusion

FAQs


1. History of ICSE Schools in India

Back in October 1958, the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) came into being, thanks to the visionary Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who was rocking the boat as the Minister for Education at that time. The fun fact is that it replaced the Cambridge School Certification Examination! Fast forward to 1973, and the ICSE council got the official nod through the Delhi School Education Act after being declared as a society in 1967. All thanks to the new education policy of 1966, the ICSE board got the green light to conduct exams in India using English.

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is like the big boss overseeing around 2891 schools all over India. Now, they’ve got their plan down to three tests:

  •  Class X for the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education(ICSE)
  •  Class XII for Indian School Certificate (ISC)
  •  Vocational Education under Indian School Certificate (ISC)

2. Number of ICSE Schools in India

We have been digging through the CISCE website to uncover the number of ICSE schools in India. And guess what we found? A whopping total of 2891 ICSE and ISC schools are scattered all across our beautiful country, India. Now, here’s the interesting bit – these schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some are all about teaching ICSE syllabus, up to grade 10 while others are double-dipping with both ICSE and ISC affiliations, catering to students right up to the 10+2 level.

Here is the state-wise list of ICSE schools in India:

Serial No.StateNumber of ICSE SchoolsDistricts
1Andhra Pradesh10213
2Arunachal Pradesh216
3Assam2232
4Bihar1838
5Chandigarh181
6Chhattisgarh2528
7Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu1
8Delhi12411
9Goa232
10Gujarat11533
11Haryana6722
12Himachal Pradesh3912
13Jammu & Kashmir1620
14Jharkhand2624
15Karnataka18630
16Kerala10614
17Ladakh11
18Lakshadweep11
19Madhya Pradesh7652
20Maharashtra30536
21Manipur49
22Meghalaya1011
23Mizoram38
24Nagaland411
25Odisha5030
26Puducherry174
27Punjab7422
28Rajasthan5333
29Sikkim34
30Tamil Nadu17537
31Telangana5533
32Tripura58
33Uttar Pradesh12475
34Uttarakhand2313
35West Bengal15423

3. Top Trending ICSE Schools in Tier 1 Cities

We’re making life a little easier for you! Since we’ve already done the legwork and figured out the number of ICSE schools scattered across India, we decided to take it a step further. We’ve handpicked some of the top ICSE schools from different corners of the country. Now, all you’ve got to do is sit back, relax, and sift through our curated list to find the perfect fit for your child. It’s like having your very own personal school selection service at your fingertips! 

1. Best ICSE Schools in Bangalore

1.Carmel School

Carmel School is renowned for its exceptional academic performance. Just take a look at their 2023 ICSE exam results – a whopping 35 students scored above 97%, with the highest achiever reaching an impressive 98.8%! What’s even more remarkable is that this top spot is held not by one, but by four talented girls. Now, isn’t that simply amazing?

Key Features
  • Carmel School is a private unaided school located in Padmanabhanagar, Bangalore
  • Carmel School has been providing quality education for 36 years since its inception in 1986.
  • The school is known for its high-profile academic standards and a balanced approach to co-curricular achievements.
  • The school boasts excellent infrastructure. It had a spacious building with well-equipped facilities, including science labs and computer labs.
  • A large playground and an exclusive yoga hall for physical and mental well-being.
  • An auditorium for extracurricular and co-curricular activities.
  • Adopted Educom smart class as an integral part of the teaching methodology.
  • Qualified, sensitive, and student-friendly staff creating a secure and conducive learning atmosphere.
  • The annual school fees is around Rs.90,000 which is worth the amazing qualities they provide.
  • It is located at Banashankari Stage II, Padmanabhanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

 2. Redbridge International Academy, Bangalore

Red Bridge International Academy in Bangalore is known for its emphasis on holistic development, integrating academics with sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities to provide a well-rounded education.

Overview: 
  • The school prioritizes inclusive learning, they care about all students, including those with special needs.
  • They’ve got a cool robotic lab for kids into STEM education, offering hands-on and out-of-the-box learning experiences.
  • If your child likes sports, they’ve got that covered too. They offer a bunch of different sports like football, skating, and cricket, which is good for keeping kids active and happy.
  • They even make sure students are safe when they’re on the school bus. The buses are air-conditioned and have GPS, and they keep an eye on the drivers. So, your child will be in safe hands.
  • They provide comprehensive career support, including early exposure to various career paths, partnerships with prestigious universities worldwide, and a focus on holistic growth for students.
  • The annual fee is around Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 2,00,000.
  • It is located at S Bingipura Village Hulimangala Post, Begur – Koppa Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

2. Best ICSE Schools in New Delhi

1.The Frank Anthony Public School, New Delhi

At The Frank Anthony Public School, they’re not just about books and exams – they’re all about sports and extracurriculars too. They regularly organize football, cricket, basketball, and volleyball matches with other schools. Plus, they host the R. G. Williams Memorial Cricket and the Joyce O’Brien Football Tournament, adding that extra excitement. From drama and debate to art and karate, there’s something for everyone.

Key Features

  • It had well-equipped computer labs, science, geography, and mathematics laboratories.
  • Extensive libraries for senior and junior students.
  • Inter-house sports, games, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities are held timely.
  • Multipurpose Complex for basketball, tennis, and badminton.
  • They ensure the all-round development of the child through drama, debate, symposiums, arts and crafts, talent development, NCC, Scouts, Guides, Cubs, and Karate classes.
  • Prepares students for ICSE Class X & ISC Class XII Examinations with regular tests with compulsory attendance.
  • The annual fee is around Rs. 60,000.
  • It is located at Lajpat Nagar – IV, New Delhi.

2. The Shri Ram School, New Delhi

  • One of the outstanding features of The Shri Ram School is its approach to environmental education and sustainability practices. It stands out prominently for integrating sustainability into its curriculum. This is illustrated by its Aravali campus in the National Capital Region, which was designed with environmental sustainability at its core. It also incorporates environmental awareness into everyday school life, from energy conservation measures and waste recycling programs to water harvesting and the use of solar power.

Key Features

  • The Shri Ram School has multiple campuses in New Delhi, including the Vasant Vihar and Aravali campuses in DLF City Gurugram.
  • The school maintains a low student-teacher ratio, often aiming for individualized attention with a ratio typically around 1:12 to 1:15 
  •  The school offers a holistic educational program within the framework of the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.
  • The school provides a wide array of sports activities including football, basketball, cricket, athletics, swimming, and more.
  • The Shri Ram School offers a variety of extracurricular activities such as music, dance, drama, fine arts, and Model United Nations (MUN) to broaden students’ skill sets and encourage creativity and leadership.
  • The fee structure at The Shri Ram School is on the higher end, reflecting the quality of education and resources provided. For more specific fee-related information, direct inquiry with the school on Phone number 26140884, 26149572 or write them Email: junior.school@tsrs.org for senior school admission inquiry email them at senior.school@tsrs.org

3. Best ICSE Schools in Chennai

1. Vaels International School, Chennai

Vaels International School in Chennai is known for its emphasis on global education and cultural exchange. It has a unique Global Exchange Program that provides students with the opportunity to engage in international exchanges and collaborative projects with students from various countries. 

Key Features 

  • The school is affiliated to the CISCE Board and IGCSE from Grade III.
  • They follow a Multidimensional Approach, catering to each child’s unique learning style
  • Focus on project work and discovery learning so students enjoy learning.
  • Provides a positive atmosphere to complement a positive attitude, values, and morals. Instilling the right values and morals for self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Mandatory participation in co-curricular activities like swimming, football, basketball, tennis, yoga, karate, chess, and western dance.
  • The annual school fees is around Rs. 1,50,000 but it can also vary based on the bus facilities and other costs.
  • It is located at SH 49, Anna Enclave, Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

2. Shishya School, Chennai

The standout feature of The Shishya School Chennai is that the school infuses modern teaching methodologies with traditional techniques, ensuring that students benefit from diverse and well-rounded learning.

This includes project-based learning, experimental learning, and other modern teaching methods that complement traditional rote learning.

Key Features

  • The school offers the ICSE (Class X) and the ISC (Class XII) curriculum.
  • Sishya has two state-of-the-art computer labs with 30 computers each. The entire campus is WiFi enabled to make every classroom a “smart classroom”.
  •  The school has extensive game fields for a variety of sports like Cricket, Basketball, Soccer, Hockey, Golf, Athletics, Table Tennis and Badminton.
  • Qualified coaches are available to guide the children.
  • Sishya’s students have been selected for State, National, and International teams for Swimming, Squash, Rowing, Tennis, Badminton, Golf, and Equestrian sports.
  • At Sishya SUPW and Social Work are compulsory activities for students of Classes 9 to 12.

4. Best ICSE Schools in Mumbai

1. Jamnabai Narsee International School, Mumbai

Jamnabai Narsee School stands out for its innovative use of technology in education. The school has been at the forefront of incorporating virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and advanced digital resources into its teaching methods, providing students with an immersive and forward-looking approach to education.

It signifies Jamnabai Narsee School’s emphasis on academic excellence and the pursuit of knowledge. The focus goes beyond mere grades or college entry in ICSE schools like JNS, it extends to the enduring advantages of being knowledgeable, well-rounded, and skilled in critical and creative thinking.

Key Features

  • They are located in JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai.
  • It has a student-teacher ratio of 1:27.
  • The school has well-equipped classrooms with audio-visual facilities, spacious work surfaces, and dedicated display spaces.
  • The school has well-equipped laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Fashion Designing, Computer Science, and Innovation.
  • The school has a well-equipped air-conditioned and computerized library with over 23,000 volumes which include books, journals, magazines, CDs, and subscriptions.
  • The school has various sports facilities on campus such as courts for basketball, volleyball, throwball, and handball. The school also has leased an adjacent public maidan and converted it into a playground for the students. 
  • The school also organizes intra-school festivals such as Quintessence 2023 among students of the JNS, JNIS & CNS.
  • The school has four dedicated rooms for learning various forms of performing arts such as dance and music.
  • The average annual school fee hovers around Rs 85,800
  • Education World India School Rankings 2022. (Co-ed Day Schools category) – Ranked 1 in Mumbai, 2nd in Maharashtra, and 9th in India.
  • Times Education Icons Mumbai 2022 – Ranked 1 in the National Curriculum category.

5. Best ICSE Schools in Pune

1. EuroSchool Wakad ICSE, Pune

EuroSchool Wakad ICSE is renowned for its exceptional sports facilities and extracurricular activities. From basketball and swimming to percussion, guitar, and keyboard classes, as well as well-equipped labs and libraries, chess, gymnastics, drama, and dance, the school offers a wide range of amenities to cater to diverse interests.

Key Features

  • Euro school is in Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Maharashtra.
  • It has digital classrooms with finger-touch-based learning systems.
  • It also provides modern laboratories, reading rooms, and libraries.
  • The school boasts computer labs and a German-engineered science laboratory.
  • It has a lawn tennis court, a basketball court, and a half-Olympic-sized swimming pool.
  • There is a percussion, guitar, and keyboard classroom.
  • The school also has a multi-purpose auditorium, a cafeteria, and a well-stocked library.
  • CCTV cameras, anti-bullying policies, and GPS-enabled buses.

1. The Bishop’s School, Pune

The most stand-out feature of Bishop’s School is that it blends traditional education and modern techniques through a balanced approach to teaching methods. While the school emphasizes on subjects like literature, history, and philosophy, it also ensures that students are proficient in modern STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects and digital tools. Isn’t that amazing?

Key Features

  • The Bishop’s School, situated at the heart of Pune on General Bhagat Marg in Camp, is a distinguished institution known for its academic excellence and rich heritage.
  •  It offers a 24:1 student-teacher ratio that aims to provide personalized attention.
  • It offers both Boarding facilities and day school.
  • The school facilities include well-equipped classrooms, modern infrastructure, and resources.
  • The school offers scouts, with camping, hiking, knot tying, cooking, monkey crawls, treasure hunts, and obstacle races as routine activities.
  • The school provides for Basketball, Volleyball, Hockey, Football, Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess, Lawn Tennis, Boxing, Swimming, Roller Skating, Billiards, Marathon and many more.
  • The school has special coaching for sports, and coaches come from the Army School of Physical Training.
  • The school has a Music Choir and trains students on instruments like the keyboard, guitar, drums, and violin. For this special coaching extra fees are charged.

4. Trending ICSE Schools in Tier 2 Cities

1. Best ICSE Schools in Dehradun

1. The Doon School, Dehradun

The unique feature of the Doon School in Dehradun, India is its extensive alumni network, which includes prominent figures in various fields such as politics, business, and the arts, providing students with valuable connections and opportunities for mentorship and guidance.

Having a history dating back to 1935, the school consistently emphasizes full-boarding education. This boarding environment encourages lasting friendships that continue to support students beyond their time at the school.

Key Features

  • They have a large campus with lush green lawns, gardens, sports fields, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, an auditorium, a library, and an art center.
  • They provide a well-equipped computer lab with internet access and digital resources.
  • Dining hall serving nutritious and hygienic meals to the students.
  • Medical centers offer regular health check-ups and emergency services.
  • Counseling center providing guidance and support on academic, personal, and career issues.
  • Hostel offering comfortable accommodation and boarding facilities to the students.
  • The average annual school fee hovers around Rs 12 lakhs, though it varies based on your child’s grade or whether they use boarding facilities.
  • They are located in Krishna Nagar, Dehradun.

2. Oxford School of Excellence, Dehradun



At The Oxford School of Excellence, students get a blend of global and local learning, giving them a broad perspective while staying rooted in their culture. The school really shines in sports too.

They have their own Shooting Academy with top-notch gear and an experienced coach, so students can excel in target shooting. It’s all about balancing a global outlook with strong local values and offering top facilities for all-rounded growth.

Key Features

  • It is located at 5 Municipal Road, Dehradun, Uttrakhand.
  • Established on July 18, 1983, it’s a co-educational day and boarding school, previously known as Bala Hissar Academy (BHA).
  • It is affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) based in Delhi.
  • Picture this: classrooms that are not just bright and spacious but also set in a lychee orchard, complete with classes and interactive screens.
  • They’ve got everything from Physics to Computer labs, plus a library like a book lover’s paradise.
  • The school provides remedial classes for students who find certain subjects more challenging, and extra tuition classes are arranged after regular school hours. The outside tuition during term time is discouraged.
  • They’ve even got their very own Shooting Academy right on campus. How cool is that?
  • Plus, sports are a big deal here. You name it – Basketball, Cricket, Shooting, Football, Gymnastics, table tennis – they’ve got it all, with top-notch instructors leading the way.

2. Best ICSE Schools in Lucknow

1. City Montessori School, Lucknow

The standout feature CMS is its commitment to global exposure, offering students a unique and enriching learning experience supported by excellent facilities. It an environment where students can do well and succeed.

Key Features

  • It is located in Vardan Khand, Sector 1, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.
  • The school earned the top spot as the best coed day school in Lucknow in 2019, according to Education World rankings.
  • The school has received Brainfeed School Excellence Awards 2019-20 among 500 schools for Best ICSE Schools, Innovative Practices, Academic Excellence Schools, and Techno Smart Schools.
  • The school offers different learning programs, including ICSE, ISC, IGCSE, and A-Level. The student-teacher ratio is 28:1. 
  • The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including computer labs, libraries, science labs, lobbies, and playgrounds.
  • Specialized classrooms for the Cambridge Section, ensuring a tailored learning environment.
  • The school has introduced interactive whiteboards and flat panels to elevate the learning experience.
  • The school has well-equipped robotics labs for students interested in robotics and technology.
  • The monthly fee for Pre Primary is ₹13,190, and for Class XI & XII, the total Fee is ₹25,245. It may vary depending on the grade your child takes admission in.

2. SJ International School

SJ International School, run by the Bhagwati Devi Memorial Society, is a preschool where learning feels like play. With vibrant classrooms, playful furniture, and engaging toys, it’s designed for little ones to thrive.

The dedicated teachers turn everyday moments into exciting learning experiences, making education fun and foundational. Here, your child’s journey begins with joy and curiosity.

Key Features

  • The school is located in Sultanpur Road, Golf City, Ansal, Lucknow, and is run by Mr. R. K. Mittal, a retired IAS officer.
  • The school maintains a student-teacher ratio 20:1
  • They have classes from nursery to the 10th grade.
  • They have a well-designed school building with dedicated classrooms for various activities, ensuring a conducive learning environment.
  • The school provides dedicated children’s facilities, including a kids’ park, a creche for young children, and a fun hall for enjoyable gatherings.
  • It has modern labs, library, and music rooms.
  • The school facilitates the best sports facilities and training for kids like archery, a unique sport.

3.  Best ICSE Schools in Jaipur

1. Springfield School

Springfield School in Jaipur has left its mark! Over the past 25 years, they’ve consistently delivered top-notch academic education, and their track record speaks volumes. If we look at their board results for 2023, most of their students are hitting the academic jackpot with scores above 90% in ISC and ICSE exams. They’ve even got top scores, reaching 98.25% in ISC and 97% in ICSE. Now, that is what I call excellence in education!

Key Features

  • The School is in Kiran Path, Sector-3, Mansarovar, Jaipur.
  • It has a well-designed and equipped modern laboratory for physics, chemistry, and biology.
  • The school provides a modern computer laboratory with N Computing terminals and powerful IBM servers.
  • It has a library well-stocked with books and periodicals.
  • All the classrooms from Stds. LKG to XII have smartboards.
  • The School Hall is within the complex and is for most school functions.
  • One of the 2012 alumni, Aman Gupta is a scientist at ISRO and has been a part of Chandrayaan 3 Mission.

4. Best ICSE Schools in Chandigarh

1. St. Xaviers School, Chandigarh

St. Xavier’s School in Chandigarh is a shining beacon of academic brilliance. Just look at their grade 10 and 12 results from 2023 – a whopping 21 students soared above the 95% mark in ICSE, while 7 students clinched scores above 90% in ISC exams. Now, that’s some serious academic excellence! And let’s not forget about their top-notch infrastructure and facilities, creating the perfect environment for students to thrive in their studies. It’s no wonder St. Xavier’s School is synonymous with excellence!

Key Features

  • The school is located in Sector – 44 C, Chandigarh.
  • Basketball, Cricket, Tennis, Football, and Table Tennis are all on the menu, with coaches keeping a keen eye on things.
  • In the Lab Wing of the School, situated separately on Levels 2, 3, and 4, you’ll find the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Labs.
  • The Library, located on Level 4 of the newly constructed Administrative Wing, is a treasure of knowledge. It is well stocked with a variety of books, magazines, and encyclopedias.
  • The school offers sports like Cricket, Basketball, Football, and Athletics, catering to diverse interests and talents.
  • Moreover, the school provides separate boarding facilities for both boys and girls.

5. Best ICSE Schools in Coimbatore

1. Rak’s Pallikkodam

Rak’s Palikkodam is ahead of its time, embracing a futuristic approach to education where students are empowered to take charge of their learning journey, immersing themselves in hands-on experiences where they learn by doing.

One of the most anticipated events at Rak’s is WILD Friday! It’s the highlight of the school week, where children and adults go out into outdoor spaces for most of the day. This outdoor learning and exploration experience fosters curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection with nature.

Key Features

  • At the school, they organize all sorts of workshops. Students dive right in, applying what they learn to real-life situations and sharpening their skills.
  • At Rak’s, the teachers don’t stick to their subjects. They team up across different areas of study to create a curriculum that blends everything.
  • The school frequently organizes field trips, enabling students to step beyond the classroom and engage in meaningful learning experiences.
  • The school boasts top-notch athletics facilities, including a large professional indoor badminton complex, tennis courts, a swimming pool, football fields, and a basketball court.
  • The school receives coaching assistance from prestigious academies such as Badminton Gurukul Pullela Gopichand, the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy, and the Raman Vijayan Soccer School.
  • Rak’s School is one of the best among the list of best ICSE schools in India.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, ICSE schools across India rock! With almost 2900 of them all over India, they are like learning hubs, mixing tradition with modern flair. Whether you are in a bustling city or a quiet town, there is an ICSE school waiting to spark your child’s curiosity. It’s all about making education fun and exciting, where every day is a new chance to learn and grow!


Faqs

1. What is the approximate number of ICSE schools operating in India?

 There are nearly 2,800 schools in India that follow the ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) curriculum. However, this number is dynamic and subject to change as new schools receive accreditation, and others may close or switch affiliations.

2. How can I find an ICSE school near my location?

  To find an ICSE school nearby, you can visit the official CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) website and use their school locator feature, which lists schools by region and city. Additionally, local education department websites and school directories can provide current information.

3. What distinguishes ICSE schools from other boards in India?

 ICSE schools are known for their focus on a detailed and comprehensive curriculum. 

They prioritize the English language and ensure a well-rounded education covering arts, sciences, and humanities. Their goal is to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a global perspective among students.

4. Are ICSE schools recognized internationally?

4. Are ICSE schools recognized internationally?

 Yes, the ICSE is recognized by many high schools and universities worldwide. So, it is beneficial if you are considering sending your child abroad for higher education. It is comparable with many international education standards.

5. What is the process of admission into an ICSE school?

Admission processes can vary from school to school. Generally, it involves filling out an application, submitting necessary documents such as birth certificates and previous school records, and sometimes appearing for an entrance test or interview. It is best to contact the specific school you are interested in for their detailed admission procedure.



Varsha & Adi

Hi, we are Varsha and Adi, and we’re on a mission to help parents make the right choice for their kids’ education. Picking a school is like a 10-year commitment, and we realized parents needed clear, no-nonsense info. That’s why we created Candid Schools, where you can get the real deal on schools without the fancy jargon. Our goal is simple: to give parents the info they need to make the best choice for their little ones.

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