Every year, thousands of parents across India begin the search for the right school, and CISCE schools consistently top that list. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations has earned its reputation over more than six decades by delivering an education that is academically deep, language-rich, and designed to nurture children as thinking individuals. If you are planning school admissions for 2026, knowing which CISCE schools stand out is a great place to start.
This article brings together the most well-regarded CISCE affiliated schools in India, city by city, with details on the admission process, fee ranges, and what makes each school worth considering. Whether you are looking for a boarding school in the hills or a day school in a metro city, this guide covers the full picture.
What Is CISCE and Why Do Parents Choose It?
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, commonly known as CISCE, was established in 1958 as a national-level private board of school education. It conducts two major examinations: the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) for Class 10 and the Indian School Certificate (ISC) for Class 12. Over 2,600 schools in India and abroad are affiliated to CISCE, making it one of the most established school boards in the country.
Parents choose CISCE schools for a number of clear reasons. The board is known for its strong English language foundation, its emphasis on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorisation, and a curriculum that covers arts, science, and humanities with equal depth. Students from CISCE schools tend to develop strong analytical and communication skills. That combination of academic rigour and holistic development is what keeps the demand for CISCE school admissions high year after year.
CISCE Schools in India 2026: Overview
| Key Details | Information |
| Board Name | Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) |
| Examinations Conducted | ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) |
| Year Established | 1958 |
| Total Affiliated Schools | Over 2,600 schools in India and abroad |
| Focus Keyword | Top CISCE Schools in India 2026 |
| Admission Season | October 2025 to March 2026 (for most schools) |
| Admission Mode | Online and Offline (varies by school) |
| Official Website | cisce.org |
| School Locator | cisce.org/ sch_locator.aspx |
Top CISCE Schools in India 2026: At a Glance
The table below lists some of the most prominent CISCE affiliated schools in India. These schools appear repeatedly in parent surveys, educational rankings, and admission conversations.
| No. | School Name | City | Type |
| 1 | The Cathedral & John Connon School | Mumbai | Day / Co-ed |
| 2 | La Martiniere for Boys | Kolkata | Day + Boarding |
| 3 | La Martiniere for Girls | Kolkata | Day + Boarding |
| 4 | Campion School | Mumbai | Day / Boys |
| 5 | The Doon School | Dehradun | Boarding / Boys |
| 6 | Welham Girls’ School | Dehradun | Boarding / Girls |
| 7 | Bishop Cotton Boys’ School | Benaluru | Day + Boarding |
| 8 | Bishop Cotton Girls’ School | Bengaluru | Day + Boarding |
| 9 | The Shri Ram School | Gurugram | Day / Co-ed |
| 10 | Frank Anthony Public School | New Delhi | Day / Co-ed |
| 11 | Rishi Valley School | Chittoor, AP | Boarding / Co-ed |
| 12 | Sherwood College | Nainitaal | Boarding / Boys |
| 13 | St. Paul’s School | Darjeeling | Boarding / Boys |
| 14 | Inventure Academy | Bengaluru | Day / Co-ed |
| 15 | Jamnabai Narsee School | Mumbai | Day / Co-ed |
School Profiles: Top CISCE Schools in India for 2026
The Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai
Founded in 1860 in Fort, Mumbai, Cathedral and John Connon is one of India’s oldest and most admired schools. It offers ICSE, ISC, IGCSE, and the IB Diploma Programme under one roof. Annual fees for the CISCE curriculum are approximately Rs. 1.2 lakh, going up to Rs. 6.7 lakh for the IBDP stream. Admission is competitive, with an online registration process and interaction rounds for young children. Alumni include former Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud and industrialist Jamshyd Godrej.
La Martiniere for Boys and La Martiniere for Girls, Kolkata
Both La Martiniere schools in Kolkata carry a legacy stretching back to 1845. They are affiliated with CISCE and offer ICSE and ISC curricula alongside a strong co-curricular programme. Both schools operate as day cum boarding schools and are consistently ranked among the best in eastern India. Admission is through an entrance test and interaction, and seats are limited, so early application is strongly advised.
Campion School, Mumbai
Campion School, founded by the Jesuits in 1943, is one of India’s premier ICSE boys’ schools. From the 2025-26 academic year, the school transitioned to co-education. It ranks consistently as India’s top boys’ day school in multiple national surveys. The school follows ICSE for Class 10 and ISC for Class 12 and has a strong tradition in academics and sports.
The Doon School, Dehradun
The Doon School is India’s most well-known all-boys boarding school and operates on a 70-acre campus in Dehradun. It offers the ISC curriculum and is known for producing leaders across government, business, and the arts. Admission involves a written exam and interview, and demand far outstrips seats available each year.
Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun
Welham Girls’ is one of India’s finest residential schools for girls and offers the ICSE and ISC curricula. Set in Dehradun, the school is known for its academic standards, boarding culture, and emphasis on independent thinking. Admission is through a registration and interview process, and the school has a strong alumnae network across India.
Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, Bengaluru
Bishop Cotton Boys’ School is Asia’s oldest boys’ boarding school, established in 1865. The school offers ICSE and ISC and is well-regarded for its sports programme, pastoral care, and character-building approach. Both day and boarding options are available. Registration for 2026 admissions typically opens in October and fills up fast.
The Shri Ram School, Gurugram
The Shri Ram School has campuses across Delhi NCR and offers the ICSE and ISC curricula. It is a co-educational day school known for its inquiry-based approach, extensive co-curricular activities, and strong parent community. The school is particularly sought-after for admissions from nursery to Grade 1, and the process involves a registration followed by an age-appropriate interaction.
Rishi Valley School, Chittoor
Rishi Valley School in Andhra Pradesh was founded on the philosophy of J. Krishnamurti and remains a standout CISCE school for its holistic and nature-centred approach to education. It is a residential school affiliated with CISCE and offers a curriculum that balances academics with environmental awareness and personal growth. It draws students from across India.
Inventure Academy, Bengaluru
Ranked number one in Karnataka by multiple education platforms, Inventure Academy offers ICSE, ISC, and Cambridge curricula. Founded in 2005, it has earned a reputation for innovation, global exposure, and strong faculty. The school was featured in Fortune’s Future 50 Schools list, making it a standout choice in southern India.
CISCE School Admission Process 2026
Most top CISCE schools open registrations for 2026 admissions between October and December 2025. The process varies by school and grade level, but most follow a similar pattern. Here is what parents can generally expect.
- Visit the official school website and check for the admissions notice.
- Complete the online registration form and pay the registration fee (typically Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000).
- Attend the school-specific interaction or entrance test as scheduled.
- Submit required documents along with the application.
- Wait for the merit list or allotment communication from the school.
- Complete fee payment within the stipulated time to confirm the seat.
Always verify admission timelines directly on the school’s official website. Dates and procedures differ significantly between schools, and late applications are rarely entertained at top institutions.
Documents Required for CISCE School Admissions 2026
While specific requirements vary by school, the following documents are typically needed during the admission process:
- Birth certificate of the child
- Previous class report card or progress report
- Transfer certificate from the previous school (for lateral admissions)
- Aadhaar card of the child and parent or guardian
- Passport-sized photographs
- Address proof
- Caste or category certificate, if applicable
- Sibling or alumni declaration, if the school offers such priority
Fee Structure: What to Expect at Top CISCE Schools in India
Fee structures across top CISCE schools in India vary widely depending on city, school type, and boarding or day school status. Day schools in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru generally charge annual fees between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 4 lakh. Boarding schools tend to be significantly higher, with annual fees including boarding costs ranging from Rs. 4 lakh to Rs. 12 lakh or more.
Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai charges around Rs. 1.2 lakh per year for the CISCE stream. Heritage School in Kolkata has a registration fee of Rs. 1,500 for most classes. Boarding schools like The Doon School and Welham Girls’ School charge comprehensive annual fees that cover tuition, boarding, and extracurriculars. Parents should always confirm the current fee structure directly with the school since fees are typically revised each academic year.
ICSE and ISC: Understanding the Two Streams
Parents new to CISCE often use ICSE and ISC interchangeably, but they are two distinct examinations. ICSE refers to the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, which is the Class 10 board examination conducted by CISCE. ISC refers to the Indian School Certificate, which is the Class 12 board examination under the same council.
A school affiliated to CISCE may offer ICSE only up to Class 10, or it may offer both ICSE and ISC up to Class 12. When shortlisting schools for your child, check whether the school offers ISC as well if you want continuity in the same institution through senior secondary education. The official CISCE school locator on cisce.org helps you confirm exactly what each affiliated school offers.
How to Verify If a School Is CISCE Affiliated
Several websites list ICSE schools, but not all are updated or accurate. The safest way to confirm whether a particular school is genuinely affiliated with CISCE is to use the official school locator available at cisce.org. You can search by state, city, or school name to get the verified affiliation status.
This matters because some schools may describe themselves as ICSE-pattern schools without holding a formal CISCE affiliation. Admitting your child to an unaffiliated school can create problems at the board examination stage. Always cross-check before finalising.
FAQs
1. How many schools are affiliated to CISCE in India?
Over 2,600 schools in India and abroad are affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations as of 2026.
2. When do top CISCE schools open admissions for 2026?
Most schools open their registration windows between October and December 2025. Some schools start as early as September. Always check directly on the school website.
3. Is ICSE harder than CBSE?
ICSE is considered more detailed in language and subject coverage, but whether it is harder depends on the child and the school. Many parents find it well-suited for children who enjoy comprehensive learning and strong English skills.
4. Can I check CISCE school affiliation online?
Yes. Visit cisce.org and use the official school locator to search for any school by state or city and confirm its affiliation status.
5. Which city has the most top CISCE schools?
Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Delhi NCR have the highest concentration of well-regarded CISCE schools in India. Cities like Dehradun and Pune also have prominent boarding and day schools under CISCE.
6. What is the difference between ICSE and ISC?
ICSE is the Class 10 board examination under CISCE, while ISC is the Class 12 examination. Both are conducted by the same council, but a school may be affiliated for one or both examinations.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
| CISCE Official School Locator | Visit Here |
| CISCE Official Website | Visit Here |
| Our Homepage | Visit Here |