Why Indian Parents are Opting for International Schools for Their Children
Why Indian Parents are Opting for International Schools for Their Children
With higher incomes, Indian parents are increasingly turning to global curriculums, viewing them as a way to secure their children’s future.
As the aspirations of India’s middle class continue to rise, more parents are choosing international schools for their children. India is now home to the second-largest number of international schools in the world, not just in name, but through affiliations with leading global education boards, as reported by the Times of India.
While international schools have traditionally been concentrated in major cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, they are now spreading to smaller towns such as Hatkanagale in Sangli, Tholahunse in Davangere, and Sonaghati in Betul. Each year, Cambridge adds around 100 new schools, and 30 to 40 new International Baccalaureate (IB) schools open their doors annually.
Further, establishing an international school has become an attractive business strategy, with an easier affiliation process, strong branding, and the ability to charge significantly higher tuition fees, all without facing much resistance.
In the early 2000s, India had only eight schools offering the IB programme, and Cambridge (IGCSE) schools were virtually nonexistent. By the 2011-12 academic year, the number of Cambridge schools had grown to 197, and IB schools to 99.
According to recent data from ISC Research, India had 884 international schools in 2019, a number that has now increased to 972 as of January 2025 — a 10% rise over the past five years. On a global scale, international schools grew by 8%, reaching a total of 14,833. Maharashtra leads the country with 210 IB and IGCSE schools, followed by Karnataka, while Tamil Nadu and Telangana are quickly catching up.
With higher incomes, Indian parents are increasingly turning to global curriculums, viewing them as a way to secure their children’s future. Parents are of the opinion that these curriculums help prepare students for Western universities and open doors to international career opportunities.
“The international curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary thinking, and real-world application, fostering essential skills for future career aspirations. Furthermore, international education places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, global perspectives, and learner-led initiatives, empowering learners to become proactive problem-solvers and changemakers,” says an expert.
