Top 10 Best Schools in Delhi for Admission

Last Updated on January 8, 2026 by Vinod Saini

Let’s be honest—finding the right school is probably one of the most stressful things you will do as a parent. In a city as massive and competitive as ours, the pressure to secure a seat in one of the best schools in Delhi can feel overwhelming. You aren’t just looking for a building with classrooms and whiteboards; you are looking for a community. You want a place that will shape your child’s personality, protect their values, and set them up for a future we can’t even fully imagine yet.

Whether you have lived in the capital for decades or are just unpacking your boxes, the sheer number of options can make your head spin. To help you cut through the noise, we have put together a genuine, “insider” list of the top 10 schools in Delhi. We’ve looked beyond just the exam results to consider campus culture, happiness, and holistic growth.

The Elite List: The Names You Need to Know

Before we tour the specific neighborhoods, let’s look at the heavyweights. These are the institutions that consistently come up in every serious conversation about education in the capital because they set the benchmark for everyone else:

1. The Shri Ram School (Vasant Vihar/Moulsari)

2. Vasant Valley School (Vasant Kunj)

3. Modern School (Barakhamba Road)

4. Sanskriti School (Chanakyapuri)

5. Delhi Public School (R.K. Puram)

6. The Mother’s International School (Sri Aurobindo Marg)

7. Springdales School (Pusa Road)

8. St. Columba’s School (Ashok Place)

9. Ahlcon International School (Mayur Vihar)

10. Sardar Patel Vidyalaya (Lodhi Estate)

Regional Heavyweights: The South Delhi Vibe

If you look at the map, you’ll see why South Delhi is often the first stop for parents. Schools in south Delhi have a distinct advantage—space. Unlike the cramped campuses in older parts of the city, schools here often boast sprawling sports grounds and greener surroundings. It’s also where the diplomatic enclaves are, creating a very cosmopolitan atmosphere. Parents flock here because many of the top schools in Delhi—like Vasant Valley and The Mother’s International—are located in this zone, offering an environment that is hard to beat.

Top 10 Schools in South Delhi:

1. The Mother’s International School (Sri Aurobindo Marg)

2. Vasant Valley School (Vasant Kunj)

3. Delhi Public School (R.K. Puram)

4. Springdales School (Dhaula Kuan)

5. Sanskriti School (Chanakyapuri)

6. Carmel Convent School (Chanakyapuri)

7. Convent of Jesus and Mary (Bangla Sahib Marg)

8. St. Thomas’ School (Mandir Marg)

9. Mater Dei School (Tilak Lane)

10. Bhatnagar International School (Vasant Kunj)

Residential Options: Learning Independence

Not every family fits the standard 8-to-2 day school routine. Maybe you have a transferable job, or maybe you just believe your child needs a more disciplined, 24/7 educational environment. In that case, finding a good boarding school in Delhi (or one with a solid hostel facility) is a fantastic move. These schools offer world-class residential programs that teach self-reliance and community living in a safe, structured way.

Top 10 Residential/Boarding Options in & around Delhi:

1. The Mann School (Holambi Khurd)

2. Delhi Public School (R.K. Puram – Hostel Facility)

3. Genesis Global School (Noida – Residential)

4. Pathways World School (Gurgaon – Residential)

5. G.D. Goenka World School (Sohna Road – Residential)

6. Laxman Public School (Hauz Khas – Hostel Facility)

7. Amity International School (Saket/Pushp Vihar – Hostel availability varies)

8. Modern School (Barakhamba Road – Hostel Facility)

9. VSPK International School (Rohini – Boarding Facility)

10. Apollo Public School (Patiala House – Residential)

Curriculum Choices: The ICSE Difference

While CBSE is the default for most, there is a strong and loyal following for icse schools in Delhi, especially among families who value literature and the arts. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations offers a curriculum that is incredibly deep in English language and takes a practical approach to science. Schools like The Frank Anthony Public School are great examples here, producing articulate, well-read students who are ready for global universities.

Top 10 ICSE Schools in Delhi:

1. The Shri Ram School (Moulsari/Vasant Vihar)

2. The Frank Anthony Public School (Lajpat Nagar)

3. Mount St. Mary’s School (Delhi Cantt)

4. Swami Hariharanand Public School (Yamuna Bazar)

5. St. George’s School (Alaknanda)

6. Little Flower House (Varanasi/Delhi branches)

7. Guru Nanak Public School (Adarsh Nagar)

8. Cambridge School (Srinivaspuri – specific wings)

9. British Council Affiliated Schools (Various)

10. YMCA School (Nizamuddin)

West Delhi Hub: The Janakpuri Scene

Heading over to the west, Janakpuri stands out as a massive, well-planned residential hub. Families here value academic grit, and the local institutions reflect that. The schools in janakpuri Delhi are known for being grounded, competitive, and highly focused on results. Plus, with the Metro connectivity, these schools are accessible to families across West Delhi who want quality education without the pretension.

Top 10 Schools in Janakpuri:

1. St. Francis de Sales School (A-4C Block)

2. St. Mark’s Senior Secondary Public School (C-Block)

3. Sumermal Jain Public School (B-2 Block)

4. Happy Model School (B-2 Block)

5. Rainbow English Senior Secondary School (C-3 Block)

6. Mira Model School (B-Block)

7. Indra Ideal Senior Secondary School (C-Block)

8. Lawrence Public School (C-Block)

9. S.S. Mota Singh Senior Secondary School (A-Block)

10. Rich Harvest Public School (A-1 Block)

Modern Education: The Saket Transformation

Back in the south, Saket has transformed from a quiet residential block into a premium lifestyle destination. Naturally, the educational offerings have kept pace. Schools in saket Delhi offer state-of-the-art infrastructure to match the locale. From robotics labs to international exchange programs, these schools focus on giving students a global outlook while keeping them grounded right in the heart of the district.

Top 10 Schools in Saket (and immediate vicinity):

1. Amity International School (M-Block, Saket)

2. Apeejay School (J-Block, Saket)

3. New Green Field School (Saket)

4. Gyan Bharati School (Saket)

5. Red Roses Public School (Saket)

6. Vidya Niketan Senior Secondary School (D-Block, Saket)

7. Birla Vidya Niketan (Pushp Vihar – adjacent to Saket)

8. DPS International (Pushp Vihar – adjacent to Saket)

9. Amrita Vidyalayam (Pushp Vihar – adjacent to Saket)

10. Laxman Public School (Hauz Khas Enclave – nearby)

The National Standard: Why CBSE Rules

Despite all the new options, the vast majority of parents still trust cbse schools in Delhi. Why? Because the Central Board of Secondary Education aligns perfectly with national entrance exams like JEE and NEET. Whether you choose a private giant or a government-aided school, this curriculum ensures your child remains competitive anywhere in the country—making it the safest bet for most families.

Top 10 CBSE Schools (City-wide mix):

1. Delhi Public School (R.K. Puram)

2. Modern School (Barakhamba Road)

3. Vasant Valley School (Vasant Kunj)

4. Springdales School (Pusa Road)

5. Sanskriti School (Chanakyapuri)

6. Mother’s International School (Aurobindo Marg)

7. Bluebells School International (Kailash Colony)

8. Ahlcon International School (Mayur Vihar)

9. Bal Bharati Public School (Gangaram Hospital Marg)

10. Sardar Patel Vidyalaya (Lodhi Estate)

Rising Stars: The East Delhi Revolution

For a long time, residents of East Delhi felt they had to cross the Yamuna river to find premium education, but that has changed dramatically. Schools in east Delhi now rival their counterparts in other zones. The development of Mayur Vihar and IP Extension has brought institutions to the forefront that offer smart classrooms and global pedagogies, meaning you don’t have to travel hours for quality schooling anymore.

Top 10 Schools in East Delhi:

1. Ahlcon International School (Mayur Vihar Ph-1)

2. ASN Senior Secondary School (Mayur Vihar Ph-1)

3. Amity International School (Mayur Vihar)

4. Somerville School (Vasundhara Enclave)

5. Ryan International School (Mayur Vihar Ph-3)

6. Salwan Public School (Mayur Vihar Ph-3)

7. Mother’s Global School (Preet Vihar)

8. St. Andrews Scots Sr. Sec. School (IP Extension)

9. Lovely Public Senior Secondary School (Priyadarshini Vihar)

10. Mayo International School (IP Extension)

The Global Pathway: Going International

If your ultimate goal is to send your child to a university abroad, you might want to look beyond the national boards. IB schools in Delhi follow the International Baccalaureate curriculum, which prioritizes critical thinking and inquiry over rote memorization. It’s a different way of learning, and for many kids, it’s a game-changer.

Top 10 IB/International Schools in Delhi:

1. The British School (Chanakyapuri)

2. The American Embassy School (Chanakyapuri)

3. Pathways School (Gurgaon/Noida – serving Delhi)

4. Genesis Global School (Noida – serving Delhi)

5. Lancers International School (Gurgaon)

6. Amity Global School (Pushp Vihar)

7. G.D. Goenka World School (Sohna Road)

8. Scottish High International School (Gurgaon)

9. Excelsior American School (Gurgaon)

10. King’s College India (Rohtak Road)

Community and Values: Lajpat Nagar

Lajpat Nagar is the bustling commercial heart of South Delhi, but it’s also a tight-knit residential community. Schools in lajpat nagar Delhi cater to this vibe perfectly. These schools are known for being grounded and value-focused. They offer a nurturing environment where community ties are strong, right in the center of the city’s action where accessibility is key.

Top 10 Schools in Lajpat Nagar (and immediate vicinity):

1. Bluebells School International (Kailash Colony – adjacent)

2. The Frank Anthony Public School (Lajpat Nagar IV)

3. Hemnani Public School (Lajpat Nagar I)

4. Cambridge School (Srinivaspuri – adjacent)

5. Tagore International School (East of Kailash – adjacent)

6. Balvantray Mehta Vidya Bhawan (GK-II – nearby)

7. Summer Fields School (Kailash Colony)

8. Gyan Mandir Public School (Naraina Vihar – nearby)

9. DAV Senior Secondary School (Jangpura)

10. Pinnacle School (Panchsheel Enclave – nearby)

Tradition and Prestige: Punjabi Bagh

Punjabi Bagh is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the west, known for its sprawling bungalows and wealthy business families. The schools in punjabi bagh Delhi reflect that status. They manage to blend traditional Indian values with modern educational demands, ensuring that children from this prestigious area receive an education that matches their lifestyle.

Top 10 Schools in Punjabi Bagh:

1. Hansraj Model School (Road No. 73)

2. Guru Harkrishan Public School (Punjabi Bagh)

3. S.D. Public School (East Punjabi Bagh)

4. N.C. Jindal Public School (Punjabi Bagh)

5. S.M. Arya Public School (Punjabi Bagh)

6. Guru Nanak Public School (Punjabi Bagh)

7. SSD Saraswati Bal Mandir (Punjabi Bagh)

8. Presidium School (Punjabi Bagh)

9. St. Froebel Senior Secondary School (Paschim Vihar – nearby)

10. Bhatnagar International School (Punjabi Bagh)

The Diplomatic Zone: Vasant Vihar

Vasant Vihar is arguably the most exclusive address in the capital. Consequently, schools in vasant vihar new Delhi represent the elite tier of education. The campuses here offer a protected, lush, and intellectual environment, catering to the children of diplomats and top executives who value privacy and premium facilities above all else.

Top 10 Schools in Vasant Vihar:

1. The Shri Ram School – Junior Wing (Vasant Vihar)

2. Modern School (Vasant Vihar – Poorvi Marg)

3. Tagore International School (Vasant Vihar)

4. Chinmaya Vidyalaya (Vasant Vihar)

5. Guru Harkrishan Public School (Vasant Vihar)

6. Holy Child Auxilium School (Vasant Vihar)

7. Bloom Public School (Vasant Kunj – nearby)

8. Delhi Public School (R.K. Puram – adjacent)

9. St. Mary’s School (Safdarjung Enclave – nearby)

10. Vasant Valley School (Vasant Kunj – nearby)

Summary of the West Delhi: The Best of the Rest

When we look at the region as a whole, the best schools in west Delhi act as a bridge between traditional schooling and holistic development. Combining the strength of Janakpuri, Punjabi Bagh, and Dwarka, schools here have moved beyond just textbook teaching. They now include theatre, sports, and public speaking in their core curriculum, producing well-rounded toppers year after year.

Top 10 Schools in West Delhi:

1. Indraprastha World School (Paschim Vihar)

2. Venkateshwar International School (Dwarka)

3. Mount Carmel School (Dwarka)

4. Bal Bharati Public School (Dwarka)

5. St. Mark’s Sr. Sec. Public School (Meera Bagh)

6. Maxfort School (Dwarka/Paschim Vihar)

7. Doon Public School (Paschim Vihar)

8. Nirmal Bhartia School (Dwarka)

9. Richmondd Global School (Paschim Vihar)

10. Brain International School (Vikas Puri)

Government Excellence: The Kendriya Vidyalayas

We absolutely cannot overlook the affordable excellence of the Kendriya Vidyalayas. A central school in Delhi offers high-quality, standardized education at a fraction of the cost of private schools. These schools are the backbone for children of government employees and defense personnel, consistently producing excellent board results through a disciplined approach.

Top Central Schools (KVs) in Delhi:

1. Kendriya Vidyalaya, JNU Campus

2. Kendriya Vidyalaya, Delhi Cantt

3. Kendriya Vidyalaya, R.K. Puram (Sector 8)

4. Kendriya Vidyalaya, Andrews Ganj

5. Kendriya Vidyalaya, Gole Market

6. Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pitampura

7. Kendriya Vidyalaya, Janakpuri

8. Kendriya Vidyalaya, Vigyan Vihar

9. Kendriya Vidyalaya, AGCR Colony

10. Kendriya Vidyalaya, INA Colony

Conclusion:

Delhi is truly a microcosm of the nation’s educational aspirations. Whether you choose a high-tech international schools or a disciplined traditional institution, the schools in India, and specifically in its capital, are evolving to meet future challenges. But remember: rankings are just a guide. The “best” school is simply the one that aligns with your child’s personality and your family’s values. Take a tour, talk to other parents, and trust your gut.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the minimum age for Nursery admission in Delhi for 2025-26?

A: For the upcoming 2025-26 session, your child needs to be at least 3 years old as of March 31, 2025. Just keep in mind that the government is gradually shifting the criteria to ensure students are 6+ years old by the time they reach Class 1, to align with the National Education Policy (NEP).

Q2: How exactly do the admission points work?

A: Most private schools use a point system where “Neighborhood” (distance from the school) carries the most weight—often between 40 to 70 points. You also get additional points if you have a sibling already studying in the school or if you are an alumnus yourself.

Q3: Which board is better for competitive exams: CBSE or ICSE?

A: If your child is targeting Indian competitive exams like JEE (Engineering) or NEET (Medical), CBSE is generally the smarter choice because the syllabus overlaps significantly. However, ICSE provides a much stronger foundation in English language and literature, which is great for law, media, or studying abroad.

Q4: Do private schools in Delhi have quotas for EWS?

A: Yes, they do. Private unaided schools in Delhi are legally mandated to reserve 25% of their entry-level seats for the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) and DG (Disadvantaged Group) categories. These admissions are conducted centrally by the Directorate of Education, not the schools themselves.

Q5: When does the madness (the admission process) usually start?

A: For general category seats in entry-level classes (Nursery, KG, Class 1), the Directorate of Education (DoE) typically releases the schedule in late November. Forms are usually available throughout December, with the first list of selected candidates coming out in January.