Which is the No. 1 school in Jammu and Kashmir?

Rankings may vary, but Jodhamal Public School is consistently rated as the top co-educational day school in Jammu and Kashmir for its holistic education and innovation. For students aiming for military careers, Sainik School Nagrota is considered the best for discipline and results.

What is the best boarding school in Jammu and Kashmir for boys?

For a military-oriented education, Sainik School Nagrota and Sainik School Manasbal are top choices. For a high-quality private boarding experience with excellent hostel facilities, KC Public School in Jammu is the leading option.

Are there top schools in Jammu and Kashmir that follow the CBSE board?

Yes, most leading private schools in Jammu and Kashmir are affiliated with CBSE. Schools such as Jodhamal Public School, DPS Srinagar, KC Public School, Heritage School, and GD Goenka follow the CBSE curriculum.

When should I apply for school admissions in J&K?

In Kashmir, school admission inquiries typically begin around September or October due to the session shift. In Jammu, the admission cycle usually starts in December or January. It is best to check individual school websites at least a month in advance.

Which schools offer the best sports facilities in the region?

KC Public School in Jammu is known for its excellent sports infrastructure, including indoor swimming pools, squash courts, and cricket grounds. DPS Srinagar also offers extensive outdoor grounds and indoor sports facilities suitable for winter conditions.

Is it better to choose a CBSE school or JKBOSE?

CBSE schools are a better choice for students preparing for national-level competitive exams like JEE and NEET or for families with transferable jobs, as they offer standardized curricula. JKBOSE schools are ideal for those who prefer education rooted in the local context and state syllabus.

Top 10 Schools in Jammu and Kashmir for Admission 2026

Last Updated on January 20, 2026 by Vinod Saini

If you’re considering schools in Jammu and Kashmir for your child’s education, you’ve made an excellent choice. This region boasts some of the best educational institutions in North India. Whether you’re looking for CBSE schools in Jammu or the prestigious heritage schools in Kashmir, this guide provides accurate, verified information for the 2026 academic session.

Quick Snapshot: School Comparison

For parents looking for a quick comparison of fees, board affiliations, and facilities, here is a breakdown of the top schools in the region.

School Name	Location	Board	Est. Annual Fees	Best For…
DPS Srinagar	Srinagar	CBSE	₹70k – ₹90k	Global exposure, modern infrastructure & swimming.
KC Public School	Jammu	CBSE	₹85k – ₹1.2L	Round Square network, international exchange programs.
Tyndale Biscoe	Srinagar	JKBOSE	₹40k – ₹60k	Character building, physical endurance, and heritage.
Heritage School	Jammu	CBSE	₹70k – ₹1L	Balanced approach to academics and arts.
Burn Hall School	Srinagar	JKBOSE	₹45k – ₹65k	Discipline, boys’ education, and strong alumni network.
Kendriya Vidyalaya	Multiple	CBSE	₹15k – ₹25k	Affordable quality education (Govt. employees priority).
Green Valley	Srinagar	CBSE	₹50k – ₹70k	Modern curriculum with a focus on STEM.

Educational Landscape in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)

Jammu and Kashmir offers a mix of educational boards, primarily JKBOSE (State Board) and CBSE.

Jammu Region: CBSE is widely popular here, with many private schools affiliated with the central board.
Kashmir Region: While CBSE options like DPS exist, many elite heritage schools (like Tyndale Biscoe and Burn Hall) traditionally follow the JKBOSE curriculum, which is known for its rigorous focus on academics and local cultural integration.
Important Update: The academic session in Kashmir has recently shifted to a March-April cycle to align with the National Academic Calendar, making it easier for students to transfer from other parts of India.

Top CBSE Schools in Jammu and Kashmir

If you are looking for the standardized Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum, these are the top-rated institutions.

1. KC Public School, Jammu

Location: Akhnoor Road, Jammu
Affiliation: CBSE
Facilities: The first school in J&K to be a member of the Round Square global network. Features indoor swimming pools, squash courts, and a focus on globalism.
Specialty: High focus on international exposure and holistic development.
Admission: Interaction/Entrance test for higher classes.

2. Delhi Public School (DPS), Srinagar

Location: Athwajan, Srinagar
Affiliation: CBSE
Facilities: A sprawling campus with modern science labs, a covered heated swimming pool (a rarity in the region), and excellent sports infrastructure.
Specialty: The premier CBSE option in the valley, known for bridging global educational standards with local values.
Admission: Highly competitive; based on entrance tests and merit.

3. Heritage School, Jammu

Location: Sainik Colony, Jammu
Affiliation: CBSE
Facilities: Amphitheater, skating rink, and smart classrooms.
Specialty: Known for a balanced approach to academics and arts.
Admission: Written admission test for Class 1 upwards.

4. Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), Jammu

Location: Multiple branches (Gandhi Nagar, Bantalab, etc.)
Affiliation: CBSE
Facilities: Standardized government infrastructure with vast playgrounds.
Specialty: Affordable, high-quality education with a consistent curriculum for transferrable government employees.
Admission: Lottery system for Class 1; merit/test-based for higher classes (subject to vacancy).

Top State Board (JKBOSE) & Heritage Schools in Kashmir

Kashmir is famous for its “Missionary” or Heritage schools. While they follow the State Board, their quality of education is comparable to the best ICSE/CBSE schools in the country.

5. Tyndale Biscoe School, Srinagar

Location: Sheikh Bagh, Srinagar
Affiliation: JKBOSE
Legacy: Established in 1880, it is one of the oldest schools in the region.
Specialty: Famous for its emphasis on physical endurance, swimming (Dal Cross), and social service. It focuses on building “character” over just rote learning.
Admission: Interaction/Interview based.

6. Burn Hall School, Srinagar

Location: Sonwar, Srinagar
Affiliation: JKBOSE
Legacy: A prestigious all-boys missionary school.
Specialty: Known for rigorous academic discipline and an excellent alumni network in civil services and defense.
Admission: Written exam and interview.

Eligibility and Admission Process

Age Criteria: As per the National Education Policy (NEP), a child must generally be 6 years old (or 6+) for admission to Class 1.
Session Timing:
- Jammu: Session begins in April.
- Kashmir: Session now also begins in March-April (historically it was November, but this has changed).
Documents Needed: Birth certificate, residence proof, transfer certificate (if moving from another school), and passport-sized photos.

Fee Structure (Estimates)

Government Schools (KV/Army Public Schools): ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 per year.
Private CBSE Schools: ₹60,000 – ₹1.2 Lakh per year.
Top Tier Private/Boarding: ₹1.5 Lakh – ₹2.5 Lakh per year (depending on transport and boarding facilities).

Conclusion

Choosing the right school in Jammu and Kashmir requires understanding the difference between the CBSE and JKBOSE systems. For transferable parents, CBSE schools like KC Public School or KV are ideal. For those seeking deep-rooted character building in the valley, heritage schools like Tyndale Biscoe remain the gold standard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best CBSE schools in Kashmir?

The most prominent CBSE school in the valley is Delhi Public School (DPS), Srinagar. Other emerging options include Green Valley Educational Institute (recently shifted to CBSE) and IDPS, though parents should verify the specific affiliation of newer branches.

2. Is Tyndale Biscoe a CBSE school?

No, Tyndale Biscoe School is affiliated with the JKBOSE (Jammu & Kashmir State Board of School Education). It is renowned for its heritage and extracurricular excellence despite not being a CBSE school.

3. When does the school session start in Kashmir for 2026?

The government has shifted the academic session to align with the national calendar. The new session in Kashmir will commence in March/April 2026, not November.

4. How do I get admission into Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) in Jammu?

For Class 1, admission is conducted via an online lottery system (usually in Feb-March). There is no entrance exam for Class 1. For Class 2 to 9, admission is based on an entrance test, subject to the availability of seats.

5. Are there boarding facilities in these schools?

Yes, schools like DPS Srinagar, Burn Hall (Hostel facilities historically available), and J&K Sainik School Manasbal offer residential facilities. In Jammu, KC Public School also offers day-boarding options.

6. What is the minimum age for Class 1 admission?

Most schools in J&K have aligned with the national directive requiring a child to be 6+ years old as of March 31st of the admission year for Class 1.

Disclaimer: The fee structures mentioned in this guide are approximate estimates based on previous years’ data and market standards. Actual fees may vary depending on the specific grade, admission charges, optional facilities (such as transport, mess, and boarding), and annual revisions by the school management. Parents are strongly advised to visit the official school website or contact the administration directly for the latest and most accurate fee schedules.

Top Schools in Jammu and Kashmir-Admissions, Fees, and Best Options