Last Updated on January 8, 2026 by Vinod Saini
Lakshadweep is famous for its coral reefs and blue lagoons, but for the families actually living here, the real focus is often something else entirely: education. It might surprise you, but this island chain has a literacy rate over 91%, making it one of the most educated places in the country.
For parents, finding the best school in Lakshadweep isn’t just about academics. It’s about finding a place that balances modern competitive learning with the unique, slow-paced island life we cherish.
If you are new to the islands or just looking for better options for your child, navigating the system can be a bit different here. You won’t find the endless rows of private international schools you see on the mainland. Instead, the backbone of our education system relies on high-quality government and central institutions.
In this guide, we are cutting through the noise to look at the top 10 schools in Lakshadweep, breaking down what they actually offer and why they matter.
Why Education in Lakshadweep is Different
Before we jump into the list, you need to know how things work here. Almost all major schools in Lakshadweep follow the CBSE curriculum. This is great for students because it keeps them on the same page as peers in other schools in India, making it easier to transition to college later.
We have moved way past just chalk and talk. Today, you will find smart classrooms and digital labs even on the smaller islands. Also, since geography is a challenge here, finding a boarding school in Lakshadweep is often a necessity for families living on islands without senior secondary facilities. The central government has stepped up largely to fill this gap.
List of Top 10 Schools in Lakshadweep
Here is our rundown of the best educational institutions across the islands, chosen to help you identify the top schools in Lakshadweep.
1. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Minicoy
Location: Minicoy Island Type: Co-ed, Residential (Central Govt.)
If you ask locals, most will tell you JNV Minicoy is the top contender. Established back in 1988, this is arguably the premier boarding school in Lakshadweep. It operates under the central Ministry of Education and focuses on finding talented kids from rural backgrounds and giving them top-tier education for free.
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The Real Draw: It’s a fully residential campus on a nice 3.5-acre plot. They are famous for their “Migration Policy,” where Class IX students swap places with a JNV in a Hindi-speaking state. It builds real character and confidence.
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Admission: It’s tough to get in. You have to clear the JNV Selection Test (JNVST) for Class VI.
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Facilities: They have separate hostels for boys and girls, a decent mess, and labs that are actually well-equipped.
2. PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kavaratti
Location: Kavaratti Island Type: Co-ed, Day School (Central Govt.)
Sitting in the capital, PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya is a heavyweight among CBSE schools in Lakshadweep. It recently got the “PM SHRI” tag, which means it’s being developed as a model school with better funding and facilities.
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Who it’s for: It mainly serves children of central government employees who get transferred often, so the standard is kept strictly high.
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Infrastructure: You get proper ICT-enabled classrooms and a library that is actually stocked.
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Track Record: Year after year, this school churns out some of the best board exam results on the islands.
3. Mahatma Gandhi Govt. Senior Secondary School, Androth
Location: Androth Island Type: Co-ed, Government
Androth is the biggest island, so it makes sense that its main school is a major hub. Mahatma Gandhi Govt. Senior Secondary School is a staple on any list of top 10 schools in Lakshadweep simply because of the sheer number of students it serves and its history.
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What they offer: They cover all the main streams—Science, Commerce, and Humanities.
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Vibe: It feels like a community center. They host a lot of the inter-island sports and cultural meetups, so it’s always buzzing.
4. Jawaharlal Nehru Govt. Senior Secondary School, Kadmat
Location: Kadmat Island Type: Co-ed, Government
Kadmat is known for tourism, but this school is the educational lifeline for the area. It is crucial for students from nearby satellite islands who need to travel for higher grades.
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Living arrangements: While it’s technically a day school, it functions similarly to boarding schools in Lakshadweep because they support students who stay on the island just to attend classes here.
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Focus: given the location, they put a cool emphasis on marine awareness and environmental projects alongside the usual books.
5. Govt. Senior Secondary School, Minicoy
Location: Minicoy Island Type: Co-ed, Government
This is different from the JNV. The local Govt. Senior Secondary School in Minicoy has deep roots, dating all the way back to 1891. It does a great job of keeping the local Mahl language and culture alive while teaching modern subjects.
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History: It’s one of the oldest schools we have.
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Community: The parents are very involved here. The School Management Committee is active, which helps keep the environment disciplined and safe.
6. Govt. Senior Secondary School, Kavaratti
Location: Kavaratti Island Type: Co-ed, Government
Since it is in the capital, this government school handles the biggest crowd. It acts as the main feeder school for local colleges and technical institutes.
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Performance: They consistently get high pass percentages.
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Beyond Books: If your kid likes sports, this is a good spot. They have a reputation for producing great swimmers and footballers.
7. Govt. Sardar Patel Senior Secondary School, Kalpeni
Location: Kalpeni Island Type: Co-ed, Government
Named after the “Iron Man of India,” this school has changed the game in Kalpeni. It is especially famous for pushing female education forward, which is a big reason why literacy rates here are so balanced.
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Activities: They have very active NCC and Scout & Guide units.
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Atmosphere: It’s known for being strict but supportive, with a nice eco-friendly campus.
8. Govt. Senior Secondary School, Agatti
Location: Agatti Island Type: Co-ed, Government
Agatti has the airport, so it’s the gateway to the islands. This makes the school highly accessible. It attracts good teachers from the mainland because travel is easier here compared to remote islands.
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Tech Update: They recently upgraded with smart boards and better digital aids.
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Exposure: Because it’s easy to reach, a lot of district-level science fairs and workshops happen right here.
9. Govt. Senior Secondary School, Amini
Location: Amini Island Type: Co-ed, Government
Amini holds a special place in history—it hosted the very first government school in Lakshadweep back in 1904. The current Senior Secondary School stands on that historic foundation.
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Legacy: They balance traditional island values with modern science really well.
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Alumni: A lot of local leaders and administrators sat in these classrooms years ago.
10. Govt. Senior Secondary School, Kiltan
Location: Kiltan Island Type: Co-ed, Government
Wrapping up the list is the school in Kiltan. It is on the international shipping route but can feel a bit isolated geographically. Despite that, the school makes sure students don’t feel left out.
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Resilience: They have pushed hard for digital literacy, ensuring that high schoolers here are just as computer-savvy as kids in the capital.
How to Choose the Right School?
Choosing the best school in Lakshadweep usually comes down to logistics:
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Board vs. Brand: Stick to CBSE affiliated schools (which most are) if you want your child to take exams like NEET or JEE.
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Location vs. Boarding: If you live on a tiny island, you have a choice to make: commute by boat, or look at boarding schools in Lakshadweep like JNV.
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Language: English is the medium of instruction, but teachers often use Malayalam to explain tough concepts, which helps kids grasp things faster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is the No 1 school in Lakshadweep?
Most locals and experts vote for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Minicoy. Since it is a central government residential institute, it has the funding, the campus size, and the academic track record that makes it the premier boarding school in Lakshadweep.
2. Are there any private schools in Lakshadweep?
Honestly, private schooling is very rare here. The system is dominated by state or central government schools (like KV and JNV). This is actually a good thing—it keeps education free or very cheap, and ensures the quality is standardized across the islands.
3. Is education free in Lakshadweep schools?
Yes, for the most part. The Department of Education provides free textbooks, uniforms, and midday meals. In central schools like JNV, everything including boarding and food is free if you get selected.
4. What is the literacy rate of Lakshadweep?
It is impressive—around 91.85%. That puts Lakshadweep right near the top of the list for educated regions in India, which shows that the schools in Lakshadweep are doing their job well.
5. How can I get admission to Kendriya Vidyalaya Kavaratti?
It can be tricky. They prioritize children of central government employees who get transferred. If seats are left over, they open them up to locals, but you usually have to wait for a list or a lottery system for Class 1.
6. Do schools in Lakshadweep follow the CBSE board?
Yes, almost all senior secondary schools, including JNV and KV, follow CBSE. This is great because it aligns the local education with the national standards you see in top schools in Lakshadweep and the rest of the country.
Ready to secure your child’s future? It is always best to visit the school office directly or check the Lakshadweep Education Department website for the latest updates.