Last Updated on March 9, 2026 by Vinod Saini
Quick Answer: The best schools in Sikkim for 2025–26 include Tashi Namgyal Academy (ICSE, est. 1926, fees ₹2.32L–₹2.70L/year), Holy Cross School (CBSE, est. 1985), Taktse International School (IGCSE + ICSE, fees ₹5–6L/year), Don Bosco School (ICSE, Boys), Kendriya Vidyalaya Gangtok (CBSE, fees from just ₹200/month), and Paljor Namgyal Girls’ School (CBSE, Affiliation No. 1820002). Most admission cycles open between November and February for the April academic year.
Sikkim is a small state with a big commitment to education. With a literacy rate of 82.17% — well above India’s national average of 77.7% — and Gangtok hosting a growing cluster of quality CBSE, ICSE, and international schools, parents in the state have genuinely strong options to choose from.
Whether you are looking for a prestigious ICSE boarding school, an affordable CBSE day school, an international IGCSE programme, or a dedicated girls’ school, Sikkim’s top 10 schools cover every need and budget. Here is our verified, data-backed directory of the best schools in Sikkim for 2025–26 — updated with accurate fees, board affiliations, and key highlights to help you make the right call.
Top 10 Best Schools in Sikkim (2025–26 Directory)
1. Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), Gangtok
Sikkim’s Most Prestigious ICSE School
Why TNA stands out: Founded in 1926 by the Ruler of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal Academy is the oldest and most respected school in the state. Its 12-acre campus offers modern labs, a fully equipped library, sports grounds, and both residential and day-boarding options. TNA consistently tops independent school rankings across EzySchooling, Edustoke, and SchoolDekho for Gangtok. If you are looking for the gold standard of ICSE boarding education in Sikkim, TNA is your top pick.
2. Holy Cross School, Tadong, Gangtok
Top CBSE School in Sikkim
Why Holy Cross stands out: Managed by the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross, this is widely regarded as the best CBSE school in Sikkim for day schooling. Ranked #1 on SchoolDekho’s Sikkim list, it combines strong CBSE academics with a well-rounded co-curricular programme, moral education, and a disciplined school culture. A reliable first choice for families in Gangtok who want quality CBSE education at a reasonable fee.
3. Taktse International School, Pangthang
Sikkim’s Only International School — IGCSE + ICSE
Why Taktse stands out: If your child is heading towards a foreign university — in the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia — Taktse International is Sikkim’s only school that can prepare them with a Cambridge IGCSE + A Levels pathway alongside the ICSE/ISC route. Small class sizes, a world-class campus, and strong university counselling make it the best IGCSE school in Sikkim by a significant margin. Premium fees reflect a genuinely premium experience.
4. Don Bosco School, Gangtok
Premier ICSE Boys’ School
Why Don Bosco stands out: Part of the globally recognised Salesians of Don Bosco network — which runs over 40,000 educational institutions worldwide — Don Bosco School Gangtok brings international pedagogical standards to Sikkim. It is the go-to ICSE boys’ school in Gangtok, known for academic rigour, strong board results, debate culture, sports, and a value-based approach to character development.
5. Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), Gangtok
Best Government School in Sikkim — Nearly Free Education
Why KV Gangtok stands out: Administered by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) under India’s Ministry of Education, KV Gangtok delivers high-quality CBSE education at virtually no cost. Girls pay zero tuition fees, and boys pay just ₹200–₹400/month from Class 9 onwards. It consistently ranks among Sikkim’s top schools on SchoolMyKids. For central government and defence families — and civilians where seats allow — this is outstanding value.
6. Army Public School (APS), Gangtok
Discipline, Structure & Affordable CBSE Quality
Why APS Gangtok stands out: Run under the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES), Army Public School Gangtok combines strong CBSE academics with the structured, disciplined environment that the defence education network is nationally known for. Modern labs, a well-stocked library, and sports infrastructure make it one of the best-resourced schools in the city. Priority goes to children of serving Army personnel, with a civilian quota available at select intakes.
7. Paljor Namgyal Girls’ School (PNGS), Gangtok
Heritage CBSE Girls’ School — Affordable & Empowering
Why PNGS stands out: Established in 1924, Paljor Namgyal Girls’ School is one of the oldest CBSE girls’ schools in Northeast India and a genuine cultural institution in Sikkim. It ranks #3 on SchoolDekho’s Sikkim list and is the most affordable quality girls’ school in the state. For families seeking a heritage institution with a safe, empowering environment for daughters at very low fees, PNGS delivers exceptional value.
8. Deorali Girls Senior Secondary School, Gangtok
Sikkim’s Premier Government CBSE Girls’ School
Why Deorali Girls’ stands out: This is Sikkim’s top government CBSE school for girls — established under the vision of accessible, gender-dedicated quality education. It is the strongest government-sector option for families prioritising CBSE for their daughters without the premium fees of private schools like Holy Cross or Tashi Namgyal Academy. With NEP 2020’s emphasis on girls’ education, demand for this school continues to grow every admission cycle.
9. Greendale Senior Secondary School, Upper Tadong
Best CBSE Boarding Option in Gangtok
Why Greendale stands out: Greendale is the best CBSE boarding school in Gangtok for families relocating to Sikkim or whose children commute from outside the city. Its day-and-residential model gives parents genuine flexibility, while consistent CBSE board results and solid residential facilities make it a trusted middle-ground option between the premium boarding of TNA and the affordability of government schools.
10. Baha’i Senior Secondary School, Upper Tadong
Smallest Class Sizes in Gangtok — 22 Students Per Class
Why Baha’i School stands out: With just 22 students per class on average — the lowest in Gangtok — Baha’i School offers an intimately personalised learning environment that most larger schools simply cannot match. Managed by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of India since 1975, it is an inclusive, values-driven CBSE school ideal for parents who prioritise individual attention and a nurturing classroom culture over institutional prestige.
Fee Comparison: Top Schools in Sikkim at a Glance
How to Apply: School Admission Process in Sikkim
Applying to a top school in Sikkim is straightforward if you plan ahead. Here is what the general process looks like:
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Check eligibility — Class 1 typically requires a minimum age of 5.5–6 years; boarding schools like TNA and Taktse may have Class 4/5 as the minimum entry point
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Collect the application form — Available at the school office or official website; most schools open forms from November to February
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Submit required documents — Birth certificate, Aadhaar card, two passport-size photos, previous class marksheet, transfer certificate (TC), caste/domicile certificate (if applicable)
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Attend the interaction round — Most Gangtok schools hold a brief parent-child interaction; TNA and Taktse may include a written assessment for older classes
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Pay the admission fee — Ranges from ₹25 (KV Gangtok ) to ₹20,000+ (TNA, Taktse); confirm the current year’s fee directly with the school
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Secure your seat — Pay the first-term tuition fee within the given deadline; seats at TNA, Holy Cross, and Don Bosco typically fill by February
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the No. 1 school in Sikkim in 2025–26?
Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA) in Gangtok is Sikkim’s most prestigious school, founded in 1926 and consistently ranked #1 across EzySchooling, Edustoke, and SchoolDekho for ICSE boarding education. For the best CBSE day school, Holy Cross School Tadong (est. 1985) holds the #1 position on SchoolDekho’s Sikkim CBSE school ranking for 2025–26.
What is the fee of Tashi Namgyal Academy, Gangtok?
Tashi Namgyal Academy charges ₹2.32 Lakh to ₹2.70 Lakh per year for 2025–26, inclusive of boarding, as verified by EzySchooling. The school offers ICSE and ISC curricula for Pre-Nursery to Class XII on a 12-acre campus in Development Area, Gangtok, Sikkim – 737101. Contact: +91 03592 221813.
Is there an IGCSE or international school in Sikkim?
Yes — Taktse International School in Pangthang, Gangtok is Sikkim’s only school offering Cambridge IGCSE, A Levels, ICSE, and ISC curricula under one roof. Annual boarding fees range from ₹5 Lakh to ₹6 Lakh. It is the best option in Sikkim for students planning undergraduate studies at universities in the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia.
What is the fee of Kendriya Vidyalaya Gangtok?
KV Gangtok charges just ₹200/month for Class 9–10 boys and ₹300–₹400/month for Class 11–12 boys (science/commerce streams). Girls are completely exempt from tuition fees. The one-time admission fee is only ₹25. This makes Kendriya Vidyalaya the most affordable quality CBSE school in Sikkim, with a strong academic record.
Which is the best girls’ school in Sikkim?
Paljor Namgyal Girls’ School (est. 1924, CBSE Affiliation No. 1820002, fees ₹10K–₹20K/year) and Deorali Girls Senior Secondary School (est. 1975, CBSE, government-aided) are Sikkim’s two dedicated girls’ schools. For co-ed schools with strong girls’ sections, Tashi Namgyal Academy (ICSE boarding) and Holy Cross School (CBSE, est. 1985) are the top private choices.
What documents are needed for school admission in Sikkim?
You will need the child’s birth certificate, Aadhaar card, two passport-size photographs, previous class report card or marksheet, school transfer certificate (TC), and a residence or domicile proof. KV Gangtok additionally requires a parent’s service certificate. Schools like TNA and Taktse may also ask for a medical fitness certificate for residential admissions.