Choosing the right school in Mumbai is one of the most important decisions for a parent — it doesn’t just impact academic learning, but also your child’s overall development, peer environment, and long-term prospects. With the city offering a wide variety of schools (CBSE, ICSE, IB/IGCSE, international), and fees varying dramatically, this guide brings clarity.
In this article, we present a carefully curated list of top 10 schools in Mumbai with fees, board details & key highlights for 2025. Whether you’re seeking premium international curricula or well-established Indian boards, this list will help you compare options at a glance.
1. Factors to Consider Before Choosing a School
Before diving into the list of schools, it helps to keep certain key criteria in mind. Here are five important factors you should evaluate:
Curriculum & Board
Mumbai has schools affiliated to different boards: Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE/ISC), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), international programs such as International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP), or Cambridge IGCSE. Different curricula offer different teaching methods, exam patterns & future academic pathways.
Fee Structure & Affordability
School fees in Mumbai can vary widely — from modest amounts for traditional boards to several lakhs per annum for premium international schools. For example, international-curriculum schools in Mumbai may charge around ₹8–10 lakhs/year and up. Evaluate not just tuition fees but also transport, uniform, activity fees, and annual hikes.
Infrastructure & Co-curricular Facilities
Facilities such as modern labs, sports complexes, art performance spaces, and extracurricular offerings add great value. Premium schools often charge higher fees partly because of these added features.
Location & Commute
Mumbai’s traffic and travel times mean that proximity to the school matters considerably. A good school far away may cost time and energy in daily commuting.
Reputation & Outcomes
Look for a school’s track record: how students perform in board exams, their placements into colleges/universities (especially for IB/IGCSE schools), alumni network, and overall reputation among parents.
1. Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS), Bandra Kurla Complex
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Location: 46, Trident Road, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Bandra (East), Mumbai, Maharashtra.
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Board(s) / Curriculum: Offers ICSE, IGCSE, and the IB Diploma Program.
Annual Fees (approximate):
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For Kindergarten to ~Grade 7: around ₹1.70 lakh per annum reported.
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For Grades 8-10: around ₹4.5 lakh+ per annum or more.
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For Grades 11-12 (IB/DP): figures around ₹9.65 lakh (as per some reports) and up to Rs 20 lakh for the highest grades.
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Important: These are approximate and vary by curriculum and class level.
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Facilities & Highlights:
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Day school with world-class infrastructure.
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Recognized globally (e.g., the “Top 20 IB Schools globally” ranking for DAIS)
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Strong focus on the international curriculum, global exposure, and high faculty standards.
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Admission Details (for 2025):
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Online registration opens during the prior term (check the school website).
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Given its prestige, competition is high; early inquiry and preparation are recommended.
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Why It’s Among the Top Schools:
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The combination of international curriculum (IB/IGCSE), central premium location in BKC, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and strong results/outcomes makes it a top pick for parents seeking high-end global schooling in Mumbai.
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That said, the fees are on the higher side by Mumbai standards, so it’s a premium option.
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2. Ecole Mondiale World School – Juhu
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Location: J.V.P.D. Scheme, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
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Board(s) / Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP) + IGCSE.
Annual Fees (approximate):
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Nursery/KG: ~ ₹6,90,000 per year.
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Grades 1-10: ~ ₹9,90,000 per year.
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Grades 11-12: ~ ₹10,90,000 per year.
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Highlights: Known for a full international curriculum with strong facilities (labs, sports, arts) in one of Mumbai’s premium locations.
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Why it ranks among the top schools: For parents seeking a true international schooling environment in Mumbai, Ecole Mondiale offers one of the best IB-/IGCSE-focused options.
3. Jamnabai Narsee School – Juhu (Vile Parle West)
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Location: Narsee Monjee Bhavan, N.S. Road No. 7, J.V.P.D. Scheme, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049.
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Board(s) / Curriculum: ICSE / ISC and IGCSE / IB in higher grades.
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Annual Fees (approximate): For the day school: ~ ₹7,00,000 per year.
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Highlights: Strong academic reputation, robust co-curricular programs, good for students targeting both Indian & international pathways.
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Why it is on the list: Balances premium schooling with slightly lower fees compared to the ultra-elite international schools, so it is relevant for a wider audience.
4. The Cathedral & John Connon School – Fort (South Mumbai)
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Location: Fort, South Mumbai, Maharashtra.
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Board(s) / Curriculum: CISCE (ICSE/ISC) and also offers IB in senior school.
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Annual Fees (approximate): Around ₹6-9 lakhs per year for senior grades based on the latest reports
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Highlights: One of Mumbai’s oldest and most prestigious schools, strong heritage, central location, distinguished alumni.
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Why it qualifies for “Top 10”: For families wanting a historic elite school in the city with a solid reputation, not only fee/high-end schools but also very strong value considering legacy.
5. Fazlani L’Académie Globale (FLAG), Mazagaon
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Location: Opp. Wallace Fortuna, Off Hancock’s Bridge, S.C. Marg, Mazagaon Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400009.
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Board(s) / Curriculum: IB & IGCSE (International programme)
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Annual Fees (approximate):
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For grades 1-10: ~ ₹3,30,000-₹4,00,000 per annum.
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For Grades 11-12 (A-Level): ~ ₹5,00,000-₹6,50,000 per annum.
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Highlights: Fully international curriculum, modern campus, strong for students looking for global exposure.
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Why it’s on the list: Offers premium international education in Mumbai with credible fees and curriculum — suitable for parents targeting international standards in Mumbai.
6. NES International School, Mulund West
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Location: Agrawal Road, Opposite Sardar Pratap Singh Garden, Swapna Nagari, Mulund West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400082.
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Board(s) / Curriculum: IB PYP/MYP/DP, IGCSE, AS/A-Levels.
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Annual Fees (approximate): ~ ₹2,70,000 per annum for many grades.
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Highlights: Emphasis on international curriculum, strong extra-curricular facilities (STEAM lab etc).
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Why it’s on the list: Mid to high-tier international school in suburban Mumbai offering solid value compared to ultra-premium schools.
7. The Gateway School of Mumbai, Govandi East
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Location: Sion-Trombay Road, Next to Deonar Bus Depot, Diagonally opposite TISS, Govandi (E), Mumbai – 400088.
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Board(s) / Curriculum: IGCSE (and inclusive education focus)
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Annual Fees (approximate): ~ ₹4,50,000 per annum for Day School.
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Highlights: Modern, inclusive school emphasizing international curriculum and holistic development.
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Why it’s on the list: A premium international-curriculum school in a region that’s less central than South Mumbai, offering a good alternative for many families.
8. Aditya Birla World Academy (Tardeo)
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Location: Tardeo, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
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Board(s)/Curriculum: Offers IGCSE / A-Levels / IB (International curricula) (school website).
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Annual Fees (approximate): One source lists fees of premium international schools in Mumbai like this in the ₹5 – 10 lakh per annum range, depending on grade and curriculum.
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Highlights: Positioned as a global-standard school in Mumbai offering international curriculum, strong infrastructure, aimed at students seeking overseas higher education pathways.
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Why it’s among the Top 10: Gives an international option in central Mumbai (Tardeo) with full spectrum of global curricula — valuable for parents/students wanting this level of schooling.
9. Bombay International School (Babulnath)
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Location: Babulnath, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
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Board(s)/Curriculum: International curriculum (IB/IGCSE) along with strong co-curricular offerings.
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Annual Fees (approximate): Not specifically listed in my sources for all grades, but falls within the premium international school fee band in Mumbai (₹ several lakhs/year) as per general data.
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Highlights: Known among the list of “best international schools in Mumbai” for its holistic development approach.
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Why it made the list: Adds variety — an international curriculum option in a slightly different part of Mumbai, giving parents an alternate premium schooling.
10. Campion School (Fort)
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Location: Fort, South Mumbai, Maharashtra.
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Board(s)/Curriculum: ICSE / ISC — one of the classic, prestigious schools in the city (as per listing).
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Annual Fees (approximate): Specific fee data for Campion from my sources is limited, but for schools of its kind and location, the range may be in the moderate-to-premium band (for comparison, some top ICSE schools in Mumbai quote fees from ₹1 lakh to several lakhs per year).
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Highlights: Legacy school in South Mumbai, strong reputation, ideal for students looking at quality ICSE education in a classic central location.
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Why it completes the Top 10: Balances the list by including, besides ultra-premium international schools, a distinguished heritage Indian-board school, which many parents trust.
Conclusion
Mumbai offers an incredible range of schools — from legacy ICSE institutions like Campion and Bombay Scottish to globally accredited IB schools such as Dhirubhai Ambani International and Fazlani L’Académie Globale.
Each caters to different priorities — academic rigor, international exposure, co-curricular balance, or budget.
When choosing the right school, focus on:
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The curriculum (ICSE, CBSE, IB, or IGCSE) that fits your child’s goals.
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The location and commuting convenience.
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Fee structure versus the offered facilities and teaching quality.
By shortlisting from this top-10 list, parents can make an informed decision, ensuring their child receivesa world-class education in India’s most dynamic city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is the No. 1 school in Mumbai in 2025?
Dhirubhai Ambani International School consistently ranks #1 for its IB and IGCSE programs, global results, and modern learning facilities.
2. What is the average school fee in Mumbai?
For ICSE/CBSE schools, annual fees generally range from ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh, while international boards (IB/IGCSE) range between ₹4 lakh – ₹10 lakh, depending on grade and facilities.
3. Which board is best — ICSE, CBSE, or IB?
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CBSE: Best for students preparing for national competitive exams (NEET, JEE).
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ICSE: Focuses on English and comprehensive development.
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IB/IGCSE: Globally recognized, excellent for students aiming to study abroad.
4. Which areas in Mumbai have the best schools?
South Mumbai (Bandra, Tardeo, Fort), Western Suburbs (Andheri, Juhu, Malad) and Central Mumbai (Mulund, Powai) host most of the city’s top-ranked schools.
5. How do I apply for admission?
Most schools open applications between September – January each academic year.
Visit each school’s official website for updated admission dates, age criteria, and online application forms.
