As aspirations rise among India’s middle class, more parents are turning to international board schools for their children, positioning India as home to the second-largest number of international schools globally. These institutions aren’t limited to just prestigious cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru; they are spreading to smaller towns such as Hatkanagale in Sangli, Tholahunse in Davangere, and Sonaghati in Betul. Mahesh Srivastava, former regional director at Cambridge Assessment International Education, reveals that the growth of international schools is exponential, with Cambridge adding 100 schools annually and 30-40 new IB schools opening each year, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities.

Francis Joseph, an educationist, highlights that launching an international school has become a strategic decision. The affiliation process is easier, the branding is aspirational, and higher fees face minimal resistance. “Parents won’t pay four lakhs for a CBSE school, but they’ll readily accept it for an international school,” Joseph says, emphasizing the shift in perspective.

The rapid expansion of international schools from just a handful in 2000 to nearly 1,000 by 2025 reflects the growing demand for global curriculums. This shift is largely driven by parents seeking international exposure and better opportunities for their children’s future. Increased incomes and a desire for global education are fueling this trend, especially in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

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