The demand for a globally competitive education system has grown exponentially in today’s world.
If you are reading this blog, we are sure you must be thinking of choosing the International Baccalaureate for your child.
Here’s the thing about the IB program.
It’s a global program. They aim to develop knowledgeable and caring students through their Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme.
They focus on broad learning, inquiry and global perspectives, rather than rote exams.
Did you know?
IB has grown worldwide with nearly 2 million students in 150 countries
If your child has an IB Diploma, they have an advantage while applying to top universities. In short, IB classes encourage critical thinking in terms of projects, essays and research over memorizing formulae.
If you want global exposure and holistic education for your child, this guide will help you make the right choice.
What is the IB Curriculum?
IB offers four programs that start from primary to high school.
- Primary Years Programme is for children aged between 3 to 12 years and studies in Nursery to Grade 5
- Middle Years Programme is for children aged between 11 to 16 years and studies in Grades 6 to 10
- Diploma Programme is for children aged between 16 to 19 years, and studies in Grades 11 and 12
- Career-related Programme is for children aged between 16 to 19 and is focused on career paths
Each stage builds quality skills, sharp thinking, vast knowledge, and global awareness so when the students reach the Diploma Programme, they are future ready.
The Diploma Programme is for grades 11th and 12th and is made of 6 subjects and a core subject:
1) Theory of Knowledge
2) A 4,000-word Extended Essay
3) Creativity, Activity and Service
Students must take subjects across languages, sciences, math, and humanities, ensuring a broad education.
The examination pattern combines internal tests like projects, portfolios, and presentations with final exams.
Top 5 IB Day Schools in India
1. Dhirubhai Ambani International School
Location: Mumbai
Website: https://www.dais.edu.in/academics_ibdiploma.html
Dhirubhai Ambani International School is one of the top IB Day schools in India. It offers all IB programs and is known for excellent facilities. Fees are sky high, as only tuition fees can cost you up to ₹14 to 20 lakhs per year.
2. Bombay International School
Location: Mumbai
Website: https://bis.edu.in/
Bombay International School is a well-established international school that offers IB. It is one of the oldest IB schools in India. They typically charge several lakhs per year for Diploma Progamme. They are known for a strong community and global outlook
3. Indus International School
Location: Bangalore
Website: https://bangalore.indusschool.com/
Indus International School is a co-ed IB school with a boarding option. They have a good reputation for academic excellence and sports programs. The fees are in the ballpark of ₹7 to 9 lakhs per year.
4.Heritage International Xperiential School
Location: Gurugram
Website: https://www.heritagexperiential.org/
Heritage International Xperiential School is a newer chain of schools that offers IB with all programs. Their focus is to nurture curiosity, develop critical thinking, and arouse creativity. Their fees are around ₹7 to 10 lakhs per year.
5. Oakridge International School
Location: Hyderabad
Website: https://www.oakridge.in/gachibowli/
Oakridge International School offers IB from kindergarten through DP. It has a modern campus and an advanced infrastructure and charges roughly around ₹9 to 10 lakhs per year.
These schools are spread across major metro areas like Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
All these day schools are IB accredited, so they follow the official curriculum. When evaluating these top IB day schools in India, make sure that tuition fees vary widely from a few lakhs to approximately. ₹20 lakhs per year.
Top 5 IB Boarding Schools in India
1. Good Shepherd International School
Location: Ooty
Website: https://gsis.ac.in/
It is a co-ed residential school spread across a 150-acre campus in Nilgiris. They offer the full IB curriculum and extracurricular options like horse riding and theatre. It’s a historic IB school since 1995.
Their DP fees is around ₹18 to 20 lakhs per year.
2.Kodaikanal International School
Location: Kodaikanal
Website: https://www.kis.in/
Kodaikanal International School is also a co-ed residential school established in 1901 that offers IB from PYP to DP.
Their fees are roughly around ₹17 lakhs per year.
Their campus is in the hills of Tamil Nadu, and they also offer scholarships opportunities and financial aid up to 95% fee waivers for eligible students.
3. Jain International Residential School
Location: Bangalore
Website: https://www.jirs.ac.in/
Jain International Residential School is a fully residential co-ed campus spread across 350 acres. It offers IB DP alongside CBSE and IGCSE programs. Their IB DP fee is about ₹13.5 lakhs per year. They usually top in the list of top Indian boarding schools. They also have a spacious campus which has a lab, sports field, and health facilities.
4.Pathways World School
Location: Gurugram
Website: https://www.pws.edu.in/
Pathways World School is a co-ed, day+boarding school with different programs. It was North India’s first IB school established in 2003. Their DP tuition fee is approximately ₹13.5 lakhs per year, and the boarding brings the total to approximately ₹20 to 21 lakhs. The campus has mountainside green lush spaces.
5.The Doon School
Location: Dehradun
Website: https://www.doonschool.com/
The Doon School is a prestigious boarding school that offers the IB DP in Grades 11th and 12th. Their yearly fees are around ₹10 to 12 lakhs. One standout factor is that they send graduates to top global universities.
All the above mentioned boarding schools combine IB curriculum with full boarding life. You should expect high fees at top boarding IB schools in India often around ₹10 to 20 lakhs per year. For admissions, they conduct entrance tests and interviews. Some IB boarding schools in India also offer scholarships and financial aid and other schools have merit awards.
Also read: Top IB Boarding schools in India
Why IB Programme Is Better for Your Child
Let’s break it down:
Examination Style: CBSE and ICSE rely heavily on textbook style learning. But IB assesses students all around the year through different projects, essays and internal tests.
This style keeps them on their feet throughout the year.
In short, CBSE and ICSE have a clear syllabus with final exams, but IB has varied evaluation divided into internal and external tests.
Global Recognition: IB gives your child a competitive edge to get international recognition and enter the world’s best universities, as the IB program is accepted by top universities worldwide.
CBSE and ICSE students can also study abroad, but they will have to take the entrance tests, as the CBSE curriculum is not recognized internationally. So, if your child’s goal is to get into a global university or pursue an international career, then they should opt for IB.
Ultimately, it depends on your child and their long-term future goals.
- CBSE is cheap and exam-focused which is good for Indian competitive exams
- ICSE is strict with strong English
- IB is international with a skill development approach and global recognition
How to Choose the Right IB School in India
Choosing an IB school is part detective work, part gut feel.
Look at the Rankings: First, make sure the school is an authorized IB World School. You can check if it’s listed on the IB’s official site.
Check program details like does it offer Diploma Programme for Grades 11th and 12th and does it offer Middle Years Programme and Career-related Programme. You should also check their reviews through local surveys or forums. It’s always a good idea to visit the school, check their campus, and talk to current parents.
Location and Facilities: The school’s location is very important. As some boarding schools are situated in the city while others in hill-station, climate and commute are the most vital points to look into.
Always look at the campus size and its facilities. IB schools have modern and advanced facilities like science labs, libraries, art rooms, sports fields, and creative studios.
If you are planning a visit, ask yourself, does the campus feel safe and supportive? If the school has counseling services or not?
Fee Structure: IB boarding school fees in India can range from moderately priced to extremely expensive. Top day schools charge from ₹6 lakhs per year up to ₹15 to 20 lakhs for DP. While boarding adds lodging costs, tuition fees, admission fees and meals, always clarify the total cost.
Scholarships: Scholarships are limited but do exist. Newer schools sometimes have fee waivers, so don’t hesitate to ask about any scholarship or fee waivers.
Finally, plan your finances.
EduFund’s resources can help you plan smartly.
Use our College Cost Calculator to project future education expenses and start investing accordingly in your child’s schooling costs. Smart financial planning today can ease the burden of these high fees later on.
FAQs
What age is the IB Diploma Program?
The IB Diploma is for Grades 11 and 12, typically for students aged 16 to 18. IB also offers the Primary Years Programme for ages 3 to 12 and the Middle Years Programme for ages 11 to 16, but in India, most families focus on the Diploma Programme for senior school.
Can my child switch to IB in Grade 11?
Yes, many schools allow students to join in Grade 11 if they meet the academic requirements and have strong English skills. Most schools conduct an entrance assessment and an interview to ensure the student can manage the IB workload.
Are IB results accepted in India for college admissions?
Yes, the IB Diploma is fully recognised by Indian universities and is considered equivalent to Class 12. Students appearing for competitive exams like JEE and NEET can also apply after completing IB.
Do IB schools in India also teach CBSE or ICSE?
Some international schools offer IB along with other curricula like Cambridge or ICSE, but it is uncommon to find IB and CBSE offered together for the same grades.
Are there IB day schools as well as boarding schools in India?
Yes, several top IB schools, such as Dhirubhai Ambani International School and Oberoi International School, operate as day schools, while schools like Good Shepherd and Woodstock provide full boarding options.
How does the IB workload compare to CBSE?
The IB curriculum involves more projects, research, and continuous assessments throughout the year, while CBSE focuses mainly on end-of-year examinations. IB students develop time management and research skills that prepare them for university.
