Top 10 Smart Schools in India

With the increasing integration of technology into our daily lives, the use of digital media has become all-pervasive. This is the environment that children grow up in and naturally begin to engage and learn through interactive mediums. Therefore, it has become crucial for educational institutes to keep pace with the evolving digital world to ensure students’ learning, interest and meaningful skill development. As per the Educational Technology Use in Schools study conducted by Gallup, student engagement rates went up by 55% after the introduction of technology in educational institutes, leading to improved student learning and performance. 

Having said that, the Indian education sector is keeping pace with this trend as more and more schools transform themselves into Smart Schools. The integration of the latest classroom technology makes learning a fun, engaging, personalised activity for their students, aiding their performance and in-depth knowledge of the given topics.

Leading the educational technology and smart learning solutions from the front, Extramarks offers 360-degree education solutions for schools, teachers, parents and students for better learning experiences and enhanced student performance. 

Top Smart Schools in India

Several Indian schools have become early adopters of smart education. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of top smart schools across India. These schools offer not just great learning environments for their students but also propel their growth and performance through the use of smart educational technology. These smart schools are the perfect examples of a shift in the modern teaching perspective. Instead of the traditional ‘chalk and talk’ one-way information delivery method, their modern learning techniques use unconventional teaching methods such as flipped classrooms, multimedia presentations, digital learning-teaching resources and more. These unconventional teaching methods are assisted by smart classrooms and through the use of ed-tech.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and many other excellent smart schools exist across India. 

1. Mayo College, Ajmer | Powered by Extramarks

A premiere residential school in Ajmer with a rich history of almost a century and a half, Mayo College, Ajmer, has been evolving in response to changing times and educational landscape to remain relevant and offer the best learning experience to its students. With a large 187-acre campus, the school attempts to deliver all-around student development by balancing academics, co-curriculars, sports, and character-building through its philosophy of Campus as a Classroom.             

 

1. Affiliation: The school is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE) and Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE)
2. Established: Set up in 1875 by Richard Bourke, the 6th Earl of Mayo
3. Grades: Class IV to XII
4. Student Strength: The school has a strength of approximately 800 students
5. Faculty: Faculty of around 100 members
6. Campus: Spread across an area of 187 acres
7. Location: Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

The Great Schools Of India | Ep 1: Mayo College, Ajmer | Powered by Extramarks

Key Features: 

• With over 20 sports, 30 hobby and co-curricular clubs, skill development and a strong focus on smart education technology integration, the school boasts a robust infrastructure of hostels, labs, medical facilities, a library, and a cafeteria. The school lays heavy emphasis on student security and health through regular health and medical check-ups. Mayo College hosts a variety of events including the annual fest, sports day, seminars, horsemanship and polo tournaments, arts and crafts exhibitions, IPSC school meets, NCC scouts & guides, yoga, festival celebrations and other extracurricular activities.

Additional details:

• Admission: Admission to Mayo College is competitive and based on entrance exams and other criteria. Details about admission procedures can be found on the school’s website or by contacting the admissions office.
• Fees: The annual fee for Mayo College is around ₹9,76,000, which includes tuition, hostel, and other fees
• Scholarship: Scholarships are offered based on merit and need
• Website: https://mayocollege.com

2. Lawrence School, Lovedale | Powered by Extramarks

Another historical lineage school, the Lawrence School, Lovedale, was established in 1858. Today a shining example of an institute that has evolved with development in the educational sector. A co-educational residential school, the Lawrence School focuses on grooming students to become responsible citizens of the country and the world. A strong focus on academics, sports, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities provides holistic education and personality development to its students. With a campus spread over 710 acres, this beautiful campus provides a perfect balance between nature, education, skill development and a strong foundation in values such as teamwork, resilience, hard work and commitment to society.

         The Great Schools Of India | Ep 7: Lawrence School, Lovedale | Powered by Extramarks

1.   Affiliation: The school is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE)
2.   Established: Established in 1858 by Sir Henry Montgomery Lawrence, the founder of the Lawrence Military Asylums
3.   Grades: The school offers education from grades 5 to 12.
4.   Student Strength: The school has a student strength of approximately 800 students
5.   Faculty: The Lawrence School, Lovedale has a faculty of around 100 members
6.   Campus: The campus of The Lawrence School, Lovedale is spread across 710 acres leased from the Ministry of Defence
7. Location: Lovedale, Ootacamund (Ooty), The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India

Key Features:

• Known for its serene and sprawling campus, in the Nilgiris, the Lawrence School, Lovedale is a ‘Plastic Free’ zone. It offers its students numerous facilities including sports, experimental laboratories, and a variety of co-curricular activities.
• Being a co-educational boarding school, it features separate girls’ and boys’ hostel blocks.
• The Lawrence School is a Round Square member school, promoting internationalism, leadership, environmentalism, and adventure.
• Some of its notable alumni include former Indian Prime Ministers and Presidents.
  

Additional details:

• Admission: Based on entrance exams and other criteria, admission to Lawrence School, Lovedale, is quite competitive. Contact the school admission office or check the admission procedure details found on the school website for important dates and other key requirements.
• Fees: The school’s fee structure varies depending on the applicant’s background (civilian, NRI, or defence personnel).
  • Civilians: Approximately ₹9 – ₹9.5 lakh annually for 5th to 12th grade.
  • Defence: Approximately ₹6.7 – ₹7.2 lakh annually for 5th to 12th grade.
  • NRI: Approximately ₹10.7 – ₹11.2 lakh annually for 5th to 12th grade.
• Scholarships: The school offers scholarships based on merit and need, providing financial assistance to deserving students
• Website: https://www.thelawrenceschool.org/

3. Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai

Recognised as the Microsoft Showcase School, Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS) is part of an elite group of schools known for their innovative approach to teaching and learning, preparing students to be the future leaders of their chosen fields. With a vision to provide education with international standards, rooted in Indianness, DAIS boasts a 1:6 teacher-student ratio, ensuring individual attention and personalised learning for its students. 

1. Affiliation: Affiliated with CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations), CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education), DAIS prepares students for the ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) and the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) Year 10 examinations. For Years 11 and 12, DAIS is authorised by the IB (International Baccalaureate) to offer the IB Diploma Programme.
2. Established: Established in 2003
3. Grades: The school offers education from Pre-KG to Grade XII
4. Student Strength: Just over 1000 students strong
5. Faculty: The school has a faculty of 187 members
6. Campus: The campus is spread across 2.3 acres with state of art facilities
7. Location: DAIS is located in Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra
   

Key Features:

• DAIS is a co-educational day school
• It offers a choice between three curriculums, providing a diverse and well-rounded education.
• It focuses on the holistic development of students encompassing academics, sports, visual and performing arts, and creative thinking.
• Housed in a state-of-the-art facility, DAIS boasts a unique open school design and includes well-equipped classrooms, science labs, libraries, an auditorium, and a sports complex.
• Sports facilities include a purpose-built play area for pre-primary and primary, an astroturf football field and other sporting facilities such as badminton, basketball,  cricket, judo, lawn tennis and table tennis.
• DAIS is a smart school with a wi-fi enabled campus along with smart edtech classrooms, multimedia projectors and well-equipped labs for different subjects including biology, chemistry, computer, mathematics and physics.
• DAIS also has a multipurpose auditorium along with a modern centre for performing arts. Additionally, it also has specially designated spaces for activities such as art, dance, music, drama and yoga.
• A large resource house learning centre with almost 40,000 books, 40 subscribed journals and magazines, 1600 multimedia sources as well as 16 online databases
• Medical centre with a doctor and qualified nurses for medical assistance.
• Two dining halls and a cafeteria supported by a super-modern kitchen
• DAIS stresses energy conservation initiatives like a timetable-led air conditioning system, solar water heating, LED lighting, water waste management and conservation.
• Safe campus with robust security systems in place

Additional details: 

• Admission: Admission to DAIS is competitive and based on various factors including an entrance exam and interview. Details about admission procedures can be found on the school’s website or by contacting the admissions office. 
• Fees: The fee structure may vary depending on the grade and other factors. It is advisable to check the school’s website or contact the school directly for the most up-to-date fee information.
• Scholarships: Dhirubhai Ambani International School offers scholarships to deserving and talented students. Details about scholarships can be obtained from the school’s website or admissions office.
• Website: https://www.dais.edu.in/

4. Hiranandani Foundation School, Thane | Powered by Extramarks

With a vision of supporting and building a better India, Hiranandani Foundation School (HFS) was started to provide children with the infrastructure, education and confidence to dream of a better future. A strong belief in the unique individuality of each child and that given the right environment and rigour each child will do well, HFS believes in equipping every child with the ability to critically think and make their own decisions. A three-pronged focus on academics, sports and co-curricular activities delivers a holistic learning and growth experience for the students.

         The Great Schools Of India | Ep 4: Hiranandani Foundation School, Thane | Powered by Extramarks 

1. Affiliation: HFS is affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), New Delhi.
2. Established: The school was founded in 1999
3. Grades: The school offers education from Pre-Primary to Grade 12
4. Student Strength: The student strength is approximately 468
5. Faculty: The school has a faculty of around 30 members
6. Campus: The campus is spread across 3 acres
7. Location: located in Wood Street, Patlipada, Off Ghodbunder Road, Thane (W), Maharashtra, India. With branches in Powai and Panvel.
   

Key Features:

• The co-educational day school, HFS School is known for its focus on the all-round character development of its students, to nurture the right attitude, ethics, morals and cultural awareness. In addition, both academic excellence and physical fitness remain a focal point. The school attempts to groom free-thinking minds who can think critically instead of accepting the norm. It works on moulding students into creative, inventive and innovative young men and women of the new India.

Additional details:

• Admission: The admission process includes registration and submission of required documents.
• Fees: The school fees range from ₹ 97,000 to ₹ 1,29,000
• Scholarships: Scholarship information might not be publicly available. Check the school website for updates or contact them for details 
• Website: https://www.hiranandanischools.edu.in/

5. St George’s College, Mussoorie | Powered by Extramarks

Spread over a 400-acre campus, St. George’s is a residential and non-residential boys’ school with a rich history and heritage of 170 years. With a motto that stresses character building and hard work, the school works towards the educational, spiritual, mental, physical and physiological development of its students. A strong alumni charter includes numerous stalwarts from every walk of life including arts, culture, sports and forces. 

         The Great Schools Of India | Ep 5: St George’s College, Mussoorie | Powered by Extramarks

1. Affiliation: St. George’s College, Mussoorie is affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
2. Established: Founded in 1853 by the Capuchin Fathers the school was later handed over to the Society of the Brothers of St. Patrick (Ireland) in the year 1894
3. Grades: The school offers education from grade IV to grade XII
4. Student Strength: The student strength is approximately 800
5. Faculty: The school has residential and non-residential teaching faculty in addition to administrative and residential staff.
6. Campus: The campus is spread across 400 acres
7. Location: Located in Barlowganj village, the school is situated 5 km from the town of Mussoorie, also sometimes referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’
   

Key Features:

• An all-boys boarding and non-boarding school with a rich history.
• Emphasis on holistic development through academics, sports, co-curricular activities, and spiritual growth.
• Known for its distinguished alumni.
• Offers a beautiful and serene learning environment in the hills.
• State of art sports, learning and cultural facilities.
  

Additional details:

• Admission: Admission to St. George’s College, Mussoorie is based on an entrance test. The school accepts no donations or recommendations for admission and has no outside agency for admissions
• Fees: The fee structure for residential school students falls between 8-10 LPA approximately for different grades. For day students, the fee varied between 2-3 LPA approximately depending on the grade.
• Scholarships: The school may offer scholarships to deserving and talented students. Details about scholarships can be obtained from the school’s website or admissions office.
• Website: https://sgconline.ac.in/

6. Laidlaw Memorial School, Ooty | Powered by Extramarks

Built over a century ago, Laidlaw Memorial School is nestled in the Ketti Valley outside the city of Ooty. Spread over 224 acres, the school houses heritage school buildings as well as state-of-the-art sports facilities. Grooming students to be the leaders of the future, the school stresses on turning out good human beings who would be model international citizens. 

      The Great Schools Of India | Ep 6: Laidlaw Memorial School, Ooty | Powered by Extramarks

1. Affiliation: The Laidlaw Memorial School, Ooty, is affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), New Delhi
2. Established: The school was founded in 1914 by the Late Rev. John Breeden
3. Grades: Laidlaw Memorial School offers education from Class I to Class XII 
4. Student Strength: The institute boasts a total strength of approximately 600 students
5. Faculty: The school has a 70+ member strong faculty to support the educational needs of the students
6. Campus: Lush-green campus spread across 224 acres of land facilitating adequate indoor and outdoor amenities for teaching and learning.
7. Location: Laidlaw Memorial School is located in Ooty, a scenic hill station town in The Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India
   

Key Features:

• A co-educational boarding and day school
• Focuses on holistic development with academics, sports, co-curricular activities, and life skills.
• Located at a scenic spot in the midst of nature.
  

Additional details:

• Admission: Admission to Laidlaw Memorial School is competitive and based on entrance exams and other criteria. Details about admission procedures can be found on the school’s website or by contacting the admissions office.
• Fees: With the approximate fee of 3 LPA, the fee structure may vary depending on the grade and other factors. It is advisable to check the school’s website or contact the school directly for the most up-to-date fee information.
• Scholarships: The school may offer scholarships based on merit and need, providing financial assistance to deserving students
• Website: https://laidlawschool.org/

7. Mahindra International School, Pune

Originally known as the Mercedes-Benz International School, the Mahindra International School was started in 1998 by the Mercedes-Benz Educational Academy Trust. It transitioned from MBIS to MIS in the year 2019 and continues to serve as a diverse institution that helps each student identify their unique voice and potential.

1. Affiliation: The school is affiliated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP)
2. Established: Mercedes-Benz International School was established in 1997
3. Grades: The school offers education from Nursery to Class XII
4. Student Strength: Around 380 students strong
5. Faculty: The school has a dedicated faculty known for its expertise and commitment to education
6. Campus: The school is spread over acres of land in the Hinjewadi area of Pune, Maharashtra
7. Location: Mahindra International School is located in Hinjewadi, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
   

Key Features:

• Offers both day and boarding options.
• Offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, known for its rigorous curriculum and international focus.
• Offers a variety of facilities including sports facilities such as aerobics, archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball etc.
  

Additional details:

• Admission: The admission process involves reviewing the admission form and conducting an entrance test where necessary. The seat is reserved or confirmed on payment of fees
• Fees: The fee structure rests at approximately 7-18 LPA (1st to 12th grade) and 6-9 LPA (Nursery) but may vary depending on the grade and other factors.  It is advisable to check the school’s website or contact the school directly for the most up-to-date fee information.
• Scholarships: The admission process involves reviewing the admission form and conducting an entrance test where necessary. The seat is reserved or confirmed on payment of fees
• Website: https://misp.org

8. Rawal International School, Faridabad | Powered by Extramarks

Set up in 2002, Rawal International School aimed at making accessible quality education. Today leading school in Delhi NCR, it works to impart values of integrity, trust, honesty, compassion and tolerance to all its students through attention to holistic development. With a special focus on scientific temper and the spirit of inquiry, it hopes to equip its students with critical thinking skills needed in the world today. 

      Rawal International School, Faridabad | Extramarks Powered School

1. Affiliation: Rawal International School is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) 
2. Established: 2002
3. Grades: The school offers education from Pre-Nursery till Class 12
4. Student Strength: Rawal International School has a significant number of students.
5. Faculty: The school has a dedicated faculty known for its expertise and commitment to education
6. Campus: The campus is well-equipped with modern facilities and offers ample space for various activities.
7. Location: Rawal International School is located in Faridabad, Haryana, India.
   

Key Features:

• The school is affiliated with the CBSE board up to 10+2 level and is known for its academic excellence
  

Additional details:

• Admission: The admission process involves reviewing the admission form and conducting an entrance test where necessary. The seat is reserved or confirmed on payment of fees
• Fees: The fee structure may vary depending on the grade and other factors. It is advisable to check the school’s website or contact the school directly for the most up-to-date fee information.
• Scholarships: Rawal International School offers scholarships to deserving and talented students. Details about scholarships can be obtained from the school’s website or admissions office.
• Website: https://www.rawalinternationalschool.com/

9. St. Paul’s School, Darjeeling

Spread over 63 acres and known to be one of the top boarding schools in the country, St. Paul’s is nestled in the picturesque Darjeeling. With a rich culture and alumni spanning 200 years, the school is home to both Indian and International students. With a strong emphasis of boarding schools on academics, sports and co-curricular, the school is a melting pot for students from diverse backgrounds.

1. Affiliation: The school is affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
2. Established: St. Paul’s School was established in 1823 by Dr. John William Ricketts, and later shifted to Darjeeling in 1864
3. Grades: Offers education from classes I to XII (Primary Wing – Classes I-V, Junior Wing – Classes VI-VIII, and Senior Wing – Classes IX-XII) 
4. Student Strength: Provided learning to over 750 boys Indian, Asian and European Students.
5. Faculty: The school has over 65 faculty members who oversee teaching and manage campus operations.
6. Campus: Spread over approximately 65 acres
7. Location: St. Paul’s School is located in Jalapahar, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
   

Key Features:

• The school is known for its strong academic program, its focus on extracurricular activities, and its emphasis on discipline and character development.
  

Additional details:

• Admission: Admission to St. Paul’s School is based on entrance tests and interviews held in August and sometimes in December.
• Fees: Estimated to be around 4-5 lakh per annum, the school has different fee structures for international students. It is advisable to check the school’s website or contact the school directly for the most up-to-date fee information.
• Scholarships: St. Paul’s School may offer scholarships to deserving and talented students. Details about scholarships can be obtained from the school’s website or admissions office.
• Website: https://stpaulsdarjeeling.edu.in/

10. Greenwood High School, Bangalore

With its motto “Rooted in Knowledge”, Greenwood High School invests in grooming students into well-rounded personalities with academic, co-curricular and sporting accolades. It lays equal importance in creating a value system of empathetic, moral and socially responsible students who will become the global citizens of tomorrow. Recognising that every student is different, the school utilises multiple modern teaching techniques and methodologies to enable every student to excel.

1. Affiliation: Offer a choice of three curriculums – ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education), IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), and IB Diploma Programme (International Baccalaureate).
2. Established: Greenwood High School was established in 2004
3. Grades: Greenwood High School offers education from Nursery to grade 12. It follows the ICSE curriculum up to grade 10 and the ISC curriculum for grades 11 and 12
4. Student Strength: The school and its branches together are over 800 students strong
5. Faculty: The school boasts a dedicated faculty of over 90 teachers for individualised learning and personal attention with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1
6. Campus: The campus is well-equipped with modern facilities and offers ample space for various activities.
7. Location: Greenwood High has several locations across Bangalore including:
   
   1. Main School – Sarjapur Road (ICSE/ISC Campus)
   2. Main School – Sarjapur Road (IB Campus)
   3. Main School – Bannerghatta Road (ICSE/ISC Campus)
   4. Pre Schools – JP Nagar, Bannerghatta, Jayanagar, Koramangala, Whitefield, and Electronic City

Key Features:

• Greenwood High School is known for its academic excellence, innovative teaching methodologies, and state-of-the-art facilities. The school offers spacious and digitally equipped classrooms, modern labs, a library with 20,000 different titles, a dedicated cafeteria, a resident medical officer, and a large playground with multiple sporting activities. The school is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, emphasis on extracurricular activities, and its multicultural learning environment.

Additional details:

• Admission: Admission to Greenwood High School is based on an entrance exam and other criteria. Details about admission procedures can be found on the school’s website or by contacting the admissions office.
• Fees: The fee structure of Greenwood High School varies depending on the class, with a tentative fee of around INR 3,00,000
• Scholarships: may offer scholarships to deserving and talented students. Details about scholarships can be obtained from the school’s website or admissions office.
• Website: https://greenwoodhigh.edu.in/

The Future of Education

Smart schools provide impetus to education in India. Offering an alignment with the future of education, they leverage new-age teaching-learning tools and the latest educational technology providing students the skills to succeed in the world beyond schools and classrooms. When looking for a school for your child, consider schools that provide not just a holistic approach to education and a strong value system but also schools that can leverage the latest technology to get your child future-ready.

Last Updated on April 30, 2024