Top 10 Schools in Indore: Best for Academics, Sports & Holistic Education

Indore’s school landscape is dominated by CBSE with a single prestigious exception: Daly College, one of India’s oldest boarding schools, follows the CISCE board and has a heritage and fee structure that distinguishes it from every other school on this list. Choithram International is the only IB school. Most CBSE schools in Indore charge significantly below their metro equivalents, making the city one of the most affordable for quality schooling in central India. We mapped 10 verified schools in Indore, with approximate annual fees.

A note on fees: annual fee ranges are approximate composites based on 2024-26 school directories and parent community data. They exclude one-time admission fees, security deposits, transport and meal plans. Boarding fees are charged additionally for residential schools. Confirm directly with each school.

If you’re based in Indore, Stanza Living’s PG in Indore options cover Vijay Nagar and nearby areas.

With that, here’s the list.

Key Takeaways

• Daly College is one of India’s oldest boarding schools, established in 1870, with a heritage, fee structure and CISCE board affiliation that sets it entirely apart from every other school on this Indore list.
• Choithram International is the only IB school on this list, making it the sole internationally certified option in Indore’s school landscape.
• Nine of the ten schools on this list are CBSE-affiliated. Daly College (CISCE) is the only exception.
• The Emerald Heights International School offers a day-cum-boarding option, which is relevant for families from outside Indore who want a residential option without Daly College’s fee level.
• Indore’s CBSE school fees are among the most affordable in this blog series, with most schools ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 per year.

Quick Overview

1. The Emerald Heights International School

The Emerald Heights International School in Nipania is Indore’s most premium CBSE school, known for combining strong academics with leadership development and a residential option. Annual fees are approximately ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,00,000 for day school, with boarding fees additional. It is specifically relevant for families from outside Indore who want a quality residential CBSE school in central India without the Daly College fee level. Worth reading our restaurants in Indore guide for the Nipania area if you’re visiting the school.

• Location: Nipania, Indore
• Board / Curriculum: CBSE (Nursery to XII), Day + Boarding options
• Best Known For: Premier CBSE education with day-cum-boarding option and leadership focus
• Annual Fees: ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 per annum (day; boarding extra)

2. The Shishukunj International School

The Shishukunj International School on Sapna Sangeeta Road is consistently among the most cited CBSE schools in Indore for academic excellence and holistic education. Annual fees are approximately ₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000. Worth reading our clubs in Indore guide for the Sapna Sangeeta area if you’re spending time in central Indore.

• Location: Sapna Sangeeta Road, Indore
• Board / Curriculum: CBSE (Classes Nursery to XII)
• Best Known For: Consistently ranked CBSE school with academic excellence
• Annual Fees: ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 per annum (approx.)

3. Delhi Public School Indore

DPS Indore in Bicholi Mardana is the most recognisable CBSE brand in Indore for families relocating from other cities. Annual fees are approximately ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,80,000. Outstanding board results and the DPS network’s standard co-curricular infrastructure.

• Location: Bicholi Mardana, Indore
• Board / Curriculum: CBSE (Classes Nursery to XII)
• Best Known For: Outstanding board results, modern infrastructure and CBSE excellence
• Annual Fees: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,80,000 per annum (approx.)

4. Daly College

Daly College, established in 1870, is one of India’s oldest and most historically significant boarding schools. The school follows the CISCE board and has a heritage, campus and alumni network that positions it in the same tier as Doon School and Mayo College. Annual boarding fees are approximately ₹8,00,000 to ₹12,00,000, far above every other school on this Indore list. Entry is highly competitive. 

• Location: Daly College Road, Indore
• Board / Curriculum: CISCE (ICSE / ISC), Boys’ Boarding School
• Best Known For: One of India’s oldest and most prestigious boarding schools, established 1870
• Annual Fees: ₹8,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 per annum (boarding, approx.)

5. Choithram International

Choithram International on Manik Bagh Road is the only IB school on this Indore list, with annual fees of approximately ₹2,50,000 to ₹4,00,000. The only school in Indore providing internationally certified IB education, making it the relevant option for families that specifically require the IB framework.

• Location: Manik Bagh Road, Indore
• Board / Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP), full IB continuum
• Best Known For: Only IB school in Indore, full IB continuum and global curriculum
• Annual Fees: ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 per annum (approx.)

6. New Digamber Public School

New Digamber Public School on MG Road is one of the most academically respected CBSE schools in central Indore, noted for student-centric learning and consistent board performance. Annual fees are approximately ₹50,000 to ₹80,000.

• Location: MG Road, Indore
• Board / Curriculum: CBSE (Classes Nursery to XII)
• Best Known For: Strong CBSE academics and student-centric learning
• Annual Fees: ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 per annum (approx.)

7. G.D. Goenka Public School

G.D. Goenka Public School on Khandwa Road is part of the G.D. Goenka Education Group, known for a modern campus and a balanced focus on academics and extracurricular activities. Annual fees are approximately ₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000. Worth knowing alongside our cafes in Indore guide for the Khandwa Road area options.

• Location: Khandwa Road, Indore
• Board / Curriculum: CBSE (Classes Nursery to XII)
• Best Known For: Modern campus, balanced CBSE academics and extracurricular excellence
• Annual Fees: ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 per annum (approx.)

8. Prestige Public School

Prestige Public School in Vijay Nagar is a CBSE school known for academics, sports and personality development in the heart of Indore’s most active residential belt. Annual fees are approximately ₹50,000 to ₹80,000.

• Location: Vijay Nagar, Indore
• Board / Curriculum: CBSE (Classes Nursery to XII)
• Best Known For: Academics, sports and personality development in Vijay Nagar
• Annual Fees: ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 per annum (approx.)

9. Ryan International School, CAT Road

Ryan International School on CAT Road is part of India’s largest private school chain, known for holistic CBSE education and a wide extracurricular programme. Annual fees are approximately ₹60,000 to ₹90,000.

• Location: CAT Road, Indore
• Board / Curriculum: CBSE (Classes Nursery to XII)
• Best Known For: Holistic CBSE education and wide extracurricular programme
• Annual Fees: ₹60,000 – ₹90,000 per annum (approx.)

10. St. Paul Higher Secondary School

St. Paul Higher Secondary School is one of Indore’s legacy institutions, known for consistent academic performance and a disciplined learning environment at accessible fees. Annual fees are approximately ₹40,000 to ₹70,000, the most affordable option on this list. 

• Location: Indore City
• Board / Curriculum: CBSE (Classes I to XII)
• Best Known For: Legacy institution with discipline and consistent academic performance
• Annual Fees: ₹40,000 – ₹70,000 per annum (approx.)

Conclusion

Indore’s school fee range is wide in relative terms: from ₹40,000 per year at St. Paul to ₹12,00,000 at Daly College (boarding). But all the CBSE day schools charge less than their equivalents in Mumbai or Gurgaon. For international curriculum, Choithram International is the only option. For legacy boarding, Daly College is the only school in that category. For mid-range CBSE, Emerald Heights, Shishukunj and DPS Indore cover the top tier.

FAQs

Q. Which is the best school in Indore?

1. The Emerald Heights International School and The Shishukunj International School are the most consistently cited CBSE schools. Daly College is the most prestigious for boarding. Choithram International is the only IB option.

Q. Is there an IB school in Indore?

1. Yes, Choithram International on Manik Bagh Road offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP and DP) and is the only IB school on this Indore list.

Q. What are the fees at Daly College Indore?

1. Daly College’s annual boarding fees are approximately ₹8,00,000 to ₹12,00,000. It is one of India’s oldest boarding schools, established in 1870.

Q. Which is the most affordable top school in Indore?

1. St. Paul Higher Secondary School at approximately ₹40,000 to ₹70,000 per year is the most affordable. New Digamber Public School and Prestige Public School are both under ₹80,000 per year.

FAQs

Q: How do I choose between CBSE, ICSE, and State Board schools?

A: Choosing between CBSE, ICSE, and state board schools might be tricky sometimes for you. But if you can identify what your career planning should be in the next 10 years, you can converge on one particular board easily. For example, choosing the ICSE board will ensure that you won’t be having trouble with English language literature in the future.

Q: What extracurricular activities should I look for in a school?

A: You should look for extracurricular activities like sports and fitness programs, arts and creativity, academic and STEM clubs, cultural and language clubs, community service and social initiatives, and adventure and outdoor activities.

Q: Are schools in Indore well-equipped with modern facilities?

A: Yes, most schools in Indore are well-equipped with smart classrooms, mixed with advanced technological infrastructure. These schools are mainly The Shishukunj International School, Delhi Public School (DPS) Indore, and Choithram School.

Q: Which are the best residential areas near top schools in Indore?

A: The best residential areas near top schools in Indore are Vijay Nagar, Rau, Nipania, Mahalakshmi Nagar, and Palasia. You can try Stanza Living’s housing solution to get the best deals within a matter of time.