According to the latest census, Maharashtra’s literacy rate has reached 82.34%, with male literacy at 88.38% and female literacy at 75.87%. State schools are managed either by government agencies or private institutions, with primary education compulsory and secondary education optional. Private schools, run by educational trusts, undergo inspection and may receive state aid. Instruction is mainly in Marathi, English or Hindi, as is the requirement for physical education.
Secondary schools are usually affiliated to boards such as Council of Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), or Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE). However, there are many private schools that follow an international curriculum.
The Maharashtra government plans to align state board schools with the CBSE academic calendar, move the year to April 1-March 31 and introduce National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks for mathematics and science from 2025-26.
CBSE schools in Maharashtra follow a nationally recognized curriculum that emphasizes holistic development, critical thinking, and academic excellence. These schools provide a standardized education, prepare students for competitive exams and ensure a strong foundation for higher education. Here is a list of popular CBSE schools in Maharashtra.
RN Podar School
RN Podar School, located in Santacruz West, Mumbai, is a reputed private institution imparting education under CBSE Board. Established in 1998, the school caters to both boys and girls from Nursery to Class 12, following a day school format with the academic session running from April to March. With a sprawling 2.5 acre campus, RN Podar School maintains a student-faculty ratio of 23:1, giving individual attention to its students. The total cost for new enrollments is between INR 1.5 to 2 lakhs, while the monthly fee is around INR 15K.
Naval Children’s School
Navy Children’s School, located in Mumbai, is a premier co-educational institution imparting education under the CBSE Board. Established in 1989, the school is spread over a 10-acre campus and offers classes from Class 1 to Class 12. With a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, it ensures a focused learning environment. The total cost for fresh enrollment is INR 34,460, with a monthly fee of INR 2,872. The academic session runs from April to March, and in this day-school format English is the medium of instruction.
Delhi Public School
Delhi Public School, located in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, is a reputed private co-educational school affiliated to CBSE Board. Established in 1999, the school is located on a 7.2-acre urban campus. It offers classes from Pre-Nursery to Class 12, maintaining a student-faculty ratio of 19:1. The total cost for fresh enrollment is INR 81,220, with a monthly fee of INR 6,685. The academic year runs from April to March, with English as the language of instruction in today’s school system.
Don Bosco Senior Secondary School
Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, a private co-educational institution affiliated to the CBSE Board, was established in 2006. Located in an urban environment with a 2.4 acre campus, the school offers classes from pre-nursery to class 12. With a student-faculty ratio of 27:1, the school ensures that each student receives adequate attention. The total cost for fresh enrollment is INR 80,311, and the monthly fee is INR 4,585. The academic session follows the April to March cycle, with English as the medium of instruction in this day-school format.
Suryadatta National School
Suryadatta National School, located in Bavadhan, Pune, is a private co-educational institution imparting education under CBSE Board. Established in 2014, the school is spread over a 2-acre urban campus and offers classes from pre-nursery to class 12. With a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, it fosters a more intimate learning environment. The total cost for a new entry is INR 50,000, and the monthly fee is INR 3,750. The academic session runs from April to March, and the medium of instruction in this day school format is English.