Pune has long been called the Oxford of the East, and its schools live up to the name. If you're weighing up schools in Pune, you'll find 19th-century institutions in Camp, fast-growing CBSE and international schools in the IT suburbs, and, just a few hours away, the historic boarding schools of Panchgani. That range is a real advantage, but it helps to know where to start.

Our list covers 60 schools in Pune and nearby residential schools. Here's how they compare and what to know before you apply.

Schools in Pune at a glance

60 schools: 43 in Pune, 12 in Panchgani and 5 elsewhere in the region
Boards: 27 CBSE, 14 ICSE/ISC, 12 with IB or Cambridge and 13 Maharashtra State Board
Format: 40 day schools, 13 day-cum-boarding and 7 fully residential
Gender: 47 co-ed, 8 girls' and 5 boys'
Indicative fees: about ₹35,000 to ₹28,75,000 a year

Heritage schools in Camp

Pune's Camp area holds some of western India's oldest schools: The Bishop's School (1864), St. Mary's School (1866) and St. Vincent's High School (1867). They remain among the most sought-after schools in the city.

Schools in Pune's growing suburbs

The IT corridors of Hinjawadi, Baner, Wakad, Kharadi and Hadapsar have brought a wave of newer CBSE and international schools, including The Orchid School, VIBGYOR, Mahindra International School and The Kalyani School. For families working in these areas, a nearby school can save hours of commuting every week.

Panchgani: boarding next door

About 100 km from Pune, Panchgani is western India's best-known boarding town. St. Joseph's Convent (1895), Kimmins (1898) and St. Peter's (1904) were once affiliated to Cambridge, with exam papers sent to and from England by sea. Billimoria, New Era and several other schools followed.

How to choose among schools in Pune

1. Commute or boarding?

Pune's traffic has grown with the city. Shortlist day schools by travel time, or consider boarding in Panchgani or on the city's edges.

2. Board

CBSE: the most common board among newer schools
ICSE: followed by many heritage schools and Panchgani's oldest names
IB and Cambridge: offered by Mahindra International, Symbiosis, Indus, UWC Mahindra and others
State Board (SSC): often the most affordable

3. Budget

Under ₹1.5 lakh a year: 29 schools
₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh: 27 schools
₹5 lakh and above: 4 schools

Admissions

In Maharashtra, 25% of entry-level seats in private unaided schools are reserved under the RTE Act and allotted through the state's online lottery, which usually opens in February. For open seats, most Pune schools run admissions between September and December for the June session, and each sets its own date-of-birth window.

Questions to ask schools in Pune

What is the admission timeline and date-of-birth window?
How long is the bus journey from your area?
What does the fee include?
How does the school support individual learners?

Getting around

Pune's traffic has grown with the city, especially around Hinjawadi, Kharadi and Baner at peak times. The Pune Metro now helps some commutes, but most children still travel by school bus. Shortlist schools in Pune by realistic travel time, and try the route at school hours before you decide.

For families moving from Mumbai

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway makes Pune an easy move for Mumbai families, and many choose it for its calmer pace and wide school choice. Panchgani's boarding schools are also popular with Mumbai families, at roughly five to six hours by road.

A university town culture

With its long tradition of colleges and research institutes, Pune has a strong culture of learning that shows in its schools: debates, science fairs, music and theatre are part of school life across the city. Visit on a normal school day to get a real feel for each campus.

Planning your applications

Because each school sets its own timeline, keep a tracker of registration dates, date-of-birth windows and interaction dates. Starting in August or September gives you time to visit before forms close, and three to five schools is a manageable shortlist.

Above all, choose a school where your child feels at home, challenged and known by their teachers.

If you're relocating mid-year, ask schools about transfer admissions; many will consider students where seats are available, especially in the growing suburbs.

Talking to current parents is often the most honest guide to how a school really works.

How we put this list together

This list covers private schools in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, along with residential schools in Panchgani, Paud, Mulshi and Rajgurunagar that many Pune families consider. We include schools based on board affiliation, standing, facilities and the options parents ask about most. Fees are indicative annual figures from school websites and published listings; they change every year, so confirm the latest figure with each school. Last updated: September 2026.

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