India (IN)

India is the world's most populous nation and a fast-rising global power — a vibrant federal republic of extraordinary cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity.

Capital: New Delhi

Region: Asia

Language: Hindi

Currency: INR (₹)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 24)

Emergency: 112

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in India.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Crèche / Nursery (Playgroup) ₹8,000–25,000/month at private facilities

Age: 6 months – 3 years

Direct application to private nursery or daycare. No government allocation system for expat children. Most international schools have nursery programmes. Alternatively, full-time nanny/ayah at home is popular and affordable (₹12,000–20,000/month).

⏱️ Apply 3–6 months ahead for popular international nurseries. Company HR often assists with recommendations.

KG (Kindergarten) ₹8,000–40,000/month at private/international schools

Age: 3–6 years

Apply directly to private or international school. Annual admission cycles (typically November–February for the following academic year starting June). Registration fee: ₹5,000–50,000 (one-time, non-refundable).

⏱️ Popular international schools (American Embassy School, Dhirubhai Ambani) have long waitlists. Apply early and to multiple schools simultaneously.

🏫 Schools

International School (recommended for expats) / Private CBSE/ICSE Paid

Prathamik Vidyalaya / International School

Ages: 6–11 years (Class 1–5) · Language: English (international schools and most private schools); Hindi and English (CBSE); English (ICSE); regional language (state board government schools)

For international schools: apply directly, submit previous school records, may require assessment, pay registration fee (₹5,000–1,00,000). For CBSE/ICSE private schools: same process. Government schools are free and enrol by catchment area — not typically used by expats.

Government primary schools are free but use the state language as medium of instruction and may not be suitable for non-Hindi-speaking expat children. Government school quality varies greatly. CBSE and ICSE boards are well-recognised internationally and much cheaper than international schools.

International School / CBSE / ICSE / State Board Paid

Madhyamik Vidyalaya / International School

Ages: 12–17 years (Class 6–12) · Language: English (international/private)

Apply to school directly with academic records and transfer certificate from previous school. For IGCSE/IB schools: assessment interview common. For CBSE: board examination results recognised globally.

IB (International Baccalaureate) and IGCSE (Cambridge) curricula at international schools are the best options for expat children who may return home or move to another country. Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations are pivotal in Indian system. Indian Universities admit based on Class 12 board results.

International Schools

India has excellent international schools in all major cities. Top schools: American Embassy School (New Delhi) — PreK-12, US curriculum, AES IB; Dhirubhai Ambani International School (Mumbai) — IB PYP/MYP/DP, highly regarded; Canadian International School (Bengaluru) — IB, strong; TISB — The International School Bengaluru — IB; Kodaikanal International School (Tamil Nadu) — IB, boarding; Scottish High International (Gurgaon); British School (New Delhi); Indus International School (Bengaluru/Pune/Hyderabad). Annual fees: ₹5,00,000–25,00,000 (US$6,000–30,000). Capital/development fees (one-time): ₹1,00,000–10,00,000. Most international schools are IB World Schools. Some accept IGCSE (Cambridge). Admission is competitive at top schools.

University

Tuition fee

Indian universities: ₹50,000–5,00,000/year (government IITs/NITs heavily subsidised). Private universities: ₹1,00,000–10,00,000/year. Medical: ₹5,00,000–25,00,000/year at private colleges. IIMs (management): ₹25,00,000–30,00,000 for 2-year MBA. Extremely affordable compared to Western universities.

Semester fee

Varies by institution. Government universities: ₹5,000–20,000/semester. Private universities: ₹50,000–2,50,000/semester.

Student visa

Student Visa (S-Visa) available for formal degree programmes at recognised institutions. Apply at Indian embassy in home country. Duration: for the course period. Must register with FRRO within 14 days of arrival.

Health insurance

No universal student health insurance in India. Some universities offer group schemes. International students should carry their own international health insurance. University campuses often have health centres for basic care.

Application process

IITs, NITs: via JEE Main / JEE Advanced (joint entrance examination) — extremely competitive. IIMs: via CAT (Common Admission Test). Medical: NEET-UG. Foreign students: apply directly to international offices of universities. Many universities have dedicated international student offices. Recognition by AIU (Association of Indian Universities).

🗣️ Language Courses

Hindi Language Classes

Provider: Various language institutes, Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, online tutors · Duration: Flexible; 3–12 months for conversational proficiency · Levels: Beginner to Advanced (A1–C2 equivalent)

₹3,000–15,000/month at language schools; ₹500–2,000/hour for private tutors

Hindi is useful across north and central India but NOT spoken or accepted as widely in south India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh). In south India, English is the link language.

Tamil / Kannada / Telugu / Malayalam Language Classes

Provider: Local tutors, language institutes, apps (Duolingo, Pimsleur) · Duration: 6–18 months for basic conversational ability · Levels: Beginner to Intermediate

₹2,000–10,000/month

Learning the local language of your city is highly appreciated and dramatically improves daily life. Kannada (Bengaluru), Tamil (Chennai), Telugu (Hyderabad) are the key south Indian languages for expats.

English Language Improvement

Provider: British Council India, Alliance Française (French), Goethe-Institut (German), IELTS/TOEFL prep centres · Duration: 3–6 months per level · Levels: All levels (IELTS, TOEFL preparation available)

British Council: ₹15,000–40,000 per level

English is the language of business and education in India — excellent for expats already fluent. British Council has offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad.

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