Overview of Education in India

India, with a population of 1.4 billion, hosts one of the largest education systems globally, encompassing 1.5 million schools, 9.5 million teachers, and over 250 million students. This vast ecosystem includes a substantial private sector, with over 50% of secondary schools being privately run. The country’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced significant reforms, including compulsory schooling from ages 3–18 and a shift toward multidisciplinary and experiential learning. India’s educational diversity and size present both opportunities and challenges for foreign school chains looking to establish a presence.

The Rise of International Schools in India

India boasts the second-highest number of international schools globally, with 900 institutions catering to 416,000 students. Notably, the majority of these students are local families seeking a globally recognized education for their children, often as a pathway to prestigious international universities. Year-on-year growth in the international school sector is projected at 10–15%, equating to 70–100 new schools annually. Factors such as economic prosperity, evolving government policies, and a cultural emphasis on education underpin this growth.

Premium British schools like Harrow International, Wellington College International, and Millfield School have recently entered the market, signaling a shift toward high-end education. Alongside these, global education groups like Nord Anglia and Globeducate operate several schools in India, offering curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge programs.

Key Expat Destinations and International School Hubs

Expats in India are predominantly concentrated in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. These urban centers, characterized by economic vitality and multinational industries, are hotspots for international schools. For instance:

• Delhi NCR: Home to several British and American schools, Delhi NCR offers proximity to India’s capital and financial hubs.
• Bengaluru: Known as the ‘Silicon Valley of India,’ it attracts tech-savvy expats and hosts premium schools like Harrow International.
• Hyderabad: A thriving IT and biotech hub, Hyderabad has emerged as a preferred location for international schools, with plans to develop an ‘international school district’ in its western region.
• Mumbai: As India’s financial capital, Mumbai offers a blend of established international schools and upcoming institutions like Millfield School.

Challenges and Opportunities for Foreign Schools in India

Challenges:

1. High Costs: Premium schools face challenges related to expensive land and infrastructure development. Employing expat teachers further adds to operational costs due to high taxes and social security charges.
2. Market Sensitivity: India’s price-sensitive market necessitates clear differentiation and value propositions. While super-premium schools are gaining traction, they must justify higher fees with unparalleled facilities and curricula.
3. Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating regional government systems and identifying reliable local partners is crucial for smooth market entry.

Opportunities:

1. Growing Demand for Premium Education: A burgeoning middle class, coupled with aspirations for overseas education, creates a fertile market for international schools.
2. Expanding IB and Cambridge Curricula: The increasing adoption of international curricula, including recent IB expansions into state schools, signals a shift toward global education standards. Over 650 schools in India offer Cambridge programmes, including A levels, but the International Baccalaureate (IB) is becoming increasingly popular, helped by its recent introduction to 30 state schools in Delhi. There are 224 IB World Schools in India, including 164 offering the IB Diploma (DP). Over the next five years, the IB intends to expand into an additional 450 schools, including the inception of 100 new IB Career Programme (CP) schools. British brands in India, or planning to be, including Harrow International School, Wellington college International, Shrewsbury International School, Whitgift School and Ardingly College International, will all offer the IB.
3. Boarding Schools: India’s well-established boarding school culture provides avenues for foreign chains to offer residential education, especially at the premium end. Several respected Indian schools, including Woodstock School in Mussoorie, established in 1854, Mayo College in Ajmar, established in 1875, the Doon School, established in 1935, and Scindia School offer boarding. In addition, Wellington College Interantional, Shrewsbury International School and Harrow International School will also have boarding provision.

Punjab: A Promising Alternative

While cities like Delhi and Bengaluru dominate the expat and international education markets, Punjab offers untapped potential as an emerging destination for foreign school chains. Key advantages include:

Strategic Location

Punjab’s proximity to Delhi NCR, combined with its robust infrastructure and connectivity, positions it as a viable alternative for families seeking quality education outside the capital’s pollution and congestion. Cities like Mohali and Ludhiana are already witnessing growth in international-standard institutions.

Growing Expat Community

Although expats are currently concentrated in major metros, Punjab’s industrial hubs, including Mohali and Amritsar, are attracting international talent in sectors like manufacturing, IT, and logistics. These developments pave the way for international schools to cater to both expat and affluent local populations.

Government Support

The Punjab government actively promotes investment in education, providing incentives for infrastructure development and partnerships. Initiatives under the NEP 2020, such as the integration of vocational and multidisciplinary learning, align with the curricula offered by international schools, creating synergy for potential entrants.

Education Sector in Punjab

Frontrunner in the Country:

With an impressive score of 928 in the Performance Grading Index, 2021, Punjab secured Level II, surpassing all other states. It also topped the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2021, highlighting its strong focus on student learning outcomes. Punjab ranks among the top ten states for college density and 6th in the Innovation Index with a score of 15.35, exceeding the national average of 14.56. Additionally, its districts consistently feature in the top five for skill development in NITI Aayog’s rankings, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance educational and developmental standards across the state. It is also the 4th highest state in terms of Human Capital Index India and among the Top 10 States for Knowledge Workers as per NITI Aayog’s Innovation Index 2020.

High Institutional Coverage:

More than 19,000 Primary and Secondary Education Schools; thriving higher education system with more than 1,000 colleges and 30+ universities.

Well-rounded Government Support:

Key initiatives include:

• Smart School Policy: For converting schools to Smart Schools -A) Schools of Eminence: Focusing on professional training; B) Schools of Applied Learning: Stressing vocational skills; C) Schools of Happiness: A unique child-psychology-based learning approach designed to create joyful educational experiences. Punjab is revolutionizing rural education. The “School of Brilliance” initiative aims at turning 100 senior secondary schools into hubs of excellence—focusing on critical thinking, creativity, and moral values; schemes like Padho Punjab Padhao Punjab add to this case.
• Punjab launched Aarambh, a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize early childhood education in government schools. With 350,000+ pre-primary students and an innovative digital platform connecting teachers and parents, Aarambh empowers families and fosters holistic child development.
• Under PM SHRI scheme, 233 schools from Punjab across 22 districts have been selected for upgradation. This flagship initiative aims to transform 14,500 schools nationwide into model institutions, with a total budget of ₹27,360 crore over 5 years.

In Punjab, these schools will be equipped with experiential learning systems, green infrastructure, and digital tools, setting benchmarks for quality education. Districts like Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Mohali, among others, stand to benefit significantly.

Key Outcomes:

• Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) (Age Group 18-23 years): 28.2.
• Pupil Teacher Ratio at Primary and Secondary Levels: 25:1 and 15:1, respectively.

Ecosystem & Ancillaries:

Presence of incubators/accelerators, R&D Centres, CoEs, and New Age Universities in districts like:

• Jalandhar: Google Centre of Excellence, AI Centre of Excellence, Punjab Technical University, among others.
• Amritsar: Centre for Entrepreneurship, IIM Amritsar, Central Institutes of Plastics & Engineering Technology, among others.
• Patiala: Science and Technology Entrepreneur’s Park, Thapar University.
• Mohali: NIPER, STPI, Plaksha University, Amity University, ISB, NABI, IISER
• Ropar: IIT Ropar

Growth Drivers:

• Economic: High Per Capita Income (INR 175000+ in FY 2023) and high disposable income.
• Social and Cultural: 47.50% of Punjab’s total population is within 0-25 years, with increasing awareness about female literacy.

Major Education Entities Present:

IIM Amritsar, IIT Ropar, Plaksha University, Amity University, and school chains like Strawberry Fields, Ryan International, Cambridge International, Caledonian International, Oakridge International etc, among others.

Why Foreign Schools Should Consider Punjab

1. Lower Costs: Compared to metro cities, land and operational costs in Punjab are relatively lower, enabling more competitive pricing for premium education.
2. Rising Affluence: Punjab’s growing middle and upper-middle-class population values quality education and is willing to invest in international schooling for global exposure.
3. Educational Ecosystem: With reputed institutions like Punjab University and strong feeder schools, Punjab provides an ecosystem conducive to academic excellence.

Case Study: Mohali as an Educational Hub

Mohali, part of the Chandigarh tri-city area, exemplifies Punjab’s potential as a hub for international education. Known for its IT and biotech industries, the city attracts professionals seeking quality education for their children. Schools offering IB and Cambridge programs, coupled with government-backed initiatives like Medicity and EduCity, enhance Mohali’s appeal.

Conclusion

India’s education landscape, marked by rapid growth and increasing demand for international standards, presents a lucrative opportunity for foreign school chains. While established metros remain primary markets, Punjab’s strategic advantages, including affordability, government support, and a burgeoning expat community, position it as a compelling alternative. By leveraging these strengths, foreign schools can establish a strong foothold in Punjab, contributing to the state’s educational transformation and reaping the benefits of a growing market.