Top 15 CBSE Schools in Maharashtra 2026: Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur Rankings, Fees & Admissions
Last Updated: May 6, 2026
Maharashtra has one of the largest networks of CBSE-affiliated schools in India, spanning Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad, and several Tier-2 cities. With CBSE introducing competency-based assessments and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 rolling out fully by the 2026 academic year, parents are looking harder than ever for schools with strong academics, balanced co-curriculars, and good board results.
This guide ranks the top 15 CBSE schools in Maharashtra for 2026, with city-wise details, fee ranges, board exam track records, and admission tips. Rankings combine board exam pass percentages, infrastructure, faculty strength, and parent reviews from EducationWorld and Schools India rankings.
How These CBSE Schools Were Ranked
- Class 10 + Class 12 board exam results over the last 3 years
- Faculty quality, student-teacher ratio and teacher qualifications
- Infrastructure, labs, libraries, sports facilities, technology
- Co-curricular and sports achievements
- Parent reviews from independent platforms
- Fee value, academic outcomes relative to fee structure
Top 15 CBSE Schools in Maharashtra (2026 Rankings)
| Rank | School | City | Annual Fee Range (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delhi Public School (DPS) Pune | Pune | ₹1.5–2.2 L |
| 2 | Delhi Public School (DPS) Mumbai | Navi Mumbai | ₹2.0–3.0 L |
| 3 | Delhi Public School (DPS) Nagpur | Nagpur | ₹1.0–1.5 L |
| 4 | R.N. Podar School | Mumbai | ₹2.5–3.5 L |
| 5 | Bombay Scottish School | Mumbai | ₹2.0–2.8 L |
| 6 | Symbiosis International School | Pune | ₹3.5–5.0 L (residential higher) |
| 7 | Indus International School | Pune | ₹6.0–10.0 L (residential) |
| 8 | JBCN International School | Mumbai | ₹3.0–4.5 L |
| 9 | Bhavan’s B.P. Vidya Mandir | Nagpur | ₹70k–1.0 L |
| 10 | Vidya Valley School | Pune | ₹1.8–2.5 L |
| 11 | Bishop’s School | Pune | ₹1.0–1.6 L |
| 12 | Don Bosco High School | Mumbai | ₹85k–1.4 L |
| 13 | The Bishop’s Co-Ed School | Pune (Kalyani Nagar) | ₹1.2–1.8 L |
| 14 | Mercedes-Benz International School | Pune | ₹6.5–9.0 L |
| 15 | Centre Point School | Nagpur | ₹85k–1.3 L |
Fees are indicative and vary by class (pre-primary, primary, secondary, senior secondary). Always confirm current fees with the school admissions office.
Detailed Profiles: Top 5 CBSE Schools in Maharashtra
1. Delhi Public School (DPS) Pune
Located in Nyati County, Mohammadwadi, DPS Pune has consistently delivered top-tier Class 10 and 12 board results in Maharashtra over the past five years. The school combines the rigour of the DPS Society curriculum with strong sports and arts programmes. Class 10 boards typically deliver 100% pass with several students above 95% aggregate.
Strengths: Academic rigour, large modern campus, excellent computer science and STEM labs, strong teacher continuity.
Best for: Families prioritising serious academics with all-round development.
2. Delhi Public School (DPS) Mumbai (Navi Mumbai)
DPS Navi Mumbai (Nerul) is consistently rated as one of the best CBSE schools in MMR. The school’s CBSE Class 12 results regularly cross 99% pass rate, with multiple students in the 90s+ aggregate.
Strengths: Reputation, alumni network, strong board results, balanced sports.
Best for: Mumbai families wanting academic excellence with national-grade infrastructure.
3. Delhi Public School (DPS) Nagpur
DPS Nagpur, located in Mihan, is the most-sought-after CBSE school in Vidarbha region. Strong faculty pool transferred from other DPS branches, and outstanding board exam track record.
Strengths: Affordable for the brand quality, modern campus, strong academic culture.
Best for: Nagpur families wanting national-curriculum education at city pricing.
4. R.N. Podar School, Mumbai
Located in Santacruz West, R.N. Podar is a high-fee, premium CBSE school known for individualised attention, strong international exposure, and extracurricular focus alongside academics.
Strengths: Small class sizes, technology integration, strong alumni in top global universities.
Best for: Premium schooling families prioritising college admissions abroad.
5. Bombay Scottish School, Mumbai
One of Mumbai’s oldest and most respected schools, with branches in Mahim and Powai. Consistently strong academic results and a deeply rooted school culture going back to 1847.
Strengths: Heritage, academic depth, strong sports programmes, balanced curriculum.
Best for: Families looking for a heritage Mumbai school with consistent academic quality.
City-Wise Top CBSE Schools in Maharashtra
Mumbai (MMR)
- DPS Mumbai (Navi Mumbai)
- R.N. Podar School (Santacruz)
- Bombay Scottish (Mahim, Powai)
- JBCN International (Parel, Borivali)
- Don Bosco High School (Matunga)
- Hill Spring International School
- Singapore International School
Pune
- DPS Pune (Mohammadwadi)
- Symbiosis International School (Lavale, Viman Nagar)
- Indus International School (Bhukum)
- Bishop’s School (Camp, Kalyani Nagar)
- Vidya Valley School (Sus)
- Mercedes-Benz International School
- The Orbis School
Nagpur
- DPS Nagpur (Mihan)
- Bhavan’s B.P. Vidya Mandir
- Centre Point School (multiple branches)
- Modern School Nagpur
- Tuli Public School
Nashik & Other Cities
- DPS Nashik
- Wisdom High International School (Nashik)
- Tender Care School (Aurangabad)
- Kohinoor International School (Aurangabad)
- St. Joseph’s School (Kolhapur)
CBSE Admission Process for Maharashtra Schools 2026
- Application window: Most CBSE schools open admissions for Nursery / Pre-Primary in October–November of the previous year. Class-level admissions for upper grades are typically February–April.
- Required documents: Birth certificate, address proof, parent ID, transfer certificate (TC) from previous school, mark sheets of last two years.
- Selection process: Some schools conduct entrance assessments for Class 1 onwards (basic literacy, numeracy, observation). Premium schools may include parent interactions.
- Sibling and alumni quotas: Most schools reserve seats for siblings and children of alumni, apply early if applicable.
- RTE quota: 25% seats are reserved under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for economically weaker sections in Maharashtra. Apply through the state’s RTE portal.
How to Choose the Right CBSE School in Maharashtra
- Visit the campus. Photos online don’t show classroom culture, teacher engagement, or actual cleanliness.
- Ask about teacher retention. Schools with high faculty turnover often have inconsistent academic quality.
- Check 3-year board results. One year is luck; three years is consistency.
- Match the school philosophy to your child. Some schools prioritise pure academics; others balance with arts and sports. Pick what fits.
- Commute matters. A great school 90 minutes away can hurt a child’s energy and study time more than a good school close by.
- Total cost of attendance. Tuition is just one part, also factor in transport, books, uniforms, exam fees, and activity charges (often 25–40% on top of tuition).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best CBSE school in Maharashtra for 2026?
DPS Pune, DPS Mumbai (Navi Mumbai), and R.N. Podar are consistently rated among the top CBSE schools in Maharashtra based on board results, infrastructure, and parent reviews.
What is the average annual fee for top CBSE schools in Maharashtra?
Annual fees range from ₹70,000 in Tier-2 cities to ₹4.5–5.0 lakhs in premium Mumbai and Pune schools. International CBSE schools (Mercedes-Benz, Indus) can go up to ₹10 lakhs annually.
Are CBSE schools better than ICSE or State Board in Maharashtra?
CBSE is preferred for families planning national-level competitive exams (JEE, NEET, UPSC) since CBSE syllabus aligns with NCERT. ICSE has stronger English language depth, while Maharashtra State Board (SSC/HSC) is preferred for state government job exams and MHT-CET.
How do I apply for RTE admission in Maharashtra CBSE schools?
RTE admissions in Maharashtra are processed through the state’s online RTE portal (student.maharashtra.gov.in). Applications typically open February–March, with a lottery-based selection.
What is the CBSE Class 10 / 12 board exam pattern for 2026?
CBSE 2026 boards continue with the competency-based question format introduced under NEP 2020, approximately 50% MCQs and case-based questions, 30% short answer, 20% long answer. Internal assessment carries 20–30% weightage depending on subject.
Do top CBSE schools in Maharashtra offer residential / boarding facilities?
Yes, Symbiosis International School (Pune), Indus International School (Pune), and Mercedes-Benz International School offer residential programmes. Most other top CBSE schools are day schools.
Can I switch from State Board to CBSE in Class 9 or 11?
Yes, most CBSE schools accept transfers in Class 9 and 11, but expect a 6–12 month adjustment period. Class 10 and 12 transfers are harder because of board exam continuity rules, confirm with both schools before committing.
Related Resources
- WhatsApp Groups for CBSE Students 2026
- Sample Paper for Class 10 Science
- MCQ for CBSE Class 10 Social Science
Conclusion
Maharashtra’s CBSE school landscape in 2026 is mature and competitive, with strong options across price points and cities. For families valuing academic rigour and national exam alignment, DPS branches and R.N. Podar continue to lead. For those seeking international exposure, Symbiosis, Indus, and Mercedes-Benz International schools deliver. Visit, talk to current parents, and pick the school whose values match your family’s, that fit matters more than rank.
For official CBSE notifications, school affiliation lookups, and academic calendar, visit cbse.gov.in.
Tell us Your Queries, Suggestions and Feedback
33 Responses to Top 15 CBSE Schools in Maharashtra 2026: Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur Rankings, Fees & Admissions
« IES Sample Paper for Electronic Engineering Latest EAMCET Syllabus for Engineering with pdf »
I want CBse board government college for 11th admission .
searching for good govt CBSC school in maharashtra
am looking for a good boarding school for my daughter studying in std 5th cbse pattern
how much should be the fee hike in cbse un aided schools
why it is said that years ago we were formed gorrila and else?today also they are found, why did they didn’t form to humans?
RESIDENCIAL SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE STUDENT OF CBSC BOARD GOING TO 11TH STANDERD