The IB in India: Schools and Guidance

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a highly respected and internationally recognized curriculum that is offered by several schools in India. The program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that focuses on critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness.

The IB program is divided into three levels: the Primary Years Program (PYP) for students aged 3-12, the Middle Years Program (MYP) for students aged 11-16, and the Diploma Program (DP) for students aged 16-19. Each level of the program is designed to build on the previous one and to prepare students for success in higher education and in their future careers. There are 206 IB schools in India, but only 44 IB schools offer all of the IB PYP, MYP & DP curriculum of the International Baccalaureate. The most popular is the DP, which is offered by 154 schools.

Whether a student in India should do the IB program is a decision that depends on the individual student's interests, goals, and circumstances. However, the IB program is a highly respected and internationally recognized curriculum that is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that focuses on critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness. The program also prepares students for success in higher education and in their future careers.

International schools in India, as the name suggests, in particular, offer an international curriculum and are known for their high-quality education, diverse student body, and state-of-the-art facilities. These schools are often considered as a good option for students who are interested in studying abroad in the future, as they are recognized by universities and colleges around the world. They also typically offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop new skills.

These are some of the top schools in India offering the IB:

The British School, New Delhi

This is a top international school with students from over 60 nationalities. The class of 2022 graduated with an average IB score of 38 points, with three students scoring the full 45.

Oberoi International School, Mumbai

This school is an IB continuum school (providing the PYP, MYP, and DP) which prides itself on an international, innovative learning environment.

The International School Bangalore (TISB)

The school is both day and boarding, providing the IBDP to Grades 11 - 12 students. The class of 2022 graduated with an average score of 39 points, with 9 scoring the full 45.

Have a look at our comprehensive set of IB Study Notes and IB Practice Questions, developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

Bombay International School

This imaginative and innovative school in Mumbai, founded in 1962, is ranked highly for providing the IBDP in India.

The International School of Hyderabad (ISH)

The school for 4-18 year olds is ranked highly. The large class of 144 students from 2022 graduated with an average score of 39 points in the IBDP.

Indus International School, Bangalore

This school is listed in the top 10 international boarding and day schools in India by Education World, and encourages the IBDP’s focus on arts, music, dance and sports.

The Shri Ram School, Gurgaon

This strong day and boarding school in New Delhi is very highly ranked across India. It provides the IB, iGCSE and ICSE syllabi.

The Tree House High School, Mumbai

This co-educational school prides itself on a unique, welcoming learning environment. It reflects the IBDP’s goals to develop students’ academic skills, as well as their physical and social abilities.

Before choosing your school, you should consider whether the IB program is right for you. A student in India might consider doing the IB program because of its international recognition, rigorous curriculum, focus on global awareness, and emphasis on personal and professional development. The IB diploma is recognized by universities and colleges around the world, making it easier for students to apply to and gain admission to universities abroad. It is known for its challenging curriculum which can help prepare students for the rigors of higher education. The IB program places a strong emphasis on developing a global perspective which can be beneficial for students who are interested in pursuing a career in an international field. The IB program also emphasizes the development of key skills and attributes, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, which are highly valued in the professional world. Many schools that offer the IB program in India also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, which can help students to explore their interests and develop new skills.

It's important to note that the IB program is demanding, and requires hard work and dedication from students. Therefore, it's important to consider if you will be able to balance your other commitments and extra-curricular interests with such a rigorous academic programme. If you find difficulty in certain areas then hiring an IB tutor can prove to be quite beneficial as they might provide you with certain strategies and resources that schools may not.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to do the IB program should be based on your individual interests, goals, and circumstances, as well as the resources and support available at the school. It's always best to research and check with each school individually and to consult with a guidance counselor to make an informed decision.