International School Admissions in Kolkata: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Quick answer: how do international school admissions work in Kolkata? Most schools open applications between September and December for an April start, although Cambridge and IB schools also admit mid-year. Expect an online form, a registration fee, birth certificate, reports and an interaction or test. Annual fees range roughly from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh.

Last reviewed: September 2026 by Catherine from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

Kolkata has some of the oldest and most respected schools in India, and a growing group of international schools now sits alongside them. For families relocating to the city, or returning from abroad, international school admissions in Kolkata can feel confusing at first: several exam boards, different academic calendars and application windows that open far earlier than many parents expect. This guide sets out the steps, the documents and the timing, and profiles five schools that regularly appear on family shortlists.

Kolkata's school map in brief

Kolkata stretches along the east bank of the Hooghly River, with Howrah on the west bank. Most international and premium private schools are found in three areas: the central and southern neighbourhoods around Ballygunge, Alipore and Park Street; the planned districts of Salt Lake and New Town to the east; and the growing southern suburbs along the EM Bypass and towards Joka.

Getting across the city has become easier. In March 2024 the East-West Metro opened India's first underwater metro section, running beneath the Hooghly between Howrah and Esplanade. For families living in New Town or Salt Lake, the IT corridor of Sector V and the newer campuses nearby can be reached quickly, which is one reason New Town has become popular with relocating professionals.

Curricula and exam boards

CBSE, the national central board, widely recognised and easy to transfer between Indian cities.
CISCE (ICSE and ISC), historically strong in Kolkata and known for its emphasis on English and a broad syllabus.
Cambridge International, with checkpoint tests, IGCSE and A Levels.
International Baccalaureate, offered at a smaller number of schools, especially the Diploma Programme.

Many schools run more than one board, for example CBSE or ICSE in the lower years and Cambridge or IB at the senior level. Ask exactly which pathway your child would follow at each age.

Five Kolkata schools on family shortlists

Calcutta International School

Calcutta International School is one of the city's established international schools and follows the Cambridge pathway to IGCSE and A Levels. It is a natural choice for families coming from British-curriculum schools abroad. Admission involves an application, previous reports and an assessment for older children.

Heritage School Kolkata

Heritage School is a large day school on the eastern side of the city with a wide range of facilities and a strong reputation for all-round education. It offers Indian boards alongside international options at the senior level, which suits families who want flexibility later on.

Adamas International School

Adamas International School is part of a group that also runs a university, and it combines academic focus with sports and activities. Parents often mention its structured admissions process and clear communication with families.

GEMS Akademia International School

GEMS Akademia belongs to the international GEMS Education network. It is a useful option for families who may move between countries, as the group has schools in the Middle East, Asia and the UK.

The Cambridge School Kolkata

The Cambridge School is a smaller school that suits families looking for closer attention and a calmer environment. It is worth visiting if you are comparing the larger campuses with a more personal setting.

Fees and admission costs

Indicative annual fees for international and premium private schools in Kolkata are:

Pre-primary and primary: roughly ₹1.5 lakh to ₹4 lakh.
Middle and secondary: roughly ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5.5 lakh.
IGCSE, A Levels and IB Diploma: roughly ₹4 lakh to ₹7 lakh.

Budget also for:

Registration or application fee, usually a few thousand rupees and non-refundable.
Admission fee and caution deposit, paid once on acceptance; the deposit is often refundable when your child leaves.
Transport, charged by distance, and meals where the school provides them.
Books, uniforms, devices and exam board fees, especially for Cambridge and IB exams.

A useful fact: education services provided by schools up to higher secondary level are exempt from GST in India, a rule in place since GST was introduced on 1 July 2017. You should not see GST on core tuition, although some services from outside vendors can carry it.

Step-by-step admissions timeline

Check the age rules first. Schools set strict cut-off dates for entry into nursery and Class 1. A child who misses the cut-off by a few weeks will usually join the year below, so confirm the rule before applying.

Apply early. For an April start, most CBSE and ICSE schools open registration between September and December of the previous year. Cambridge and IB schools often run a rolling process and also admit in August or mid-year, which helps families relocating at short notice.

Prepare the documents. You will usually need a birth certificate, passport or Aadhaar details, passport photos, the last two years of reports, a transfer certificate from the previous school and proof of address. Children coming from abroad may need their transfer certificate countersigned or an equivalence letter.

Prepare for the interaction. Younger children usually have an informal meeting, while older students sit tests in English and maths. Parents are often interviewed too, so be ready to talk about your child's interests and your plans.

Private unaided schools in India must also reserve 25% of entry-level places for children from disadvantaged groups under the Right to Education Act of 2009, which can reduce the number of general places available in nursery and Class 1.

Tips for relocating families

Match the board to your next move. If you expect to move again within a few years, a Cambridge or IB programme makes transfers abroad simpler. If you plan to stay in India, CBSE or ICSE gives your child the widest choice of schools and universities later.

Keep copies of everything. Schools often ask for attested or notarised copies of documents, and gathering them from another country takes time. Scan reports, certificates and vaccination records before you leave.

Compare schools before you register

Registration fees add up when you apply to several schools, so shortlist carefully. Our ranking lets you compare schools with verified profiles and parent reviews: see the best schools in India.

More guides to schools in Kolkata

Frequently asked questions

When does the school year start in Kolkata?

Most CBSE and ICSE schools in Kolkata start the academic year in April, with registration opening between September and December of the previous year. Cambridge and IB schools often follow a different calendar and admit on a rolling basis, including mid-year, which is helpful for families relocating from abroad.

What documents do I need for admission in Kolkata?

Schools usually ask for a birth certificate, passport or Aadhaar details, passport photos, recent school reports, a transfer certificate and proof of address. Students arriving from another country may also need an equivalence letter or countersigned transfer certificate, so contact the school early to check its requirements.

Do Kolkata international schools test children before admission?

Most schools hold an informal interaction for nursery and early primary, and written tests in English and maths for older students. Parents are often interviewed as well. The aim is to understand the child's level and fit with the programme, so bring recent reports and any learning support documents.