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

Quick answer: How do international school admissions work in Pune? For the 2027-28 year, most Pune schools open applications between September and December 2026, with offers by February or March. Expect a registration fee of roughly INR 5,000 to 25,000, an entrance assessment from Grade 1, and tuition of roughly INR 3 to 12 lakh a year.

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

Pune has become one of India's most popular cities for relocating families, thanks to its IT parks, car makers and a milder climate than Mumbai. This guide to international school admissions in Pune covers the 2027-28 timeline month by month, the documents schools ask for, how assessments work at each age and what to expect if you arrive mid-year.

The process is different from Europe or the Gulf. Indian schools often start the year in April or June, registration windows open early, and age rules for Grade 1 have recently changed. Plan around those three points and the rest is manageable.

Why Pune, and where families live

Pune sits about 150 km south-east of Mumbai on the Deccan plateau. Many international families work in the Hinjewadi IT park, in the automotive belt around Chakan and Talegaon, or in the Kharadi and Magarpatta business districts on the eastern side.

Housing tends to follow the job. Baner, Balewadi, Aundh and Wakad in the west are popular with families working in Hinjewadi. Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar and Viman Nagar in the east suit those at Kharadi or near the airport. Pune Camp, the historic cantonment area, is central and green but has older housing stock.

Traffic is the biggest daily cost. A 15 km school run can take an hour at peak times, especially on the Baner to Hinjewadi corridor. Most schools run their own buses, so check routes before you sign a lease.

Curricula available in Pune

International Baccalaureate: the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme, recognised worldwide and the usual choice for families who expect to move again.
Cambridge (IGCSE and A level): a British-style pathway with external exams at 16 and 18, offered alongside other tracks at some schools.
CBSE: India's central board, used across the country and a strong fit for families who may stay in India or move between Indian cities.
ICSE and ISC: a national board known for its English-language depth and broad subject range, common at long-established schools.

Schools in Pune and how they admit pupils

Indus International School Pune

Indus International School Pune is an IB school on a large residential campus near Lavale and Bhukum, on the city's western edge. It takes day pupils and boarders, and the campus feel suits families who want space, sport and outdoor learning. Admissions typically include an online application, an entrance assessment and a family interview. Day pupils should check bus times carefully, as the campus is outside the urban core.

Global Indian International School Pune (Balewadi)

Global Indian International School Pune (Balewadi) sits in the western suburbs, close to Baner and within reach of Hinjewadi. It runs CBSE alongside international tracks such as IB or Cambridge, so families can pick a pathway that matches their next move. It suits parents working in the IT corridor who want a city campus with a choice of boards.

Global Indian International School Pune (Charholi)

Global Indian International School Pune (Charholi) is the group's north-eastern campus, a practical option for families living near the airport, Viman Nagar or the Pimpri-Chinchwad industrial belt. The admissions process mirrors Balewadi, with a registration form, an age-appropriate assessment and a meeting with the school. Confirm which boards and grades are offered at this campus, since the mix can differ between sites.

St. Mary's School, Pune

St. Mary's School, Pune is a long-established Anglican school in Pune Camp, following the ICSE board. It is a traditional, well-regarded choice for families planning to stay in India for several years. Admission rules for boys and girls differ by section, so confirm the entry points and grades open to your child before you apply. Places are typically in high demand.

Admission timeline for the 2027-28 intake

CBSE and ICSE schools usually start the year in April or June, while some IB programmes follow a June or August calendar. Use this plan as a guide and check each school's dates:

September to October 2026: research schools, attend open days and note registration dates. Some schools open forms as early as September.
November to December 2026: submit registration forms, pay the registration fee and upload documents.
December 2026 to February 2027: entrance assessments, interactions and parent interviews.
February to March 2027: offers are issued. Expect one to three weeks to pay the admission fee and secure the place.
March to May 2027: book transport, buy uniforms and books, and complete medical forms.
April to August 2027: the school year begins, depending on board and school.

Fees, extras and the age rule for Grade 1

Annual tuition in Pune varies more than in most cities. ICSE and CBSE schools are typically in the range of roughly INR 1.5 to 5 lakh a year. International programmes such as IB and Cambridge are roughly INR 4 to 12 lakh a year for day pupils, and boarding can add several lakh more. Many expat packages cover some or all of this.

One rule now shapes every early years application. India's National Education Policy 2020 introduced the 5+3+3+4 structure, and in February 2024 the Ministry of Education asked all states to set six years as the minimum age for admission to Grade 1. Check how your child's date of birth maps onto each school's cut-off, particularly if you are arriving from a country where children start school at five.

Registration fee: typically INR 5,000 to 25,000, non-refundable.
Admission fee: a one-off charge, often roughly INR 50,000 to 2 lakh at international programmes.
Caution deposit: usually refundable when your child leaves.
Transport: roughly INR 30,000 to 80,000 a year, depending on distance.
Meals: roughly INR 20,000 to 60,000 a year where lunch is provided.
Uniforms, books, trips and exams: budget separately for IB or Cambridge exam fees in the final years.

The standard document list includes the child's birth certificate and passport, parents' passports and visas, proof of address in Pune, the last two years of school reports, a transfer or leaving certificate from the previous school, vaccination records and passport photographs. Foreign nationals may also be asked for residence permit or FRRO registration details.

Assessments, waiting lists and mid-year entry

Assessments by age: nursery and kindergarten entry is usually based on an informal interaction with the child and a short parent meeting. From Grade 1, most schools set a written or online test in English and maths. For Grade 6 upwards, expect a subject test, an interview and a close look at reports, especially if your child is switching boards.

Waiting lists: entry points such as nursery, Grade 1 and Grade 11 are the most competitive. If you are waitlisted, ask for your position and whether places open up after Indian board results in May.

Mid-year entry: international programmes are generally more flexible than Indian boards. A transfer certificate is usually essential for board schools, and some will not admit pupils into Grade 10 or 12 mid-year.

Step-by-step: how to apply

Step 1: decide on a board, based on how long you will stay in India and where you go next.
Step 2: match schools to your work location and likely housing.
Step 3: check the age cut-off for your child's grade.
Step 4: register online and pay the registration fee.
Step 5: attend the assessment and interview.
Step 6: accept the offer, pay the admission fee and book transport.

Practical tips for Pune families

Collect transfer documents before you leave. A leaving certificate and stamped reports from your current school are much harder to obtain once you have moved. Ask for both in English.

Apply to two schools on different boards. If an IB place falls through, a CBSE or ICSE offer keeps your options open. Registration fees are modest compared with the cost of a gap.

Visit at peak traffic time. Drive or ride the school route at 7.30am on a weekday. It tells you more about daily life than any brochure.

Compare schools before you apply

To see how Pune's schools sit alongside options in other Indian cities, read our ranking of Best international schools in India. It brings together curricula, boards and parent reviews to help you build a realistic shortlist.

More guides to schools in Pune

Frequently asked questions

When do admissions open for international schools in Pune?

Most Pune schools open registration for the 2027-28 year between September and December 2026, with assessments from December to February and offers by March. Board schools usually start in April or June, while some international programmes begin later. Popular entry points such as nursery and Grade 1 fill early, so register as soon as forms open.

What is the minimum age for Grade 1 in Pune?

Following the National Education Policy 2020, the Ministry of Education asked all states in February 2024 to set six years as the minimum age for Grade 1 admission. Schools apply a cut-off date, so a child who turns six later in the year may be placed in a lower class. Check each school's date before applying.

How much do international schools in Pune cost?

Fees vary widely by board. CBSE and ICSE schools are typically roughly INR 1.5 to 5 lakh a year, while IB and Cambridge programmes are roughly INR 4 to 12 lakh for day pupils. Add a one-off admission fee, transport, meals, uniforms and exam fees. Boarding raises the total considerably, so ask for a full fee schedule.