Table Of Contents

• Introduction
• Understanding Indian Curricula in Singapore
• Top CBSE Schools in Singapore
• Top International Schools with Indian Curriculum
• Comparing Fee Structures
• Indian Schools by Location
• Admission Process and Requirements
• Cultural Aspects and Extracurricular Activities
• Parent Perspectives and Community
• Conclusion

Best Indian Schools in Singapore: Complete Guide for Parents

For Indian expatriate families in Singapore, finding the right school that balances academic excellence with cultural continuity is a top priority. Whether you’re relocating to Singapore or simply exploring educational options for your child, navigating the diverse landscape of Indian schools in the city-state can be challenging.

Singapore hosts several prestigious Indian educational institutions that offer various curricula including the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), and international curricula with Indian elements. These schools provide a familiar educational framework while preparing students for global opportunities.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best Indian schools in Singapore, examining their curricula, fee structures, locations, cultural aspects, and admission processes. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your child’s education in Singapore.

Understanding Indian Curricula in Singapore

Before diving into specific schools, it’s important to understand the different Indian curricula available in Singapore:

CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education): This is India’s national education board that provides a structured curriculum emphasizing mathematics, sciences, and languages. CBSE is recognized globally and prepares students for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.

ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education): Known for its comprehensive approach, the ICSE curriculum places equal emphasis on languages, sciences, mathematics, and humanities. It’s considered to provide a more well-rounded education with a focus on English language proficiency.

International Baccalaureate (IB) with Indian elements: Some international schools in Singapore offer the IB curriculum while incorporating Indian languages, cultural studies, and celebrations, providing a global education with Indian cultural continuity.

The choice between these curricula often depends on your long-term educational goals, whether you plan to return to India, and your child’s individual learning style and strengths.

Top CBSE Schools in Singapore

Global Indian International School (GIIS)

GIIS operates multiple campuses across Singapore, with their flagship SMART Campus in Punggol being the most prominent. The school offers the CBSE curriculum alongside IB and IGCSE options.

Key Features:

GIIS has established itself as a leader in CBSE education in Singapore, consistently producing strong academic results. The school’s 9GEMS holistic educational framework focuses on academic and non-academic excellence, including sports, performing arts, entrepreneurship, and community service.

The state-of-the-art SMART Campus features digital classrooms, sports facilities, innovation labs, and performing arts studios. With a student-centered approach to education, GIIS emphasizes personalized learning and skill development beyond academics.

Location: Multiple campuses, with the main SMART Campus in Punggol

Notable Achievements: GIIS students consistently achieve high scores in CBSE board examinations, with many students scoring above 90% regularly. The school has received numerous awards for educational excellence and innovation.

NPS International School

An extension of the renowned National Public School group from India, NPS International provides the CBSE curriculum alongside IGCSE and IB programs.

Key Features:

NPS International prides itself on its academic rigor and value-based education. The school offers extensive facilities including science and computer laboratories, libraries, and sports amenities.

With a focus on holistic development, NPS implements programs that encourage critical thinking and creativity. The school maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention for each student.

Location: Chai Chee Lane (East Singapore)

Notable Achievements: NPS students consistently perform well in CBSE examinations and international competitions in mathematics, sciences, and literary events.

DAV International School

Part of the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic educational institutions network, DAV International School offers the CBSE curriculum with a focus on Indian values and global education.

Key Features:

DAV International School blends traditional Indian values with modern educational approaches. The school offers comprehensive facilities for academics, sports, and extracurricular activities.

With a curriculum that emphasizes both academic excellence and character development, DAV follows the CBSE framework while incorporating elements of Vedic education and Indian cultural values.

Location: Jurong West

Notable Aspects: DAV places special emphasis on Indian languages, cultural activities, and celebration of Indian festivals while preparing students for global challenges.

Top International Schools with Indian Curriculum

DPS International School

Delhi Public School (DPS) International brings the prestigious DPS brand from India to Singapore, offering a blend of Indian curriculum elements with international education standards.

Key Features:

DPS International provides a curriculum that integrates the best practices of Indian and international education systems. The school focuses on holistic development through academics, sports, arts, and community service.

With modern facilities and experienced faculty, DPS International creates a nurturing environment for students from diverse backgrounds. The school maintains strong connections with Indian cultural roots while preparing students for global opportunities.

Location: Serangoon

Notable Aspects: DPS International is known for its strong emphasis on mathematics and science education, along with comprehensive language programs including Hindi and other Indian languages.

Yuvabharathi International School

Yuvabharathi offers a unique blend of Indian curriculum elements with the Cambridge International framework, providing a bridge between Indian and international education systems.

Key Features:

Yuvabharathi International School focuses on creating a balanced educational experience that preserves Indian cultural values while embracing global perspectives. The school offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs designed to develop well-rounded individuals.

With a curriculum that incorporates Indian languages and cultural studies alongside the Cambridge program, Yuvabharathi provides students with diverse educational opportunities. The school’s approach emphasizes character development, critical thinking, and creativity.

Location: Serangoon

Notable Aspects: Yuvabharathi is known for its bilingual approach, strong mathematics program, and celebration of both Indian and international festivals and traditions.

Comparing Fee Structures

School fees are an important consideration for families. Indian schools in Singapore generally offer more affordable options compared to many international schools, though prices vary significantly:

GIIS: Annual fees range from approximately S$15,000 to S$22,000, depending on the grade level and campus. The school offers various scholarship opportunities based on academic excellence, sports achievements, and performing arts talents.

NPS International: Fees typically range from S$16,000 to S$20,000 annually, with additional charges for bus services, extracurricular activities, and examination fees.

DAV International: One of the more affordable options, with fees ranging from S$10,000 to S$16,000 annually, making it accessible to a wider range of families.

DPS International: Annual fees range from S$14,000 to S$18,000, with additional costs for registration, resource materials, and activities.

Yuvabharathi International: Fees range from S$12,000 to S$17,000 annually, positioning it as a mid-range option among Indian curriculum schools.

Most schools require additional one-time registration fees, annual resource fees, and may have costs for transportation, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Some schools offer sibling discounts and early payment incentives to help families manage educational expenses.

It’s worth noting that while these Indian curriculum schools are generally more affordable than many other international schools in Singapore (which can exceed S$40,000 annually), they still represent a significant investment in your child’s education.

Indian Schools by Location

Location is a crucial factor when choosing a school in Singapore, given the impact of daily commutes on family schedules. Indian schools are distributed across different regions of Singapore:

North and Northeast Singapore

GIIS SMART Campus is located in Punggol, making it convenient for families living in the north and northeast regions including Punggol, Sengkang, and Hougang. The campus is accessible via public transportation, including buses and the Punggol MRT station.

For families living in these areas, finding preschools near MRT stations can create a convenient educational pathway before children enter primary education.

East Singapore

NPS International in Chai Chee Lane serves families in the eastern region, including Bedok, Tampines, and Marine Parade. The school is accessible from the Bedok and Tanah Merah MRT stations.

Parents in East Singapore can also explore enrichment centers near MRT stations to complement their children’s education with after-school activities.

Central Singapore

DPS International and Yuvabharathi International are located in the Serangoon area, making them accessible to families living in central Singapore locations like Serangoon, Toa Payoh, and Bishan.

The central location provides good connectivity via public transportation and offers access to various student care centers near MRTs for after-school supervision.

West Singapore

DAV International School in Jurong West serves families in western Singapore, including Jurong, Clementi, and Bukit Batok. The school is accessible via buses and from the Jurong West MRT station.

GIIS also operates a campus in Queenstown, providing another option for families in the central-west region.

Admission Process and Requirements

The admission process for Indian schools in Singapore typically includes several steps:

Application Timeline

Most Indian schools in Singapore accept applications year-round, but the main admission cycle usually begins in December-January for the academic year starting in April. For mid-year admissions, applications should be submitted at least 2-3 months before the intended joining date, subject to seat availability.

Popular schools like GIIS and NPS International often have waitlists for certain grades, so early application is recommended. Some schools conduct admission tests and interviews in batches throughout the year.

Required Documents

The typical documentation required for admission includes:

• Completed application form (usually available online)
• Passport-sized photographs of the student
• Copy of the student’s passport and dependent’s pass/student pass
• Copy of parents’ passports and employment passes
• Previous school reports for the last two years
• Transfer certificate from the previous school
• Immunization records
• Birth certificate

Some schools may require additional documents such as recommendation letters from previous teachers or evidence of extracurricular achievements.

Entrance Assessments

Most Indian schools conduct entrance assessments to evaluate a student’s readiness for their curriculum:

Primary Level (Grades 1-5): Assessments typically focus on age-appropriate English language skills, mathematics, and general knowledge. The format usually includes written tests and informal interviews to assess communication skills and social readiness.

Middle School (Grades 6-8): Assessments become more comprehensive, testing proficiency in English, mathematics, science, and sometimes social studies. The difficulty level corresponds to the previous grade’s curriculum.

High School (Grades 9-12): Entrance tests are more rigorous and subject-specific, especially for science and mathematics. Some schools conduct interviews to assess the student’s academic goals and subject preferences.

Schools like GIIS and NPS International place significant emphasis on these assessments, particularly for higher grades, while others might have more flexible evaluation processes.

Cultural Aspects and Extracurricular Activities

Indian schools in Singapore offer a unique blend of academic rigor and cultural continuity that many Indian expatriate families value. These schools incorporate several important cultural elements:

Language Programs

Most Indian schools offer Hindi as a second language, with some providing options for other Indian languages like Tamil, Gujarati, or Bengali. Language instruction typically includes both conversational skills and literature appreciation.

Schools like GIIS and DPS International have dedicated language departments that organize Hindi poetry recitations, debate competitions, and literary events. Some schools also incorporate Sanskrit learning as part of their cultural curriculum.

Cultural Celebrations

Indian festivals and cultural events form an important part of the school calendar. Celebrations typically include:

• Diwali celebrations with rangoli competitions, dance performances, and special assemblies
• Republic Day and Independence Day commemorations with patriotic activities
• Holi festivities (adapted to school settings)
• Cultural days featuring traditional attire, food, and performances

These celebrations help students maintain connections with Indian heritage while living abroad and provide opportunities to share Indian culture with international classmates.

Performing Arts

Indian classical arts are prominently featured in the extracurricular offerings:

Dance: Schools often offer training in classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kuchipudi, along with contemporary and folk dance styles.

Music: Vocal and instrumental training in Indian classical traditions, including Carnatic and Hindustani styles, are available at schools like GIIS and NPS International.

Drama: Theatrical productions often incorporate Indian mythology, literature, and contemporary social themes relevant to the Indian diaspora.

Sports and Physical Education

While Indian schools embrace traditional Indian sports, they also offer comprehensive physical education programs:

Traditional Indian Sports: Many schools include yoga, kabaddi, and kho-kho as part of their physical education curriculum.

International Sports: Cricket remains popular, but schools also offer basketball, soccer, swimming, tennis, and track and field to prepare students for global sporting opportunities.

Schools like GIIS have produced nationally competitive teams in various sports, with some students representing Singapore in international competitions.

Parent Perspectives and Community

The parent community plays a vital role in Indian schools in Singapore, creating support networks and enriching the educational environment. Parents often cite several factors that influence their choice of Indian curriculum schools:

Curriculum Familiarity and Continuity

Many parents choose Indian curriculum schools to maintain educational continuity, especially if they plan to return to India eventually. The CBSE curriculum’s standardized structure makes transitions between schools in different countries smoother.

As one parent from GIIS shared: “We chose CBSE because we may return to India in a few years, and we wanted our daughter to transition easily back into the Indian education system. The curriculum’s focus on mathematics and science also aligns with our educational priorities.”

Cultural Connection

Parents value the cultural environment that helps children maintain their Indian identity while living abroad. The celebration of festivals, language learning, and exposure to Indian arts and traditions are frequently cited benefits.

A parent from DPS International noted: “Beyond academics, we wanted our children to stay connected to their roots. Celebrating Diwali and Independence Day at school, learning Hindi, and being exposed to Indian classical arts gives them a sense of cultural identity that would be difficult to maintain otherwise.”

Community Support

Indian schools foster tight-knit communities where families form supportive networks. Parent-teacher associations are active, organizing cultural events, parent workshops, and community service initiatives.

Schools like NPS International and GIIS have robust parent involvement programs that encourage volunteering and participation in school activities. These connections help new expatriate families adjust to life in Singapore through shared experiences and advice.

As recognized in the Parents’ Choices Award, community support and engagement are crucial factors in school selection for many families.

Academic Rigor and Success Stories

Parents often share success stories about their children’s academic achievements and university placements. Indian curriculum schools in Singapore have established track records of students gaining admission to prestigious universities worldwide.

GIIS and NPS International regularly publish their students’ university admission results, with graduates attending institutions in Singapore, India, the US, UK, and Australia. These success stories reinforce parents’ confidence in the quality of education provided.

One parent remarked: “The academic rigor prepared my son well for university applications. His strong foundation in mathematics and sciences from the CBSE curriculum gave him an edge when applying to engineering programs.”

Parents considering Indian schools are encouraged to attend open houses, speak with current parents, and join educational communities to gather first-hand perspectives on different schools.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Indian school in Singapore involves balancing multiple factors including curriculum alignment, location convenience, fee structures, cultural programming, and academic track record. Each school offers unique strengths that may resonate differently depending on your family’s priorities and your child’s needs.

GIIS stands out for its comprehensive facilities and multiple curriculum options, while NPS International is known for its academic rigor. DAV International offers strong value with its more affordable fee structure, and DPS International and Yuvabharathi provide unique blends of Indian and international educational approaches.

When making your decision, consider visiting multiple schools, attending open houses, and speaking with current parents. Pay attention to your child’s learning style and preferences, and consider how each school’s location will impact your daily family routine.

Remember that the best school is ultimately the one that aligns with your educational philosophy, meets your child’s individual needs, and fits your practical considerations of location and budget. The right choice will provide not just academic excellence but a nurturing environment where your child can thrive while maintaining connections to their Indian heritage.

Looking for more educational resources in Singapore? Visit Skoolopedia to access our comprehensive database of schools, enrichment centers, and preschools filtered by MRT station or neighborhood. Our platform provides up-to-date information on curricula, fees, and parent reviews to help you make informed decisions about your child’s educational journey.