How many IB schools in Delhi NCR
The National Capital Region around New Delhi currently has 14 authorised IB World Schools listed with the International Baccalaureate Organization. That covers Delhi proper, Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, Faridabad and the corridor towards Sohna. About eight of those 14 schools run the full IB Diploma Programme; the remainder offer the Primary Years Programme or Middle Years Programme only and transition their senior cohorts onto IGCSE or CBSE for Grade 11 and 12.
The cluster is unevenly distributed. Within Delhi's official city limits the IB count is small. The American Embassy School in Chanakyapuri remains the longest-running IB Diploma in the city, with consistent cohorts averaging above 36 points. Most newer authorisations sit in Gurugram and Noida, where land was easier to secure for the large campus footprint IB schools need. Pathways World School Aravali, Pathways Noida, Step by Step Noida and G.D. Goenka World School all anchor that suburban IB belt. Three candidate schools, two in Gurugram and one in Noida Extension, are expected to receive authorisation by 2027.
Fees and the three tiers
IB tuition in the NCR is grouped into three rough tiers. The value tier, INR 4 lakh to INR 6 lakh, covers schools such as Heritage Xperiential Learning School and G.D. Goenka World School junior years. The mid tier sits at INR 6 lakh to INR 8.5 lakh and captures most established names including Pathways Noida secondary, Step by Step World School and Lancers International. The premium tier, INR 8.5 lakh to INR 11 lakh, is the Diploma years at Pathways Aravali, Shri Ram School Aravali and the IB cohort at the American Embassy School, which sits in its own bracket given its non-profit diplomatic structure. Convert at roughly 83 rupees to the US dollar.
Published tuition is not the all-in cost. NCR schools layer on admission fees (often INR 1 to 2 lakh, refundable in part), capital levies, technology and laboratory charges, transport, books and IB examination fees. A INR 7 lakh tuition fee is closer to INR 9 lakh once everything is paid in Grade 12. Our New Delhi fees guide breaks the loading out by year group.
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Illustrative example schools
The four schools below are illustrative, not a ranking. Each has been delivering the IB for at least eight years and reports Diploma results above the global average.
The American Embassy School in Chanakyapuri is the legacy IB Diploma school in central Delhi, with cohorts averaging above 36 points. Strong UK and US university placement, smaller cohorts than the suburban IB campuses, and a diplomatic admissions priority that limits external places.
Pathways World School Aravali in Gurugram offers the continuous PYP, MYP and Diploma pathway on a 38 acre boarding-day campus. Strong service learning and outdoor education programme, Round Square network affiliation and one of the largest Diploma cohorts in the NCR.
Step by Step World School in Noida runs PYP, MYP and Diploma, with steady Diploma averages near 35 points and a strong reputation among returning NRI families. Lower fees than the Gurugram premiums for a similar IB outcome.
G.D. Goenka World School in Sohna runs an IB stream alongside Cambridge IGCSE. Notable for its full residential option and its sports facilities, which suit families needing boarding-day flexibility during corporate moves.
Where IB families live
IB families in the NCR cluster around four areas. Chanakyapuri and the Diplomatic Enclave for embassy and senior diplomatic families using the American Embassy School. Vasant Vihar and Vasant Kunj for senior corporate and returning NRI families using AES and the Pathways Noida bus routes. DLF Golf Course Road in Gurugram and Sushant Lok for the Pathways Aravali, Shri Ram Aravali and Heritage Xperiential corridor. Noida Sectors 100 to 132 for Step by Step, Pathways Noida and the Genesis Global pathway. Choice of neighbourhood is more decisive than in many cities because Delhi traffic makes cross-NCR commutes brutal; pick the school before the home.
Admissions calendar
The NCR academic year runs April to March, which catches families used to a September start off guard. Most IB schools open admissions for the April 2026 intake between September and November 2025. Tier 1 schools close their main waiting list for Grade 6 and Grade 11 by January. Late applicants are placed on a waiting list and offered places as withdrawals come through, typically February and March. AES runs a separate diplomatic admissions cycle that opens earlier and prioritises US Embassy and partner mission families.
For families targeting a Tier 1 school, apply 9 to 12 months before the desired start. For Diploma transfers, schools require the previous school's most recent report card, predicted IGCSE or MYP grades and an academic reference. Most schools assess in English and mathematics before offering a place.
Frequently asked questions
How many IB schools are there in New Delhi?
The wider National Capital Region around New Delhi has 14 authorised IB World Schools as of 2026, with three further candidate schools moving through authorisation. About eight schools offer the full IB Diploma Programme; the remainder run PYP or MYP only, transitioning their secondary cohorts to IGCSE or CBSE.
How much do IB schools in New Delhi cost?
IB Diploma tuition in New Delhi and the NCR runs from about INR 4 lakh at value-tier providers to INR 11 lakh at premium campuses, which is roughly 4,800 to 13,200 US dollars. Add 15 to 25 percent for transport, admission charges, technology levies and exam fees.
Is the IB Diploma recognised by Indian universities?
Yes. The Association of Indian Universities recognises the IB Diploma as equivalent to the Indian Senior Secondary Certificate for entry to Indian universities. Delhi University, JNU and Ashoka all accept IB candidates, though most graduates of Delhi IB schools head to UK, US, Canadian or Singapore universities.
When do New Delhi IB schools open admissions?
Most New Delhi IB schools open admissions for the April intake between September and November of the previous year. Tier 1 schools close their main intake by January. The American Embassy School operates a separate diplomatic admissions cycle, opening earlier and prioritising US Embassy and partner mission families.
Can my child transfer into an IB school in Delhi mid-year?
Many Delhi IB schools accept mid-year transfers in Years 4 to 9 when places exist. Diploma Programme transfers after October of the first year are difficult because subject choices and internal assessments are already underway. AES, Pathways and Step by Step regularly absorb diplomatic and corporate relocations.
