Podar International School is one of the international options families weigh in the western suburbs of Mumbai, and it appears on our Mumbai city hub. It became an early mover in international education in the city when it began IB and Cambridge programmes in 2003. It runs the IB Primary Years Programme, the Cambridge IGCSE, and both Cambridge A Levels and the IB Diploma at senior level.
This profile is an independent reference page. GlobalSchoolGuide does not accept payment for coverage, and the school appears here because it is a real school relocating families ask about, not because it paid to be listed. We researched the facts below from the school and public sources at the time of writing, and mark anything we could not confirm as not published.
At a glance
Curriculum and academics
Podar International offers one of the broadest pathways in the city. The early and primary years follow the IB Primary Years Programme alongside the UK Early Years approach, the middle school follows the Cambridge Lower Secondary framework, and the secondary years lead to the Cambridge IGCSE. The senior school then offers a choice of Cambridge A Levels or the two year IB Diploma.
Having both senior routes under one roof is unusual and lets families choose the qualification that best suits their child and university plans. The school pairs academics with sport, the arts and a range of clubs. Families weighing the senior choice can read our IB curriculum guide and Cambridge curriculum guide to compare the two routes.
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Podar International School fees
Podar International sits in the mid to upper band on our Mumbai international school fees guide, reflecting its western suburbs location and broad senior offering. The school does not publish a single headline figure that we can confirm, and figures quoted on third party aggregator sites vary, so treat any number you see as indicative and confirm the current schedule directly with the admissions office. Tuition typically rises through the school, with the senior years carrying the highest cost.
Tuition is only part of the budget. Expect a one time admission charge when a place is taken and a deposit at some stages. Cambridge and IB examination fees fall due in the senior years and are billed separately, while transport, meals, uniform and trips add to the annual figure. Families comparing the full cost across the city can use the Mumbai secondary fees reference alongside our compare tool.
Admissions
Podar International follows the Indian academic year, and entry is possible at most stages subject to availability in the relevant grade. The school asks for the standard documentation and a record of prior schooling, with an age appropriate interaction for younger children and assessments for older applicants joining the IGCSE, A Level or Diploma stages. Places in the senior years are limited and confirmed most easily at the start of a stage.
Because the senior courses run over two years, mid year entry into the upper grades cannot be relied upon. Families relocating to Mumbai should apply as early as possible, ask the admissions team directly about availability in the specific grade and confirm the timing of the annual intake.
Location and who goes there
The campus sits in Santacruz West, an established western suburb with good rail and road links, which places it within reach of Bandra, Juhu, Andheri and the surrounding neighbourhoods. The location suits families based in the western belt, a part of the city that draws many professional and internationally mobile households.
The intake mixes internationally mobile families, returning Indian households and local professionals drawn by the choice of senior pathways. For the wider picture of where international families settle across Mumbai and the schools near them, see the Mumbai city hub.
Reviews
We do not yet hold verified parent reviews for Podar International School. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish reviews only once we can confirm they come from real families. If your child attends or has attended the school, we would value your first hand account of teaching, pastoral care and the admissions experience. Share it through the school reviews hub and help the next relocating family decide with better information. We do not display a star rating until verified reviews exist.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Podar International School fees?
The school sits in the mid to upper band on our Mumbai fees guide. It does not publish a single figure we can confirm and third party numbers vary, so treat any quote as indicative and confirm the current schedule with the admissions office. A one time admission charge applies on entry and examination fees fall due in the senior years.
What curriculum does Podar International School follow?
It offers the IB Primary Years Programme, the Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, and a choice of Cambridge A Levels or the IB Diploma in the senior school.
When was Podar International School founded?
The wider Podar education network is long established, and this school began its IB and Cambridge international programmes in 2003. Confirm the exact history with the admissions office.
Is Podar International School a good school?
It is a western suburbs school known for offering both Cambridge A Levels and the IB Diploma at senior level. Whether it is the right fit depends on your child, your budget and your curriculum preference. We do not publish a rating without verified reviews.
Where is Podar International School located?
The campus is in Santacruz West, an established western suburb of Mumbai.
