India has emerged as a global hub for education, with world-class institutions, growing technological integration, and a strong focus on future-ready skills. Among the states leading this progress, Maharashtra stands out as a key driver of educational excellence. With cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik becoming prominent centers of learning, the state continues to attract students, educators, and institutions from across the country.

From well-established CBSE schools in Maharashtra with proven academic records to new institutions introducing cutting-edge practices, Maharashtra offers a diverse and competitive education ecosystem. The state has also seen rapid adoption of digital learning tools, improvements in infrastructure, and increased focus on student well-being and holistic development.

However, with such a wide range of options, identifying top schools in Maharashtra that consistently deliver exceptional outcomes—academically, socially, and technologically—requires a detailed and transparent evaluation process.

At EducationToday, we have undertaken this task with diligence and objectivity. Our annual Maharashtra best schools 2025 rankings are based on rigorous data analysis, expert reviews, and parent feedback—ensuring that only the most deserving institutions are highlighted and recognized.

Our Mission at EducationToday

With dedication and precision, we take up the mantle of this challenge—at EducationToday, we scout for and spotlight schools that embody excellence in academics, innovation, and holistic development. Our aim is more than just recognition; it is a tribute to institutions that consistently nurture minds, instill resilience, and prepare students for a promising future.

As we unveil this year’s edition, we mark 14 years of unwavering commitment to presenting Maharashtra’s top educational institutions. This comprehensive report serves as a valuable resource for parents and educators, offering informed guidance across a diverse range of school categories for 2025.

Methodology: A Rigorous and Transparent Survey Process
To ensure objectivity and credibility, our survey is conducted using a scientific and data-driven approach. Every institution featured undergoes a multi-phase evaluation process:

1. Data Collection
   We begin by inviting schools to submit their details via email, postal mail, or online forms. Each submission undergoes a detailed examination by our research team.
    
2. Jury Shortlisting
   An esteemed panel of education experts—comprising educators, directors, and school chancellors—reviews and shortlists the schools across different categories.
    
3. Parent Voting
   Incorporating parental feedback is key to our ranking system. This year, we received over 76,000 votes from parents across Maharashtra via social media, online polls, SMS, and email.
    
4. Analysis and Scoring
   Once voting concludes, we compile, analyze, and assign average scores to schools under each category. The highest scorers are featured in the prestigious ‘Maharashtra Merit List’, recognizing excellence across the state.
    

Survey Highlights
This year’s edition witnessed the participation of 298 schools across Maharashtra. Schools were assessed on 15 parameters, each rated on a scale of 100. Standout scores include:

● Holistic Education: 86 points
● Co-curricular Activities: 83 points
● Sports Education: 85 points
● Student Advancement & Mentoring: 93 points
● Digital Learning Innovation: 92 points
● Individual attention to Students: 94
● Leadership in Quality Management: 94
● Teachers’ Advancement and Well-Being: 88

Based on these scores, over 298 schools qualified for the next evaluation phase. Our expert panel and jury then thoroughly assessed these schools.

Parental involvement was especially notable this year, with 76,000+ votes received via platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and the EducationToday portal. Following this extensive process, we proudly present our Top 20 Schools list, covering all major school boards—CBSE schools Maharashtra, ICSE schools Maharashtra, IGCSE, IB, and State Board.

Perception-Based Ranking System
Our perception-based ranking framework evaluates a blend of:

● Survey form submissions
● Analytical insights from our research team
● Parent votes
● Expert jury feedback

This system ensures transparency, credibility, and comprehensive coverage of India’s leading schools.

Ensuring Accuracy: Our Foolproof Verification Process
Cross-Verification
Our team rigorously verifies the data provided by schools. We also assess their local reputation within the community.

School Visits
Experts conduct on-ground visits to certain schools to validate submitted information.

Remote Verification
For schools that cannot be visited, our analysis team verifies data through digital means, phone calls, and consultation with local educational experts.

Final Jury Review
Before finalizing the list, the jury reconvenes for a final audit to eliminate any discrepancies or biases.

Holistic Ranking Criteria
Our ranking system is built around diverse parameters, ensuring a holistic and future-ready evaluation aligned with today’s educational needs.

Meet Our Jury
Our jury comprises distinguished figures from the education sector—respected educators, school heads, and academic consultants—who bring deep insight and experience to the evaluation process. Their collective expertise ensures that the final rankings are accurate, reliable, and timely.

What Sets Our Survey Apart?
What truly distinguishes our rankings is parental involvement. Parents—being the primary stakeholders—are uniquely positioned to assess schools. This year’s survey saw:

● 76,000+ total votes
● Over 10,000 votes via email
● 640 school submissions
● 107 schools ranked as top institutions
● 191 schools honored with category-specific awards

This overwhelming response reflects the trust and credibility EducationToday has built over the years.

Spotlight on Maharashtra’s Leading Institutions
With cities like Mumbai, Pune best schools hubs, and Nagpur being long-standing hubs of education, our Maharashtra-focused rankings are especially significant. They serve as a benchmark and guide for parents exploring quality schooling options.

Our curated lists follow the same methodology as our national rankings and include:

Main Categories
● Top CBSE Schools
● Top ICSE Schools
● Top International Schools (including International schools Mumbai)

Additional Categories
● Top State Board Schools
● Top Boys’ Schools
● Top Girls’ Schools
● Top Boarding Schools (top boarding schools Maharashtra)
● Top Day-Cum-Boarding Schools
● Top Parameter-wise Rankings

Each featured school stands out for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and student-centric learning.

Recognizing the Best: Maharashtra's Top-Ranked Schools
CBSE
● R.N. Podar School, Santacruz West – Ranked No.1 in Maharashtra & Mumbai
● D.A.V. International School, Kharghar- Parents’ Choice Award with 2765 Votes

ICSE
● Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania School, Thane – Ranked No.1 in Maharashtra & Thane
● Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai – Ranked No.1 in Maharashtra & Mumbai
● N.L. Dalmia High School, Thane – Ranked No.1 in Maharashtra & Thane
● The Bishop's Co-Ed School, Undri, Pune – Parents’ Choice Award with 2310 votes

International
● Dhirubhai Ambani International School & Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School, Bandra East – Ranked No.1 in Maharashtra & Mumbai
● NES International School Mumbai - IB Continuum World School, Mulund West – Ranked No.1 in Maharashtra & Mumbai
● Fravashi International Academy, Nashik – Parents’ Choice Award, with 2008 Votes

State Board
● Vivek Vidyalaya and Junior College- S.S Shankar Marg, Siddharth Nagar, Goregaon West - Ranked No.1 in Maharashtra & Mumbai
● Bombay Cambridge International School, Andheri West, Mumbai- Parents’ Choice Award with 1967 Votes

Boarding Schools
● SGIS Pune, Mulshi - Ranked No.1 in Maharashtra & Pune
● New Era High School, Chesson Road, Panchgani- Ranked No.1 in Maharashtra & Satara
● Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Mulshi, Pune- Parents’ Choice Award with 1187 Votes

Boys’ Schools
● Campion School, Mumbai – Ranked No.1 in Maharashtra & Mumbai
● St Stanislaus High School, Bandra West, Mumbai - Parents’ Choice Award with 810 Votes

Girls’ Schools
● Queen Mary School, Vitthalbhai Patel Road – Ranked No.1 in Maharashtra & Mumbai + Parents’ Choice Award with 960 votes

Day-Cum-Boarding Schools
● Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur – Ranked No.1 in Maharashtra & Kolhapur
● The Bishop's School, Pune – Parents’ Choice Award with 1504

Each school on these lists exemplifies the qualities we hold dear: innovation, excellence, and a deep commitment to student development. They have not only set benchmarks but also inspired countless others to strive for better.

We invite you to explore this year’s comprehensive rankings and join us in our endeavor to elevate the standard of education across India.