The inaugural EW India Preschool Rankings 2010 evaluated best pre-primaries in six major cities. Since then the pioneer EWIPR has evolved into the country’s largest and most comprehensive annual pre-primaries rankings survey rating and ranking 959 preschools/kindergartens in 76 cities countrywide under ten parameters of early childhood education excellence, and rating them inter se, writes Summiya Yasmeen

Apart from leading post-independence India to a decisive victory in the India-Pakistan 1971 war which culminated in the birth of the new nation of Bangladesh, the most enduring legacy of former prime minister Indira Gandhi (1917-1984) is the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme, which crossed the milestone of 50 years last month. Under the ICDS programme, the Central government undertook to establish a nationwide network of anganwadi centres (AWCs) — essentially nutrition centres for infants and lactating mothers that also provide basic early years education.

India’s very first AWC was inaugurated by Mrs. Gandhi in Mysore, Karnataka on November 28, 1975. Since then over the past half century, ICDS supported by state governments, has evolved into the world’s largest public early childhood care and development programme. Currently, 84 million children below six years of age are enrolled in 1.39 million AWCs. While ex facie, this is an impressive number, it’s pertinent to note that AWCs have room for only 50 percent of India’s 165 million children under six years of age.

Moreover, in a nation that foolishly accords low priority to developing its prime factor endowment of human resource, the ICDS programme has been under-funded ab initio. For instance in 2025-26, the Central government’s budgetary allocation for 1.39 million AWCs is a mere Rs.26,889 crore which translates into Rs.3,361 per child per year or Rs.280 per month, scarcely enough to cover nutrition, leave aside education provision expense. Although state governments chip in by paying the remuneration of the (usually sole) AWC ‘worker’ and towards the free-of-charge mid-day meal of children, salaries of AWC workers are pitifully inadequate (Rs.10,000-15,000 per month), and states contribute only 40 percent of mid-day meal costs. The contribution of 29 state governments towards the ICDS programme is estimated at Rs.16,000 crore per year, a paltry contribution spread over 84 million children.

Against this backdrop of massive deprivation and neglect of youngest children, inspired by contemporary studies indicating that children’s brains are 80 percent developed by age eight, and Nobel laureate Dr. James Heckman’s calculus that a dollar spent on professional early childhood care and education (ECCE) saves $16 in the education continuum, ab initio, EducationWorld (estb. 1999) has been stridently advocating universalization of ECCE and upgradation of AWCs into full-fledged pre-primary schools.

Since 2010, we have convened 12 annual ECCE national conferences and initiated the annual EW India Preschool Rankings (EWIPR) to impact the critical importance of professionally administered ECCE for youngest children. The inaugural (2010) EWIPR evaluated and ranked best pre-primaries in six major cities where there was a modicum of awareness of the importance of formal ECCE. Since then, the pioneer EWIPR has evolved into the country’s largest and most comprehensive preschools rankings survey, with league tables assessing 959 preschools in 76 cities countrywide under ten parameters of early childhood education excellence, and ranking them inter se.

The prime objective of EWIPR is to enable parents to select the most aptitudinally suitable pre-primaries for youngest children. A second objective is multiplication and upgradation of ECCE institutions countrywide through emulation and healthy competition. Fifteen years on, the evidence is clear that vital awareness of the importance of formal ECCE has percolated from the upper middle to almost the entire middle class comprising an estimated 28 million urban households. The number of private preschools has risen from 15,000 in 2000 to 60,000 currently, according to estimates of the Mumbai-based Early Childhood Association of India.

Your editors’ relentless advocacy of universal professionally administered ECCE has impacted education policy formulators, even if belatedly. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 mandates three years of compulsory ECCE for all children in the 3-6 age bracket countrywide. To this end, the decades-old 10+2 school system has been replaced by a new 5+3+3+4 school continuum, mandating three years of compulsory pre-primary education for all children.

Subsequently in October 2022, the Union education ministry released the first-ever National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) 2022 prescribing well-researched, age-appropriate curriculums, pedagogies and best practices to ready the country’s youngest children for formal primary education. The 360-page NCF-FS unambiguously mandates that infants learn through play and activities and stresses the importance of professionally delivered ECCE in the country’s 1.39 million AWCs and 60,000 private preschools.

Meanwhile, to ensure that teaching-learning standards in functional pre-primary schools improve continuously, the focus of the annual EWIPR has shifted to proclaiming the country’s best pre-primaries to highlighting them as models worthy of emulation and replication.

To compile the EW India Preschool Rankings 2025-26, we commissioned the Bengaluru-based AZ Research Partners Pvt. Ltd — which also conducted the record-breaking EW India School Rankings 2025-26 survey published in September and October — to conduct field surveys in 19 major cities viz, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Ahmedabad, Indore, Vadodara, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Gurugram, Noida, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Ghaziabad, and 16 tier-II/III cities (where there is sufficient awareness of the importance of pre-primary education) to rate and rank India’s most respected pre-primaries.

Mishra: robust survey methodology

“With awareness of the role and value of professionally delivered ECCE spreading to smaller towns and cities, this year we carefully selected 3,300 sample respondents comprising 2,450 parents with at least one child in preschool, and 850 pre-primary teachers and educators in 35 cities. Under a robust multi-modular methodology, we conducted one-on-one interviews personally, telephonically and/or by email. Every respondent was requested to rate preschools they were aware of — preschools unknown to at least 20 respondents were eliminated from the rankings — on ten parameters of early childhood education excellence as ideated and evolved by EducationWorld over the past 15 years. The parameters are: teacher competence, infrastructure, curriculum and pedagogy, safety and hygiene, individual attention to students, value for money, leadership, parental involvement and special needs education. The scores awarded to preschools by the sample respondents under every parameter were totaled to rank preschools in 35 cities. I believe EWIPR offers parents comprehensive league tables of the best preschools in the selected 35 cities,” says Shubra Mishra, an alumna of IIM-Lucknow with wide experience of market research (MARG, MARG-ORG) who promoted AZ Research Partners in 2002. Over the past two decades, AZ Research has established an excellent reputation for rigorous market research. Among AZR’s corporate clients: Mars Global, Wipro FMCG, IndusInd Bank, Abbott Pharmaceuticals, Polycab and Nova IVF.

In the following pages, we present parameter scores and league tables ranking India’s best proprietary and franchised preschools in 19 cities countrywide (and an addendum of 57 other cities). Also by popular demand, we present a separate and distinctive league table ranking India’s Top 10 Preschools that have set national benchmarks in delivering contemporary, globally accepted early childhood care and education

“We are deeply honoured that NMAJS-EYC has been voted India’s #1 preschool for the second consecutive year. Guided by the grand vision of my mother — Nita Ambani — we are developing the curiosity, confidence and passion for lifelong learning in youngest children. At NMAJS-EYC, we believe that an excellent early childhood programme rests on interconnected parameters: teacher efficacy; rigorous, well-sequenced curriculum; strong, trusting home-school partnership; culture of growth mindset; and a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment. It is heartening that under all core parameters — competence of teachers, teacher welfare and development, curriculum and pedagogy, parental involvement and safety and hygiene — we have been awarded top score. Our early childhood education philosophy is rooted in educating the whole child. Children inquire, express, imagine, and create across disciplines — art, music, movement, storytelling, and physical exploration. This transdisciplinary, child-centred design is what makes NMAJS-EYC truly unique” — Isha Ambani Piramal, Vice-Chairperson, Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School & Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai (NMAJS-EYC: 184 students and 43 teachers)

“We are delighted and humbled to be ranked Delhi’s #1 proprietary preschool for the third year in a row. This recognition validates the child-centred, research-backed early years education we provide. It also acknowledges the collective dedication of our teachers, parents, and leadership team. The distinguishing feature of Pathways Early Years is our holistic, inquiry-driven curriculum and experiential pedagogies inspired by Reggio Emilia philosophy and global best practices. This explains our highest score on the parameter of curriculum and pedagogy. We are also proud to be awarded the highest scores for teacher competence and teacher welfare and development, our pillars of strengths. Our carefully designed Pathways Teacher Training Program ensures that our teachers are continuously trained and upskilled in best ECCE practices. Our latest innovation is establishing an Early Intervention Hub for the identification of children’s learning difficulties to provide timely support to children in our classrooms” — Natasha Tholia,  Director, Pathways Early Years, Greater Kailash, Delhi

“We are happy to have reclaimed our 2023 rank as Delhi’s #1 franchised preschool. I attribute this promotion to the hard work of our teachers who bring children’s learning to life every day, our supportive and trusting parents and our wonderful children who inspire us with their limitless potential. It’s especially reassuring that we have been awarded top scores on the critical parameters of teacher competence, curriculum and pedagogy, individual attention to children and safety and hygiene — the pillars of early childhood education. Our teachers are the soul of our preschool, ensuring that every child is provided individualised attention to realise her full potential. Similarly, our carefully designed age-appropriate curriculum and pedagogies provide children immersive, hands-on learning experiences to enable them to develop essential life skills, and grow holistically at their own pace. Moreover, as indicated by our top score for safety and hygiene, we adhere to the highest safety protocols. While all of these parameters are interconnected, we value most deeply the competence of our teachers for it is they who translate the school’s philosophy into practice and create the joyful learning experiences that define TSWY” — Shubhi Soni, Head of School, The Shri Ram Wonder Years (TSWY), Sector-13, Rohini, Delhi (175 students and 20 teachers)

“We are elated to be ranked Mumbai #1 for a record seventh year in India’s most trusted preschool rankings. Podar Prep, Pali Hill is our pilot school where all our new initiatives including teacher training programmes are introduced first, tested and then shared with our Podar network of 490 preschools countrywide. Therefore, everything we do here is ‘global’ quality, well-researched and immersed in the best global ECCE practices. Our curriculum and pedagogy — on which parameter we have been awarded the highest score — is backed by the latest neuroscience research and deeply rooted in ‘Play, Toy and Story Pedagogy’. Though I am delighted with our top score on all parameters, I am most pleased with top scores under the parameters of teacher competence and parental involvement. In my opinion, these are the strongest pillars of child development that require greatest attention. Therefore, through our ‘Kiducation Huddles’ where parents and teachers meet, discuss and collaborate and our teachers’ upskilling programs, we ensure that these two most important stakeholders cooperate to fully support and enrich children’s learning”  — Dr. Swati Popat Vats, President, Podar Education Network which has 490 proprietary and franchised preschools countrywide

“The promotion from #3 last year to #1 is very gratifying. It is the outcome of our continuous efforts to improve under the parameters where our scores were low. I am especially happy with the top scores awarded to us under the parameters of curriculum and pedagogy, teacher welfare and development and individual attention to students. To improve our curriculum, we recently introduced our master franchisor Podar’s Education Network’s new STREAM — Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math — programme which integrates NEP 2020, the UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage, and Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework. This new curriculum will boost children’s brain development and critical thinking skills from early age. Moreover, to implement this curriculum effectively, we have invested heavily in teacher training and professional development. I am confident our teachers ensure that every child under their care receives the attention and mentoring required to prepare them academically, socially and emotionally for primary school” — Sangeeta Gupta, Director, Podar Prep Plus, Thakur Village, Kandivali (200 children, 23 staff)

“We are delighted to be ranked Thane’s #1 proprietary preschool for the third consecutive year. We extend our gratitude to parents, teachers and the school community for their continuous support and trust. I attribute our top rank to our experienced teachers, child-centred philosophy, innovative teaching practices and a nurturing environment that stimulates curiosity, creativity and confidence. This is supplemented by a thoughtfully designed curriculum, modern infrastructure and experiential learning to ensure students’ holistic development. In particular, I am thankful to your sample respondents for awarding us top scores on teacher competence, curriculum and infrastructure. I am also happy that our focus on strict safety protocols and active parent partnership has been recognised. Our recently launched signature programs such as Pre-Coding Skills, Letterland Literacy, Globe Trotters, No-Screen Week, Music and Movement among other initiatives are designed to nurture confident, curious, and mindful young learners” — Sandeep Goenka, Founder-Trustee, CP Goenka’s Spring Buds International Preschool, Kapurbawdi (460 students, 45 teachers)

“We are thrilled to be ranked Thane’s #1 franchised preschool for the second consecutive year. This honour strengthens our commitment to keep raising the bar and delivering high-quality early childhood care and education to our 112 children. Highly trained teachers, structured routines, personalised attention, and a safe, hygienic campus is the secret of our success. All this plus a strong curriculum backed by skilled teachers provides ideal foundation for a child’s early years learning. Therefore, we are grateful to your sample respondents for recognising our strengths across critical parameters such as teacher competence, curriculum and pedagogy, and safety and hygiene. These are our prime focus areas. Meanwhile by experimenting with innovative learning experiences, age-appropriate technology, and enhanced safety protocols, we intend to improve children’s learning outcomes joyfully and continuously upgrade our learning resources” – Saurabh Shah, Director, Learning Curve, Mira Road (112 students, 12 teachers).

“It is very satisfying that Ryan Shalom Montessori, Ulwe is ranked #1 for the second year in a row. This is the outcome of our team efforts to deliver high-quality education to our children. Building key learner attributes through diverse, engaging experiences and thoughtfully integrated technology that boosts exploration, creativity, and early digital literacy is our success formula. It is specially fulfilling that our efforts in teacher welfare and professional development, and infrastructure provision have been awarded top scores. We believe these parameters form the core of the high-quality early years education. Through continuous professional development, building a supportive and nurturing environment for teachers, and providing child-centric, technology-enabled infrastructure, we are preparing children to thrive in a future-ready ecosystem” — Sonal Pinto, Director, Ryan International Group of Institutions (Ryan Shalom, Ulwe: 108 students and seven teachers)

“We are delighted with our promotion from #7 last year to #1 rank this year. The credit for this big promotion goes to our teachers, parents, and management for their continuous support to our initiatives to improve, innovate and deliver high-quality early childhood education. I am especially pleased that we have been awarded highest scores on the interrelated parameters of competence of teachers, teacher welfare and development and curriculum and pedagogy. Our teachers are the heart of our school, and affirmation of their competence and professional growth is very satisfying. Moreover, we are strong believers in Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy that ‘Play is the work of child’ and have adopted the Early Childhood Association’s Play Policy. Therefore, our curriculum and pedagogy — for which we have been given top score — is centred around children learning through play and hands-on activities. In short, our rise to the top has been enabled by a team effort to improve under these three parameters because skilled, well-trained teachers teaching a robust, thoughtfully designed curriculum enrich children’s learning experiences” — Dr. Suman Sood, Director & Principal, B.D. Memorial Jr. School, Kolkata (210 students and 13 teachers)

“We are overjoyed to be voted Kolkata’s #1 franchised preschool for the second year consecutively. It’s also very satisfying to learn that we have been awarded highest scores on nine of the ten parameters of early childhood education excellence. This is testimony that we are providing holistic education which stimulates youngest children’s academic, physical, social, and emotional growth. The distinguishing features of our preschool are our ‘ICan Curriculum’ — for which we have been awarded top score — and Sight Reading Program, an extensive vocabulary development programme. Our most prized asset is our competent and experienced teachers whose understanding and delivery of the curriculum is par excellence. Therefore, I’m delighted with our top scores under the parameters of teacher competence and teacher welfare and development. It’s also very satisfying to learn that we have been awarded the highest score for safety and hygiene because we have received a ‘Safe School Assessment Rating’ of 99.56 percent by TUV India for the second successive year” — Archana Mantri, Principal, Kangaroo Kids International Pre-School, New Alipore, Kolkata (54 students and nine teachers)

“We are delighted to learn that Srishti Montessori is ranked Chennai’s #1 proprietary preschool for the second year in succession. Such recognition motivates us to continue providing innovative early years education for many more years to come. I am especially enthused by our top scores under the parameters of teacher welfare, parental involvement, individual attention to students and curriculum and pedagogy. Our team of dedicated Montessori trained teachers and the personal attention and care they provide to children are the prime factors behind our top ranking. Our goal now is to move Srishti to larger premises to deliver our tried and tested early years education to a larger number of children” — Prathima Muralidharan (centre), Principal, Srishti Montessori School, Chennai

“We are elated with our promotion as Chennai’s #1 franchise preschool and deeply appreciate EducationWorld’s effort in conducting such a comprehensive and credible survey. It is especially reassuring that we have been awarded top scores on the critical parameters of competence of teachers, teacher welfare, parental involvement, as also safety and hygiene and individual attention to students — that we value the most. We have invested substantially in the continuous professional development of our teachers — our greatest strength. Moreover as indicated by our top score for safety and hygiene, we follow stringent safety protocols, regular audits, hygiene routines and continuous staff training to ensure the highest level of care However, I am disappointed with the score awarded to us under curriculum and pedagogy, despite having aligned our age-appropriate and innovative curriculum with the Kiduducation provided by our franchisor Podar Education Mumbai and NEP 2020’s Foundational Stage Framework” — Annie Anthony, proprietor, Podar Jumbo Kids Plus, Thoraipakkam, Chennai (55 students and 8 teachers)

“We are humbled by our #1 ranking for three consecutive years, and latest promotion to #1+. I am very pleased with our highest score under the parameter of infrastructure provision because we have carefully prepared our Montessori classrooms to be appealing, welcoming, and designed for independent learning. Child-sized furniture and accessible materials promote ease of use, order, and calmness. Children help to care for plants and arrange flowers, and classrooms enable harmonious movement, concentration, and reflection. Even outdoors, the environment supports children’s gross motor development through play, climbing, and exploration. Activities like planting vegetables for community snacks or observing butterflies, textures, and colours in nature enrich children’s understanding and arouse curiosity. All this is supported by our highly competent teachers — awarded top score — who continuously refine best teaching-learning practices to prepare children for the future” — Samina Mahmood (centre), founder, Head Start Montessori House of Children, Koramangla (281 students, 27 teachers)

“Thank you for ranking us Bengaluru’s #1 franchised preschool for the third consecutive year. I credit this achievement to our teachers and staff, whose dedication, commitment and personal initiative have created a joyful learning environment where every child feels supported and valued. Our teachers are regularly upskilled through Maple Bear Global teacher training workshops and are encouraged to personalise teaching-learning to suit every child’s aptitude. Therefore I am not surprised that we have been awarded the highest scores for competence of teachers. Another highlight of our preschool is our child-centric curriculum that blends Canadian early-learning framework with Indian cultural relevance. Our curriculum and pedagogy focuses on children’s language development, experiential learning, social-emotional growth, communication and self-regulation skills. Our top score on the parameter of curriculum and pedagogy acknowledges its success and relevance” — Ritu Handa, Founder & Principal, Maple Bear Canadian Preschool, RMV 2nd Stage (170 students, 16 teachers)