10 Best Indian Schools in Abu Dhabi 2025–2026 — Fees, Admission & Reviews

Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) is an ADEK Good-rated, not-for-profit CBSE school in Muroor / Hadbat Al Za'faranah, Abu Dhabi, serving close to 4,930 students from KG1 through Grade 12, with annual fees of AED 5,560 to AED 11,690 — one of the oldest and most respected Indian community schools in the Gulf.

Abu Dhabi Indian School: What You Need to Know

• Abu Dhabi Indian School was founded in 1971 — making it the longest-running Indian school in Abu Dhabi — and operates as a not-for-profit institution managed by the Indian community, which directly contributes to its position as one of the most affordably priced and consistently oversubscribed schools in the emirate.
• Abu Dhabi Indian School's CBSE Grade 10 and Grade 12 results in English, Mathematics, and all Sciences have been rated outstanding by ADEK inspectors in the 2024 Irtiqaa inspection — a performance level that has been consistent for three consecutive years.
• Abu Dhabi Indian School uses a draw (lottery) system for KG1 and Grade 1 admissions due to high demand; parents must register online and bring a printed registration slip on the designated stamping day to enter the draw.
• Abu Dhabi Indian School operates with separate sections for boys and girls from Grade 3 upwards, with differentiated school timings to manage the movement of nearly 5,000 students across the campus.

Abu Dhabi Indian School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024

[Inspection Reports — Available via ADEK/TAMM portal and the WhichSchoolAdvisor profile for Abu Dhabi Indian School]

Abu Dhabi Indian School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Additional charges: AED 5/year (cloth bag), AED 100 caution deposit (Grade 9), CBSE registration fee AED 150–800 (Grade 9 and above), transport AED 2,500/year. Source: Bayut / WhichSchoolAdvisor. Confirm current rates at adisuae.com/fee-structure.

Abu Dhabi Indian School: Admission Process

1. Complete the online registration at adisuae.com/admission; all fields and documents must be submitted correctly — incomplete forms are rejected.
2. For KG1 and Grade 1, the process uses a draw (lottery): after completing online registration, print the registration slip and bring it in person on the designated stamping date (typically early November) to Gate No. 5, between 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM.
3. Documents required: child's valid Emirates ID (mandatory for registration), passport (first and last pages) with valid UAE residence visa, water/electricity bill or Abu Dhabi tenancy contract with a 10-digit Premises ID, ADEK or school report card (within Abu Dhabi), CBSE registration card (Grade 9 and above).
4. Age criterion for KG1 2026–2027: as specified by ADEK — no age relaxation is possible, not even by one day.
5. Siblings of existing students participate in a separate Sibling Draw; parents who miss the initial window are advised to contact the school office on the same day.

Private International English School (PIES), also known as Bhavans Abu Dhabi, is an ADEK Very Good-rated CBSE school in Mohammed Bin Zayed City (Mussafah), Abu Dhabi, managed by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan network, offering KG1 through Grade 12 for close to 2,000 students with fees of AED 10,500 to AED 17,700 — one of only three CBSE schools in the emirate to hold a Very Good ADEK rating.

Private International English School: What You Need to Know

• Private International English School (PIES) has held a Very Good ADEK rating without interruption since its first inspection in 2018–19, confirmed again in both 2021–22 and 2023–24 — a record that makes it one of the most consistently high-performing Indian curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi.
• Private International English School is managed by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), a globally respected Indian educational body running over 400 schools in India and international centres in the UK, USA, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, Portugal, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.
• Private International English School's campus includes chemistry, biology, physics, psychology, and computer labs, alongside a football court, indoor play area, KG play area, auditorium, dance and music room, and a digital Learning Management System that provides classwork records from KG level.
• Private International English School was the first UAE school managed by BVB, and its 2025–26 fees — starting from AED 10,500 at KG level — represent strong value for a consistently Very Good-rated CBSE school.

Private International English School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2023–2024

Irtiqaa Inspection Report 2023–2024 | ADEK Fee Approval 2025–26

Private International English School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Plus textbook fees: AED 600 (KG1–KG2), AED 700 (Grade 1–12). Source: bhavansabudhabi.com/fees-structure.

Private International English School: Admission Process

1. Complete the online registration form at bhavansabudhabi.com — guidelines for filling the form are published under the Info Center section.
2. Upload all required documents: passport copies (first and last pages) for student and parents with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate (attested if from India: District Education Officer/CBSE Regional Office → Indian Embassy Abu Dhabi → UAE Foreign Affairs).
3. For local Abu Dhabi transfers, submit the eSIS number and ADEK marksheet from the previous school.
4. Age criterion: KG1 requires the child to be at least 4 years old as of 31 March of the admission year.
5. Academic year runs April–March; mid-term admissions are accepted subject to seat availability. Fees are payable in three terms.

GEMS United Indian School (GEMS UIS) is an ADEK Good-rated CBSE school in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi, originally established as Our Own English School in 1990 and relaunched on a purpose-built campus in 2015, offering Pre-KG through Grade 12 for over 4,000 students with fees of AED 9,570 to AED 19,030 — one of the largest and best-resourced Indian curriculum schools in the emirate.

GEMS United Indian School: What You Need to Know

• GEMS United Indian School has been rated Good by ADEK in the 2024–25 inspection round, continuing its track record of strong CBSE academic results — the school's motto "Lead Kindly Light" underpins a value-based education model that balances academic rigour with character development.
• GEMS United Indian School traces its roots to the original Our Own English School, which opened in September 1990 and topped CBSE results in its day; the current campus opened in Baniyas in 2015 with two large teaching blocks forming a quadrangle around an enormous sports area.
• GEMS United Indian School offers Science, Commerce, and a Humanities stream (where a minimum of 15 students register) at Grades 11 and 12 — a broader choice than most other CBSE schools in Abu Dhabi — and its CBSE Grade 10 attainment is rated outstanding by inspectors.
• GEMS United Indian School students receive the Sheikh Hamdan Award for Distinguished Academic Performance, and female students are eligible for the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Award for Excellence — recognition of the school's academic standing in the UAE.

GEMS United Indian School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024–25

[Inspection Reports — Available under the Inspections tab on the WhichSchoolAdvisor profile for GEMS United Indian School]

GEMS United Indian School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Fees are paid across 10 months of the year (July and August are excluded). Payment can be made annually, per term, or monthly. A 5% registration deposit is due on acceptance of the offer letter. Contact gemsunitedindianschool-abudhabi.com/Admissions/Tuition-Fees to view the full ADEK-approved schedule.

GEMS United Indian School: Admission Process

1. Enrol online at gemsunitedindianschool-abudhabi.com/Admissions/Enrol-Online; book a school tour to visit the campus.
2. Upon receiving an offer letter, a registration fee equivalent to 5% of the annual tuition is due; this is non-refundable and non-transferable but adjustable against the first term's fees once the student joins.
3. Documents required: passport copies with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate (attested if from India: CBSE Regional Office → Indian Consulate → UAE Foreign Affairs), previous academic results.
4. Age placement is based on age as of 31 March; the school uses ADEK's age placement criteria and caters to students from Pre-KG (age 3) onwards.
5. Fees can be paid using cash, current-dated cheques, or credit card; post-dated cheques are not accepted. The school uses the GEMS Connect App and GEMS Parent Portal for fee tracking.

St. Joseph's School is an ADEK Very Good-rated CBSE school in Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, established in 1967 and managed by the Apostolic Vicariate of the Roman Catholic Church, offering Grade 1 through Grade 12 in a co-educational setup to Grade 6, and girls-only from Grade 7, with fees of AED 6,170 to AED 10,640 — the oldest school in this guide and one of the most affordable Very Good-rated CBSE options in Abu Dhabi.

St. Joseph's School: What You Need to Know

• St. Joseph's School has held a Very Good ADEK rating since its 2021–22 post-pandemic inspection, confirmed again in 2023–24 — a significant step up from the Good rating it had maintained across multiple earlier inspections, signalling genuine school improvement under stable leadership.
• St. Joseph's School maintains a staff-to-student ratio of 1:16 — notably lower than the Abu Dhabi average for Indian curriculum schools — which allows for more individual attention and support for each student.
• St. Joseph's School's CBSE Grade 10 and Grade 12 results have been consistently strong, with ADEK inspectors rating attainment as outstanding in English, Mathematics, Science, Islamic Education, and Arabic (Second Language).
• St. Joseph's School was founded in 1967 and holds a central location in Al Mushrif; ADEK classifies its fees as "Very Low," and the additional book fee is modest at AED 395–475 per grade per year.

St. Joseph's School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2023–2024

[Inspection Report — Available under the Inspections tab on the WhichSchoolAdvisor profile for St. Joseph's School Abu Dhabi]

St. Joseph's School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Additional book fee: AED 395–475/year depending on grade. Source: WhichSchoolAdvisor. Confirm current rates at stjosephsschool.ae.

St. Joseph's School: Admission Process

1. Visit stjosephsschool.ae/admissions to review current admission requirements and seat availability.
2. Note: St. Joseph's School accepts students from Grade 1 only — there is no KG programme, and children must come from an external nursery or kindergarten.
3. Documents required: passport (first and last pages) with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate attested as follows — from India: District Education Officer/CBSE Regional Office → Indian Embassy → UAE Foreign Affairs; from other UAE emirates: Ministry of Education; from other countries: school → Ministry of Education → Ministry of Foreign Affairs → UAE Embassy.
4. For local Abu Dhabi transfers, submit the eSIS number and ADEK marksheet from the previous school.
5. St. Joseph's School is girls-only from Grade 7 onwards — parents of boys need to factor in a school transition when their child reaches Grade 7.

Global Indian International School Abu Dhabi (GIIS) is an ADEK Good-rated school in Baniyas East, Abu Dhabi, part of the Global Schools Foundation network (35 campuses across 10 countries), offering Pre-KG through Grade 12 with Global Montessori Plus at kindergarten and CBSE from Grade 1, serving over 2,296 students with annual fees of AED 11,540 to AED 13,650 — one of the most affordably structured CBSE schools in Abu Dhabi relative to its campus size.

Global Indian International School: What You Need to Know

• Global Indian International School Abu Dhabi improved its ADEK rating from Acceptable to Good on its second inspection in 2018–19, and has maintained a Good rating through the 2024–25 inspection round, reflecting sustained improvement across teaching quality, curriculum delivery, and student outcomes.
• Global Indian International School follows the proprietary 9GEMS™ framework — a holistic education model developed by the Global Schools Foundation that combines academic excellence, sports, creative arts, digital learning, entrepreneurship, and values education — alongside the CBSE curriculum.
• Global Indian International School's campus of 191,435 sq ft includes a swimming pool, synthetic athletics track, tennis and badminton courts, cricket ground, yoga centre, dance studio, 600-seat auditorium, Maker Space, Tech Centre, and 75-inch multi-touch panels in classrooms.
• Global Indian International School Abu Dhabi offers multiple scholarship programmes (merit, sports, co-curricular) for Grades 1 to 10, and provides a 25% sibling fee subsidy for the second child, making it a particularly cost-effective choice for families with multiple children.

Global Indian International School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024–25

[Inspection Report — Available under the Inspections tab on the WhichSchoolAdvisor profile for GIIS Abu Dhabi]

Global Indian International School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Additional costs: books AED 600–900/year, uniforms AED 730, transport AED 5,000/year. The narrow AED 2,110 spread across the entire school (Pre-KG to Grade 12) makes GIIS one of the most predictably budgeted CBSE schools in Abu Dhabi. Source: edcare.ae. Confirm at globalindianschool.org/abudhabi/admissions/fees.

Global Indian International School: Admission Process

1. Visit globalindianschool.org/abudhabi/admissions to begin the application; the Admissions Team starts reviewing applications for the new academic year each January, so early submission is encouraged.
2. Complete the admission form with all required supporting documents to avoid processing delays.
3. Documents required: passport with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate (appropriately attested), previous academic results, and any relevant special needs documentation if applicable.
4. The school accepts admissions throughout the academic year; the academic year begins in April and ends in March (three terms).
5. The myGIIS app allows parents to track fees, receive notices, and access school communications. No annual registration fee; a one-time registration deposit is payable at the time of admission to secure the seat.

Emirates Future International Academy (EFIA) is an ADEK Good-rated CBSE school in Mohammed Bin Zayed City (Mussafah), Abu Dhabi, established in 2008 and managed by Al Junaibi Group of Companies, offering KG1 through Grade 12 for approximately 2,800 students with annual fees of AED 7,800 to AED 14,600 — an ISO 9001-2015 certified school with an established track record of 100% Grade 10 pass rates.

Emirates Future International Academy: What You Need to Know

• Emirates Future International Academy holds a Good ADEK rating and is ISO 9001-2015 certified — a quality management accreditation held by a small number of Abu Dhabi CBSE schools — and the school's motto is "Education Leads to Perfection."
• Emirates Future International Academy serves as the CBSE Board Examination centre for six Abu Dhabi CBSE schools, hosting Grade 10 and Grade 12 examinations, which reflects the strength of its administrative infrastructure and examinations management.
• Emirates Future International Academy has recorded 100% Grade 10 pass rates consistently over multiple years, and Grade 12 results in both Science and Commerce streams show a continuing improvement trend.
• Emirates Future International Academy's curriculum is aligned with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 through the Student Competency Framework (SCF), and the school's campus includes separate computer labs for boys and girls, a gym, library, auditorium, canteen, clinic, and transport facilities.

Emirates Future International Academy: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection (most recent cycle)

Fee Structure 2025–2026 | School Website

Emirates Future International Academy: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Contact Emirates Future International Academy directly at efiaschool.com to view and confirm the ADEK-approved 2025–2026 fee schedule.

Emirates Future International Academy: Admission Process

1. Visit efiaschool.com or contact the school administration to check seat availability and collect the admission registration form.
2. Documents required: passport copies with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate with full attestation chain (from India: CBSE Regional Office → Indian Embassy → UAE Foreign Affairs; from other countries: school → Ministry of Education → UAE Embassy).
3. Age criterion: KG1 requires a minimum age of 4 years as of 31 March; Grade 1 requires a minimum of 6 years.
4. The academic year runs April to March; mid-term admissions are considered subject to seat availability and a valid Transfer Certificate.
5. EFIA manages three-term fee payments; Grade 10 and 12 Board examination fees are charged as per CBSE norms in addition to tuition.

Sunrise English Private School (SEPS) is an ADEK Good-rated CBSE school in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, established in 1988, offering KG1 through Grade 12 for over 2,800 students with annual fees of AED 8,100 to AED 12,770 — one of the most long-established and affordably priced Indian curriculum schools in the emirate, with 36 years of continuous service.

Sunrise English Private School: What You Need to Know

• Sunrise English Private School has been rated Good by ADEK in the 2024–25 inspection round, maintaining a consistent standard over 36 years of operation — the school was founded in a villa in 1988 and has since grown into a purpose-built campus serving nearly 2,800 students.
• Sunrise English Private School maintains a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:25 in Kindergarten and 1:30 in upper grades, with 158 qualified teachers recruited predominantly from India and a very low historical teacher turnover.
• Sunrise English Private School's facilities include a library, organic garden, robotics programme, computer labs, sports courts, fine art rooms, a canteen, and a health clinic — all within an affordable fee bracket that makes it one of the best-value Good-rated CBSE schools in Abu Dhabi.
• Sunrise English Private School's vision is "to foster excellence in educating young people through collaboration, informed decision-making and continuous improvement," and the school's motto, "Lighted to Lighten," reflects its long-standing commitment to the Indian expatriate community.

Sunrise English Private School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024–25

[Inspection Report — Available under the Inspections tab on the WhichSchoolAdvisor profile for Sunrise English Private School]

Sunrise English Private School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Contact Sunrise English Private School directly or visit seps-auh.com to confirm the current ADEK-approved fee schedule.

Sunrise English Private School: Admission Process

1. Contact the school administration or visit the campus to confirm seat availability; Sunrise English Private School is frequently at capacity, particularly in primary grades.
2. Documents required: passport (first and last pages) with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate with relevant attestation (from India: CBSE Regional Office → Indian Embassy → UAE Foreign Affairs; from other emirates: Ministry of Education attestation; from outside UAE: school → Ministry of Education → Ministry of Foreign Affairs → UAE Embassy).
3. For local Abu Dhabi transfers, submit the ADEK marksheet and eSIS number.
4. Age criterion: KG1 requires a minimum age of 4 years by 31 March; Grade 1 requires a minimum of 6 years.
5. Academic year runs April to March; mid-term admissions are subject to seat availability and a valid Transfer Certificate.

Bright Riders School (BRS) is an ADEK Very Good-rated CBSE school in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, established in 2013 (growing from a kindergarten founded in 1978), offering KG1 through Grade 12 for approximately 3,900 students with annual fees of AED 9,470 to AED 19,650 — the largest Very Good-rated Indian curriculum school in this guide, recognised with the ADEK Award for most improved school.

Bright Riders School: What You Need to Know

• Bright Riders School holds a Very Good ADEK rating and has won the ADEK Award for the most improved school category — recognition of meaningful, data-driven institutional progress over multiple inspection cycles.
• Bright Riders School supports approximately 3,900 students with 214 teachers and 14 teaching assistants, and the school operates mixed-gender classrooms from KG through Grade 5, transitioning to gender-specific classes from Grade 6 onwards.
• Bright Riders School's Grade 12 board examination results have included subject-level scores as high as 97.6% in Science and 96.4% in Commerce, and the school provides access to clubs, aerobics, swimming, art, vocal and instrumental music, and dance alongside its academic programme.
• Bright Riders School's purpose-built campus in Mohammed Bin Zayed City features smart classrooms, advanced science and computer laboratories, a library, auditorium, and sports facilities, all designed to international education standards.

Bright Riders School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection (most recent cycle)

Bright Riders School Website | ADEK Ratings Profile

Bright Riders School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: WhichSchoolAdvisor. Contact brightriders.ae to confirm the current ADEK-approved fee schedule.

Bright Riders School: Admission Process

1. Complete the online admission registration at brightriders.ae; a confirmation email is sent upon receipt of the completed form.
2. An admission assessment is conducted for Grade 3 and above; Grades 1 and 2 have direct admissions subject to seat availability.
3. Documents required: valid passport with UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, CBSE registration card (Grade 9 and above), previous school marksheets, original Transfer Certificate (from India: Ministry of Education/CBSE Regional Office → Indian Embassy; from other UAE emirates: Ministry of Education; from GCC: Ministry of Education of origin country).
4. Internal Abu Dhabi transfers can be processed online; age placement is based on 31 March as the cutoff date.
5. Academic year runs April to March; the school observes mixed-gender to Grade 5 and gender-specific classes from Grade 6.

International Indian School Abu Dhabi (IIS) is an ADEK Good-rated CBSE school in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi, established in 2016 and managed by Global Education Solutions, offering Pre-KG through Grade 12 for over 830 students with annual fees of AED 12,220 to AED 17,222 — a newer school that has grown rapidly and includes board exam fees within its annual fee structure.

International Indian School Abu Dhabi: What You Need to Know

• International Indian School Abu Dhabi has maintained a Good ADEK rating since its first inspection in 2018–19 and again in the most recent 2024–25 inspection round, delivering consistent academic quality since opening — notable given the school's rapid growth from 600 to over 830 students in just a few years.
• International Indian School Abu Dhabi is the sister school to the long-established Global English School in Al Ain, and is managed by Global Education Solutions — a company with deep roots in CBSE school management in the UAE going back over 30 years.
• International Indian School Abu Dhabi's fee structure is transparent and all-inclusive: annual fees cover tuition, books, and uniforms with no hidden costs, and CBSE board examination fees for Grades 10 and 12 are included — unusual among Abu Dhabi CBSE schools.
• International Indian School Abu Dhabi offers scholarships of 10–20% for academic excellence, sports, and co-curricular activities, as well as sibling discounts of 5% for the second child and 10% for the third child and beyond, making it a genuinely cost-effective option for larger families.

International Indian School Abu Dhabi: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024–25

[Inspection Report — Available under the Inspections tab on the WhichSchoolAdvisor profile for International Indian School Abu Dhabi]

International Indian School Abu Dhabi: Annual Fees 2026–2027

Annual fees include tuition, books, and uniform. Board exam fees for Grades 10 and 12 are included. 5% early-payment discount if full year paid by 30 March. Source: iischoolabudhabi.com/tuition-fee. Fees are payable in 4 instalments.

International Indian School Abu Dhabi: Admission Process

1. Visit iischoolabudhabi.com/admission to begin the application process; a virtual tour of the campus is also available at 360.iischoolabudhabi.com.
2. Documents required: passport with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate (attested as appropriate for country of origin — see ADEK guidelines), previous academic results.
3. For transfers from India: TC must be attested by the District Education Officer/CBSE Regional Office, then the Indian Embassy Abu Dhabi, then UAE Foreign Affairs. For other countries, follow the equivalent attestation chain.
4. Board Examination fees for Grades 10 and 12 are included in the annual fees — parents do not need to budget separately for these.
5. Academic year runs April to March; fees are payable in 4 equal instalments. A 5% discount applies on full-year advance payment by 30 March.

The Model School (also known as Model Private School or the New Indian Model School) is an ADEK Good-rated CBSE school in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, established in 1987 as a branch of the New Indian Model School Dubai under Dr. M.K. Kamaluddin, offering KG through Grade 12 with CBSE up to Grade 12 and an optional Kerala Board from Grade 8, with fees of approximately AED 4,600 to AED 7,200 — the most affordable school in this guide and one of the most affordable private schools in Abu Dhabi overall.

The Model School: What You Need to Know

• The Model School achieved a Good ADEK rating in the 2024–25 inspection round — a meaningful improvement after years at the Acceptable level — demonstrating that consistent efforts by the school's leadership have translated into measurable quality gains for students and families.
• The Model School is the only school in this guide to offer the Kerala State Board curriculum as an alternative from Grade 8 to Grade 12, alongside the CBSE pathway — particularly relevant for families from Kerala who wish to maintain continuity with the Kerala examination system.
• The Model School's fee range of approximately AED 4,600 to AED 7,200 makes it the most affordable school in this guide, and one of the most affordable private schools in Abu Dhabi, making it a strong option for Indian families seeking quality education at a genuinely accessible price point.
• The Model School campus in Mussafah includes well-equipped science laboratories, a library, sports playground, and a range of extracurricular activities — sports coaching in basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and cricket is available after regular class hours under qualified trainers.

The Model School: School Performance

Source: ADEK Irtiqaa Inspection 2024–25

[Inspection Report — Available under the Inspections tab on the WhichSchoolAdvisor profile for The Model (New Indian) Private School Abu Dhabi]

The Model School: Annual Fees 2025–2026

Source: WhichSchoolAdvisor. Contact The Model School directly or visit themodel.ae under the Fee Structure section to confirm the current ADEK-approved schedule.

The Model School: Admission Process

1. Visit themodel.ae to access the Admission 2026–2027 section, which includes the selected and qualified lists for each grade.
2. Documents required: passport (first and last pages) with valid UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, Transfer Certificate (attested as appropriate for country of origin), previous academic marksheets.
3. For siblings of existing students, additional documents include original passports and updated Emirates IDs.
4. If no seats are available at the time of application, the applicant is placed on a waiting list.
5. The Model School follows both the CBSE and Kerala Board pathways; students in Grade 8 and above can choose their preferred examination board. The academic year runs April to March.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Indian school in Abu Dhabi has the lowest fees?

The Model School in Mussafah is the most affordable school in this guide, with annual fees from approximately AED 4,600 (KG–Grade 7) to AED 7,200 (Grade 12). It holds a Good ADEK rating as of the 2024–25 inspection round — a rating that reflects quality meeting UAE expectations. St. Joseph's School in Al Mushrif is the second most affordable option at AED 6,170 to AED 10,640, and holds a Very Good rating — the highest of any school in this guide at that price point.

Which Indian schools in Abu Dhabi have a Very Good ADEK rating?

Three schools in this guide hold ADEK Very Good ratings: Private International English School (PIES/Bhavans, AED 10,500–17,700), St. Joseph's School (AED 6,170–10,640), and Bright Riders School (AED 9,470–19,650). PIES has held a Very Good rating continuously since 2018 — the longest streak of any CBSE school in Abu Dhabi. St. Joseph's achieved its Very Good rating in 2021–22 and confirmed it in 2023–24. Bright Riders School received its Very Good rating on the strength of a multi-year improvement programme that also earned it the ADEK Award for most improved school.

Are there Indian schools in Abu Dhabi that offer the Kerala Board curriculum?

Yes. The Model School in Mussafah offers both the CBSE curriculum up to Grade 12 and the Kerala State Board curriculum as an option from Grade 8 onwards. This makes it a unique choice for families from Kerala who want their children to maintain continuity with the Kerala examination system while studying in Abu Dhabi. All other schools in this guide exclusively follow the CBSE pathway.

When should I apply to Indian schools in Abu Dhabi?

Most schools follow an April–March academic year, with admissions for the following cycle typically opening between January and March. Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) uses a draw (lottery) system for KG1 and Grade 1 — parents should register online when the process opens (typically October–November) and then attend the designated stamping day in person. For schools like GEMS United Indian School, GIIS, and IIS, the admissions team starts reviewing applications from January. Bright Riders School, PIES, and GEMS UIS are frequently at capacity, particularly at primary levels — submitting your application early is strongly advised.

What is the difference between CBSE and Kerala Board at The Model School?

At The Model School Abu Dhabi, the CBSE pathway is followed from KG through Grade 12 and leads to the All India Secondary School Certificate (Grade 10) and the All India Senior School Certificate (Grade 12) — the standard Indian board qualifications recognised internationally. The Kerala State Board pathway, available as an option from Grade 8, follows the curriculum of the Kerala Board of Public Examinations and is particularly suited for families who intend to return to Kerala for further education, as results are directly recognised by Kerala universities and colleges. Both streams are co-educational and taught in English medium. Parents should confirm the current subject options and board-specific requirements directly with The Model School before making a choice.

Parents also search for: best CBSE schools in Abu Dhabi 2025, Indian schools in Baniyas Abu Dhabi, affordable Indian schools Abu Dhabi fees, ADEK Very Good Indian curriculum schools, CBSE schools in Mussafah Abu Dhabi, Indian schools near Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi school admission 2025–2026, CBSE Grade 12 board results Abu Dhabi, Kerala board school Abu Dhabi, GEMS United Indian School fees, GIIS Abu Dhabi fees

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi's Indian school landscape in 2025–2026 spans the full range of budgets — from The Model School at AED 4,600 to Bright Riders School at AED 19,650 — and multiple ADEK rating levels, with three Very Good-rated CBSE schools now accessible to families at very different price points. Whether your priority is an established community school like Abu Dhabi Indian School, the highest inspection rating like PIES or Bright Riders, or the most affordable option like The Model School or St. Joseph's, this guide gives you the data to compare and decide. Schedule school tours before March 2026 — key entry points like KG1 and Grade 1 fill quickly across all schools.