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Looking for the best CBSE schools in Chennai for the 2026–27 academic year? This updated list of CBSE schools in Chennai includes top-rated institutions based on academic performance, infrastructure, student-teacher ratio, fee range, and holistic development approach.
Chennai has over 200 CBSE-affiliated schools, but only a few consistently stand out for balanced academics, extracurricular strength, and modern facilities. Below is a carefully curated list of the top CBSE schools in Chennai to help parents make an informed decision.
This guide covers:
• Fee structure comparison
• Student-teacher ratios
• Location advantages
• Academic strengths
• Admission insights for 2026
Why CBSE Schools in Chennai Are Preferred by Parents
CBSE schools in Chennai are popular with parents because they follow a nationally recognised and consistent curriculum that helps children build strong academic foundations. The CBSE syllabus emphasises conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills and application-based learning rather than only memorising facts, which prepares students well for board exams and competitive national examinations like JEE and NEET.
The uniform syllabus across India makes it easier for families who relocate to adjust without academic disruption, and many CBSE schools also integrate technology into the classroom to support digital learning. Parents value the focus on holistic development, including co-curricular activities alongside academics, which supports leadership, communication and social skills.
This combination of a well-structured curriculum, recognised standards and holistic focus is why CBSE schools in Chennai are often chosen by families planning long-term education paths.
List of CBSE Schools in Chennai – Top 10 for 2026
CBSE School Comparison Table
| School | Location | Classes | Approx Annual Fees | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahalakshmi Vidya Mandir | Chromepet | Nursery – Class 12 | Contact school | Holistic development, smart classrooms |
| Vels Vidyashram | OMR Thalambur / Pallavaram | Nursery – Class 12 | ₹48,000–₹1,20,900 | 360° learning focus |
| San Academy | Pallikaranai / Kamakoti Nagar | Nursery – Class 12 | Contact school | Academic rigor & experiential learning |
| Narayana Schools | Multiple branches | Nursery – Class 12 | Varies by branch | Strong STEM focus, competitive prep facilities |
| Chennai Public School | Multiple campuses | Nursery – Class 12 | Contact school | Excellent infrastructure & modern pedagogy |
| Babaji Vidhyashram School | OMR area | Nursery – Class 12 | Contact school | Personalized learning model |
| PSBB (Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan) | K.K. Nagar | Nursery – Class 12 | ₹57,000–₹75,000 | Long-established academic excellence |
| Shraddha Children’s Academy | Multiple campuses | Nursery – Class 12 | Contact school | Experiential & digital curriculum |
| Chettinad Vidyashram | R.A. Puram | Pre-Nursery – Class 12 | ₹58,000–₹60,000 | Large campus & extracurricular culture |
| SBOA School & Junior College | Anna Nagar West | Pre-School – Class 12 | ₹54,000–₹97,000 | Reputed CBSE school with extensive facilities |
Comparison of Top CBSE Schools in Chennai
Fee & Suitability Comparison
| School | Fee Range | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| MVM CBSE Chennai | Contact Us | Holistic focus |
| Vels Vidyashram | 48k–1.2L | Balanced academics |
| PSBB | 57k–75k | Strong board results |
| Babaji Vidhyashram | Contact | Individual attention |
| SBOA Junior College | 54k–97k | Structured academics |
Top 10 Best CBSE Schools in Chennai – Detailed Overview
1. Mahalakshmi Vidya Mandir (MVM), Chromepet
Mahalakshmi Vidya Mandir in Chromepet is one of Chennai’s emerging CBSE schools, offering classes from Nursery to Class 12 with a focus on holistic development and modern teaching methodologies. The school emphasizes smart classrooms and counselling support to help students thrive academically and socially. Information on fees and student-teacher ratios is not publicly listed online, so parents are encouraged to contact the school directly for the latest details.
This school is known for integrating technology and personalized attention into classroom learning. Regular assessments and teacher feedback are built into the academic year.
2. Vels Vidyashram – OMR Thalambur & Pallavaram
Vels Vidyashram is a rapidly growing CBSE school with two major campuses in Chennai. The school offers classes from Nursery to Class 12 with a fee range of approximately ₹48,000 to ₹1,20,900 per year depending on grade. The student-teacher ratio varies between 20:1 and 30:1, creating a balanced learning environment with enough individual attention for each child.
Vels Vidyashram focuses on a 360-degree learning model that combines academics, sports, arts, and personality development through clubs and extracurricular activities.
3. San Academy – Pallikaranai & Kamakoti Nagar
San Academy is recognised for its structured academic rigor and a holistic approach that encourages critical thinking and creativity. Parents have highlighted improvements in confidence and performance among students. The fee structure is usually obtained by contacting the school directly.
The learning approach here incorporates interactive methods and regular practical learning exercises, which many parents find beneficial for long-term academic growth.
4. Narayana Schools (Multiple Branches)
Narayana Schools in Chennai are part of a national network well known for strong performance in academics and competitive exam preparation. These schools promote STEM learning and often have advanced labs and coaching facilities built into the daily curriculum.
Parents who prioritise academic achievers and future competitive success often shortlist Narayana campuses.
5. Chennai Public School – Multiple Locations
Chennai Public School is a premium CBSE day school with campuses in Anna Nagar, Thirumazhisai and beyond. Known for a balanced academic curriculum and modern infrastructure, the school offers education from KG to Class 12.
The scholastic approach here includes innovations in teaching, a strong focus on life skills, and ample opportunities for clubs and sports.
6. Babaji Vidhyashram School – OMR Area
Babaji Vidhyashram emphasises personalization in learning, pairing strong academics with arts, sports, and innovation programs. The student-teacher ratio is claimed to be around 10:1, which allows for significant individual attention.
The school has invested in well-equipped facilities and parental engagement initiatives.
7. PSBB (Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan), K.K. Nagar
Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) is one of Chennai’s longest-standing CBSE institutions with a strong history of board exam success and comprehensive extracurricular programming. Annual fees are generally in the range of ₹57,000–₹75,000 with a student-teacher ratio of around 25:1.
PSBB’s alumni often highlight disciplined academic culture and strong foundational teaching.
8. Shraddha Children’s Academy – Multiple Campuses
Shraddha Children’s Academy combines digital learning with experiential projects and a firm emphasis on co-curricular development. Innovation labs, clubs, and activities are key offerings, even though fee details are often shared privately by the school.
Parents appreciate the focus on 21st-century skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and communication.
9. Chettinad Vidyashram – R.A. Puram
Chettinad Vidyashram boasts a large campus with well-rounded facilities including sports arenas, arts spaces, and academic labs. The school’s culture strongly promotes extracurricular engagement alongside classroom learning. Fees range around ₹58,000–₹60,000 per year with approximately 21:1 student-teacher ratio.
Many parents admire the balanced focus on creative and leadership programs here.
10. SBOA School & Junior College – Anna Nagar West
SBOA School & Junior College is one of Chennai’s respected CBSE institutions, offering a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular options. Fees range from roughly ₹54,000 to ₹97,000 annually, with a student-teacher ratio of about 28:1.
Parents often mention the strong discipline and structured learning environment at SBOA.
How to Choose the Best CBSE School in Chennai for Your Child
Choosing the best CBSE school in Chennai is not about brand name alone. It is about finding the right fit for your child’s learning style, personality, and long-term goals. Parents should start by evaluating the school’s academic consistency, teacher experience, and board exam results over the last few years. A stable faculty often indicates better academic continuity.
Distance from home is another practical factor. Long travel hours can affect a child’s energy and performance. Look at the student-teacher ratio, classroom environment, and safety measures on campus. Visit the school if possible to understand how teachers interact with students.
Also compare fee structure with facilities offered. Some top CBSE schools in Chennai focus heavily on academics, while others balance sports, arts, and leadership programs. The right school should support both academic success and overall development.
Conclusion
Chennai offers a wide range of CBSE schools, each with distinct strengths in academics, infrastructure, and extracurricular development. This updated list of CBSE schools in Chennai is designed to help parents compare options clearly before making a decision. The best CBSE school in Chennai ultimately depends on what matters most to your family, whether it is academic excellence, holistic growth, or personalised attention.
If you are exploring admissions for 2026–27, consider connecting with MVM CBSE in Chromepet to learn more about their curriculum, facilities, and admission process. Scheduling a campus visit can give you better clarity and help you make a confident choice for your child’s future.
