Written By: Gouri Ghosh

India's preschool industry is developing rapidly. Over the past few years, parents have come to understand how much they need early childhood education for their children. Also, this has generated immense demand for preschools throughout the country. In 2026, the preschool franchise market in India will expand even further, due to increased incomes, greater numbers of urban families, and the realization of structured learning at an early age.

If you are thinking of opening a business, this is the ideal time to consider preschool franchise opportunities. Being a franchisee, you won't have to begin from scratch you receive the brand name, a pre-planned curriculum, and also full support to operate your centre. This enables you to concentrate on establishing a profitable business while providing quality education to kids.

But here's the million-dollar question: with so many choices, what is the best preschool franchise in India in 2026? we'll take you through all that you need to know, step by step.

Importance of Early Childhood Education—Market Trends for 2026

When we consider the future of education, it all begins with the early years. By 2026, the preschool franchise in India will keep growing strong, further here's why:

• The NEP (National Education Policy) is pushing for more structured early learning, which also means preschools will play an even bigger role.
• We’re moving toward hybrid learning models—a smart mix of classroom teaching as well as digital tools that make learning fun and flexible.
• Parents are no longer just looking at ABCs and 123s. They want holistic development for their kids—creativity, problem-solving, social skills, and also emotional growth.

With demand increasing in cities small and large, industry insiders are forecasting double-digit growth in the preschool franchise business model.

Criteria for Evaluation

When selecting the top preschool franchise in 2026, consider these factors:

• Franchise cost & investment (initial fee, recurring royalty).
• Curriculum & pedagogy (Montessori, play-way, mixed).
• Brand reputation & years of experience.
• Franchisee support (training, HR, marketing, operations).
• Infrastructure & facility requirements.
• Market demand in your city.
• Quality of staff recruitment & training.

Top 10 Preschool Franchises in India in 2026

EuroKids Preschool

 EuroKids started in 2001 and is now one of the most reputed preschool brands in India. Also, With over 1,200 centres, it is a well-established option for franchisees.

• Curriculum: Child First curriculum with both play-way and digital learning.
• Investment:  ₹12–20 lakh.
• Number of Operational Centres:  1,200+ centres spread across India.

Why Invest in 2026

• Very high brand trust among parents.
• Full franchisee assistance ranging from training to promotion.
• Increased demand for high-end preschools in urban areas.
• An established preschool franchise business model.

Makoons Franchise

Makoons is a new, expanding preschool chain. Also, It is famous for its contemporary approach to teaching and emphasis on individualized care.

• Curriculum: Play-based and activity-centred learning techniques.
• Investment: ₹10–15 lakh.
• Number of Operating Centres: 200+ as well as expanding.

Why Invest in 2026

• Reasonable entry fee for first-time investors.
• Interactive approach appealing to contemporary parents.
• Growing presence in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
• Excellent scope for preschool franchise profitability.

Millennium School

Millennium School is a high-end preschool brand. It is supported by research-based pedagogy and also resonates with parents seeking innovation.

• Curriculum: Research-based, with an emphasis on overall child development.
• Investment:  ₹20–30 lakh.
• Number of Operating Centres: 50+ centres in India.

Why Invest in 2026

• Premium positioning in the market.
• Strong training and franchisee support.
• Resonates with high-income parents in metro cities.
• Growing demand for high-end preschool franchises in India.

Petals School

 Petals provides skill-based as well as experiential learning. Parents prefer it because it has a safe and nurturing environment.

• Curriculum:  Montessori and play-way methods combined.
• Investment:  ₹12–18 lakh.
• Number of Operational Centres:  100+ centres.

Why Invest in 2026

•  Emphasis on safety and parent trust.
• Affordable investment for mid-level entrepreneurs.
• A balanced teaching style suitable for various markets.
• Growing presence in urban markets.

Kidzee

Kidzee is a very well-known brand and one of the largest preschool chains in Asia. 

• Curriculum: The Play-Way method is structured with systematic planning for learning in the early years.
• Investment: ₹12–20 lakh.
• Number of Operational Centres : 1,900+ centres in India.

Why Invest in 2026

• Extensive brand visibility and recognition.
• Powerful preschool franchise business model.
• A large network guarantees robust parent trust.
• Ongoing support and country-wide promotion.

Sai Astha Indian Kids

Sai Astha is a rapidly growing preschool chain brand. Moreover, It combines Indian heritage with contemporary early education.

• Curriculum: Emphasis on Indian values coupled with play-way principles.
• Investment: ₹8–12 lakh.
• Number of Operational Centres: 50+ centres.

Why Invest in 2026

• Extremely low-cost franchise opportunity.
• Niche product for parents who appreciate tradition.
• Growing popularity in Tier-2 cities.
• Easy entry into the preschool franchise business model.

Shemrock

Shemrock is a pioneer preschool chain in India, established in 1989. It has gained strong credibility over the years.

• Curriculum: Play-way method with easy and effective approaches.
• Investment: ₹10–15 lakh.
• Number of Operating Centres: 650+ centres across India.

Why Invest in 2026

• Established legacy brand with parent trust.
• Easy business model for first-time franchisees.
• Economical in comparison to high-end players.
• Strong base in multiple cities.

Birla Open Minds

Birla Open Minds is supported by the Birla group. It has a premium brand and appeals to parents seeking quality education.

• Curriculum: Premium and structured curriculum with high-quality standards.
• Investment: ₹15–25 lakh.
• Number of Operational Centres: 100+ and growing.

Why Invest in 2026

• Supported by a premier business house.
• Premium brand appeal for high-income groups.
• Strong franchisee training and infrastructure support.
• Increasing demand for high-quality preschool franchises in India.

Rosemount International Preschool

Rosemount introduces international teaching concepts to early years education. Parents who desire global-style learning make it a favorite

• Curriculum: Montessori and international best practice blend.
• Investment: ₹10–18 lakh.
• Number of Operational Centres: 30+ centres.

Why Invest in 2026

• Distinct international positioning.
• Appealing to city parents who desire global exposure.
• Moderate investment with considerable potential.
• Chances to introduce something new to the domestic market.

Bachpan Preschool

Bachpan has a well-known brand with over 1,100 centers. It mixes affordability with digital technology.

• Curriculum: Play-way method supported with AR/VR and digital education.
• Investment: ₹10–15 lakh.
• Number of Operating Centres: 1,100+ centres in India.

Why Invest in 2026

• Wide and reputable network throughout India.
• Low-cost franchise model.
• Innovative application of technology in the classrooms.
• Strong recall value among parents.

Comparative Table of Best Preschool Franchises in India in 2026

Future of Preschool Franchises in India 2026

The following are the things that we might witness in the future for the preschool franchise in India:

• Intense growth in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as demand extends beyond metros.
• More converged learning models with both class teaching as well as digital platforms.
• Increased parent engagement in a child's early education.
• Deployment of AI, AR, and VR in schools to engage learners.
• Government support and policy changes to promote systematic preschool education.
• Emphasis on holistic development involving creativity, problem-solving, and social skills.
• Eco-friendly infrastructure as a marketing advantage for new preschools.
• Growing need for trained and certified early education teachers.
• Franchise business models are growing more flexible with low-cost offerings.
• Growing interest from edtech companies collaborating with preschools.

Conclusion

Opening a preschool franchise in India is one of the safest business opportunities in 2026. The preschool franchise model can provide you with good returns if you select the proper brand, proper location, and have a solid team.

If you are an entrepreneur who is opening your first venture, low-cost brands such as Sai Astha, Petals, or also Shemrock are suitable.

Incase you are an investor seeking a high-end option, moreover, you can opt for Birla Open Minds, Millennium, or EuroKids.

If you prefer a huge network and high parent trust, Kidzee or also Bachpan are the ideal ones.

Do thorough research before investing. Go to existing centers, speak with franchise owners, and inspect the complete preschool franchise cost in India not merely the beginning fee, but also people, lease, and maintenance.

Are you considering opening your own preschool franchise in 2026? This is the time to start your search and take the initial step towards establishing a successful and rewarding venture in early education.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.