Written By: Bandana Gupta

India’s K-12 education sector is expected to grow to ₹10 lakh crore by 2026, fueled by rising student enrollment (over 25 crore students) and increasing demand for quality schools in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. School franchises are becoming a popular choice for investors, offering a scalable business model with a solid ROI of 15–25% per year. These franchises come with ready-made advantages, including a proven curriculum, teacher training programs, and strong marketing support. The top 10 school franchises list below is based on 2025 rankings, considering each brand’s reputation, network size, innovation, and franchisee success rate. 

These trends are expected to stay strong in 2026, especially with the NEP 2020 driving a shift toward holistic and modern education in India.

List of Top 10 School Franchises in India 2026

 Delhi Public School:

 Investment Range: Starting from ₹2–5 crore

Established in 1949, Delhi Public School (DPS) stands among India’s most distinguished educational institutions. Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development, DPS has built a strong legacy through its extensive network of K–12 schools across the country, consistently setting benchmarks in quality education.

 Mount Litera Zee School

Investment Range :60 Lakh - 2 Crore

• Corporate Backing: A venture of the Essel Group (Zee Learn Ltd.).
• Unique Pedagogy: Employs a proprietary pedagogy called "Litera Octave," which focuses on the holistic development of the child.
• Curriculum: CBSE.
• Why it's a top choice: Strong corporate backing provides robust operational and marketing support. Their unique teaching methodology is a key Differentiator.

Bachpan Play School

 Investment Range : 15-20 lakhs

 It is a well-established preschool network with over 1,100 branches across India. The brand is dedicated to creating a nurturing, child-centric environment that promotes learning through play and exploration.

EuroKids School

 Investment Range : 15-20 lakhs

EuroKids, known for its popular preschools, has now expanded into the K-12 space with EuroSchool.

Curriculum: It offers an innovative, child-friendly curriculum aligned with CBSE and ICSE boards.

Why it’s a top choice: A trusted name in preschool education, EuroKids is quickly building a strong presence in the K-12 segment. Its modern curriculum and parent-approved learning approach make it a reliable and growing brand

Orchids International

Investment Range:  2-3 Crores

Celebrated for its unique blend of Indian and Western teaching practices, this brand stands out for its strong focus on technology and holistic student growth.

 Curriculum: CBSE

Geographic Focus: A powerful presence in leading metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad.

 Why it’s a top choice: A favorite among urban parents, it offers a modern, tech-enabled learning experience supported by a centralized curriculum and  robust teacher training programs that ensure consistent quality across campuses

Podar Jumbo kids and Podar International School

 Investment Range : 1.5-2.5 Crore

The Podar Education Group boasts a remarkable legacy of over 90 years in shaping India’s educational landscape.

Curriculum: Offers diverse learning options including CBSE, ICSE, and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Network: Continues to expand rapidly, with a strong presence across multiple cities in India. Why it’s a top choice: With a trusted reputation for academic excellence and innovation, Podar provides a broad range of curricula to meet the needs of students from varied backgrounds.

Shemrock & Shemford Group of Schools

 Investment Range : 75 lakhs-1.5 Crore

Shemrock is a pioneer and a highly respected name in the preschool education sector, while Shemford Futuristic Schools extend this excellence to the K–12 segment.

 Curriculum: CBSE Key Feature: Distinguished by the innovative “ShemEduMAX” school system : a research-driven, futuristic curriculum designed to enhance learning outcomes. Why it’s a top choice: With a strong presence of over 625 preschools and senior schools, the brand offers comprehensive support in infrastructure design, teacher training, and marketing, making it one of the most trusted and future-ready school franchises in India.

Little Millennium

Investment Range: Starting from ₹12–15 lakhs

Founded by: Educomp Solutions Ltd.

Little Millennium is a rapidly expanding preschool network that focuses on providing a developmentally appropriate and well-structured curriculum.

The brand is dedicated to nurturing the holistic growth of young learners, covering intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development: within a safe, engaging,and  stimulating learning environment.

Kidzee

 Investment Range: Starting from ₹12–15 lakhs

  Founded by: Zee Learn Limited

Kidzee stands among Asia’s largest preschool networks, with over 1,900 centers across 750+ cities. The brand is committed to nurturing the individual potential of every child through its proprietary and research-based teaching methodology, ensuring  a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Edify Schools

Founded: 2003 Segment: K–12 Education Investment Range: ₹2–5 Crores

Edify Schools is a leading name in the K–12 education segment, offering CBSE, IB, and IGCSE curricula designed to promote comprehensive learning and all-around student development. At the heart of their philosophy lies the innovative 3C model: Character, Competence, and Content, which aims to build confident, capable, and well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in a global environment.

Key Emerging Trends and Major Growth Opportunities in India’s School Franchises Sector for 2026

NEP 2020 is Transforming Education in India

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is driving a major shift in the education landscape. Schools and franchises that align with its vision are poised for strong growth.

Focus on Early Childhood Education (ECCE):

NEP’s emphasis on structured learning for ages 3–6 has fueled rapid growth in the preschool and preparatory school segment (Balavatika). This opens huge opportunities for preschool brands offering engaging, play-based learning models.

Skill-Based & Vocational Learning:

There’s rising demand for schools that teach practical skills like coding, robotics, and financial literacy from middle school onwards. Franchises integrating such future-ready programs will have a competitive edge.

Holistic & Experiential Learning:

The shift away from rote memorization toward creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving is clear. Schools that offer hands-on, project-driven learning will stand out with parents.

The Rise of the Hybrid School Model:

Technology has become central to how children learn, not just an added feature.

Tech-Integrated Campuses:

Smart classrooms, AI-based personalized learning tools, and digital libraries are now essential. Franchises that blend strong teaching with technology-driven learning will dominate the future.

Franchise as a Service (FaaS):

A new model is emerging where brands provide curriculum, technology, and teacher training to existing schools. This approach allows for faster, cost-effective growth without large infrastructure investments.

Growth in Tier II and Tier III Cities

Smaller cities and towns are now the biggest growth drivers for education franchises.

• Affordable Quality Education: While metros can sustain premium schools, the real potential lies in offering affordable, branded education in Tier II and III markets.  
• Localized Curriculum: Franchises that combine a strong national curriculum with local cultural and linguistic relevance will attract more students and parents.

1. Emerging Specialized School Models Parents today seek personalized education options tailored to their child’s interests and strengths.

• STEM-Focused Schools: Schools emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are in high demand, preparing students for future careers.  
• Arts & Sports Schools: Schools offering professional-level training in music, sports, and creative arts, alongside academics, are becoming increasingly popular.  
• Micro-Schools: Small, community-based schools with limited students per teacher are gaining traction. These offer personalized learning and require lower investments—ideal for new franchise investors.

Key Investment Opportunities for 2026:

• Modern Preschool Franchises: High demand continues, especially for NEP-compliant, play-based brands.
• Tech-Driven K–12 Schools: Choose franchises that have already integrated AI, digital tools, and coding into their systems.
• Tier II & III Expansion: Strong demand, lower competition, and faster growth potential make these cities ideal.
• Niche School Models: Specialized STEM or arts-focused schools offer clear differentiation and loyal parent communities.

Conclusion:

India’s education sector is expanding rapidly, and investing in a franchise is one of the best ways to be part of this growth story. In 2025, the demand for quality learning options is higher than ever, supported by favorable government policies that make it easier for entrepreneurs to succeed. Education school franchises go beyond profits ; they contribute to shaping the next generation.

Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced investor, there’s an opportunity that fits your goals. From preschools and coaching centers to robotics institutes and tech-driven learning models, there’s something for every budget and interest. The top 10 education franchises highlighted above offer credibility, strong growth potential, and comprehensive support ;making them smart choices for anyone passionate about the education industry.

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.