Is CBSE Only in India? A Deep Dive into CBSE Schools Worldwide

Most people hear “CBSE” and instantly think of India, but what if I told you you could find CBSE schools from Singapore’s cityscape to the Arabian sands? It’s easy to assume India has a monopoly on CBSE, but the story's much bigger. Right now, you’ll spot the Central Board of Secondary Education logo in plenty of places that might surprise you and your neighbors.

CBSE: More Than Just an Indian Story

The Central Board of Secondary Education—or CBSE—was started way back in 1929. The original goal was to have a consistent education standard across different parts of pre-independence India. Now, we’re talking about the largest education board in the country, with over 28,000 schools registered by the beginning of 2025. But is its reach really limited to India’s borders?

The quick answer: not at all. CBSE has gone international. Today, more than 240 CBSE-affiliated schools exist outside India. That’s not just an afterthought—it covers 28 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and even North America. Some of the most popular destination countries? The United Arab Emirates tops the chart, hosting more than 75 international CBSE schools alone. Think about it: there are more CBSE schools in UAE than in many states back in India.

Here’s a handy table that gives a snapshot of CBSE’s spread by country as of June 2025:

If you’re an expat in Dubai or Muscat, chances are high you already have neighbors debating CBSE vs. local options. International CBSE schools aren’t carbon copies of their Indian counterparts, but they follow the same curriculum, assessment style, and even calendar for major exams. You’ll see the same subject streams—science, commerce, humanities—with exams like Class 10 (AISSE) and Class 12 (AISSCE) maintaining the same rigor and reputation everywhere.

What draws families to CBSE even far from India? For one, continuity. Indian expatriate parents especially don’t want their kids switching academic gears every time a work posting changes. CBSE delivers the same textbooks, subjects, and grading no matter if you’re in Delhi or Doha. Plus, the transition back to Indian universities is seamless—CBSE scores are always recognized at home.

Why CBSE Spread Beyond India

Once you realize CBSE isn’t just for Indian kids living at home, the obvious question is: why did it spread? There’s no single answer, but here’s what keeps the global story humming along.

First, the global Indian workforce plays a massive role. Over 18 million Indians live and work outside the Indian borders, making them the largest overseas diaspora worldwide. In places like the UAE, Qatar, and Oman, entire communities revolve around Indian traditions and, by extension, Indian schooling systems. When parents move abroad for work, they want their kids to keep up with friends and family back home—so CBSE schools pop up in those areas to fill the demand.

It’s not just about Indians abroad, though. In some host countries, local families looking for English-language international schools with a reputation for structured curricula see CBSE as an appealing choice. For a lot of students, CBSE’s math-heavy approach and its focus on science subjects give them a shot at qualifying for top technical colleges—think IITs, AIIMS, or even medical schools overseas, since CBSE English is recognized in many international settings.

There’s an economic angle, too. Opening a CBSE school doesn’t come cheap—there are standards for infrastructure, faculty training, even air quality in classrooms (no kidding; the CBSE manual is thorough!). But compared to some other international schools—like those following British or US curriculums—CBSE schools are often seen as more affordable while delivering solid academic results.

Also, many CBSE schools outside India are attached to Indian embassies or consulates, such as The Indian School in Muscat or The Indian Community School in Kuwait. These aren’t just private enterprises—they’re often a community lifeline. For newly arrived Indian families, enrolling kids in a CBSE school feels like hitting the ground running, no matter how far from Mumbai or Chennai they landed.

What Makes a School “CBSE” Abroad?

You might be thinking, “Are these international CBSE schools legit or just ‘CBSE-inspired’?” There are strict rules that keep the real deal real. Any school outside India wanting CBSE affiliation goes through a detailed application and inspection process. The CBSE board in Delhi reviews everything—student numbers, quality of labs, teacher qualifications, digital libraries, even playground size. And yes, the school must prove it can deliver classes at the same level as those in India.

Don’t forget: all CBSE-affiliated schools outside India pay an annual affiliation fee, and their students register for board exams just like their peers in Indian cities. During Class 10 and 12 exams, it’s common to see exam observers sent by CBSE to check procedures. The answer sheets? Those are often flown back to India for grading, ensuring everyone’s on a level playing field.

Some CBSE schools abroad even offer additional languages to reflect the local environment—Arabic in the Middle East, Bahasa Melayu in Malaysia, or French in Belgium. But the core subject requirements? Those don’t change. Schools must report regular updates on results, faculty turnover, and even sports activities, to keep their affiliation active. Lose it, and your students can’t sit for the official CBSE board exams. No parents want that headache.

Here are a few signs you’re looking at an authentic international CBSE school:

• It’s listed on the official CBSE website as “affiliated abroad.”
• It’s open for admissions up to Grade 12, not just primary or middle school.
• Class 10 and 12 students take the CBSE All India Secondary and Senior Secondary Exams, with results published on the same date as those in India.
• Teachers must have CBSE-recognized credentials and attend regular CBSE workshops or training.
• The academic calendar and holidays are usually synchronized with CBSE’s major milestones.

This attention to detail is why you’ll hear stories of expat kids hopping between CBSE schools in three or four different countries and never missing a beat at exam time. Not many education systems can claim that level of consistency and mobility worldwide.

Tips for Choosing a CBSE School Abroad

If you’re thinking about enrolling your child in a CBSE school outside India, a little homework goes a long way. Here are useful, real-world tips I’ve gathered from parents and education counselors who’ve been through this process themselves:

• Check official affiliation: Cross-verify the school’s name and code on the official CBSE website. Affiliation status can change, so check the most current list before you commit.
• Compare class sizes: Some international CBSE schools have smaller class sizes than in India. This can be a plus, letting kids get more focused attention, but make sure teacher quality doesn’t drop in the shuffle.
• Ask about extracurriculars: While academics matter, see what’s on offer for music, sports, or clubs. CBSE schools abroad often create community events that help new families settle in fast.
• Look into library and lab resources: Don’t just take promises at face value. Ask to see facilities—modern international CBSE schools should have digital libraries, updated science labs, and good sports grounds.
• Understand the language policy: Some schools offer extra language options, while others stick strictly to English and Hindi as main mediums. Clarify early if your child needs to learn a new language.
• Grade transitions: If your family moves a lot, make sure the school offers assistance with transferring grades and records to other CBSE schools globally. Staying in the CBSE “family” is a big relief for nomadic expats.
• Fees and affordability: Get a breakdown of all costs, including extras like transport, meals, and activity fees. CBSE schools are usually more affordable than international British or American curriculums, but costs do vary between countries and cities.
• Talk to current parents: Nothing beats a straight-up chat with parents whose kids are already attending. They’ll tell you the real scoop—what’s great, what’s frustrating, and what you should expect from day one.

Some parents worry that students from CBSE schools abroad miss out on Indian “culture.” Truth is, many of these schools are mini embassies of Indian tradition—Diwali events, Holi festivals, and even Bollywood dance competitions are all part of the deal. At the same time, kids often learn about diverse cultures in their host countries, picking up language skills or new friends from all over the globe.

And for university ambitions? Most Indian, UAE, Singapore, and even Canadian universities accept CBSE board results, often without extra qualification hurdles. In the US, more admissions offices have begun treating CBSE’s Class 12 certificate as equivalent to their high school diploma requirements—especially for Indian students applying abroad.

The bottom line is, a CBSE school abroad looks and feels a lot like home, even with different weather, landscapes, or languages swirling outside the campus gates.