8 Best School Franchise in India 2026

The Indian education sector is currently on a boom like never before and school franchises have become one of the most profitable business opportunities for entrepreneurs around the country. The population of more than 1.4 billion and the rapidly expanding middle population that lays gigantic importance on quality education results in the increasing demand of reputed schools in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 and even Tier 3 cities.

Investing in the Best school franchise in India may be the best idea you can make in business in 2026 in case you are seeking a profitable but meaningful business. This is a complete guide that will take you through all you should know like the best brands and investment cost, government norms and marketing strategies in order to allow you to make a confident and well-informed choice.

What Is a School Franchise?

School franchise is a licensed form of business in which a person or organization, referred to as a franchisee, agrees with an existing educational brand, referred to as the franchisor, to run a school under their name, curriculum and branding instructions.

The franchisee is paying upfront franchise fee and royalty payments to utilize the reputation of the brand, methodology of teaching, training, and systems of operation. The model will greatly minimize the chances of having to create a school of its own and will provide the entrepreneurs with firsthand experience of a proven educational system, an established brand, and a ready-to-implement academic system.

Benefits

• Established Brand Trust: You immediately have the credibility of a popular brand of education, and it is easier to attract parents and students immediately.
• Proven Curriculum: Access structured tested academic programs that provide the same learning and quality results at all grade levels.
• Full Operational Support: Franchisors offer complete end-to-end support such as training of the staff, infrastructure planning, technology tools and admission support.
• Increased Enrollment: The rate of enrollment by parents is higher to schools of good brands and this makes it easier to realize a high rate of enrollment and a high ROI.
• Marketing Support: Take the advantage of national level brand marketing and local support through promotions sold by the franchisor.
• Reduced Business Risk: A time tested and proven model will eliminate uncertainty and reduce the risk relative to starting an independent school.

Explore List of Government Franchises in India

Top School Franchise Opportunities in India (2026)

Brand	Investment Range	Franchise Fee	Support Offered	Best For
Delhi Public School (DPS)	Rs. 5 Cr to Rs. 15 Cr	Rs. 25 to Rs. 50 Lakh	Curriculum, training, branding	Large city and metro investors
Kidzee	Rs. 8 to Rs. 15 Lakh	Rs. 1.5 to Rs. 2 Lakh	Full setup, marketing, staff training	Preschool entrepreneurs
EuroKids	Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 Lakh	Rs. 2 to Rs. 3 Lakh	Technology, curriculum, branding	Urban and semi-urban locations
Podar Jumbo Kids	Rs. 10 to Rs. 25 Lakh	Rs. 2 to Rs. 4 Lakh	Training, branding, operations	Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
iKidZ World	Rs. 15 to Rs. 30 Lakh	Rs. 3 to Rs. 5 Lakh	Digital tools, curriculum, support	Tech-forward school investors
Smartkidz	Rs. 5 to Rs. 15 Lakh	Rs. 1 to Rs. 2.5 Lakh	Setup, training, curriculum	Small towns and suburbs
Bachpan Schools	Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 Lakh	Rs. 2 to Rs. 3 Lakh	Full franchise support, marketing	Pan-India expansion markets
Genius Kids	Rs. 8 to Rs. 18 Lakh	Rs. 1.5 to Rs. 3 Lakh	Academic support, branding, training	Growing residential areas

8 Best School Franchise in India 2026

1. Delhi Public School (DPS) Franchise

Delhi Public School is a brand of school most respected and widely recognized in India. DPS has an environmental record of success over several decades of academic excellence and a well-rounded development of students. By investing in a DPS franchise it is a chance of partnering with a brand that parents are naturally trusting. It is rated as one of the finest school franchises in India to an investor capable of operating a big scale K-12 set up. DPS schools are based on CBSE curriculum and have high standards of infrastructure, faculty standards, and student results within all its campuses throughout the country.

• Initial Investment: Rs. 5 Crore to Rs. 15 Crore
• Franchise Fee: Rs. 25 Lakh to Rs. 50 Lakh
• Royalty: 5% to 8% of annual collected fees
• Board Affiliation: CBSE affiliated
• Franchise Form Link: https://dpsfamily.org/ 

2. Kidzee School Franchise

Kidzee, being an enterprise of Zee Learn Limited, is the largest preschool chain in India with more than 1,900 outlets distributed across 750 plus cities. It is based on a distinct child centred curriculum known as iLLUME which is based on cognitive, emotional and social growth of young children. Kidzee is termed as one of the Best school franchise in India where entrepreneurs without much capital will venture into the preschool section. The brand has low investment, easy to establish, and robust operations, thus it is a good option among first-time franchise customers aiming to have a stable and scalable business model in the field of education.

• Initial Investment: Rs. 8 Lakh to Rs. 15 Lakh
• Franchise Fee: Rs. 1.5 Lakh to Rs. 2 Lakh
• Royalty: 15% to 20% of monthly revenue
• Board Affiliation: State board preschool curriculum
• Franchise Form Link: https://www.kidzee.com/partner-with-kidzee 

3. EuroKids School Franchise

EuroKids is a high-end preschool and early childhood education brand that is a robust brand with more than 1,000 centers in India. EuroKids is known to have a play-based learning approach that is based on European educational learning approaches with the aim of developing the basic skills in children aged between 1.5 and 6 years. The brand offers good franchise support such as training, technology platform, and marketing tools. It is also considered as one of the best school franchises in India to investors who would like to operate in the up-market segment of the early learning business and appeal to the quality-conscious urban parents who would like to provide their children with a world-class environment of learning.

• Initial Investment: Rs. 10 Lakh to Rs. 20 Lakh
• Franchise Fee: Rs. 2 Lakh to Rs. 3 Lakh
• Royalty: 15% to 18% of gross monthly fees
• Board Affiliation: Preschool, not board-affiliated
• Franchise Form Link: https://www.eurokidsindia.com/lp-franchise/

4. Podar Jumbo Kids

Podar Jumbo Kids is the preschool branch of the well-known Podar Education Network, which has been catering to the needs of the Indian students since the year 1995. This brand integrates an enriched background of education and a contemporary and play-based curriculum that is intended to suit children aged 1.5 to 6 years. The organization of Podar Jumbo Kids is valued due to its excellent academic base and faculty training as well as low cost investment scheme. Tier 2 and Tier 3 city investors are especially interested in the franchise because they would like to introduce a reputable nationally-known school brand to local communities.

• Initial Investment: Rs. 10 Lakh to Rs. 25 Lakh
• Franchise Fee: Rs. 2 Lakh to Rs. 4 Lakh
• Royalty: 10% to 15% of monthly collections
• Board Affiliation: Preschool, own curriculum framework
• Franchise Form Link: https://www.jumbokids.com/become-a-franchisee/ 

5. iKidZ World

iKidZ World is a new and technology based preschool franchise brand, which is rapidly spreading in India. It provides a learning atmosphere that is digitally enhanced to equip young children with a world that is future ready. Early learning curriculum is a combination of play-based learning and the basics of coding, creativity, and finalizes with the activities of the techno-science triangle, iKidZ World is a great choice among the top school franchises in India among investors willing to provide something innovative and progressive. The brand offers powerful online solutions, educational assistance, and a scalable model, which is most suitable in urban and semi-urban markets.

• Initial Investment: Rs. 15 Lakh to Rs. 30 Lakh
• Franchise Fee: Rs. 3 Lakh to Rs. 5 Lakh
• Royalty: 12% to 16% of collected fees
• Board Affiliation: Preschool, technology-integrated curriculum
• Franchise Form Link: https://ikidzfranchise.com/ 

6. Smartkidz

Smartkidz is a fast growing preschool franchise brand that is spread in small towns, suburbs, and Tier 2 cities in India. The brand specializes in early childhood education that is affordable and high-quality and available to a large number of parents. Its curriculum is constructed on the basis of creativity, language development and basic numeracy skills of young learners. Smartkidz offers full installation services, teacher training courses and branded curriculum. The opportunity of Smartkidz in underserved markets as a franchisor of the Best school franchise in India with low entry cost and good profit margins is viable and rewarding to the investor who desires to contribute positively to the society.

• Initial Investment: Rs. 5 Lakh to Rs. 15 Lakh
• Franchise Fee: Rs. 1 Lakh to Rs. 2.5 Lakh
• Royalty: 10% to 14% of monthly income
• Board Affiliation: Preschool, activity-based curriculum
• Franchise Form Link: https://www.smartkidzglobal.com/franchise/ 

7. Bachpan Schools

Bachpan – A Play School is an Indian preschool franchise network with one of the fastest growing networks which is currently running more than 1,200 preschools in the country. With its activity based and bilingual curriculum, S.K. Bachpan is credited with having a curriculum that incorporates Hindi and English language teaching among the early learners. The brand has a great national coverage, low cost of investment and excellent franchisee support like marketing, training and educational materials. Bachpan is recognized as one of the best school franchises in India by investors who would like to have a pan-India brand name without a very high upfront capital requirement.

• Initial Investment: Rs. 10 Lakh to Rs. 20 Lakh
• Franchise Fee: Rs. 2 Lakh to Rs. 3 Lakh
• Royalty: 12% to 18% of total monthly revenue
• Board Affiliation: Preschool, bilingual curriculum model
• Franchise Form Link: https://www.bachpanglobal.com/franchise-opportunity/ 

8. Genius Kids

Genius Kids is a new and fast expanding preschool and daycare franchise brand that is establishing its presence in residential neighbourhoods and emerging suburbs in India. The brand is based on the intellectual and imaginative growth of children in an organized but entertaining learning process. Genius Kids also provides a full-shot franchise that includes training of teachers, branded learning kits, marketing materials and continuous academic assistance. It is a great opportunity to those investors who want to have the Best school franchise in India at an affordable investment with good recurring returns in the highly populated residential areas.

• Initial Investment: Rs. 8 Lakh to Rs. 18 Lakh
• Franchise Fee: Rs. 1.5 Lakh to Rs. 3 Lakh
• Royalty: 10% to 15% of monthly revenue
• Board Affiliation: Preschool, proprietary curriculum
• Franchise Form Link: http://www.geniuskidsindia.com/page/franchise/ 

How to Choose the Best School Franchise in India

• Know the Brand Well: Research on the reputation, amount of working centers, parent reviews and track record of the franchisor before signing any contract.
• Assess the Total Investment Cost: Compare the initial investment, the franchise fees, royalties and any hidden operational expenses to the financial capacity of the model.
• Check Location Potential: Before the final decision is made, the location site should be evaluated on the basis of local need of good schooling, local population, level of competition and population of the catchment area.
• Review the Franchise Agreement: Study all the conditions, in particular, the territory exclusivity, the exit conditions, the conditions of renewal and the support guarantees of the franchisor.
• Know the Curriculum Model: make sure that the teaching model, board affiliation and the academic structure is matched with the inclinations of parents in your target area.
• Interview Current Franchisees: Interview current brand franchise operators to get real life data on profitability, operational challenges and quality of continuing franchisor support.

Education Franchise Cost Breakdown

Cost Component	Estimated Range
Franchise Fee	Rs. 1 Lakh to Rs. 50 Lakh
Infrastructure and Renovation	Rs. 5 Lakh to Rs. 2 Crore
Furniture and Equipment	Rs. 2 Lakh to Rs. 20 Lakh
Technology and Software	Rs. 1 Lakh to Rs. 10 Lakh
Staff Recruitment and Training	Rs. 1 Lakh to Rs. 5 Lakh
Marketing and Branding Launch	Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 3 Lakh
Working Capital (6 months)	Rs. 3 Lakh to Rs. 15 Lakh
Miscellaneous and Legal Costs	Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2 Lakh
Total Estimated Investment	Rs. 8 Lakh to Rs. 15 Crore

Profitability of School Franchise Business

The Best school franchise in India is able to offer good and steady financial returns through proper management. It is expected that preschool franchises break-even in 18 to 36 months with a larger K-12 school format taking 3 to 5 years. The profit margin of the education sector is usually between 20% and 40% when the school is operating at maximum capacity.

School franchises have dependable recurrent yearly earnings since they have low variable costs and the initial infrastructure has been established. The business is increasingly profitable as the number of students increases annually, and besides, the school franchising is one of the most secure investments in the long term in India.

Government Regulations and Compliance for School Franchises

• Land and Building Norms: Schools should also be of the minimum land area as stipulated in the state education department, and this is quite different in the preschool and K-12 school organization.
• Society or Trust Registration: K-12 schools are to be registered either as a non-profit society or trust, or as a Section 8 company according to the regulations of the government in terms of education management.
• NOC by State Government: Before a school can start admitting students officially the respective state education authority has to issue a No Objection Certificate.
• Board Affiliation Requirement: CBSE or ICSE-affiliated school education requires a school to possess certain academic, infrastructural, and staffing requirements that are prescribed by the examination board.
• Fire and Safety Clearances: Fire safety certificates, building stability certificates, and other appropriate health and sanitation clearances have to be acquired by schools prior to the commencement of student operations.
• Right to Education (RTE) Compliance: The schools are bound to the RTE Act 2009, and this act provides free education to the children aged between 6-14 years and has reservations to the economically weaker segments.

Marketing Tips for School Franchises

• Develop a good Local Online Presence: Develop a professional Web site and active social media pages to highlight facilities, curriculum points of interest, student accomplishments, and veritable parent testimonials.
• Optimize Google My Business: Added your school to Google Maps and keep your profile updated to ensure that local parents may easily find your school when searching their area with schools.
• Run Parent Referral Programs: Advise existing parents to bring new admissions as an incentive can be given or a small amount of recognition because word-of-mouth is the most credible method of marketing a school.
• Host Open House Events Periodically: Schedule tours of the campus, demonstration classes and parent orientation events so the potential family can have a first-hand positive experience of the school setup.
• Invest in Local Offline Advertising: Reach the parents with hoardings, pamphlets, newspaper inserts, and local cable television channels in your immediate geographic catchments.
• Cash in on Admission Season: Intensify electronic advertising between November and March during which time parents are already seeking school admissions to the following school year.

Conclusion

The idea of investing in the Best school franchise in India is not only a financially lucrative offer, but it is also a valuable chance to contribute to your community by making a positive change in the life of young learners through providing them with high-quality education. The Indian market in the education sector will expand exponentially by 2026 and beyond thanks to the surging aspirations, the growing household incomes, and the overwhelming desire of parents to provide early childhood development in a structured form.

It is the right brand choice, strategic placement, and disciplined operation that would lead to success whether you are in a high-end brand such as Delhi Public school or the low-end chain of Kidzee or Bachpan. Get started on your research project now and make your initial confident step towards establishing a profitable and meaningful business in education.

FAQs

How much is the minimum investment in a school franchise in India? 

Franchises in preschools can begin at as low as Rs. 5 to Rs. 10 Lakh, whereas full K-12 school franchises can have a starting cost of Rs. 5 Crore and above depending on the brand and location of the city.

Is a school franchise a good business in India? 

Yes, school franchises are very lucrative when they are stabilized in enrollment. In the majority of preschool franchises, it takes 2 to 3 years to reach even status with 20 to 40 percent profit margins.

Is an education background required to open a school franchise? 

No, there is no requirement of a teaching background. The franchisors will also offer full operational, academic and staff training to enable business-oriented investors to operate successful schools.

What is the Best school franchise in India that has low investment? 

The best school franchise in terms of low-investment is the Kidzee, Smartkidz, and Bachpan Schools, the setup cost of which is around 5 Lakh.

What is the time taken to open a school franchise in India? 

The process of completion of the entire set up process can normally take 3 to 9 months to be complete with location finalization, development of infrastructure, hiring staff and regulatory approvals before the school is ready to start.