Schools in Chennai — 788 Schools (2026)
Chennai has 788 registered schools as per UDISE+ 2024-25 data published by the Government of India. Of these, 605 (77%) are State Board, 163 (21%) are CBSE, and 9 (1%) are NA. The average annual tuition fee is ₹10,113. The average student-teacher ratio is 23.6:1. 766 are private and 3 are government schools.
Methodology: Averages and medians are computed from 788 UDISE+ records in our dataset for Chennai schools. UDISE+ (Government of India's school census) covers approximately 15 Lakh recognised schools nationally; we prioritise the 34 major cities where users search. Figures may differ from city-wide totals as UDISE+ releases data progressively.
Education Landscape in Chennai: What Parents Should Know
Chennai, Tamil Nadu is home to a diverse education ecosystem with 788 schools serving students from pre-primary through senior secondary levels. The city has 97% private schools, giving parents extensive choice but requiring careful comparison of value for money.
Key insight: The average student-teacher ratio in Chennai is 23.6:1, which is within the RTE benchmark of 30:1 for primary schools. 617 schools (78%) meet the RTE-recommended ratio.
70% of teachers in Chennai hold a B.Ed or equivalent professional degree, and 33% have received in-service training in the last academic year. 87% are permanent (regular) teachers, while the remainder are on contract. Well-qualified, regularly trained teachers are a strong indicator of education quality that parents should look for.
CBSE schools in Chennai charge an average of ₹37,238/year, which is approximately 1225% more than State Board schools. However, fee alone doesn't determine quality — parents should compare teacher qualifications, infrastructure, and student outcomes before making a decision.
School Boards in Chennai
| Board | Schools | Share | Avg Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Board | 605 | 77% | ₹2,810 |
| CBSE | 163 | 21% | ₹37,238 |
| NA | 9 | 1% | ₹22,108 |
| International Board | 8 | 1% | — |
| ICSE | 3 | 0% | — |
Choosing the Right School in Chennai
Private vs Government
Chennai has 766 private and 3 government schools. Private schools offer more program variety but government schools often have experienced permanent teachers and zero tuition fees. Compare teacher qualifications and infrastructure rather than just brand name.
What to Look For
Key infrastructure indicators: 72% of Chennai schools have science/computer labs,97% have libraries, and 89% have playgrounds. Schools with labs, internet connectivity (97%), and digital boards provide better STEM exposure.
Fee Ranges
Annual tuition fees in Chennai range from ₹1,500 to ₹1,12,500, with an average of ₹10,113. Government schools charge no tuition fee. Compare fees across boards:CBSE schoolsICSE schools
Infrastructure & Teacher Quality
Safety & Accessibility
School safety infrastructure in Chennai: 0% have pucca (permanent) boundary walls,86% have ramp access for differently-abled students,97% have functional handwashing facilities, and 97% have handwash stations near the mid-day meal area. Parents of children with special needs should verify ramp access and CWSN-friendly toilets when visiting schools.
Schools by Board in Chennai
Schools by Area in Chennai
All Schools in Chennai
788 schools with official UDISE+ data (2024-25) · Tamil Nadu
A.A.PUBLIC SCHOOL
A.E.M. MATRICULATION HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL
A.M.M SCHOOL
ABACUS MONTESSORI SCHOOL, PERUNGUDI
ABS GLOBAL SMART SCHOOL , KORATTUR
ACHARIYA BALA SIKSHA MANDIR, RK NAGAR
ACHARIYA BALASIKSHA MANDIR NURSERY & PRIMARY SCHOOL
ACHARIYA SIKSHA MANDIR , ALAPAKKAM
ACHARYA MAHASHRAMAN TERAPANTH JAIN PUBLIC SCHOOL
ADHITHYA PUBLIC SCHOOL, SHOLINGANALLUR
AGARWAL VIDYALAYA AND JUNIOR COLLEGE
AGR GLOBAL SCHOOL
AGURCHAND MANMULL JAIN SCHOOL, MEENAMBAKKAM
AIYEESHA RAZZAC MATRIC HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL
AKG Public School, Jalladianpet
Frequently Asked Questions About Schools in Chennai
How many schools are in Chennai?
Chennai has 788 registered schools according to UDISE+ 2024-25 data published by the Government of India. Of these, 766 are private and 3 are government schools.
How many CBSE schools are in Chennai?
There are 163 CBSE-affiliated schools in Chennai, representing 21% of all schools. The average annual fee for CBSE schools is ₹37,238.
What is the average school fee in Chennai?
The average annual tuition fee in Chennai is ₹10,113, ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹1,12,500 based on UDISE+ 2024-25 data. Government schools typically charge no tuition fee.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Chennai?
The average student-teacher ratio across Chennai schools is 23.6:1. The Right to Education Act recommends a maximum of 30:1 for primary and 35:1 for upper primary. 617 schools in Chennai meet this RTE benchmark.
Which areas in Chennai have the most schools?
The areas with the highest concentration of schools are Ambattur (149 schools), Alandur (123 schools), Kodambakkam (78 schools). Parents often compare schools across adjacent areas for more options.
What percentage of schools in Chennai have computer labs?
72% of schools in Chennai have science or computer labs, 97% have libraries, and 89% have playgrounds. 97% have internet connectivity.
Last updated: October 2026 · UDISE+ 2024-25, Government of India · No paid placements