International School Admission Checklist: Documents, Age and Timeline

Admissions at international schools in India often start a year or more ahead, with assessments, interviews and deposits. This checklist covers documents to keep ready, typical age rules, a month-by-month timeline and the questions to settle before you pay.

Documents to Keep Ready

• Child’s birth certificate and Aadhaar or passport copy.
• Parents’ photo ID and address proof.
• Passport-size photographs.
• Previous school report cards and, for older classes, the transfer certificate.
• Immunisation record for younger children.
• Board or programme transcripts if moving between curricula.
• Passport, visa or OCI documents for non-resident families.

Age Criteria

Age cut-offs differ by school and curriculum, and by state rules. Many schools admit to Nursery at about 3 years and Class 1 at about 5 to 6 years as of a cut-off date. IB schools often use their own early-years entry ages. Check the school’s rule for your child’s birth date. Our age criteria guide and state-wise rules cover the details.

Typical Admission Timeline

• 9 to 12 months before: shortlist schools and attend open days.
• 6 to 9 months before: submit applications and pay registration fees.
• 3 to 6 months before: assessments, parent interviews and campus visits.
• 2 to 3 months before: offers, fee payment and deposits.
• 1 month before: uniform, transport and orientation.

Timelines vary; confirm dates with each school.

Assessments and Interviews

Younger children usually have an observation or play-based interaction. Older children may take English, maths and reasoning tests, plus a parent interview. International schools often look at readiness to learn and language skills rather than rote knowledge.

Before You Pay

• Get the written fee schedule for the full year and the expected annual increase.
• Ask which charges are refundable and when.
• Check the withdrawal and refund policy.
• Confirm the grades offered and curriculum authorisation.

Read our 15 questions and red flags and the fee guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply to an international school?

Start 9 to 12 months before the academic year, earlier for popular schools.

Is there an entrance test?

Many schools use assessments or interactions; younger children have play-based observation.

Can I apply to several schools?

Yes. Keep track of registration fees and deadlines for each.

What if I miss the deadline?

Ask about waiting lists and mid-year admission.

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