Opening a school in India involves multiple legal, financial, and operational steps. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you understand the entire process, from planning to opening.

1. Decide on the type of school

Choose the category based on your vision and resources:

• Preschool (Nursery, LKG, UKG)
• Primary (Grades 1-5)
• Secondary (Grades 6-10)
• Senior Secondary (Grades 11-12)

Also decide on the curriculum/board:

• State Board
• CBSE (Central Board for Secondary Education)
• ICSE/ISC
• IB (International Baccalaureate) or Cambridge IGCSE

2. Incorporate a legal entity

Under Indian law, a school must be operated by a non-profit entity, such as:

• Society (under the Societies Registration Act, 1860)
• Public Charitable Trust
• Section 8 Society (under the Societies Act, 1860) (2013)

You must register one of these entities before applying for school permits.

3. Prepare a detailed project plan

Your plan should include:

• Vision and mission
• Target number of students
• Classes offered during the first year
• Land and building requirements
• Staff and salaries
• Financial budget and revenue forecast

4. Land and infrastructure acquisition

Land requirements: These vary by board (e.g., CBSE requires at least 0.45–0.8 hectares in most cities, except metropolitan areas).

It must be owned by the trust/society or leased long-term (minimum 30 years for CBSE).

Building requirements: Adequate classrooms, playground, library, laboratories, restrooms, drinking water, ramps (for accessibility), and safety measures.

5. Obtain the Necessary Permits

You must obtain:

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the State Education Department.
• Recognition from the Local Education Authority for your school level.

Board Membership:

CBSE: Apply for permission from the CBSE Board after meeting all requirements.

ICSE: Apply for admission to CISCE.

State Board: Apply for admission to the State Board of Education.

Municipal Approvals: Building plan approval, fire safety certificate, health and sanitation clearance.

6. Hiring Staff

Hire qualified teachers according to the standards of the chosen board.

Appoint a head teacher.

Hire administrative, accounting, cleaning, and security staff.

7. Procurement of Furniture, Equipment, and Teaching Materials

Classroom furniture, whiteboards, blackboards, and computers.

Library books, science lab equipment, sports equipment.

Teaching materials (projectors, whiteboards, if applicable).

8. Policy and Curriculum Development

Create a schedule, fee structure, admissions policy, and student code of conduct.

Adapt lesson plans to the curriculum of the chosen board.

9. Marketing and Admissions

Create a website with admissions information.

Advertise in local newspapers, on social media, and through community outreach activities.

Conduct admissions tests or interviews (if applicable).

10. School Opening

Schedule the opening well in advance of the start of the academic year.

Ensure all safety measures, documentation, and staff training are completed.

Keep all legal documents ready for inspection.