Choosing the right CBSE school for your child in Mangalore is one of the most important decisions a parent makes. Whether you are looking for a day school in the heart of the city or a fully residential CBSE school in the Dakshina Kannada district, the options in and around Mangalore have grown significantly in recent years — and so has the quality bar.
This guide has been researched and written for parents of 2026-27 admissions seekers. We have evaluated each school across five practical criteria: academic track record, infrastructure, faculty quality, hostel and safety (where applicable), and value for fees. We have also included Bright Horizon International School — the only CBSE co-educational residential school in Belathangady Taluk, Dakshina Kannada — which offers a genuinely unique proposition in this region.
Use this page to shortlist, compare, and make a confident choice. If your child needs a structured residential environment with early competitive exam coaching, scroll to the dedicated spotlight section for Bright Horizon International School.
Quick Comparison: Best CBSE Schools in Mangalore 2026-27
The table below gives you a bird’s-eye view before you read each school’s full profile.
School | Location | Classes | Type | Fees (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St Aloysius Gonzaga School | Kodialbail, Mangalore | KG–XII | Day | ₹45k–₹60k/yr | City-based CBSE excellence |
Lourdes Central School | Bejai, Mangalore | KG–XII | Day | ₹40k–₹55k/yr | Values + academics balance |
Mount Carmel Central | Maryhill, Mangalore | LKG–XII | Day | ₹32k–₹45k/yr | Sports + academics combo |
Delhi Public School MRPL | Katipalla / Surathkal | I–XII | Day | Mid–premium | NH66 belt families |
Canara High School (CBSE) | Kodialbail, Mangalore | Primary–X | Day | Mid-range | Legacy trust, city centre |
Podar International School | Mangalore | Nursery–X | Day | ₹40k–₹60k/yr | Modern pedagogy |
KV No.1 Mangaluru (KVS) | Panambur | I–XII | Day | Very low (KVS) | Best value-for-money CBSE |
Sharada Vidyanikethana | Talapady | LKG–XII | Day + Boarding | ₹1.7L–₹1.9L/yr | Boarding near Mangalore |
Prestige International School | Jeppinamogaru | Nursery–XII | Day | Mid-range | Creative + leadership focus |
⭐ Bright Horizon International School | Venur, Belathangady Taluk | Nursery–X | Residential | Contact school | CBSE residential + NEET/JEE prep |
Top CBSE Schools in Mangalore — Detailed Profiles
Each profile below covers what the school does best, who it suits, and what parents should know before scheduling a visit.
St Aloysius Gonzaga School
📍 Location | 🏛️ Board | 🏠 Type | 💰 Fees (approx.) |
Kodialbail, Central Mangalore | CBSE (KG–XII) | Day School | ₹45,000–₹60,000/year (indicative) |
🔑 Key Highlight: Decades of academic consistency with strong urban campus advantage
St Aloysius Gonzaga is arguably the most recognised CBSE name in central Mangalore. Its long-standing academic culture, disciplined campus, and consistent board results make it the first choice for families who live in or near the city. The school’s breadth of co-curricular activities — from sports to cultural events — ensures well-rounded student development. Parents particularly value the school’s transparent communication and structured class routine. Best suited for day scholars who live within comfortable commuting distance of Kodialbail.
Lourdes Central School
📍 Location | 🏛️ Board | 🏠 Type | 💰 Fees (approx.) |
Bejai, Mangalore | CBSE (KG–XII) | Day School | ₹40,000–₹55,000/year (indicative) |
🔑 Key Highlight: Values-led education with strong community roots and 100% board results
Founded by the Catholic Board of Education, Diocese of Mangalore, Lourdes Central School has built its reputation on a combination of academic rigour and character formation. Its 100% CBSE board result track record is a significant draw for parents. The school maintains active parent engagement and encourages students to participate in regional and national-level competitions. Ideal for families in the Bejai, Kodialbail, and Kankanady zones who want a well-structured CBSE school with a values framework.
Mount Carmel Central School
📍 Location | 🏛️ Board | 🏠 Type | 💰 Fees (approx.) |
Maryhill / Konchady, Mangalore | CBSE (LKG–XII) | Day School | ₹32,000–₹45,000/year (indicative) |
🔑 Key Highlight: Strong academics paired with award-winning sports achievements
Mount Carmel is a trusted all-rounder. Managed by the Apostolic Carmel Congregation, it balances disciplined CBSE academics with genuinely competitive sports and co-curricular programmes. The school has produced state-level athletes and consistently performs well in CBSE board examinations. Parents looking for a school that takes both academics and physical development seriously will find Mount Carmel a strong fit. Particularly recommended for students with an interest in sports alongside academics.
Delhi Public School MRPL
📍 Location | 🏛️ Board | 🏠 Type | 💰 Fees (approx.) |
Katipalla / Surathkal belt | CBSE (I–XII) | Day School | Mid to premium range (verify directly) |
🔑 Key Highlight: National brand with large modern campus and structured CBSE delivery
DPS MRPL brings the DPS brand — well-known across India — to the Mangalore coastal belt. Its campus is designed for scale, offering modern infrastructure including smart classrooms, science labs, and sports facilities. It appeals strongly to families living in the NH66 / Surathkal corridor, particularly those with MRPL and industrial sector employment connections. The school follows the DPS system closely, making it an easy transition for families relocating from other cities.
Podar International School Mangalore
📍 Location | 🏛️ Board | 🏠 Type | 💰 Fees (approx.) |
Mangalore | CBSE (Nursery–X) | Day School | ₹40,000–₹60,000/year (indicative) |
🔑 Key Highlight: Progressive teaching methodology with strong focus on personalised learning
Established in 2016, Podar International School has quickly earned its place among Mangalore’s preferred CBSE options. It uses differentiated teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles and offers remedial classes at no extra cost for students who need additional support. The school emphasises creativity, life skills, and 21st-century readiness alongside core academics. Parents appreciate the school’s zero-tolerance policy on bullying and its structured hobby class programme covering theatre, music, dance, and debate.
KV No.1 Mangaluru — Kendriya Vidyalaya
📍 Location | 🏛️ Board | 🏠 Type | 💰 Fees (approx.) |
Panambur, Mangalore | CBSE (I–XII) | Day School | Very low fees (as per KVS national norms) |
🔑 Key Highlight: Exceptional value-for-money with national CBSE standards
For families prioritising academic quality at a low cost, Kendriya Vidyalaya Mangaluru (No.1, Panambur) is unmatched. The KVS system follows the CBSE curriculum strictly using NCERT textbooks and employs qualified, regularly trained teachers. Both KV No.1 and No.2 in Mangaluru (Ekkur and Panambur) operate under the Union Government and have a strong track record for board results. Admission is priority-based (transfer certificate holders get preference), but open seats are available to general applicants.
Prestige International School
📍 Location | 🏛️ Board | 🏠 Type | 💰 Fees (approx.) |
Jeppinamogaru / Bajal, Mangalore | CBSE (Nursery–XII) | Day School | Mid-range (verify directly) |
🔑 Key Highlight: Leadership-focused education with modern co-curricular integration
Prestige International School has built a reputation for forward-thinking education that goes beyond rote learning. It emphasises leadership skills, creative problem-solving, and confidence-building alongside the CBSE curriculum. The school’s campus culture encourages students to participate actively in student councils, inter-school events, and skill-based competitions. A solid choice for parents who value personality development equally alongside board performance, particularly for students in Classes 6 to 12.
Canara High School (CBSE Wing)
📍 Location | 🏛️ Board | 🏠 Type | 💰 Fees (approx.) |
Kodialbail / Urwa, Mangalore | CBSE (Primary–X) | Day School | Mid-range (verify directly) |
🔑 Key Highlight: Deep local legacy with consistent CBSE delivery
Backed by the Canara High School Association — one of Karnataka’s oldest educational trusts — the CBSE wing of Canara High School benefits from decades of institutional stability. It is well-regarded for orderly classroom management, experienced teachers, and a curriculum that adheres closely to CBSE norms. Parents who prefer a school with strong local roots and a track record of steady board results often shortlist Canara as a dependable choice in the Kodialbail area.
Sharada Vidyanikethana Public School
📍 Location | 🏛️ Board | 🏠 Type | 💰 Fees (approx.) |
Talapady, Mangalore (Kerala border belt) | CBSE (LKG–XII) | Day + Boarding | ₹1.7L–₹1.9L/year (indicative, residential) |
🔑 Key Highlight: Strong boarding infrastructure near the Mangalore-Kerala coastal corridor
For parents seeking a boarding option close to Mangalore city, Sharada Vidyanikethana at Talapady is a well-established name. It offers CCTV-monitored dormitories with separate wings for boys and girls, supervised study hours, and structured warden support. The school has a solid CBSE academic record and a growing extracurricular programme. The Talapady location is comfortable for families from Kasaragod, Kannur, and the Kerala border region who want a Dakshina Kannada-based boarding school.
⭐ FEATURED: THE ONLY CBSE RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL IN DAKSHINA KANNADA
Bright Horizon International School — Venur, Belathangady Taluk
📍 Location | 🏛️ Board | 🏠 Type | 📚 Classes |
Venur, 14 km from Moodubidri, Dakshina Kannada (Mangalore district) | CBSE (Nursery–Class 10) | Co-educational Residential | Nursery to Class 10 | Hostel: Class 4–10 |
🎓 Founder | 📞 Contact | 🏆 Founded By | 🌐 Website |
Dr. Sharath Gore, Karnataka Shikshana Ratna Awardee | +91 8970797028 / +91 9483359539 | Renowned Karnataka Educationist | brighthorizoneducationfoundation.com |
Why Bright Horizon Stands Apart from Every Other CBSE School on This List
Bright Horizon International School is the only CBSE co-educational residential school in Belathangady Taluk, Dakshina Kannada — and it is the single school in the Mangalore district that combines three things no day school in this list can offer simultaneously:
- A fully residential campus (Class 4–10) with boys and girls hostel, 24/7 warden support, CCTV, and transparent parent communication
- Early competitive exam coaching — NEET, IIT-JEE, Civil Services, and CA Foundation — starting from Class 5, building conceptual clarity years ahead of peers
- A green, distraction-free campus in Venur, away from city noise, designed specifically for focused academic and personal development
Academic Programme
The school delivers the full CBSE curriculum from Nursery to Class 10, following NCERT guidelines with modern teaching methods. Smart classrooms equipped with interactive boards bring concepts to life, while dedicated labs for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science give students hands-on learning from an early age.
What makes the academic model particularly effective is the integration of competitive exam coaching within the school timetable from Class 5 onwards. Rather than burdening students with separate coaching institutes after school hours, Bright Horizon builds this preparation into the school day — giving students time, structure, and expert guidance without the exhaustion of an additional commute.
Residential Life & Hostel Facilities
For parents who want to give their children a structured, self-reliant environment, the residential experience at Bright Horizon is one of its strongest assets. The hostel operates with:
- Separate fully supervised dormitories for boys and girls (Class 4–10)
- Structured morning and evening study hours with subject teachers available for doubt sessions
- Nutritious South Indian meals with rotating weekly menus
- CCTV monitoring across campus and hostel areas
- Regular medical check-ups and a trained medical staff on campus
- Controlled mobile and screen time to ensure focus
- Weekend activities, sports, and cultural programmes within campus
Holistic Development: What Sets the Campus Culture Apart
Bright Horizon believes that the best schools produce not just high scorers but well-rounded human beings. The school integrates Coding, Artificial Intelligence, Sports, Cultural Arts (music, dance, drama — both Western and Indian), and value-based character education into its daily and weekly routines. The performing arts studio and multi-functional auditorium ensure students have dedicated spaces to discover and express their talents.
Who Should Apply to Bright Horizon?
Bright Horizon International School is ideal for:
✅ Parents who want a safe, focused residential environment for Class 4–10
✅ Families living in Mangalore, Udupi, Puttur, Sullia, Bantwal, Belthangady, or anywhere in Dakshina Kannada
✅ Students who aspire to crack NEET, IIT-JEE, or Civil Services and want an early foundation
✅ Parents who want a single, trusted institution for their child’s complete school journey (Nursery to Class 10)
✅ Families relocating across Karnataka or India who need reliable boarding with consistent CBSE standards
🎓 Admissions Open — 2026-27
Limited hostel seats available for Classes 4 to 10. Nursery to Class 10 day admissions also open.
Reviews:
👉 Apply Today →
https://brighthorizoneducationfoundation.com/admissions/
How to Choose the Right CBSE School in Mangalore
Every child is different, and the best school for your child is the one that fits their learning style, temperament, and long-term goals — not just the one at the top of a ranking. Use this checklist before finalising your decision:
For Day School Seekers
- Is the school’s location within a 20–30 minute commute from home?
- Does the school’s board result track record match your academic expectations?
- Does the co-curricular programme (sports, arts, clubs) align with your child’s interests?
- Are fee structures transparent and within your planned budget for the next 5–10 years?
- Is there a structured after-school support programme (remedial classes, doubt sessions)?
For Residential / Boarding School Seekers
- Is the hostel licensed and monitored with CCTV, wardens, and transparent visiting hours?
- Does the school have a structured study routine that complements classroom learning?
- Are meals nutritious, regularly inspected, and varied?
- What is the school’s policy on mobile phones and weekend activities?
- Is there an on-campus medical facility or regular health checks?
- How does the school communicate with parents about their child’s progress and wellbeing?
CBSE School Admissions in Mangalore 2026-27: Timeline & Tips
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year in most Mangalore CBSE schools open between November and February, with peak intake in January–March. Here is a general timeline:
Month | Action |
|---|---|
October – November | Research schools, shortlist 3–5 options, visit campuses if possible |
December – January | Download and complete application forms. Gather documents (birth certificate, Aadhaar, transfer certificate from previous school, photographs) |
January – February | Submit applications, attend admissions tests or interviews (where applicable) |
February – March | Receive offer letters, pay confirmation fees, register for the new academic year |
April 1 | New academic year begins (CBSE schools follow April–March calendar) |
Documents Typically Required for CBSE Admission
- Child’s birth certificate (original + photocopy)
- Aadhaar card of child and parents
- Transfer Certificate (TC) from previous school, if applicable
- Previous year’s progress report / marksheet
- Passport-sized photographs (4–6 copies)
- Address proof (Aadhaar / utility bill)
- Caste or category certificate, if applicable
Frequently Asked Questions — CBSE Schools in Mangalore
Q1. Which is the best CBSE school in Mangalore?
There is no single ‘best’ school — the right school depends on your child’s needs. For day scholars in the city centre, St Aloysius Gonzaga School and Lourdes Central School are top picks. For parents seeking a residential CBSE school in the Mangalore district, Bright Horizon International School in Venur, Dakshina Kannada is the standout choice — it is the only CBSE co-educational residential school in Belathangady Taluk that also offers NEET/JEE coaching from Class 5.
Q2. Is there a CBSE residential school near Mangalore?
Yes. Bright Horizon International School, located in Venur, Belathangady Taluk (approximately 14 km from Moodubidri and within the Mangalore district), offers residential CBSE education from Class 4 to Class 10. It is a co-educational school with separate boy and girl hostels and accepts students from across Karnataka, India, and even internationally. Call +91 8970797028 or visit brighthorizoneducationfoundation.com/admissions/ for 2026-27 availability.
Q3. What is the fee range for CBSE schools in Mangalore?
Fees vary widely depending on the type of school. Government-aided schools like Kendriya Vidyalaya charge very low fees (under ₹5,000/year). Private day CBSE schools in Mangalore typically range from ₹30,000 to ₹60,000 per year. Residential / boarding CBSE schools in the Mangalore district generally range from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per year, inclusive of hostel, meals, and school fees. Always confirm the latest fee structure directly with the school for the 2026-27 academic year.
Q4. Which CBSE schools in Mangalore offer hostel or residential facilities?
In and around the Mangalore district, CBSE schools with residential facilities include: Bright Horizon International School (Venur, Belathangady Taluk — co-ed, Class 4–10), Sharada Vidyanikethana Public School (Talapady), and a few others in the broader Dakshina Kannada belt. Bright Horizon is particularly noted for offering structured competitive exam coaching (NEET/JEE/Civil Services) alongside its hostel programme.
Q5. Is CBSE better than the Karnataka State Board for Mangalore schools?
CBSE is generally preferred by parents who value national portability (easy school transfers across India), strong NEET/JEE alignment, and access to entrance exams like CUET. The Karnataka State Board has its strengths for CET (KCET) qualification and local university admissions. Many Mangalore families choose CBSE for its broader academic framework and competitive exam readiness. For a detailed comparison, read our guide: CBSE vs State Board — Which is Better for Your Child?
Q6. At what age should I start thinking about CBSE school admissions in Mangalore?
Most parents begin researching schools when their child is 2.5 to 3 years old for Nursery/LKG admissions, and when the child is in Class 3 or 4 for residential school options. For 2026-27 admissions, applications at most Mangalore CBSE schools typically open between October 2025 and February 2026. It is advisable to apply early, especially for residential schools where hostel seats are limited.
Q7. Does Bright Horizon International School accept students from outside Mangalore?
Yes. Being a residential school, Bright Horizon International School in Venur, Dakshina Kannada accepts students from across Karnataka, India, and internationally. Parents from Mangalore, Udupi, Puttur, Bantwal, Sullia, Belthangady, Kasaragod, Hassan, and beyond have enrolled their children. The residential structure makes it equally accessible to families from any location.
