Two Indian schools have secured places among the world’s top 50 shortlisted institutions for the 2026 Global Schools Prize 2026, an international award programme recognising innovative and impactful educational models.
Katha Lab School and Delhi Public School Bangalore North were selected from nearly 3,000 nominations submitted across 113 countries.
The awards are organised by the Varkey Foundation and carry a total prize pool of USD 1 million across multiple categories focused on innovation and educational transformation.
Indian schools are recognised in separate categories
Katha Lab School was shortlisted in the Arts, Culture and Creativity category, while Delhi Public School Bangalore North was selected in the SEND/Inclusive Education category.
According to the organisers, the schools were recognised for developing educational models that address learning access, inclusion, creativity, and student development in distinct ways.
Sunny Varkey congratulated the shortlisted schools and said their work demonstrated how educational institutions can equip students with the skills and values needed in a rapidly changing world.
He added that the initiative aims not only to recognise successful schools but also to encourage global conversations around scalable educational innovation.
Katha Lab School recognised for StoryPedagogy model
Located in the Govindpuri slum cluster in Delhi, Katha Lab School serves children primarily from low-income communities.
The school was founded by Geeta Dharmarajan and is known for developing “StoryPedagogy,” a teaching model that replaces conventional textbooks with story-based learning.
The approach integrates language, mathematics, science, and arts into a unified learning framework designed to make education more engaging and accessible for children.
The Global Schools Prize organisers noted that the school has delivered strong educational outcomes despite operating in economically challenging conditions.
DPS Bangalore North shortlisted for inclusive education
Delhi Public School Bangalore North was shortlisted for its inclusive education practices and student support systems.
The school educates more than 7,000 students and follows the guiding principle of “Service Before Self.” Organisers said the institution demonstrated that academic excellence and inclusive learning environments can coexist effectively.
Its recognition falls under the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)/Inclusive Education category.
What happens next
The shortlisted institutions will now compete for category-level awards under 10 themes, including:
- AI Transformation
- Arts, Culture and Creativity
- Character and Values-Driven Education
- Global Citizenship and Peacebuilding
- Health and Wellbeing
- Overcoming Adversity
- SEND/Inclusive Education
- STEM Education
- Sustainability
- Teacher Development
Ten category winners will each receive USD 50,000, while one overall winner of the Global Schools Prize 2026 will receive USD 500,000 to expand the impact of its educational model.
The winners are expected to be announced later this month during the Education World Forum in London.
Two Indian schools shortlisted for $1 million Global Schools Prize 2026
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