M.E.S. Indian School of Doha vs Shantiniketan Indian School
M.E.S. Indian School of Doha and Shantiniketan Indian School are both in Doha, about 8 km apart. Both schools follow an Indian curriculum. Published annual fees are QAR 4,252 - 8,295 at M.E.S. Indian School of Doha and QAR 5,335 - 9,460 at Shantiniketan Indian School, which puts Shantiniketan Indian School roughly 18% higher. M.E.S. Indian School of Doha takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Shantiniketan Indian School from 3 to 19. The two are similar in size, at around 2,024 and 1,977 pupils. Typical class sizes are 25 at M.E.S. Indian School of Doha and 26 at Shantiniketan Indian School.
The M.E.S Indian School is located in Abu Hamour, Doha, Qatar. The Abu Hamour campus sits in a residential area with access to major roads and local amenities. The school is served by a comprehensive transport network.
Location
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Stages
Stages
Kindergarten to Grade 12 (KG to XII). The CBSE affiliation covers Grades 1-12, and the school provides education from KG through XII.
Stages
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School type
School type
Co-educational day school. A double-shift system operates (morning and afternoon/evening) with MOEHE permission; there is no boarding facility.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Guidance and Counselling services include need assessment, early identification and intervention, academic development, support for slow learners, counselling for students/parents, behaviour therapy/modification, social skills training, anger and stress management, aptitude testing, career guidance, referrals for clinical analysis, and follow-up services.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Affiliated to CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education, Delhi) and recognized by the Qatar Ministry of Education and Higher Education; it follows the Indian curriculum.
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation is stated; the school's aims emphasize national identity and culture.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Class timings for Grades I–XII are Sunday to Thursday from 6:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Administrative offices run from 6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.; Saturday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. An afternoon session (2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) is available under a double-shift arrangement.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
The school operates a large bus fleet of about 130 vehicles, serving around 100 destinations across Qatar. Routes are organized into four zones; each zone is overseen by route inspectors (roughly 25 buses and 25 routes per inspector). Buses board at designated stops with safety procedures and transport rules in place; there are parking areas with buses both inside and outside the campus.
Tuition fees (by year group) — annual and per‑term
- Tuition is published as an annual amount and is payable in three terms (equal instalments). Annual and per‑term figures (annual ÷ 3) are: - KG (all kindergarten levels): Annual QAR 4,252 → Per term QAR 1,417.33. - Classes I–III: Annual QAR 4,777 → Per term QAR 1,592.33. - Classes IV–VIII: Annual QAR 5,040 → Per term QAR 1,680.00. - Classes IX–X: Annual QAR 6,090 → Per term QAR 2,030.00. - Classes XI–XII: Annual QAR 8,295 → Per term QAR 2,765.00.
Transport / bus fees
- Transportation fees are listed as a separate charge. Example (as published): KG transport — Inside Doha QAR 3,500; Outside Doha QAR 4,500. Transport fees for other classes are presented in the school's transport arrangements and fee schedule. Transport charges must be paid in advance and there is no refund for transport once charged.
- Tuition is payable in three terms covering: Term I (April–July), Term II (August–November) and Term III (December–March). Each term's tuition instalment is due before the start of that term. Published due dates are: on or before 11 April (Term I), on or before 11 September (Term II) and on or before 11 December (Term III). Transport fees follow a similar term schedule and may also be paid for the full year in a single payment. Late or non‑payment may result in removal of a student from the school roll; re‑admission is considered only after settlement of outstanding fees and with required approvals.
Payment methods and counters
- Fees can be paid online through approved banks or at the school's fee payment counters during published school payment hours. Parents may opt to pay the full year's fees in a single payment where permitted.
Boarding / hostel
- The school does not provide boarding/hostel accommodation; it operates as a day school.
Refunds, pro‑rata charges and cancellations
- If a student leaves the school before completing the first month of a term, fees will be charged on a pro‑rata basis for that period. Transport charges are non‑refundable once levied (school transport policy states no refund). Late payment may lead to removal from the roll and re‑admission only after all dues are cleared and approvals obtained. Discounts or fee concessions (if any) are subject to submission of supporting details and approval by the relevant authorities.
Additional notes and specific cases
- Students promoted from Class XI to XII are required to pay the fee for the full academic year (April–March) as per the published schedule. - Uniform costs are not shown as a separate, fixed fee in the published fee schedule; uniform purchase is handled separately under school supplies/uniform arrangements.
(Amounts shown are as published in the school's approved fee schedule for the 2025–2026 academic year.)
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
Uniforms are grade- and gender-specific. Boys (Grades I–XII) wear a tri-colour fusion check shirt with peacock-blue trousers, a peacock-blue tie and belt, black shoes and peacock-blue socks; a peacock-blue blazer is worn on special occasions from Class IV, with winter wear a sweater or blazer. Girls (Grades I–III) wear a tri-colour fusion check frock; Grades IV–XII wear a fusion check Kameez with a peacock-blue border, peacock-blue salwar, and a peacock-blue waistcoat with blazer in winter or for ceremonial occasions; only white or black hair accessories are allowed. The sports uniform is a House T-shirt and pants.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
The campus includes a canteen facility run by a canteen supervisor; school events such as Food Festivals indicate activity around food. Specific menu details and dietary options are not listed on the site.
Food options
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House system
House system
Students in Classes I to XII are divided into four houses: Red, Blue, Green and Yellow. House-based co-curricular activities are conducted to promote healthy competition, and leadership roles such as Head Boy/Girl, House Captains, and related posts are elected.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is governed by a Governing Board of MES Indian School. Office Bearers include a President, Senior Vice President, Vice President, General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary, Secretary and Treasurer, and a Board of Directors comprising multiple members. MES Indian School is part of the MES group (Middle-East Educational Services), which operates MES Indian School in Doha and Abu Hamour, and maintains governance structures across the network.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school follows the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Delhi, India syllabus across all levels from Pre-Primary to Senior Secondary. Pre-Primary Classes (Kindergarten I–II) include English, Mathematics, General Knowledge, Conversation/EVS/Science, Art & Craft, PT, Swimming, Computer Science, Music, Dance, Yoga, DEAR period, and I Love Qatar (Qatar History). Primary Classes (I–IV) cover English, Modern Mathematics, EVS, Qatar History, Islamic Studies/Moral Science, Computer Science, Art & Craft, Music, Dance, PE, General Knowledge, with Second Language options (Hindi/Malayalam/French/Arabic/Urdu/Tamil) and a Third Language option (Hindi or another language) contingent on uptake. Middle School (V–VIII) adds English, Modern Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Qatar History, PE, Art Education, Work Education, General Knowledge and Artificial Intelligence, with Second Language options (Hindi/Malayalam/French/Arabic/Urdu/Tamil) and Third Language options (Arabic/Malayalam/Urdu/Kannada/French/Hindi). Secondary (IX–X) comprises English Language & Literature, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Qatar History, with internal assessments in Value Education, Health Education, PE, Art Education and Work Education; AI is introduced in IX. Senior Secondary (XI–XII) offers three Science groups with distinct subject combinations, a Commerce stream, and an Arts/Humanities stream; Core/Elective subjects are outlined per group, with internal assessments (General Studies, Physical & Health Education, Work Education) and Skill Subjects such as Design, Marketing, Tourism and Early Childhood Care and Education. Subject schemes may be updated by CBSE, with no changes allowed in XI after the first term and none in XII.
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
Social and emotional learning (SEL) at M.E.S. Indian School is delivered primarily through the Department of Guidance & Counselling, which supports students' academic, social, psychological and behavioural skills and helps them cope with and resolve issues. The department provides services including Need Assessment, Early Identification & Intervention, Academic Development, and Support & Guidance to Slow Learners. It also offers counselling for students, parents and siblings, Behaviour Therapy/Modification, Social Skills Training, and Anger/Stress/Anxiety Management, as well as Motivational sessions, Aptitude Testing and Career Guidance with follow-up services. The school also runs wellbeing initiatives such as the ambassador programme “My Well-being is a Trust” to promote student wellbeing (launched October 2025). These elements together constitute the school's structured SEL framework, supported by a dedicated guidance team.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
SEN support is provided through the Guidance & Counselling framework, including Need Assessment, Early Identification & Intervention, and Support & Guidance to Slow Learners. The Mandatory Public Disclosure lists a dedicated Special Educator (Harleen Kaur) and counsellors/wellness staff (e.g., Irene Thomas, Fashna Abdul Samad, Ameena Nidhin) as part of the school's welfare personnel. This indicates MES Indian School Doha has staff specifically addressing learners with learning needs within its general school framework. The school participates in disability-awareness activities, such as a disability awareness visit to the Doha International Center for Special Needs. Public information does not indicate the school operates as a separate specialist SEN institution; SEN support appears within the overall guidance and counselling services.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
English as an Additional Language (EAL) provisions are not publicly described; however, the curriculum includes a multilingual language component with Second Language options. The Courses Offered page lists Second Language choices: Hindi, Malayalam, French, Arabic, Urdu and Tamil. In Secondary (IX–X), English Language & Literature is listed as a core subject, indicating English is a central part of the curriculum. No dedicated EAL department or EAL-specific staff is listed in the public disclosures; language support appears within the general curriculum rather than a distinct EAL programme. Public information thus documents language offerings rather than a separate EAL programme.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by the Guidance & Counselling department, which helps students develop academic, social, psychological and behavioural skills, including Anger/Stress/Anxiety Management and Social Skills Training. The school has launched wellbeing initiatives, notably the ambassador programme 'My Well-being is a Trust' in October 2025 to promote student wellbeing. World Mental Health Day activities have been organized within the MES community, featuring assemblies, talks and student-led campaigns to raise awareness about mental health. The Guidance & Counselling team provides ongoing support and follow-up services for students' mental wellbeing. These elements reflect an active, school-wide focus on mental wellbeing within the SEL framework.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safeguarding and welfare are supported by formal staff structures, including a Counsellor and Wellness Teacher and a Special Educator listed in the Mandatory Disclosure (e.g., Irene Thomas, Fashna Abdul Samad, Ameena Nidhin, Harleen Kaur). The Mandatory Disclosure confirms the school's safeguarding and welfare arrangements and names key staff involved in student care. The school engages in safeguarding-related activities such as disability-awareness visits to the Doha International Center for Special Needs. Anti-bullying sessions coordinated by the Guidance & Counselling team demonstrate a proactive safeguarding stance and inclusive practices. Overall, MES Indian School Doha presents a structured safeguarding framework with dedicated staff and ongoing welfare initiatives.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The campus has E-Learning & IT facilities, sports facilities, laboratories, a library, transport facilities, and guidance and counselling. It features a FIFA-approved flood-lit football ground, dedicated basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, a swimming pool, an open-air auditorium, and facilities for indoor games. Science laboratories include two Physics labs, two Chemistry labs, and two Biology labs (one in the Boys section and one in the Girls section), plus an Engineering Graphics lab and a Junior Science lab. There are seven computer labs with Windows operating systems and software such as Python, MySQL, Microsoft Office and LibreOffice, and all labs are equipped with smart boards. The library comprises a Central Reference Library and a Girls Section Library with internet access and a wide range of books, periodicals and journals. The transport system runs about 130 vehicles to roughly 100 destinations with a route-management framework and safety training for staff.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
There is a dedicated basketball court, volleyball court, tennis court, and a FIFA-approved flood-lit football ground. It also has a cricket net practice area, an open-air auditorium, facilities for indoor games, and a swimming pool. Physical education is guided and coached by qualified male and female teachers, and a trained gymnastics faculty supports PE activities. Basketball and athletics teams have represented the school in the CBSE National Championship and won laurels for several years.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Science laboratories include two Physics labs, two Chemistry labs, and two Biology labs (one in the Boys section and one in the Girls section), plus an Engineering Graphics lab and a Junior Science lab. All labs are renovated to modern design and can accommodate over 50 students per subject; they are equipped with smart boards and projectors. There are seven Computer Labs (three in the Boys section, three in the Girls section, and one in the Junior section) with Windows OS and software including Python and MySQL; Microsoft Office and LibreOffice, animation software, and HTML editors are also available, and each lab has a smart board. These facilities support practical work for classes IX to XII.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Quran and Islamic classes for Muslim Boys and girls are conducted separately after school from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Thursdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Co-curricular activities include games, sports, music (classical/vocal/instrumental), dance, orchestra, gymnastics, dramatics, debate, public speaking and photography, with competitions and coaching for athletics and various games. Mass PT exercises are carried out on Thursdays, and students are annually taken on picnics and educational tours. Houses—Red, Blue, Green and Yellow—organize activities and leadership roles such as Head Boy/Girl, House Captains, and Student Editors are elected to develop leadership and discipline.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
M.E.S. Indian School in Doha was established in 1974 as an English‑medium CBSE‑affiliated school recognized by the Ministry of Education & Higher Education of Qatar. It is one of the premier educational institutions in the Gulf and operates on its own campus, providing stability in Doha. The school employs about 295 teaching and 180 non‑teaching staff and emphasizes holistic development through a broad program of curricular and co‑curricular activities. The Faculty Improvement Programme supports ongoing teacher development, with staff attending workshops and conferences organized by NCERT, CBSE Gulf Council and local educational agencies. Students participate in national and international competitions across literary, cultural, and sports disciplines.
History
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Community
Community
MES Indian School maintains a dynamic community that emphasizes both curricular and co‑curricular learning, with activities across music, dance, dramatics, debates and sports. Quran and Islamic classes are offered for Muslim students after school hours, and mass PT exercises are held on Thursdays as part of the school's routine. Students are organized into four houses—Red, Blue, Green and Yellow—and compete in house events, fostering teamwork and leadership. The school arranges annual picnics and educational tours and participates in CBSE Gulf Council and inter‑school competitions at national and international levels.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
M.E.S Indian School established its Parent‑Teacher Association (PTA) for the 2021‑23 academic year; the first PTA plenary session was held on December 20, 2021. The PTA is intended to promote positive views of parents through effective collaboration and to foster productive interaction between parents, teachers and school leaders. At the December 20 meeting, the principal welcomed the parents and introduced the PTA team leaders, while presenting an overview of achievements and best practices and inviting feedback on academics, conduct and holistic growth. The session also featured a video presentation on the school's progress and a vote of thanks. The MES community and local press later reported on the PTA, noting the significance of this first plenary in establishing a structured home–school partnership.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school follows the CBSE curriculum. English is the language of instruction. Qatar History and Islamic Studies/Moral Education are included among core subjects. Artificial Intelligence is introduced for Class IX.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Co-curricular activities include music (classical, vocal and instrumental), dance, orchestra, gymnastics, dramatics, debate, public speaking and photography. Students participate in individual and group competitions to develop creative talents. Mass PT exercises are conducted on Thursdays, and students are taken on annual picnics and educational tours.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Second languages offered include Hindi, Malayalam, French, Arabic, Urdu and Tamil. Third languages offered include Arabic, Malayalam, Urdu, Kannada, French and Hindi. Hindi is taught as either a second or third language depending on options. Qatar History and Islamic Studies/Moral Education are compulsory for KG to VIII.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
The school uses a four-house system—Red, Blue, Green and Yellow—to organize co-curricular activities. Co-curricular offerings include games, sports, music, dance, orchestra, dramatics, debate, public speaking and photography. Annual picnics and educational tours are organized under teacher supervision.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
As part of its Learning through Activity programme, the school emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, including a kitchen garden and a kitchen garden harvest presented to the Ministry. The Campus Care Force maintains the garden and leads daily student participation in horticulture. The school conducts community-based initiatives to foster environmental awareness and social responsibility.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Houses promote leadership roles, with positions such as Head Boy/Girl, House Captains, Literary Association Secretaries, Student Editors, Prefects and Students Council members elected to develop leadership qualities.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school participates in CBSE zonal and national sports competitions and offers coaching in swimming, athletics, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, football, badminton, cricket and martial arts. Facilities include a sports complex with a synthetic track, a flood-lit field, separate pools for adults and beginners with lifeguards, a large auditorium and other amenities. Transportation includes a fleet of about 120 air‑conditioned buses. The school holds a three‑day annual sports festival, and guidance and counselling services support students' academic, social, psychological and behavioural development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The school uses English as the language of instruction, with English Language & Literature taught as a core subject across levels. Second language options are available from kindergarten through Grade VIII and include Hindi, Malayalam, French, Arabic, Urdu, and Tamil. Third language options are also offered and include Hindi, Malayalam, French, Arabic, Urdu, and Tamil; in Classes II–IV, if the second language is French/Malayalam/Urdu/Arabic/Tamil, Hindi is taken as the third language, and Hindi may be taught as either the second or third language. In Classes V–VIII, the third language may include Arabic, Malayalam, Urdu, Kannada, French, and Hindi; those who opt for French/Malayalam/Tamil/Arabic/Urdu as the second language shall learn Hindi as the third language, while Hindi is not compulsory for students of other nationalities. For senior levels (IX–XII), English remains the language of instruction with English Language & Literature as a core subject, and second language options continue to include Hindi, French, Malayalam, Arabic, Urdu, and Tamil; Kannada appears as a third-language option for some streams. The non-Indian nationalities are not required to study Hindi as a second or third language.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Online registration for KG I to XII is required. Existing Parents must register through the Parents portal; non-sibling category uses the Guest login to apply online. Create a login with a valid email address, check your email for login details, then log in to complete the application. Attach the required copies (QID and Passport copies for student and parents) and submit; after admission the final report card from the previous school must be submitted to the Administrative office with the school seal and Principal's signature. 2. Track your application. Use the same username and password to check the status of your application. Incomplete online applications will be rejected. Only one application shall be submitted per student; multiple applications for the same student will be rejected. 3. Admissions eligibility and communications. The school is affiliated with CBSE New Delhi and MOEHE State of Qatar and admits Indian students with a valid Qatar ID, subject to seat availability. Only online applications are accepted; shortlisted applications will be communicated via email; walk-in queries will not be entertained. 4. Admission tests and interviews. There will be an admission test for classes I to XII and an oral interview for KG I & KG II, at the Principal's discretion. The admission decision depends on performance in the test/interview and seat availability. 5. Documents required. Provide QID copies and passport copies for both student and parents; original passport and QID of the student; health card; birth certificate; immunization copy; passport-size photograph; current class mark list; and bonafide/conduct certificate from the current school. For applicants who studied outside Qatar: PHCC fitness certificate, original transfer certificate (post-admission), and MOFA-attested copies of the previous year's report card. 6. Age criteria. Age criteria are calculated as of 30 September of the academic year. KG-01 minimum age is 3 years; KG-02 minimum age is 4 years; Class I minimum age is 5 years; Class II minimum age is 6 years; Class III minimum age is 7 years; Class IV minimum age is 8 years; Class V minimum age is 9 years; Class VI minimum age is 10 years. The school is CBSE affiliated and MOEHE approved.
