Dhirubhai Ambani International School

Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS) is one of India’s most prestigious private K–12 educational institutions, located in the Bandra-Kurla Complex of Mumbai. Founded in 2003 by Nita Ambani, the school is named in honor of legendary industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani, and was envisioned as a center for academic excellence, holistic growth, and global citizenship. DAIS is widely recognized for its rigorous curriculum, highly qualified faculty, international affiliations, and a student body that consistently excels across academics, arts, sports, and leadership.

Founding and Vision

DAIS was established with the mission to offer world-class education to Indian students, empowering them to lead with intellect, compassion, and integrity. Nita Ambani, inspired by her father-in-law Dhirubhai Ambani’s dream of building a world-class institution in India, led the founding effort with an unwavering focus on educational innovation and child-centered pedagogy.

From its inception, the school has strived to blend the best of Indian traditions with modern international practices, providing a nurturing environment that respects diversity and encourages critical thinking, creativity, and community service.

Campus and Facilities

The DAIS campus is located within Reliance’s corporate headquarters in Mumbai’s financial district. It boasts:

• Smart classrooms with interactive digital learning tools
• State-of-the-art science, robotics, and computer labs
• A world-class library with multilingual and digital resources
• Fully equipped performing arts and music studios
• Indoor and outdoor sports facilities including basketball, football, athletics, tennis, and swimming
• Environment-friendly infrastructure with green building practices

The school environment promotes experiential learning through spaces that foster collaboration, reflection, and innovation.

Curriculum and Academics

DAIS offers multiple academic programs:

• The ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) program for Grades 8–10
• The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) from the University of Cambridge
• The IB Diploma Programme (International Baccalaureate) for Grades 11–12

Students are exposed to a wide range of subjects, including humanities, sciences, languages, arts, and technology, while being encouraged to explore interdisciplinary links and real-world applications.

DAIS students have consistently ranked among the top globally in IB and IGCSE examinations. Alumni have gone on to attend top-tier institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, MIT, Yale, and the University of Cambridge.

Faculty and Learning Environment

The school employs highly qualified faculty from India and abroad, many of whom are trained by the IB, Cambridge, and ICSE boards. Teachers are not just subject experts but also mentors who support the emotional and intellectual development of students.

DAIS places strong emphasis on:

• Inquiry-based learning
• Independent research
• Socratic discussion
• Collaborative projects
• Emotional intelligence and ethics

Student-teacher ratios are optimized to ensure personal attention and individualized learning pathways.

Co-curricular and Enrichment Activities

Beyond academics, DAIS promotes holistic development through:

• Visual and performing arts – music, dance, theater, and fine arts
• Model United Nations (MUN), debates, and international competitions
• Entrepreneurship and leadership workshops
• Community service and sustainability initiatives
• Sports excellence programs with professional coaching

The school encourages global perspectives by hosting international student exchange programs, TEDx events, and educational symposiums.

Social Responsibility and Community Engagement

DAIS students actively participate in outreach programs, including:

• Volunteering in municipal schools and NGOs
• Rural education and health awareness drives
• Fundraising campaigns for disaster relief
• Environmental conservation and tree-planting initiatives

The school’s student-led clubs and foundations are deeply involved in issues ranging from gender equity to technology for social impact.

Leadership and Governance

Nita Ambani serves as the Chairperson of the school, providing strategic direction and vision. Day-to-day academic and administrative responsibilities are led by a team of experienced educators, headed by Principal Seema Saini.

The school maintains robust systems of feedback, innovation, and inclusion, regularly upgrading pedagogy and infrastructure to stay ahead in global education benchmarks.

Reputation and Global Rankings

DAIS is consistently ranked among the top international schools in India and Asia. Accolades include:

• No. 1 International School in India (Education World, 2019–2023)
• Top IB School in India by global ranking authorities
• Recognition by the IB and Cambridge boards for excellence in examination performance

It has received praise from visiting dignitaries, university admissions teams, and education leaders from around the world.

Alumni and Legacy

DAIS alumni are leaders in business, tech, policy, arts, and academia. Many have founded startups, led nonprofit initiatives, or pursued research and fellowships globally. The school's legacy continues to expand through its alumni network, which remains engaged with mentoring and collaborative projects.

Future Vision

DAIS plans to:

• Integrate AI, design thinking, and sustainability into the core curriculum
• Expand its teacher training and leadership academy
• Foster global partnerships with universities and think tanks
• Enhance well-being and mental health initiatives

Its guiding ethos learning beyond boundaries continues to shape a generation of thoughtful, responsible, and visionary global citizens.

Social Links

• Dhirubhai Ambani International School on Instagram
• DAIS on LinkedIn

External Links

• Official Website – DAIS
• Reliance Foundation