Modern education is not limited to textbooks. Extracurricular activities in school play a vital role in shaping confident, creative, and responsible students.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter
Improve confidence
Enhance teamwork
Reduce academic stress
Discover talents
Types of School Activities
Sports
Music & dance
Debate & drama
Yoga & meditation
Art & craft
Role in Overall Development
Students involved in activities:
Perform better academically
Develop leadership skills
Become socially active
How Schools Should Support Activities
Dedicated activity periods
Trained instructors
Equal opportunities for all students
Conclusion
Schools focusing on extracurricular activities produce future-ready students.
Choosing the best school in India for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent will ever make. A school does not just provide academic knowledge; it shapes your child’s personality, values, confidence, and future career path.
With so many options like CBSE schools, ICSE schools, English medium schools, and private schools, parents often feel confused. This detailed guide will help you understand how to choose the right school based on academics, infrastructure, safety, teachers, and overall development.
1. Understand Your Child’s Learning Needs
Every child is different. Some children learn faster through activities, while others prefer structured learning.
Before selecting a school:
Understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses
Consider their interest in sports, arts, or academics
Look for schools that support activity-based learning
A good school focuses on overall development, not just marks.
2. Choose the Right Board (CBSE, ICSE, or State Board)
In India, the most common education boards are:
CBSE Board
Nationally recognized
Ideal for competitive exams like NEET & JEE
Structured syllabus
ICSE Board
Strong English foundation
Detailed curriculum
Ideal for international exposure
State Board
Affordable
Region-focused curriculum
👉 Most parents prefer CBSE schools in India due to nationwide acceptance.
3. Importance of Qualified & Experienced Teachers
Teachers are the backbone of any school.
A good school should have:
Well-trained and experienced faculty
Low student-teacher ratio
Regular teacher training programs
Schools with experienced teachers ensure better academic performance and emotional support.
4. School Infrastructure & Facilities
Modern schools should offer:
Smart classrooms
Science & computer labs
Sports playground
Library
CCTV & security systems
A school with good infrastructure enhances learning efficiency and safety.
5. Focus on Safety & Hygiene
Child safety is non-negotiable.
Check for:
CCTV cameras
Trained security staff
Safe transport facilities
Clean washrooms
First-aid & medical support
Parents should always visit the campus before final admission.
6. Extracurricular Activities Matter
The best schools in India encourage:
Sports
Dance & music
Yoga & meditation
Debate & drama
Art & craft
Extracurricular activities help children develop confidence and leadership skills.
7. School Reputation & Parent Reviews
Before finalizing:
Check Google reviews
Talk to other parents
Visit the school website
Attend school orientation sessions
A school’s reputation reflects its quality of education.
8. Location & Transport Convenience
Choose a school:
Close to home
With safe bus facilities
Easy accessibility
This reduces daily stress for both parents and children.
9. Admission Process & Transparency
Good schools follow a clear and transparent admission process:
The best school in India is one that understands your child, supports their growth, and prepares them for the future. Do proper research, visit schools personally, and take informed decisions.
Less that two months from World Cup defence, hosts, in their seven-wicket thrashing of South Africa, show dexterity in skinning teams with different weapons
With the defence of their T20 World Cup title drawing closer, the Indian cricket team delivered a commanding performance in the third T20 International against South Africa at Dharamshala, underlining why they are considered one of the most complete sides in the format. In challenging sub-10 degree Celsius conditions, India defeated South Africa by seven wickets, taking a 2–1 lead in the five-match series and restoring confidence after a disappointing loss in the previous game.
The match was played on a surface that offered significant assistance to fast bowlers, especially early on, with noticeable seam movement and the added challenge of cold weather. South Africa, opting to bat first, found run-scoring extremely difficult. The conditions were so demanding that it took them more than 100 deliveries to register their first six, a rare occurrence in modern T20 cricket.
India’s bowling unit rose to the occasion with discipline, control, and smart use of conditions. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh set the tone with an excellent opening spell, extracting movement off the pitch and troubling the batters with accuracy. He was well supported by Harshit Rana, whose pace and bounce unsettled the South African top order. Within the powerplay, the visitors were reduced to 25 for 3, placing them firmly on the back foot.
Hardik Pandya added further pressure by picking up crucial wickets in the middle overs, leaving South Africa struggling at 30 for 4 after seven overs. While partnerships were attempted, none truly flourished under India’s relentless squeeze. South African captain Aiden Markram stood out as the lone bright spot, playing a composed and courageous innings of 61 from 46 balls. His knock showed character and skill, but lacked support from the other end.
Despite expectations that dew might aid batting later in the innings, the Indian bowlers adapted superbly, keeping the boundary count low on a ground known for high-scoring T20 matches. South Africa eventually posted a modest total of 119, a target that always looked within India’s reach.
India’s response with the bat was decisive and confident. Openers came out with clear intent, and Abhishek Sharma wasted no time in asserting dominance. He struck a six off the very first ball of the chase, setting the tone for what followed. Unfazed by the quality of South Africa’s fast bowling attack, Abhishek played with freedom and clarity, attacking anything short or wide and showing excellent timing.
His explosive knock of 35 off just 18 deliveries ensured India gained early control of the chase. By the end of the powerplay, India were 68 for 1, effectively sealing the outcome despite losing Abhishek’s wicket. His innings removed all pressure from the middle order and allowed the team to approach the remainder of the chase with caution and composure.
Shubman Gill contributed a steady 28, playing the role required in the situation, though he had a few anxious moments against the moving ball. Captain Suryakumar Yadav, still searching for his best form, added a brief cameo. While neither looked completely fluent, the strong foundation laid earlier ensured their struggles did not affect the final result.
India reached the target comfortably with 25 balls to spare, a result that reflected their all-round dominance rather than reliance on individual brilliance. More importantly, the victory highlighted India’s depth and adaptability — a crucial trait as they prepare for the uncertainties of T20 tournament cricket.
This match served as a reminder that champion teams are not defined by a single style of play. India showed they can win through bowling strength, disciplined fielding, aggressive starts, or calm finishing, depending on the conditions. With just a handful of matches left before the World Cup, such flexibility could prove invaluable.
As the series moves to Lucknow, India will take confidence from this performance, knowing that even in testing conditions and after recent setbacks, they possess the balance, talent, and mindset of a true championship side.
And until then, it had been Abhishek who had, more or less, put the nail in the coffin with his typical early offensive. Such is the opener’s fine touch at the moment that even devilish conditions and outright pace from South Africa’s daunting-looking fast bowlers did not perturb him from going for, and finding, those attacking shots. He came down the ground to hit back-of-the-length balls on the up, cut anything that he found wide and a tad short, and timed any stray ball perfectly into gaps.
It was largely thanks to his efforts (35 from 18 balls) that India were up to 55 in the run chase by the start of the fifth over, and were 68 for 1 at the close of the powerplay even though he lost his own wicket. From there, India could afford to take their time and make sure there were no late twists, slowing down to ensure victory.
An easy run chase, especially when set so well early on, may have been a good chance for some of India’s batting stars to get easy runs. Shubman Gill did contribute, with a run-a-ball 28 that was appropriate pacing considering the match situation. But it was hardly chanceless; early on, several testing balls off a length hit or missed his edge, and he narrowly escaped a second successive golden duck after a fine-inside edge overturned the umpire’s decision of holding him out from an in-swinging Marco Jansen delivery, exactly the kind of ball that tests
Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive intent at the top of the order proved decisive as India cruised to a seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the third T20I at Dharamshala. In challenging weather conditions and against a strong pace attack, the young opener displayed remarkable composure and confidence.
After India’s bowlers restricted South Africa to 119, the chase was expected to be tricky due to seam movement and the quality of the South African bowling lineup. However, Abhishek removed any doubts with a first-ball six, instantly putting the opposition on the defensive.
He continued to dominate, attacking short deliveries and confidently stepping out to back-of-a-length balls. His knock of 35 from 18 deliveries ensured India raced ahead during the powerplay, reaching 68 for 1. This early momentum meant the required run rate was never a concern.
While Abhishek fell early, his contribution had already done the damage. Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav played supporting roles, focusing on rotating the strike and avoiding unnecessary risks. The match ended with India comfortably reaching the target with plenty of overs to spare.
Abhishek’s innings highlighted India’s growing bench strength and the emergence of young players who can perform under pressure. As India prepares for the T20 World Cup, such fearless starts could prove to be a valuable asset.
India’s pace bowlers produced a disciplined and intelligent performance in the third T20 International against South Africa, making full use of the challenging Dharamshala conditions to register a commanding seven-wicket victory. In cold weather and on a pitch that offered movement and bounce, India’s seamers showcased precision, patience, and teamwork to dominate the visitors and seize control of the contest.
From the opening overs, it was clear that the conditions would favor bowlers willing to maintain consistent lines and lengths. Arshdeep Singh set the tone with a probing new-ball spell, extracting swing and keeping the batters guessing. His ability to move the ball both ways in the chilly air made shot-making risky, forcing South Africa’s top order into errors. At the other end, Harshit Rana used his pace effectively, hitting hard lengths and generating extra bounce that proved difficult to negotiate.
The early wickets disrupted South Africa’s plans entirely. Losing key batters inside the powerplay meant the visitors were immediately pushed into a defensive mindset. With the scoreboard pressure building and the run flow restricted, South Africa struggled to regain momentum. Indian bowlers capitalized on this advantage by maintaining discipline rather than searching for magic deliveries.
As the innings progressed, Hardik Pandya played a crucial role in the middle overs. His timely breakthroughs ensured that South Africa could not build partnerships or accelerate when required. Pandya’s use of variations, combined with smart field placements, added to the mounting pressure. Even experienced batters found it hard to judge the movement off the pitch, leading to mistimed shots and missed opportunities.
What stood out most was the collective effort of India’s bowling unit. There were no loose overs, and every bowler stuck to the team’s plan. The fielders supported the bowlers brilliantly, cutting off singles and maintaining intensity throughout the innings. On a ground known for high-scoring T20 matches, South Africa were restricted to just 119 runs, a total that reflected India’s bowling dominance more than any failure on the part of the batting side.
India’s response with the bat was equally assured. Abhishek Sharma set the tone early by attacking from the very first ball, signaling that India would not allow the bowlers to settle. His aggressive intent removed any early pressure and shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor. With a brisk knock at the top, he ensured that the required run rate never became a concern.
The rest of the batting unit adopted a measured approach, focusing on strike rotation and partnership building. Rather than forcing shots, India’s batters played within themselves, aware that the foundation had already been laid. The chase progressed smoothly, with no signs of panic or unnecessary risk-taking.
India reached the target comfortably with plenty of overs to spare, underlining the gap between the two sides on the day. More importantly, the match highlighted India’s ability to adapt to conditions and win through bowling strength—an attribute that often proves decisive in major T20 tournaments.
As global competitions approach, such performances reinforce India’s credentials as a well-balanced side capable of adjusting strategies based on pitch, weather, and opposition. The Dharamshala win was a clear demonstration of how disciplined fast bowling, backed by smart batting, can produce dominant results in the shortest format of the game.
After a disappointing and one-sided defeat in the previous encounter, the Indian cricket team delivered a strong and measured response in the third T20 International against South Africa, underlining their ability to handle pressure and adapt quickly. Playing in challenging conditions, India displayed composure, discipline, and tactical clarity to secure a convincing seven-wicket victory and regain control of the series.
Rather than reacting with desperation after the earlier setback, India approached the match with a calm and methodical mindset. The bowlers led the recovery, sticking firmly to their plans and exploiting the conditions on offer. From the opening overs, the Indian pace attack maintained tight lines and disciplined lengths, making run-scoring difficult for the South African batters. The early breakthroughs immediately tilted the match in India’s favor and prevented the visitors from settling into a rhythm.
The powerplay proved decisive as India’s bowlers removed key batters and applied constant pressure. With movement off the pitch and the cold weather aiding seamers, South Africa struggled to build partnerships. Even as the innings progressed, India refused to release the pressure, maintaining control during the middle overs with smart field placements and controlled variations. This sustained discipline ensured that South Africa remained well below a competitive total.
While South Africa’s captain attempted to stabilize the innings, the lack of support from the rest of the batting lineup highlighted the effectiveness of India’s bowling strategy. Boundaries were rare, and singles were hard-earned, reflecting India’s strong execution and commitment in the field. By the end of the innings, the modest total on the scoreboard clearly favored the hosts.
India’s approach during the run chase mirrored the maturity shown by the bowling unit. The batters resisted the temptation to attack recklessly, opting instead for calculated aggression. The openers set the tone with positive intent, ensuring early momentum without unnecessary risk. This approach allowed India to stay ahead of the required run rate while minimizing chances of collapse.
As the innings progressed, the middle order focused on rotation of strike and partnership-building. The clarity in roles was evident, with batters understanding exactly what the situation demanded. Even when wickets fell, there was no panic, as the foundation laid early in the chase provided a comfortable cushion.
The smooth nature of the chase not only sealed the victory but also restored confidence within the squad. For several key players, the match offered valuable time in the middle without the pressure of chasing a steep target. More importantly, it demonstrated the team’s ability to adjust its style of play according to match conditions and opposition strength.
This performance once again highlighted India’s depth and balance as a T20 side. The team’s ability to respond strongly after setbacks is a hallmark of championship-caliber units. Instead of relying on individual brilliance, India functioned as a cohesive unit, with contributions across departments.
As the series moves forward, this win provides India with renewed momentum and belief. With global tournaments approaching, such composed and controlled performances reaffirm why India continues to be regarded as one of the strongest contenders on the international stage.
India produced a composed and authoritative performance to defeat South Africa by seven wickets in the third T20 International at Dharamshala, reinforcing the team’s growing reputation as a well-rounded and adaptable unit ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. In challenging Himalayan conditions, with temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius, India showed tactical discipline and collective strength to outplay the visitors in all departments.
Batting first on a surface that offered noticeable seam movement, South Africa found scoring difficult from the outset. The Indian pace attack quickly settled into a rhythm, exploiting both the conditions and the pitch. Arshdeep Singh led the charge with a probing opening spell, consistently hitting the right areas and extracting movement off the surface. Harshit Rana complemented him well, using pace and bounce to unsettle the batters. Their combined efforts left South Africa in early trouble at 25 for 3 within the powerplay.
The pressure did not ease as the innings progressed. Hardik Pandya delivered timely breakthroughs during the middle overs, further tightening India’s grip on the match. With wickets falling regularly and run flow restricted, South Africa struggled to build meaningful partnerships. The Indian bowlers maintained discipline, rarely offering loose deliveries, and ensured boundaries were hard to come by on a ground that often produces high-scoring T20 encounters.
South African captain Aiden Markram stood firm amid the collapse, playing a measured and responsible innings. His knock showed resilience and game awareness, but the lack of support from the other batters meant the visitors were unable to recover. Despite Markram’s resistance, South Africa could only manage a total of 119, a score that looked well below par given the venue and format.
India’s response with the bat was confident and decisive. Opener Abhishek Sharma set the tone immediately by launching the first ball of the chase for a six, signaling India’s intent to dominate early. Unfazed by the presence of a strong South African pace attack, he played with freedom and assurance, targeting anything short or wide and rotating the strike effectively. His aggressive yet controlled innings of 35 from just 18 deliveries provided India with a strong foundation.
With the early momentum firmly in their favor, India’s middle order adopted a calm and sensible approach. The required run rate was never a concern, allowing batters to focus on building partnerships rather than taking unnecessary risks. Though the conditions remained challenging, India’s batters showed maturity in managing the chase and ensuring there were no late surprises.
The target was reached comfortably with plenty of overs to spare, reflecting the gap between the two sides on the day. More than the margin of victory, it was the manner in which India controlled the match that stood out. The team displayed balance, clarity of roles, and the ability to adapt to conditions—qualities essential for success in major tournaments.
This victory also served as a strong response to recent setbacks, highlighting India’s ability to regroup and perform under pressure. With bowlers stepping up collectively and young batters showing fearlessness at the top, India appear well-equipped for the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.
As the series progresses, India will take confidence from this performance, knowing that their depth, flexibility, and team-oriented approach can carry them through diverse conditions and high-stakes situations on the global stage.
India’s Versatility on Display as Team Finds Multiple Ways to Win
One of the biggest takeaways from India’s win over South Africa in the third T20I was the team’s versatility. In a format known for unpredictability, India showed that they are not dependent on a single style of play.
On a bowling-friendly pitch, the bowlers took charge. On a day when batting could have been tricky, the openers counter-attacked. When early wickets fell, the middle order ensured stability.
This ability to adapt to conditions, opposition, and match situations is what separates good teams from champion sides. India’s performance at Dharamshala reflected a squad that understands roles and executes plans effectively.
As the T20 World Cup approaches, such flexibility could be India’s greatest strength.