The CEOs of Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, Adobe and Cobra Beer - all attended this high-profile public school in Hyderabad

Some of the world’s most influential companies today are led by individuals who once attended the Hyderabad Public School (HPS), a century-old institution that has long been part of India’s educational landscape. 

Foundation of HPS 

Founded in 1923 as Jagirdar’s College and later modelled on England’s Eton, HPS has, over the decades, educated students who went on to play significant roles in technology, business, finance, and public life.

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Notable attendees

Among its most recognised alumni is Satya Nadella, now Chairman and CEO of Microsoft. Nadella completed his schooling at HPS before moving to the United States to study engineering and pursue a career in technology. His ascent within Microsoft—from leading its cloud division to becoming the chief executive—has often been cited by global media as an example of Indian talent shaping the future of the tech industry.

Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen is another prominent former student. Known for overseeing Adobe’s shift to cloud-based subscription services, Narayen has been instrumental in redefining how creative and digital experience tools are used worldwide. His leadership is widely credited with turning Adobe into one of the world’s most resilient and influential software companies.

Ajay Banga, former CEO of Mastercard and currently President of the World Bank, also spent his formative years at HPS. Banga’s tenure at Mastercard focused heavily on financial inclusion, expanding digital payments, and establishing the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth. His appointment to the World Bank in 2023 placed him at the forefront of global economic development and climate-related financing.

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What makes HPS special? 

The Hyderabad Public School has evolved significantly from its early days, now operating out of a 122-acre campus that blends heritage architecture with modern educational amenities. 

Known for its focus on academic rigour, sports, and breadth of co-curricular activities, the school has traditionally admitted students from a cross-section of socio-economic backgrounds-families of civil servants, business elites, and professionals.

A residential culture, an environment that encourages competition, and its legacy of English-medium education are often cited as reasons that churn out students who emerge with excellent communication skills and international outlooks. 

While not designed to create corporate leaders, HPS's culture of independence, debate, and discipline has contributed, objectively and otherwise, to the leadership career paths that many of its former students have followed.

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