Top 17 Academy Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

17 Novels

Academy settings provide natural structure for progression stories. Clear hierarchies, regular competitions, and peer relationships that evolve as characters grow stronger. The formula works because it creates obvious benchmarks without elaborate setup.

I've looked for entries that use the academy framework meaningfully. The school setting shapes conflicts and relationships in ways that matter to the narrative.

1
TOP PICK
Kenkyo, Kenjitsu o Motto ni Ikite Orimasu
4.6
(1.5K ratings)
Genre: comedy, school life, shoujo
It was something that happened while I was waiting for the day of the primary school entrance exam. I realised that I had become one of the characters of a shoujo manga that I loved reading in my old life, ‘You Are My Dolce’.
First Impressions
This web novel has been quite the ride! I dove in expecting your typical reincarnation story, but what I found was something much more charming and relatable. It's easy to see why it's garnered such a dedicated following. Initially, I wasn't entirely sold. The early chapters felt a bit cliché, hitting the usual beats of establishing the premise. Reika's constant internal monologues about her past life were a little heavy-handed at first, making it hard to connect with her new reality. However, I'm glad I stuck with it because the story truly finds its footing as Reika grows and develops....
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2
RUNNER UP
To Be a Power in the Shadows! (WN)
4.4
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Just like how everyone adores heroes in their childhood, a certain boy adored those who hid in the shadows. One day, after living the mediocre life of a side character while undergoing frenzied training by night, he reincarnates in a different world and gains ultimate power.
First Impressions
I dove into "To Be a Power in the Shadows!" with a healthy dose of curiosity, and I've come out the other side with quite a few thoughts. This web novel is definitely... something. It's a wild ride that blends action, comedy, and fantasy in a way that's both incredibly entertaining and, at times, utterly baffling. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of a protagonist who's convinced he's living out a chuunibyou fantasy, only for it to actually be real, is comedy gold. The early chapters had me laughing out loud. It's a unique twist on the isekai genre, and I appreciated the author'...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss
4.4
(1.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
She was a peerless genius in the 24th Century – all she needed was a silver needle and she could practically bring anyone back from the dead. After an explosion, she crossed over into a strange world; everyone calls her “Miss.
First Impressions
"Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss" is quite the ride, a sprawling xuanhuan adventure that I found myself both captivated and occasionally frustrated by. With a strong female lead, plenty of scheming, and a slow-burn romance, it definitely has its hooks. But it's also a commitment, and not without its flaws. The initial chapters pulled me in with the promise of satisfying revenge and a protagonist who isn't afraid to play dirty. The setup is familiar – a reincarnation story with a genius MC – but the execution felt fresh enough to keep me engaged. I was eager to see how Jun Wu Xie would navigate...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Kidnapped Dragons
4.6
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: action, drama, fantasy
– The planet [Earth] has entered the abnormal state [Apocalypse]. – You have failed in saving the Earth.
First Impressions
"Kidnapped Dragons" is a web novel that really took me by surprise. With its blend of action, drama, fantasy, and even slice-of-life elements, it's a story that's hard to pin down, but ultimately rewarding. The premise itself – a regressor MC who has failed to save the world six times, now tasked with caring for young dragons – felt intriguing enough to draw me in. Initially, I was a little wary. The sheer number of tags (over 60!) made me wonder if it would be a case of too many ideas vying for attention. And, admittedly, the early chapters might not grab everyone immediately. Some readers fo...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Fake Saint Of The Year
4.7
(695 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, fantasy
Fudou Niito, a resident of Japan, went to bed dissatisfied with the ending of the game. When he next awoke, he found himself in the body of the game’s hated fake saint, Elrise.
First Impressions
"Fake Saint Of The Year" really took me by surprise. Going in, I expected a fairly standard gender-bender isekai, but what I found was a surprisingly deep and engaging story that kept me hooked until the very end. Initially, I'll admit, I wasn't entirely sold. The early chapters felt a little clumsy, and I wasn't quite connecting with the protagonist, Elrise. The world-building felt a bit rushed, and I was wondering if this would be another generic isekai. However, I'm really glad I stuck with it, because the story really takes off after the first few chapters....
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Academy Heroine’s Right Diagonal Back Seat
4.4
(730 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, drama
“I really feel like having one of those special macarons from the cafeteria today. You think you could get me one?
First Impressions
"Academy Heroine’s Right Diagonal Back Seat" is a novel that took me by surprise. Initially, I went in expecting a lighthearted academy romp, but what I found was a much darker, more complex story that left a lasting impression. It's a bit of a rollercoaster, and definitely not for the faint of heart. At first, the story felt like a typical isekai, with the protagonist reincarnated into a novel they once read. The academy setting and superpower elements initially felt generic. However, as I delved deeper, the narrative revealed a much more intricate world, fraught with danger and hidden depths...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
I Favor the Villainess
4.4
(624 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
“I am the heroine of an otome game, so is it wrong to like the villainess? ” Corporate s*ave OL, Oohashi Rei, reincarnated as the heroine Rei Taylor in the world of the otome game 「Revolution」.
First Impressions
"I Favor the Villainess" had me hooked from the start with its unique premise: a protagonist reincarnated into an otome game who's far more interested in wooing the villainess than any of the male leads. It's a refreshing twist on the isekai formula, and I found myself eager to see how Rei, the main character, would charm the prickly Claire. Initially, I was drawn in by the humor and the dynamic between Rei and Claire. Their interactions are genuinely funny, and the story has a light-hearted feel that makes it easy to pick up and enjoy. It felt like a fun, fluffy yuri romance with a comedic ed...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better?
4.4
(463 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
She possessed a villainess who is known and hated for her evil acts in an unpopular novel. But because of her personality, it was extremely difficult for her to play the villainess role.
First Impressions
"Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better?" promised a fun twist on the villainess trope, and for the most part, it delivered a lighthearted and engaging read. I went in expecting a cunning protagonist and found myself pleasantly surprised by the comedic undertones and focus on personal growth. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a protagonist deciding to embrace a "villainess" persona after realizing her pushover tendencies in a past life. The early chapters were promising, showcasing her attempts to navigate this new role while grappling with her own insecurities. It felt relatable and...
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9
#9 PICK
Isekai Tensei Soudouki
4.4
(441 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Baldr Cornelius is the son of a noble of the Mauricia kingdom and inside him also dwell the souls of the avaricious warring states commander Oka Sanai Sadatoshi and animal ear otaku high schooler Oka Masaharu. Follow the journey of these 3 souls in a single body, as they exhibit extraordinary ab...
First Impressions
Isekai Tensei Soudouki is one of those novels that really grabbed my attention with its unique premise. A single body housing three distinct souls? I was definitely intrigued. While it has its share of familiar isekai tropes, it also attempts to carve out its own identity. The initial hook of this story is undeniably strong. I was immediately drawn to the dynamic between the three personalities inhabiting young Bard Cornelius: his original self, a money-obsessed samurai from the Edo period, and a chuunibyou-afflicted modern-day otaku. This trio makes for some genuinely humorous and interesting...
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10
#10 PICK
The Villainess Wants to Marry a Commoner!! (LN)
4.6
(251 ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, romance
After reincarnating, I found myself as the Villainess in an Otome game I often played. A prince, a knight, a magician…to these high-spec love interests I say ‘no thank you’!
First Impressions
"The Villainess Wants to Marry a Commoner!!" is a novel that grabbed my attention with its unique premise and seemingly endless charm. It’s an isekai story, but with a refreshing twist on familiar tropes that I found thoroughly enjoyable. From the very beginning, I was hooked by the protagonist, Isabella. She's reincarnated into the body of a villainess from her favorite otome game, but instead of pursuing the typical love interests, she sets her sights on the unassuming, commoner vendor character, Ursch. This immediately sets the stage for a story that isn't afraid to subvert expectations. He...
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Conclusion

Academy novels appeal if you like structured progression with clear milestones. These picks deliver on the setting's potential while distinguishing themselves from the crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

Kenkyo, Kenjitsu o Motto ni Ikite Orimasu

First Impressions

To Be a Power in the Shadows! (WN)

First Impressions

Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss

First Impressions

Kidnapped Dragons

First Impressions

Fake Saint Of The Year

First Impressions

Academy Heroine’s Right Diagonal Back Seat

First Impressions

I Favor the Villainess

First Impressions

Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better?

First Impressions