Top Boarding Schools in India
Indian boarding schools are not only about classroom teaching; they are the places where the students grow their independence, self-control, and community feeling. Indian boarding schools have, by their very nature, been the leader-making factories, which has come about through their emphasis on holistic development.
Generally, parents make the decision to send their children to boarding schools due to the schools’ highly structured daily routines, excellent curricula and the fact that boarding schools offer children the chance to learn in an environment that is both supportive and challenging.
What are Boarding Schools?
Boarding schools are educational institutions where students live on campus while studying and go back home during the breaks. Along with studies, the schools offer a complete and well-organized daily schedule which includes food, lodging, and activities such as sports, arts, or any other hobby.
Boarding schools in India are primarily reputed for their strictness and emphasis on students’ total growth. These schools implement either national or international curriculums, have qualified teachers, and employ staff members who attend to the students and facilitate their academic as well as personal development.
Top 10 Boarding Schools in India
1. The Doon School, Dehradun
The Doon School, an all-boys residential school was founded in 1935 by Satish Ranjan Das. Its model was drawn from the British public schools.
Mission : To develop student leadership through service, academic excellence, and moral commitment.
Overview: The Doon School located in the centre of Dehradun, is a residential school that provides an education of the highest standard. It is an Indian school with a global outlook. The emphasis is laid on the growth of the students’ personality through moral instruction, critical thinking, and involvement in the community.
- School Compliances: CISCE (ICSE & ISC), IGCSE, IB.
- Available Standards: From Class VII up to Class XII.
- Student Population: Around 500 students.
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1.
- Curriculum: A combination of Indian and international curricula with a focus on inquiry-based learning.
- Extracurricular Activities: Athletics, music, theater, debating, and community service.
- Fees Details: ₹ 11,95,000 per year for Indian students; ₹ 14,93,500 for foreign students.
- Teaching Methodology: The school mainly focuses on leadership skills, the experiential method of learning, and critical thinking skills.
- Infrastructure: A 72-acre campus with cutting-edge facilities such as well-equipped science laboratories, libraries, and sports complexes.
- Address: Mall Road, Dehradun – 248001, India.
Admission Procedure:
Doon School’s admission process is based on a written test and an interview. Students need to register online first. The written test (English, Maths, Science, and Reasoning) is conducted in November in several cities across India. Only those students who have made it through the written test are called for an interview, which is scheduled in December. The final admission decision is made based on the performance in the test and the interview. The school only takes new students up to Class 8, and the fee information can be found on the school website.
2. Mayo College Boys School, Ajmer
Mayo College, the public school of India, was established in 1875 by Richard Bourke, 6th Earl of Mayo.
Mission: To provide a liberal education that nurtures leadership and service qualities.
Overview: Mayo College, Ajmer, Rajasthan, is an all-boys residential school that was established over a century ago and is known for its heritage, academic excellence, and focus on students’ all-around development.
- Board Affiliation: CBSE.
- Standards Available: Classes IV to XII.
- Student Strength: Close to 750 students.
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
- Curriculum: The core curriculum is supplemented by participation in various co-curricular activities.
- Extracurricular Activities: Horse riding, golf, music, art, and various sports.
- Fees Details: Close to ₹10,00,000 per annum.
- Teaching Methodology: Is a mix of conventional and modern pedagogical approaches.
- Infrastructure: A vintage campus with an extensive range of sports facilities and contemporary classrooms.
- Address: Mayo College, Srinagar Road, Ajmer – 305001, Rajasthan, India.
Admission Procedure:
Mayo College Boys’ School admission comprises of online registration, an entrance exam (Common Aptitude Analysis), and interviews. The CAA conducted in September is a test of English, Hindi, and Mathematics. The shortlisted candidates will have the interviews conducted online by the faculty and offline by the Education Committee. The final offers are based on the overall performance, and parents confirming with fee payment. Admissions are available for Classes IV to IX and XI. There is an age criterion for the admission, and options are available for the candidates from abroad.
3. The Lawrence School, Sanawar
The Lawrence School, Sanawar, established 1847, is one of the oldest co-educational boarding schools in Asia.
Mission: To shape responsible citizens by imparting balanced education that promotes both academic and moral values.
Overview: The school is located in the Kasauli Hills of Himachal Pradesh and offers a vibrant campus life with a strong emphasis on academics, sports, and extracurricular activities.
- Board Affiliation: CBSE.
- Standards Available: Classes V to XII.
- Student Strength: 700 (approx.)
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
- Curriculum: CBSE curriculum with a focus on holistic development.
- Extracurricular Activities: Sports, music, art, drama, and community service.
- Fees Details: Around ₹15,43,600 per annum.
- Teaching Methodology: The school follows experiential learning and leadership development.
- Infrastructure: The school has a large, open campus with all the modern facilities like well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and a playground.
- Address: The Lawrence School, Sanawar, Kasauli Hills, Solan – 173202, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Admission Procedure:
The Lawrence School, Sanawar mainly accepts students for Classes V, VI, and VII, with a few seats available in VIII, IX, and XI. Applications are accepted till the beginning of November or December. Entrance tests are held in November, February, or April depending on the class. The entrance tests include English, Maths, Science, and Hindi, and personal interaction is optional for higher classes. Along with the application, the necessary documents and registration fee should also be submitted.
4. Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun
Welham Girls’ School established in 1957 is among the top-notch all-girls boarding schools in India.
Mission: Educating young women in an empowering manner through a comprehensive program that nurtures independence and a sense of community.
Overview: The school in Dehradun is known for its academic, and cultural achievements, and its focus on moral values.
- Board Affiliation: CISCE (ICSE & ISC).
- Standards Available: Classes VI to XII.
- Student Strength: Close to 600 students.
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1.
- Curriculum: A balanced program with equal focus on arts and science subjects.
- Extracurricular Activities: Participation in dance, music, sports, debating, and environmental clubs.
- Fees Details: School Fees: ₹10,10,000 per annum; Admission Fees: ₹1,50,000 (at the time of admission).
- Teaching Methodology: Providing students with hands-on learning and inviting them to think critically.
- Infrastructure: The school has a large and airy campus with state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and facilities for sports.
- Address: 19, Municipal Road, Dalanwala, Dehradun – 248001, India.
Admission Process :
Admissions at Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun, include online registration, documentation (birth certificate, Aadhar card, academic records) along with payment of a non-refundable fee. Candidates are tested in English, Hindi, Maths, and General Knowledge and interviewed. The final decision is based on the results of the written test and the interview.
5. Bishop Cotton School, Shimla
Bishop Cotton School was established in 1859 and is among the oldest boarding schools in Asia.
Mission: To equip students with a comprehensive education that would result in academic excellence, good moral character, and leadership qualities.
Overview: The school located in Shimla is a favourite among students for its excellent academic results, diverse co-curricular activities, discipline, and value-based education.
- Board Affiliation: CISCE (ICSE & ISC).
- Standards Available: Classes III to XII.
- Student Strength: Around 500 students.
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1.
- Curriculum: The curriculum is well-rounded with a primary focus on academics and co-curricular activities.
- Extracurricular Activities: Sports, music, drama, and various clubs.
- Fees Details: Roughly ₹6,00,000 to ₹7,00,000 per annum.
- Teaching Methodology: The school still prefers the traditional way of teaching but at the same time uses modern pedagogical approaches.
- Infrastructure: A campus with a rich heritage and the latest classrooms, laboratories, and sports facilities.
- Address: Bishop Cotton School, Shimla – 171002, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Admission Process:
Admission to Bishop Cotton School in Shimla is available from Class 4 onwards. Registration is done online. The written test includes English composition and Mathematics, and after that, there will be an interview of the shortlisted candidates. Admission to the Middle School is very competitive; therefore, it is advisable to apply early. Candidates from abroad can do the test online, and there are test centres in Shimla and Delhi, while others are available on request. To help parents and students get acquainted with the school culture, the school also arranges a presentation.
6. The Scindia School, Gwalior
Once a boarding school for the sons of Indian aristocracy, founded in 1897 by Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia, the school has transitioned into a leading institution for quality education through inclusion and diversity.
Mission: To offer a liberal education that develops leadership and service qualities.
Overview: The school is well known for integrating the best aspects of past traditions and present-day education in a unique environment inside the ancient Gwalior Fort.
- Board Affiliation: CBSE.
- Standards Available: Classes VI to XII.
- Student Strength: About 600 students.
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1.
- Curriculum: Academic achievement is the major focus with the students being encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities as well.
- Extracurricular Activities: Sports, music, arts, and different clubs.
- Fees Details: About ₹9,00,000 per annum.
- Teaching Methodology: Harmonizes classical methods with current pedagogical innovations.
- Infrastructure: A heritage campus with a wide range of sports facilities and well-equipped modern classrooms.
- Address: The Scindia School, Fort, Gwalior – 474008, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Admission Procedure :
Students from The Scindia School, Gwalior can get admission in Classes VI, VII, VIII, IX, and XI. The selection process is twofold: firstly the Common Aptitude Assessment (CAA) and secondly the Scindia Aptitude Assessment (SAA). The registration is done online with a fee, and the examinations are scheduled for November and January/February. Those who qualify are invited to participate in an interactive session at the school and the final decision is made based on the performance. The school allows the candidates to experience first-hand the environment during the assessment.
7. Sherwood College, Nainital
Sherwood College was started in 1869 as the Diocesan Boys’ School under the direct support of the Seventh Metropolitan of India, Rev. Robert Milman. Today, Sherwood College stands as a leading co-educational boarding institution.
Mission: To nurture within the students the qualities of academic excellence, good moral character, and leadership through a wide-ranging educational experience.
Overview: Sherwood College is situated in the tranquil mountain region of Nainital. It offers a balanced curriculum that combines academics, sports, and co-curricular activities. The school is known for producing disciplined, morally upright, and responsible students.
- Board Affiliation: CISCE (ICSE & ISC)
- Standards Available: Classes III to XII
- Student Strength: Approximately 800 students
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
- Curriculum: Broad curriculum which places emphasis on critical thinking and complete personality development
- Extracurricular Activities: Participation in sports, music, drama, debates, and various clubs
- Fees: Around ₹6,00,000 per year
- Teaching Methodology: The school employs an engaging and learner-centered method which heavily focuses on experiential learning.
- Infrastructure: 45-acre campus with state-of-the-art classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, various sports facilities, and living quarters for students and staff
- Address: Ayarpatta, Tallital, Nainital – 263002, Uttarakhand, India
Admission Procedure:
Sherwood College Nainital admissions require online registration for which the window is open from September to December. After signing up candidates are required to appear for an entrance exam that is based on their last class syllabus and then attend an interview. Along with the registration form, candidates need to attach their photos, birth certificates, transfer certificates, and Aadhar cards. Admission is based on the merit of the entrance exam and the interview. The registration fee is INR 7,000.
8. Rishi Valley School, Chittoor
Rishi Valley School, established in 1926 by Jiddu Krishnamurti, the philosopher, was a plant grown out of the education system existing then, which had the vision of making the energy of self-awareness and of holistic growth the focal points of education.
Mission: To create an environment in students find the inner exploration, develop the critical thinking, and acquire the strong social and ecological senses of the self.
Overview: Rishi Valley School, nestled in a serene valley in Andhra Pradesh, is a great place of learning that is educationally challenging and at the same time environmentally and socially conscious.
- Board Affiliation: CISCE (ICSE & ISC)
- Standards Available: Classes IV to XII
- Student Strength: Approximately 360 students
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
- Curriculum: The curriculum used as a base is inquiry-based learning, conservation of nature, and Arts.
- Extracurricular Activities: Besides the above-mentioned activities, performing arts, sports, and voluntary work are also in the list.
- Fees: Approximately ₹8,55,500 per annum
- Teaching Methodology: The main point in the teaching is experience. It is also self-directed inquiry and reflection where the main focus is laced.
- Infrastructure: The school campus is an environmentally friendly one, and it has nice classrooms, laboratories, and living rooms all geared-up.
- Address: Rishi Valley, Madanapalle, Chittoor District – 517352, Andhra Pradesh, India
Admission Procedure:
Rishi Valley School mainly admits new students to Classes IV–VI. Besides these, it also has some few seats in higher classes. The first step in the process is to fill out an offline application form and enclose a demand draft. Next comes the entrance test in English and Maths. Then shortlisted candidates appear for interaction with their parents. And the last is the final selection based on the performance in the test and interaction. The school curriculum is ICSE and ISC.
9. Mussoorie International School, Mussoorie
The school was founded in 1984 with the help of the Gayananda Society for Education and the Mussoorie International School is committed to integrating Indian values and global education standards.
Mission: To nurture young girls in a global environment to become confident, kind-hearted and responsible citizens of the world through a balanced and holistic education.
Overview: The all-girls boarding school, which is available in the tranquil and scenic hills of Mussoorie, provides a nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership skills.
- Board Affiliation: CISCE (ICSE & ISC), IB, and Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE)
- Standards Available: Classes I to XII
- Student Strength: About 400 students
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
- Curriculum: A hybrid curriculum that integrates Indian and foreign education frameworks
- Extracurricular Activities: Sports, music, dance, art, and various clubs
- Fees Details: Approximately ₹10,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 per annum
- Teaching Methodology: Student-centred learning with an emphasis on critical thinking and creative thinking
- Infrastructure: A modern campus with state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, sports facilities, and residential accommodation
- Address: Mussoorie International School, Polo Ground, Mussoorie – 248179, Uttarakhand, India
Admission Procedure:
Mussoorie International School admits girls from Grade I to XII following ICSE, IGCSE, and IB curricula. The process is initiated by completing an online registration and submitting the necessary documents along with a ₹35,000 fee. The applicants are required to take an online aptitude test that covers English and Math. Then the candidates will have to participate in an interaction session. Final selection is made based on the overall performance and age criteria for each grade.
10. The TonsBridge School, Dehradun
The TonsBridge School was created in 2013 with the idea of giving a high standard education that mixes old values with new teaching methods.
Mission: Developing the students into mature, balanced personalities who acquire knowledge, skills and moral traits necessary to be successful in a changing global context.
Overview: The TonsBridge School is located in Dehradun and offers co-education that stands for academic excellence, personality development, and the holistic growth of the students.
- Board Affiliation: CBSE
- Standards Available: Pre-Nursery to Class XII
- Student Strength: Around 1000 students
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Curriculum: The school follows the CBSE curriculum with a focus on experiential learning and skill development.
- Extracurricular Activities: As the school’s extracurricular activities are concerned, the students can also participate in sports, and music, dance, and art activities, and join various clubs.
- Fees Details: Approximately ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,50,000 per annum
- Teaching Methodology: The teaching method of the school is a blended learning approach that helps in integrating technology with traditional teaching methods.
- Infrastructure: The school can boast of a state-of-the-art campus, fully equipped classrooms, and laboratories, along with various sports facilities and residential accommodations.
- Address: The TonsBridge School, 12th Milestone, Dehradun – 248007, Uttarakhand, India
Admission Procedure:
First of all, The TonsBridge School in Dehradun admits students from Nursery to Class XII of the CBSE board. Next, the admission to Nursery to Class I is only facilitated through informal interaction. On the other hand, from Class II onwards, a written test and interview are conducted. Boarding admissions are from Class III. These tests, along with English, Hindi, and Mathematics, will have questions from other subjects also. After that, an interview will be held. The performance and seat availability will be the criteria for the selection. At last, some documents like the birth certificate and previous records will be required.
Benefits of Studying in Boarding Schools in India
Boarding schools in India are not limited to just delivering excellent academic results. They promote the students’ independence, sense of responsibility and equip them with necessary life skills by providing a well-organized environment that helps the students to develop their discipline, time management skills and grow as a person. Apart from the variety of extracurricular activities, the schools also give the students the opportunity to make friends that will last a lifetime.
- Academic Excellence: Boarding schools have the best teaching staff, fewer students in a class, and academic support that is available 24/7, thus, they are always the first to achieve good academic results compared to other types of schools.
- Personal Growth & Independence: Students get to know how to share their time between studies and other activities, carry out their duties, and have good relationships with others – these are skills that are extremely useful in university life and after university.
- Character Building: The boarding school lifestyle, which includes facing challenges, learning from peers, participating in scheduled activities, and living together, hence, the students develop resilience, self-discipline, empathy, and teamwork skills.
- Access to Premium Facilities: The best boarding schools in India have modern campuses equipped with science labs, sports arenas, libraries, theatres, and classrooms enabled by technology.
- Lifelong Friendships & Alumni Networks: The environment of close interaction between boarders leads to the formation of deep bonds of friendship that last a lifetime and the creation of strong alumni communities, which provide support in the fields of career and personal development in the later stages of life.
Conclusion
Top boarding school in India not only provide top-notch academics but also, within a well-organized and motivating setting, they develop qualities like self-reliance, leadership and overall personality growth.
Nevertheless, choosing the correct school requires lots of personal and practical factors to be considered. So, this blog is very helpful in this respect as it helps parents to be guided in their decisions, and thus, their children to be taken to a school which corresponds not only to their individual talents and dream career but also to the parents’ financial plan.
Related FAQs
What age is considered best for a child to be sent to a boarding school?
Generally, premier boarding educational institutions in India take in pupils starting from the 4th or 5th grade (ages 9–11), which is widely regarded as an emotionally mature age for kids to get used to living in a dormitory.
What are the admission procedures at most top boarding schools?
Generally, the steps comprise online registration, a written test (most often in English and Maths), a face-to-face interview, and presenting documents such as the birth certificate and academic records.
What is the best way to select a suitable boarding school for my child?
Firstly, you should compare the different board’s curricula, consider the locations and the facilities not only of the schools but also of the neighbourhoods, check the extracurricular activities offered and the academic record of the school, and lastly evaluate your child’s personality, interests, and dreams for the future.
What is the expense of sending a kid to a top boarding school in India?
The fee is very different and ranges from 3 lakhs to 15 lakhs of rupees per year approximately. It depends on the school, board, facilities, and location. A few of them, however, provide scholarships and aid based on the requirements.
What are the academic boards in Indian boarding schools?
The majority of the best boarding schools provide the CBSE, CISCE (ICSE/ISC), CAIE (IGCSE), as well as the IB courses so that parents can decide according to the academic inclinations and international recognition.
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