India has a rich heritage of residential education, with some of the finest boarding schools known for academic excellence, discipline, character building, and holistic development. These schools blend traditional values with modern pedagogy and offer world-class infrastructure, often set against picturesque landscapes. Here’s a curated list of the best boarding schools in India, known for their reputation, academic outcomes, fees and all-round development.
1. The Doon School, Dehradun
- Founded: 1935
- Board: CISCE (ICSE/ISC)
- Gender: Boys only
- Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Overview: Often called the “Eton of India,” The Doon School is one of the most prestigious boys’ boarding schools. It has produced notable alumni in politics, business, and the arts, including Rajiv Gandhi. The school focuses on academic rigour, leadership, and global exposure.
2. Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun
- Founded: 1957
- Board: CISCE (ICSE/ISC)
- Gender: Girls only
- Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Overview: Known for empowering young women through a balanced education, Welham Girls’ provides a nurturing environment. The school emphasizes arts, sports, and academics equally.
3. Mayo College, Ajmer
- Founded: 1875
- Board: CBSE
- Gender: Boys only
- Location: Ajmer, Rajasthan
- Overview: With its roots in British-era aristocracy, Mayo College is one of the oldest public schools in India. The expansive campus and elite heritage make it a popular choice among parents looking for all-round education steeped in tradition.
4. Mayo College Girls’ School, Ajmer
- Founded: 1987
- Board: CISCE (ICSE/ISC)
- Gender: Girls only
- Location: Ajmer, Rajasthan
- Overview: A counterpart to Mayo College, this school offers a secure and structured environment for girls, focusing on academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and leadership skills.
5. The Scindia School, Gwalior
- Founded: 1897
- Board: CBSE
- Gender: Boys only
- Location: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
- Overview: Situated in the historic Gwalior Fort, The Scindia School provides a blend of modern education with a royal legacy. It is known for its discipline, academic rigour, and strong alumni network.
6. Rishi Valley School, Chittoor
- Founded: 1926
- Board: ICSE/ISC
- Gender: Co-educational
- Location: Andhra Pradesh
- Overview: Founded by philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, Rishi Valley promotes values-based education. The school focuses on environmental awareness, creative learning, and personal growth, offering a low-stress, holistic curriculum.
7. Bishop Cotton School, Shimla
- Founded: 1859
- Board: CISCE (ICSE/ISC)
- Gender: Boys only
- Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Overview: One of the oldest boarding schools in Asia, Bishop Cotton has a legacy of strong moral and academic foundations. Its historic campus, cool climate, and disciplined environment make it highly sought after.
8. Woodstock School, Mussoorie
- Founded: 1854
- Board: IB (International Baccalaureate)
- Gender: Co-educational
- Location: Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
- Overview: One of the leading international schools in India, Woodstock combines global standards with Indian values. Its scenic location and modern curriculum attract students from around the world.
9. Ecole Globale International Girls’ School, Dehradun
- Founded: 2012
- Board: CBSE & Cambridge
- Gender: Girls only
- Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Overview: A relatively new but fast-rising boarding school for girls, Ecole Globale offers a global curriculum with a focus on leadership, innovation, and holistic development.
10. The Lawrence School, Sanawar
- Founded: 1847
- Board: CBSE
- Gender: Co-educational
- Location: Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
- Overview: Set in the Himalayan foothills, The Lawrence School has a long tradition of academic and military excellence. Its strong ethos and discipline attract students from military and civil backgrounds alike.
