What is boarding school?
A boarding school is an educational institution characterized by boarding features where students stay on campus and attend classes, which combine to form a unique balance between schooling and residential life. Boarding schools are often called "second homes" since they not only provide room (accommodation) but also board (meals) to underscore academic, social, and personal development.
Origin of Boarding Schools
Boarding schools have a very old history that dates back to centuries ago when the first boarding schools were founded to provide focused education and training for students who would be staying away from home. In theory, they actually aimed to provide a structured environment that would focus on discipline, moral character, and sound academic rigor. Today, they evolve and transform into places of encouraging independence and skills in functioning in adversity with a complete education. India’s rich cultural & educational history also had “Gurukulam” system where kids studies under intellectuals (called Guru) to impart knowledge, wisdom as well as life skills
Boarding Schools as "Another Home"
Boarding schools are always described as a "second home" because they provide an environment that nurtures and treats the student like family. Under the care and guidance of staff and faculty, students receive everything that this relationship provides outside of their academic life. The closeness of society supports strong relationships between students, mentors, and the school setting, providing a positive learning environment.
Right Age to Join Boarding School
Each student and his or her family will have different requirements for starting boarding school. Generally, boarding begins around ages 10 to 14 ( Grade 4 onwards)when they are mature enough to fit in that structured environment away from home. Building self-reliance, responsibility, and social skills before facing academic and other personal challenges prepare students for the future. However due to a multitude of factors, several schools also provide boarding starting from Grade 1 onwards
Best Boarding Schools in India
- Isha Home School- Coimbatore, Tamilnadu
- The Doon School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Lawrence School Lovedale- Ooty, Tamilnadu
- Good Shepherd International School- Ooty, Tamilnadu
- New Era High School- Panchgani, Maharashtra
- Kodaikanal International Schools- Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu
- Rishi Valley School- Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
- Welham Girls’ School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Pathways Girls School- Gurgaon, Haryana
- Welham Boys’ School- Dehradun, Haryana
Isha Home School- Coimbatore, Tamilnadu
Establishment- 2005
Key Features- Isha Home School (IHS) is a co-educational residential school located at the foothills of Velliangiri nearest to Coimbatore. It has a home-like nurturing environment for the students with a mix of ancient wisdom and contemporary practice of education.
The School follows the ICSE and Cambridge curriculum
Students can learn an ancient martial art “Kalaripayattu” along with Bharatanatyam, and other sports activities like Football, Dodgeball, Tennis, Badminton, Basketball, etc.
The Doon School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Establishment- 1935
Key Features- The Doon School, is a very old boys' boarding school that focuses on giving excellent leadership qualities along with academics. The curriculum followed here is ICSE & ISC, IGCSE, and IB in order to make responsible global citizens out of the students.
A shooting range, a Gym and Fitness room, squash courts, a Sports Pavilion alongside the Main Field, Hall for boxing and badminton are available.
The Lawrence School- Ooty, Tamilnadu
Establishment- 1858
Key Features- The Lawrence School in Lovedale, Ooty, is a historic co-ed boarding school established in 1858, offering the ICSE and ISC curricula.
It is better known for its scenic hilltop campus along with Academic Excellence.
Football ground, Cricket ground, Badminton courts, Tennis courts, Squash courts, Archery range, Athletics fields, Hockey ground, Basketball courts, and Swimming pool are available on the campus.
Moreover, Medical facilities including a 50-bed infirmary, two ambulances, staff nurses, and a medicine dispensing unit are also provided by the organization.
Good Shepherd International School- Ooty, Tamilnadu
Establishment- 1977
Key Features- Good Shepherd International School is an international co-ed residential school.
It follows the IB and IGCSE curricula.
Horse Riding, Rifle Shooting, Golf, Swimming, and all indoor games are available on the campus.
New Era High School- Panchgani, Maharashtra
Establishment- 1945
New Era High School is one of the most respected residential schools that has been known over the years for its peaceful hill station setting and academic excellence.
It offers the CBSE Curriculum to the students.
Basketball shooting with hula hoops, Adventure race, Hockey dribbling, and Football matches are offered on the campus.
Kodaikanal International School- Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Establishment- 1901
Key Features- Kodaikanal International School is the first international school in Tamilnadu offering both IB and American curricula.
It focuses on global citizenship, creativity, and sustainability located in the scenic hills of Kodaikanal.
Fields for football, cricket, baseball, and field hockey, one racquetball court, one squash court, three Tennis courts, and two children's playgrounds are available on the campus.
Rishi Valley School- Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
Establishment- 1926
Key Features- Rishi Valley is one of the best boarding schools and was initiated by a philosopher named Jiddu Krishnamurti.
It provides an ICSE curriculum along with an extraordinary learning method
Morning regular exercises and games like Cricket and Football, Throwball, Basketball, Tennis and Badminton are provided.
Welham Girls' School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Establishment- 1957
Key Features- Welham Girls' School is one of the great boarding schools in India that keeps at its target the young women it produces confident, and intellectually.
It offers ICSE & ISC Curriculum
Basketball, Hockey, Swimming, Badminton, Lawn tennis, Table tennis, Karate, Shooting, and Aerobics facilities are offered.
Quiz club, Nature club, Cyber club, and Indian classical are also available for the students
Pathways World School- Gurgaon, Haryana
Establishment- 2003
Key Features- Pathways Word School offers both IB and IGCSE curricula with a holistic emphasis on creativity and global citizenship.
Film-making studios, Tennis, Swimming, Horse riding, Squash, All-weather pool, Gymnastics and aerobics, and all sports are available on the campus.
Welham Boys’ School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Establishment- 1937
Key Features- Welham Boys’ School is one of the finest residential schools for boys in India. The school aims to create a positive environment for its students.
The School offers CBSE Curriculum
Courts for various sports, Lower grounds, Terra-flex basketball court, Shooting range, etc are available on the campus.
Top 10 CBSE Boarding Schools in India
- The Lawrence School- Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh
- Welham Boys School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Jain International Residential School- Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Genesis Global School- Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Manchester Global School- Hyderabad, Telangana
- The Scindia School- Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
- The Sagar School- Alwar, Rajasthan
- Daly College- Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Mayo College- Ajmer, Rajasthan
- Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya- Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Top 10 ICSE Boarding Schools in India
- Good Shepherd International School- Ooty, Tamilnadu
- The Doon School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Mayo College Girls School- Ajmer, Rajasthan
- Welham Girl’s School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Unison World School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Hopetown Girls School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Sarla Birla Academy- Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Rishi Valley School- Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
- Bishop Cotton School- Shimla, Uttar Pradesh
- Sayadri School- Pune, Maharashtra
Top 10 International Boarding Schools in India
- Kodaikanal International School- Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu
- Good Shepherd International School- Ooty, Tamilnadu
- The International School Bangalore- Bangalore, Karnataka
- Harrow International School- Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Sharanya Narayani International School- Bangalore, Karnataka
- Woodstock School- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
- UWC Mahindra College- Pune, Maharashtra
- Mussoorie International School- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
- MIT Pune’s Vishwashanti Gurukul- Pune, Maharashtra
- Pathways World School- Gurugram, Haryana
Top 10 Co-ed Boarding Schools in India
- Rishi Valley School- Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
- Isha Home School- Coimbatore, Tamilnadu
- The Lawrence School, Lovedale- Ooty, Tamilnadu
- Kodaikanal International School- Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu
- Pathways World School- Gurugram, Haryana
- The International School Bangalore (TISB)- Bangalore, Karnataka
- Woodstock School- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
- Good Shepherd International School- Ooty, Tamilnadu
- New Era School- Panchgani, Maharashtra
- UWC Mahindra College- Pune, Maharashtra
- Montford School, Yercaud
Top 10 Girl’s Boarding Schools in India
- Welham Girls School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya- Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
- Mussoorie International School- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
- Heritage Girls School- Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Mayo College Girls School- Ajmer, Rajasthan
- Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls Public School- Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary School For Girls- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
- Unison World School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Hopetown Girls School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Amatir Kanya Gurukul- Kurukshetra, Haryana
Top 10 Boy’s Boarding Schools in India
- The Doon School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Welham Boy’s School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Bishop Cotton School- Shimla, Madhya Pradesh
- Vidya Niketan Birla Public School- Pilani, Rajasthan
- The Scindia School- Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
- Georges College- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
- Rashtriya Indian Military College- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Sarala Birla Academy- Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Mayo College- Ajmer, Rajasthan
- Col Brown Cambridge School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Required documents list for admission at top boarding schools in India
Personal Details
- Name, date of birth, and gender of the student
- Photographs - passport size
- Birth certificate or copy of a passport for verification of age
- Previous school records/transcripts or report cards from at least the past two years
- Available academic records
Foreign Entry (For International Students only)
- Valid passport with details
- Proof of resident status of address (if relevant)
- Proof of required language proficiency scores, if such exist and are required by the school
Academic Background
- Standardized test scores (if applicable)
- Certificates for other co-curricular and academic achievements
Health Records
- Recent medical record
- Information on allergies or other chronic health issues
- Medical fitness certificate issued by a qualified medical doctor
Other Supporting Documents
- Transfer certificate from the previous school
- Migration certificate, if the student is coming from another education board
- All the rest of the documents, are mentioned by the school.
The Curriculum that boarding schools in India follow
- Indian boarding schools usually have an enrollment with a curriculum such that there can be two streams of learning: national and international
- Many of the schools strictly use the Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE, or Indian Certificate of Secondary Education
- ICSE, Curricula demand much more in terms of academic rigor and greater importance on foundational concepts.
- To maintain international standards, most boarding schools also incorporate IB and Cambridge IGCSE programs that focus on critical thinking inquiry-based learning, and international-mindedness, preparing students for university education outside the country.
- Whether it is a national or international curriculum, that in Indian boarding schools help in the molding of a complete individual. It is through this balanced program that knowledge and skills for sure are gained to empower the students effectively on a global scale.
Features of Boarding Schools in India
Tradition and Values
Heritage plays an integral part in Indian boarding schools. They instill tradition and cultural values in the minds of students. They go all the way to combine time-honored traditions with the modern education system, providing a well-balanced approach to character building and discipline. Through cultural celebrations, moral education, and more experience with Indian customs, there could be a proper student body with respect and ground sense.
Academic Excellence
The India Boarding schools focus on aggressive academic standards. They provide a well-structured environment and highly qualified faculty so that full attention with continuous support is given to the students. Many of them offer specialized programs, advanced curricula, and resources to excel in competitive exams by paving their way toward strong academic foundations and global opportunities.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Indian boarding schools are usually well-equipped with ultra-modern structures intended for holistic development. Some of the residential schools even provide horse riding, trekking, riffle shooting, and more adding to the talent of the students. This strong infrastructure enables excellent academic pursuits, creativity, and a very comfortable living and learning environment for students.
Co-Curricular Activities
Boarding schools in India target an all-rounded education with plentiful extracurricular opportunities. Students can pursue sports, arts, music, drama, and clubs to enhance their team-building, creativity, and leadership qualities. Extracurricular activities would also encourage students to identify their interests and talents, thereby making the child grow as an individual well-equipped with diverse skills and experiences.
These features combine to make boarding schools in India unique and enhance complete growth.
How to Apply to the Best Boarding Schools in India
School Search Platform
Search for suitable boarding schools throughout India using the website Edustoke.
Curriculum and Location Shortlist
Filter schools by the curriculum (CBSE, ICSE, IB, Cambridge) and location to find a school that suits your requirements best.
Seek Advice from Edustoke Experts
Contact the advisors at Edustoke to learn in-depth about the schools shortlisted, including academic excellence and campus infrastructure.
Clear Fee Structure along with Facilities
Clearly understand the fee structure, and the available avenues of extracurricular activities to make an informed choice.
Admission Process Processed
Guide through the application process, interviews to be attended, and required documents to be submitted through the portal for smooth admission.
Benefits of Boarding Schools in India
Cultural Diversity
Boarding schools in India mingle students from different regions, backgrounds, and cultures, and this is a perspective in which learning and personal development can take place. Such diversity enables them to become exposed to other people's values and ways of living, hence cultivating respect, adaptability, and a global perspective.
Learning Independence
In boarding schools, the student learns to manage his daily routine, make decisions, and cultivate self-discipline. Such independence equips these students with strength, solves problems for them, and boosts their self-confidence, preparing them more adequately for the issues of life outside of school.
Structured Routine
Boarding schools teach students how to utilize time for academics and other curricular and extracurricular events with free personal time. The students' work ethics, time management skills, and discipline will be deeply etched by a structured routine and form a basis for success in college and future professions.
International Perspective
Many boarding schools have a global orientation, and their curricula provide an opportunity to interact with international students or faculty. Exposure promotes a wider view of the world, encouraging an open-minded, culturally aware, and competent person to perform well in an increasingly interconnected world.
How to Choose the Best Boarding Schools in India?
Facilities and Infrastructure
Ensure modern facilities like science labs, sports complexes, libraries, and creative studios. A school with nice, safe, and comfortable boarding houses makes for a productive learning environment.
Curriculum
The learning takes place in a school that teaches from recognized curriculums such as CBSE, ICSE, IB, and Cambridge. Also, check if there is anything unique about the curriculum that can give you an international flavor, such as the school's international collaborations.
Academic Excellence
Find out about the academic record of the school which might include exam results and even college placements. Holistic education schools promote intellectual development along with practical skills.
Fee Structure
Compare fee structures so that you take the school with the right facilities and courses in mind. Additional fees may also apply in boarding, activities, and any supplementary support programs.
Location
Some parents want to send their children closer to home or even an environment they prefer- maybe in a hill station-and this is normally considered. Schools in scenic or peaceful locations usually create a serene atmosphere suitable for serious study.
Food
The school should be able to provide balanced diets with different options to suit dietary requirements. Regular food quality checks and hygiene observations safeguard a student's health and well-being.
Safety
Schools should be held in secure places, that is, with CCTV surveillance, campus entry which is secure, and staff well-trained; schools with a clear protocol on emergencies ensure students' safety all the time.
Doon school is one of the best boarding school in India, anyways, the list helped me a lot.
Best collection of boarding schools in India location I found which help me alot to find school for my kid. Good work done by Edustoke
Great page to compare the best boarding schools in India.
Yes, this is true but compare in terms of facilities and education is different, parents should visit individual school page and decide the best school for their child!!
All the schools r not cheap at all ! Pls recommend school under 2 lakh
All schools are very reputed, such a good residential school list...
I cant choose between St George's and Doon Riverside Campus, Please suggest.
Well the fees is more or less same for both so you can look at distance maybe or infrastructure.
My personal recommendation will be St George's.
Any day Doon Riverside. Excellent school.
While I am sure I want my child to go to a boarding school but I cant decide when to start ?
I enrolled my son in Pathways when he was 10 years and I have no regrets. He is doin very well.
Most boarding schools of India admit students when they are in 4-5 th std. However there are some that take students earlier but it is more based on your child and your preparedness.
My kid started going to Sherwood College in the 5 th std it just about worked well for us.
My daughter joined Scindia Kanya when she was in 6th std however my son started early in 4th std as he was more eager and better prepared I guess.
I personally helped from the above school list and individual school pages..good to know more information. updated
Which is the best boarding school for a sports enthusiast child ?
It depends on the area too. Corvuss is one very good school in the west. There is Pratap School in North.
Pathways in Gurgaon is one really good school.
What is your budget and where do you want the school to be located ? I enrolled my kid in YPS Patiala last year and I am very happy.
In South BGS and Baldwins are really good.
Is the list based on fees or facilities, i am searching good school with less fees....
Well detailed description of the school.
This is a very good list