Whether you are looking for a boarding school with a focus on academics, sports, extracurricular activities, or values-based education, India has a wide range of options to choose from. As per the UDISE+ Report (Unified District Information System for Education), There are around 46000 boarding schools in India.
Here, we will explore some of the best boarding schools in India, highlighting their unique features, history, and what makes them stand out.
List of the Best Boarding Schools in India: By Rank
1. Rishi Valley School
2. The Doon School
3. The Lawrence School
4. Kodaikanal International School
5. Welham Girls School
6. Good Shepherd International School
7. Pathways World School Gurgaon
8. New Era High School
9. Sharanya Narayani International School
10. Him Academy Public School
Top 10 Boarding Schools in India
Here is the list of Top 10 Boarding Schools in India.
Rishi Valley School, Andhra Pradesh
Rishi Valley is one of the best boarding schools and was initiated by a philosopher named Jiddu Krishnamurti. It falls in the valley with all its peaceful surroundings, and the school emphasizes holistic education that helps its children in their intellectual, physical, and moral development. It provides an ICSE curriculum along with reflective learning.
The Doon School, Dehradun
It is the Doon School, a very old boys' boarding school that focuses on giving excellent leadership qualities along with academics. The curriculum followed here is either ICSE or IB in order to make responsible global citizens out of the students. Its alumni list comprises influential leaders and prominent public figures.
The Lawrence School, Ooty
The Lawrence School in Lovedale, Ooty, is a historic co-ed boarding school established in 1858, offering the ICSE and ISC curricula. Known for its scenic hilltop campus, the school emphasizes academics, sports, and character development. Its mission is to cultivate leadership, resilience, and a sense of community among students.
Kodaikanal International School, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal International School is one of the best co-ed international schools offering both IB and American curricula. It focuses on global citizenship, creativity, and sustainability located in the scenic hills of Kodaikanal. It nurtures a multicultural learning environment.
Welham Girls' School, Dehradun
Welham Girls' School is one of the great boarding schools in India that keeps at its target the young women it produces confident intellectually, as well as in their capacity to lead and perform academically, all in equal ratio with social service.
Good Shepherd International School, Ooty
Good Shepherd International School is an international co-ed residential school. It follows the IB and IGCSE curricula. This school offers academic excellence, sports, and cultural activities with a global outlook. The surroundings of this school lie in the quiet ambiance of the Nilgiris region.
Pathways World School, Gurgaon
Pathways Word School offers both IB and IGCSE curricula with a holistic emphasis on creativity and global citizenship. The school is located on an attractive campus, replete with facilities that spread from marvelous architecture to highly developed research facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure that encourages leadership and innovative thoughts. It attracts a diverse international student population.
New Era High School, Panchgani
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. This institution offers a curriculum integrated with spiritual values, personal growth, and academics. Community service and sustainability are promoted here.
Sharanya Narayani International School, Bangalore
Sharanya Narayani International School. This is student-centered learning that incorporates IB and Cambridge curricula. The school is close to Bangalore focuses on creativity, critical thinking, and balance between academics and co-curricular activities, and is culturally inclusive in the environment that it fosters.
Him Academy Public School, Hamirpur
One of the well-reputed co-ed schools in Himachal Pradesh, Him Academy Public School is known for quality performance in academics combined with ideal discipline. It offers a curriculum under CBSE and combines tradition with a modern approach to teaching. All-round development is encouraged through co-curricular activities.
Top 10 CBSE Boarding Schools in India
Here is the list of Top 10 CBSE Boarding Schools in India.
• Welham Boy’s School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Jain International Residential School- Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Manchester Global School- Hyderabad, Telangana
• The Scindia School- Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
• Genesis Global School- Noida, Uttar Pradesh
• Liberty World Academy- Karjat, Maharashtra
• The Sports School- Bengaluru, Karnataka
• The Lawrence School- Sanwar, Himachal Pradesh
• Daly College- Indore, Madhya Pradesh
• Mayo College- Ajmer, Rajasthan
Top 10 ICSE Boarding Schools in India
Here is the list of Top 10 ICSE Boarding Schools in India.
• Good Shepherd International School- Ooty, Tamilnadu
• The Doon School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Welham Girl’s School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Unison World School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Sherwood College - Nainital, Uttarakhand
• Mayo College Girls School- Ajmer, Rajasthan
• Sarla Birla Academy- Bengaluru, Karnataka
• The Oberoi School of Integrated Studies- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Bishop Cotton School- Shimla, Uttar Pradesh
• Mussoorie International School- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Top 10 International Boarding Schools in India
Here is the list of Top 10 International Boarding Schools in India.
• Good Shepherd International School- Ooty, Tamilnadu
• Harrow International School- Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Shrewsbury International School- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
• UWC Mahindra College- Pune, Maharashtra
• Woodstock School- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
• Stonehill International School- Bengaluru, Karnataka
• The Aga Academy- Hyderabad, Telangana
• Canadian International School- Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Pathways World School- Gurugram, Haryana
• Kodaikanal International School- Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu
Top 10 Co-ed Boarding Schools in India
Here is the list of Top 10 Co-Ed Boarding Schools in India.
• Good Shepherd International School- Ooty, Tamilnadu
• Harrow International School- Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Shrewsbury International School- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
• UWC Mahindra College- Pune, Maharashtra
• Woodstock School- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
• Corvuss American Academy- Karjat, Maharashtra
• Stonehill International School- Bengaluru, Karnataka
• The Aga Khan Academy- Hyderabad, Telangana
• Canadian International School- Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Pathways World School- Gurugram, Haryana
Top 10 Girls Boarding Schools in India
Here is the list of Best Girls Boarding Schools in India.
• Welham Girls School
• Unison World School
• Hopetown Girls School
• Mayo College Girls School
• Mussoorie International School
• Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya
• Bishop Cotton Girls School
• Heritage Girls School
• Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls Public School
• Vantage Hall Girls Residential School
Top 10 Boys Boarding Schools in India
Here is the list of Best Boys Boarding Schools in India.
• The Doon School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Welham Boy’s School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• The Scindia School- Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
• Sarala Birla Academy- Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Bishop Cotton School- Shimla, Madhya Pradesh
• Mayo College- Ajmer, Rajasthan
• Georges College- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
• Christ Junior College- Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Vidya Niketan Birla Public School- Pilani, Rajasthan
• GD Birla Memorial School- Almora, Uttarakhand
Best Sports Schools in India
• Sehwag International School- Jhajjar, Haryana
• National Sports School- Coimbatore, Tamilnadu
• Bhaichung Bhutia Football School- Delhi
• Jain International Residential School- Bangalore, Karnataka
• Tula’s International School- Selakui, Uttarakhand
• Springfield World School Vidisha- Dhol Khedi, Madhya Pradesh
• ODM Global School- Bhubaneswar, Odisha<
• ODM Public School- Bhubaneswar, Odisha<
Required documents list for the 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 and diplomas (if applicable)
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
Admission Requirements
• School-specific admission test or entrance exam, if applicable
• Remarks of Interview comments conducted through admission interview, if applicable
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.
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
Indian boarding schools are usually well-equipped with ultra-modern structures intended for holistic development. Large campuses often comprise sufficiently equipped classrooms, science and computer labs, libraries, sports complexes, and hostels. 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.
The Curriculum that boarding schools in India follow
Whereas 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 emphasis 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 aid in the molding of all-rounded individuals. It is through this balanced program that knowledge and skills for sure are gained to empower the students effectively on a global scale.
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) 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.
Best Legacy Boarding Schools in India
The Doon School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
One of the country's top all-boys boarding schools, the Doon School legacy runs deep on excellence, leadership, and innovation. Founded in 1935, it has formed leaders and visionaries in a wide range of activities. The school encourages holistic development characterized by such qualities as academic excellence, character, creativity, and international outlook, hence making it well-favored by contemporary parents searching for the very best education for their sons.
Good Shepherd International School- Ooty, Tamilnadu
Good Shepherd International School is famous for its outstanding academic records and strict international education standards. Established way back in 1977, with more than three decades of experience in producing students who excel worldwide, the goodwill of the school is enhanced by international partnerships and state-of-the-art infrastructure that provides an all-rounded student life.
Welham Girls' School- Dehradun Uttarakhand
Welham Girls' School was established in 1957 in the town of Dehradun and is one of India's premier boarding girls' institutions to enable young women to excel. Focusing on rearing in confidence, compassion, and courage has produced generations of accomplished alumnae who have made meaningful contributions to society. Its commitment to character building, along with an importance on strong academics, has made Welham a respected name in girls' education.
Rishi Valley School- Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
Rishi Valley School, established by the philosopher J. Krishnamurti way back in 1926, is a hallmark of progressive education. This school, set up in the state of Andhra Pradesh, believes in holistic development and brings students close to nature. With its out-of-the-box approach, Rishi Valley has kept the legacy of intellectual curiosity, awareness, and self-reflection intact in the minds of students, making this a really transformative institution.
Bishop Cotton School- Bengaluru, Karnataka
One of India's oldest and most venerable boys' boarding schools, Bishop Cotton School was first established in 1859. Its beautiful campus, well-balanced curriculum, and style for excellence make it the school of choice for parents wanting a perfect mix of tradition and modernity for their children.
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, or IB. 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.
What makes Indian Boarding Schools the Perfect Option?
India is the land of rich heritage and diversity and has a long and rich tradition of residential or boarding school education system. In the ancient gurukul system students travelled to the place where the gurus resided and learnt everything from grammar, astronomy to martial arts from the masters while important character-building elements were infused in them in these boarding schools. During the colonial era the boarding school system was revived and modernized, and several world-class boarding schools came up.
Initially these boarding schools were meant for the elite population of the country however as the time went by boarding schools became more numerous and were able to cater needs of all income levels. There are many best boarding schools in India, that provide a robust education system, and quite a few schools are renowned for imparting world-class learning. Several of the Indian boarding schools are well-known worldwide for their educational programs. A number of Indian Boarding Schools have forged alliances with top Indian and international schools and universities which provide students with international exposure and a excellent opportunity to secure their higher studies.
What to expect from Boarding Schools in India
Daily Routine: Academic instruction in accordance affiliated boards like CBSE, ICSE, IB or IGCSE as well as full set of sports options with some time to relax and make lifelong friendships.
Sport: Sports would include cricket, basketball, soccer, track and field, martial arts, hockey, swimming, lawn tennis, badminton etc. Arts, Music, Drama clubs of different genres are also included to complete a well-rounded education.
Community living: Students learn to live happily with other students from all walks of life. They learn valuable social skills as well-being independent. Boarding schools also offer a host opportunities to demonstrate leadership to students.
Support Services: Pastor care, counselling, and mentoring programs for the welfare of students. Students also get active assistance for university admissions as well as career counselling.
Learn about the Indian boarding school fee structure
Curious about how expensive it is for you to send your child off to pursue the best boarding school in India? There are varieties of boarding schools in India offering education with multiple preferences suiting individual needs. Every institution has a different set of infrastructure, programs, and amenities which is why it is also reflected in fee structure.
There are a few typical types of fees at any boarding school.
• Tuition Fees(for the core academic programs and classroom instruction)
• Costs of accommodation(including administration or sanatorium services)
• Activity Fees- these are fees for extracurricular programs such as sports, arts, and clubs
• Other Fees- Education materials, Uniform, Text/Notebooks, etc.
Indian Residential Schools - Study of Curricula
Boarding schools in India deliver a range of curricula matching the variety of needs and choices of students.
National Curricula:
The most prominent are the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Certificate for Secondary Education (ICSE). The curriculum consists primarily of the core subjects of mathematics, science, and language arts with some social studies thrown in for good measure.
International Curricula:
International Programs - Some boarding schools offer International programs like the IB, i.e., The International Baccalaureate and CIE (Cambridge International Examinations). They aim to deliver worldwide perspectives, as well their intellectual focus would play a part in critical thinking and research skills that ensure the students are delivered an impeccable education par excellence through inquiry-based learning.
Specialized Programs:
Some boarding schools provide specialized curricula for specific interests or fields, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the arts, or sports. These programs offer masters-level coursework and practice experience in the chosen focus area.
Factors to Consider when choosing Boarding schools in India
Picking just the ideal boarding school for your kid is among those important decisions that call to get a comprehensive consideration of several variables until they fit in with all the essentials and future attempts about everything you expect from them. So, when weighing the options on Indian boarding schools, parents should consider a school's academic reputation relative to others: it is an indicator of how good or poor that particular institution may be.
The school's facilities are usually not less important than the students and staff, yet they complement each other to create a caring learning environment: Its libraries, laboratories, sports complexes including art studios only need an address in tune with world-class standards. Providing safe campuses and assuring 24-hour supervision is the least a parent can do for his child to be secure.
Finally, review their school values and ethos -which should align with the same principles your family believes in a setting that will allow for the personal development of your child. You can determine the boarding school that provides academic excellence by checking out these factors and Edustoke being a school search platform aids you in making this decision cautiously.
Curriculum-based list of top boarding schools in India
Curriculum and region is a key component of any boarding school experience and influences the intellectual culture, tone, and learning strategies fostered at your chosen institution. In this post, I will introduce you to a few schools that fit these criteria.
• The Doon School – Dehradun, Uttarakhand (ICSE, ISC)
• Welham Girls School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand (CBSE)
• Woodstock School - Mussoorie, Uttarakhand (IB)
• Genesis Global School- Noida, Uttar Pradesh (CBSE)
• Pathways World School- Gurgaon, Haryana (IB PYP, MYP & DYP)
• Sherwood College - Nainital, Uttarakhand (ICSE, IGCSE)
• Delhi Public School- Delhi (CBSE)
• The Mann School- Delhi (CBSE)
• Birla School Pilani - Pilani, Rajasthan (CBSE)
• Unison Girls School- Dehradun, Uttarakhand (ICSE, IGCSE)
• Birla Vidya Mandir – Nainital, Uttarakhand (CBSE)
• The Lawrence School - Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh (CBSE)
• Gurukul Kurukshetra – Kurukshetra Haryana (CBSE)
• Wynberg Allen School – Mussoorie, Uttarakhand (ICSE)
• Kodaikanal International School- Kodaikanal, Tamilnadu (IB)
• Harrow International School- Bangalore, Karnataka (IGCSE, CIE, IB)
• Vellore International School- Chennai, Tamilnadu (ICSE, IGCSE)
• Christ Junior College Residential- Bangalore, Karnataka (IB DP)
• Isha Home School – Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (ICSE, IGCSE)
• Rishi Valley School – Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh (ICSE)
• The Velammal International School- Chennai, Tamilnadu (CBSE)
• Oakridge International School- Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (IGCSE, CBSE, IB)
• Good Shepherd International School- Ooty, Tamilnadu (ICSE & ISC, IGCSE, IB PYP, MYP & DYP)
• The International School – Bangaluru, Karnataka (IB, IGCSE)
• Montfort Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School – Salem Tamil Nadu (ICSE)
• Liberty World Academy- Karjat, Maharashtra
• Mayo College Girls School- Ajmer, Rajasthan (ICSE)
• UWC Mahindra College- Pune, Maharashtra
• Jayshree Periwal High School- Jaipur, Rajasthan (CBSE)
• Sahyadri School- Pune, Maharashtra (ICSE, ISC)
• MIT Pune Vishwashanthi Gurukul- Pune, Maharashtra (IB, IB PYP, MYP & DYP)
• Peter’s School – Panchgani, Maharashtra (ICSE, ISC)
• The Rajkumar College – Rajkot, Gujrat (CBSE)
• New Era High School – Panchghani, Maharashtra (CBSE)
• The Assam Valley School- Balipara, Assam (ICSE)
• St Joseph School – Darjeeling, West Bengal (ICSE)
• SAI International Residential School- Cuttack, Odisha (CBSE)
• Shiksha Valley School- Dibrugarh, Assam (CBSE)
• Trinity Global School- Patna, Bihar (CBSE)
• Pauls School- Darjeeling, West Bengal (ICSE)
• La Martiniere for Boys- Kolkata, West Bengal (ICSE)
• HIM International School- Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh (CBSE)
• Shrewsbury International School India- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (IGCSE)
• The Scindia School- Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
• H. Goel World School- Rajpur, Chhattisgarh (IGCSE, CBSE)
• The Emerald Heights International School- Indore, Madhya Pradesh(CBSE)
• Brahmavid- The Global School- Rajpur, Chhattisgarh (CBSE)
• The Academy City School- Dhar, Madhya Pradesh (CBSE)
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