Top 7 Best Boarding Schools in India
Boarding Schools in India are the alma mater of many successful Indians. Parents send their children to board when they wish to receive a better education. There are many schools to choose from, from one of the best boarding schools in India. But which School is the best? Until now, there’s been no standard till today to decides which School is best for your kid. We created this list of the top 7 boarding schools considering various factors such as the strength of computer labs, and the percentage of outstanding results between classes 10 and 12.
These schools provide superior infrastructure and facilities, making them one of the best educational institutes in the country. The best part about these schools is that they provide students with the necessary resources to excel in their studies. Moreover, the boarding schools also offer various extracurricular activities such as sports and arts, which help students stay fit and healthy. They provide a good reputation as most of the well-known institutions in India permit admission to international students.
List of Top 7 Boarding Schools in India
1. Mayo College Ajmer, Rajasthan
The Mayo College Ajmer is a boys-only independent Boarding school in India. It is reflected in its ranking among the top schools in India by several media publications. The School also provides its students with various facilities for extracurricular activities such as sports and games like cricket, football, basketball, etc., and a debating club, which encourages students to participate in debates on current affairs. This school aims to provide an excellent education to young boys from all across India while also providing moral and spiritual guidance that they need during their formative years.
The campus covers an area of 183 acres with lush green surroundings and well-maintained gardens. The primary aim of Mayo College is to provide its students with an environment that promotes academic excellence, cultural awareness, and spiritual growth. The School has a rich heritage that dates back over 150 years. The School’s motto is “Let there be light.”
School Details
| Curriculum | CBSE |
| Class Level | Grades 1 to 12 |
| Facilities | Sports (Cricket, Football, Basketball, etc.), Debating Club, Hostel, Library, Cultural Activities |
| Address | Srinagar Road, Ajmer |
| Annual Fee | Approx. Rs. 7,66,500 |
2. The Doon School, Dehradun
The Doon School has an excellent reputation in India and across the world. It is one of India’s best boarding schools in Dehradun with an ideal academic record in competitive examinations. They are also known for their unique sports program that includes playing badminton, basketball, and cricket on campus and participating in other sports competitions outside of campus, such as swimming meets or track meets against other schools.
The Doon School is known for its rigorous academics and demanding extracurriculars, emphasizing creative pursuits like music and art. And because it’s a boarding school, students get to live on campus for at least two years—and some stay much longer!
School Details
| Curriculum | IB |
| Class Level | Grades 7 to 12 |
| Facilities | Sports (Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Swimming, Track Events), Music, Art, Hostel, Library |
| Address | Mall Road, Krishna Nagar, Dehradun |
| Annual Fee | Rs. 10,75,000 |
3. Bishop Cotton School, Shimla
Bishop Cotton School, Shimla is one of Asia’s oldest boys boarding schools. This helps them develop their personality and hone their skills in handling difficult situations gracefully. It imparts education to students through its well-structured curriculum. They encourage them to take up different co-curricular activities like sports, music, dance, etc., to become well-rounded individuals with excellent communication skills and analytical abilities. It strives to achieve this by providing an environment where children can be themselves, develop their abilities and talents, and become responsible citizens of the world.
School Details
| Curriculum | CISCE |
| Class Level | Grades 3 to 12 |
| Facilities | Sports, Music, Dance, Co-curricular Activities, Hostel, Library |
| Address | Shimla Bypass, Khalini, Shimla |
| Annual Fee | Rs. 10,55,000 |
4. The Scindia School, Gwalior
The Scindia School’s motto is ‘Strive to Excel.’ The School’s mission statement is ‘To provide an education that will help pupils realize their potential and make them good citizens. The School offers students an environment that enables them to achieve academic excellence. While providing them with opportunities to develop their interests in other areas such as music and sports.
It has a campus of around 110 acres in Gwalior city with facilities for outdoor games and sports such as football, hockey, cricket, basketball, and athletics. Scindia School offers education to students worldwide and imparts them the best possible education in academics and sports. It offers classes from VI to 12th standard. The School has produced some exceptional students who have gone on to pursue their careers in various fields.
School Details
| Curriculum | CBSE |
| Class Level | Grades VI to XII |
| Facilities | Sports (Football, Hockey, Cricket, Basketball, Athletics), Music, Academics, Hostel |
| Address | Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474008 |
| Annual Fee | Rs. 12,00,000 |
5. The Lawrence School, Sanawar
The Lawrence School, Sanawar, is one of the oldest co-educational boarding schools in India, founded in 1847. Nestled in the Kasauli Hills of Himachal Pradesh, the school is known for its strong academic curriculum and focus on all-round development. The school’s motto is “Never Give In”, reflecting its emphasis on resilience, discipline, and leadership. It aims to provide holistic education by fostering intellectual growth, physical fitness, and creative pursuits among students.
The Lawrence School follows the CBSE curriculum and offers education from Class V to XII. The school is renowned for its vast 139-acre campus, which provides a nurturing environment with state-of-the-art academic and extracurricular facilities.
School Details
| Curriculum | CBSE |
| Class Level | Class V – XII |
| Facilities | Sports facilities (cricket, football, tennis, squash, swimming, etc.), in-campus hospital, extracurricular activities |
| Address | Sanawar, Kasauli, Solan, Himachal Pradesh – 173202, India |
| Annual Fee | ₹13,05,900 (including tuition, boarding, security deposit, and other charges) |
6. Rishi Valley School, Andhra Pradesh
Rishi Valley School, established in 1926 by the philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, is one of India’s most prestigious co-educational boarding schools. Located in a serene valley in Andhra Pradesh, the school is known for its progressive education system, emphasis on independent thinking, and holistic development.
The school’s philosophy is based on Krishnamurti’s teachings, focusing on self-awareness, intellectual curiosity, and a deep connection with nature. Rishi Valley follows the CISCE (ICSE & ISC) curriculum, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, creative arts, and environmental sustainability.
The school provides a non-competitive learning environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests. With a 150-acre campus, it offers world-class facilities, including well-equipped science labs, libraries, music & art studios, sports fields, and organic farms.
School Details
| Curriculum | ICSE, ISC |
| Class Level | Class IV – XII |
| Facilities | Library, science labs, music & arts, sports facilities, environmental programs, meditation & yoga |
| Address | Rishi Valley, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh – 517352, India |
| Annual Fee | ₹6,40,000 (including tuition, boarding, and other charges) |
7. Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun
Welham Girls’ School is one of India’s most prestigious all-girls boarding schools, known for its rich legacy, academic excellence, and emphasis on holistic education. Founded in 1957, the school aims to empower young women through a strong academic curriculum, leadership training, and extracurricular activities.
Welham Girls’ follows the CISCE (ICSE & ISC) curriculum, preparing students for higher education at top institutions in India and abroad. The school provides a balanced education, focusing on academics, sports, arts, and community service.
The 30-acre campus in Dehradun offers state-of-the-art classrooms, science and computer labs, a well-stocked library, performing arts studios, sports facilities, and comfortable hostels. The school encourages leadership development through student-led initiatives, debates, and social outreach programs.
School Details
| Curriculum | ICSE, ISC |
| Class Level | Class IV – XII |
| Facilities | Library, science labs, music & arts, sports facilities, environmental programs, meditation & yoga |
| Address | Rishi Valley, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh – 517352, India |
| Annual Fee | ₹6,40,000 (including tuition, boarding, and other charges) |
Also Read: Why International Students Consider India For Study In Boarding Schools