Top 20
Top 20 Boarding Schools in India: For Your Child
The best boarding schools in India usually provide facilities that are essential for students to easily adapt to the ambience and focus on their education. The nation is home to many reputed and well-known boarding schools (aka residential schools) or hostels for boys and girls, either as co-educational institutions or separately within the campus or off-campus. Usually, most boarding schools allow admissions early on, starting from nursery or kindergarten level, and/or to primary, high and higher secondary school students.
Why Boarding School?
There are a few practical reasons why parents would want to send their children to boarding schools, instead of sending them to nearby schools. One of the reasons being the quality of education that the institution has to offer. Every parent wants their children to get the best education, a better career, and thus, a bright and financially secure future.
Another probable reason is that some of the best boarding schools for boys and girls in India are situated in places that are very far away from one’s home. So, in order to get admission to such distant schools, parents have no other choice but to send their children there.
Therefore, boarding schools can be useful for many students, especially those coming from another state or region in the country to avail better education.
Also, read these articles:
“Top 20 Oldest Universities in India” [link to article]
“Top 20 Colleges for BBA in India” [link to article]
“Top 20 Colleges for MBA in India” [link to article]
Going forth, let us now take a look at some of the best boarding schools for boys and girls in India.
List of 20 Best Boarding Schools of India for Boys & Girls
The following is a non-exhaustive list (sorted in alphabetical order) of the twenty best boarding schools, also called residential schools in India for both boys and girls.
Note: To know more about the admission criteria, rules and regulations, fee structure, etc., we advise our readers to visit the respective school’s website provided in this article.
1. Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad
Place: Hyderabad, Telangana
School Website: https://www.agakhanacademies.org/hyderabad
The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad located in the state of Telangana is an international co-educational residential school. The school is a constituent of the Aga Khan Academies, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and has a network of at least 18 residential schools across 14 countries around the globe. The Aga Khan Academy was established in 2011 by His Highness the Aga Khan and the institution follows the standards of the IB curriculum including Diploma exams.
The school grants admission to students starting from standard I and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
AKDN has been engaged in education in developing countries for more than a hundred years. Its educational programs cover a wide range of activities, from early childhood to post-secondary education, teacher training, literacy programs, school improvement and educational policy reform.
2. Bishop Cotton School
Place: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
School Website: https://bishopcottonshimla.com/
The Bishop Cotton School is ranked among the best boarding schools in India for boys. It was founded in the year 1859, making it one of the oldest boys’ schools in Asia. The school adheres to the curriculum established by the ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) and ISC (Indian School Certificate) boards.
The school grants admission to students starting from standard III and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities available here.
The school was the first in the league to introduce a “home system” for its students. Day students with intellectual disabilities are given special attention in this prestigious boarding school in India.
3. Convent of Jesus and Mary
Place: Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
School Website: http://www.cjmwaverley.org/
The Convent of Jesus and Mary (CJM) school is one of the oldest boarding schools for girls in India. Founded in the year 1845 by the Religious of Jesus and Mary, Mussoorie Education Society, the school is also known in the region as CJM Waverley. CJM Waverley is recognised by the Government of Uttarakhand and is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
The school grants admission to students starting from standard I and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
CJM Waverley also has a sister school, St. George’s College, which is a day-cum-boarding school for boys located in Mussoorie.
4. Good Shepherd International School
Place: Ooty, Tamil Nadu
School Website: http://www.gsis.ac.in/
The Good Shepherd International School (GSIS) is an international co-educational residential school situated in the beautiful hill station, Ooty in the state of Tamil Nadu. The school was established in 1977 in the Nilgiris district by the Late Dr. P. C. Thomas. GSIS follows the curriculum standards set by the ICSE, IGCSE, and IB boards.
The school grants admission to students starting from standard III and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
The school offers the Cambridge Primary Programme at Primary School (Classes up to VI), the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme at Middle School and the IGCSE Curriculum of the Cambridge International Examinations (classes IV to X) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (classes XI and XII).
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (grades IX to X) is provided to all students seeking to receive an international education in the future.
5. Hebron School
Place: Ooty, Tamil Nadu
School Website: https://www.hebronooty.org/
Hebron School is one of the oldest co-educational residential schools in India. The school was founded in the year 1899 by a Protestant Christian missionary community in Ooty, Tamil Nadu and continues to be operated by the missionary trust. During its early years, it was just a play school for children. Later, the boarding school provided education to the children of the Protestant Christian community workers that came to India from various parts of Asia and settled in the region. In the year 1902, the school was named the Hebron School.
The school grants admission to students starting from Nursery and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities available here.
The Hebron School follows the British school system for IGCSE, AS and A levels. These exams are usually evaluated by the CAIE and Edexcel Education Boards.
6. Jain International Residential School
Place: Bengaluru, Karnataka
School Website: http://www.jirs.ac.in/
Jain International Residential School (JIRS) is an international co-educational residential school situated in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The school was established in 1999 by Dr. Chenraj Roychand, who is also the founder and Chairman of the JGI Group, a private deemed-to-be-university in India. JIRS has affiliations with CBSE, IGCSE, IB, CIE, GCE, and AICE. In addition, classes for SAT and JEE exams are also conducted at JIRS. The school has students from India and several countries around the world.
The school grants admission to students starting from standard Kindergarten and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
The school is affiliated with the Cambridge University International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE, UK), the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE, India) and the International Baccalaureate Program (IBDP) up to Grade 12.
7. Kodaikanal International School
Place: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
School Website: http://kis.in/
Kodaikanal International School was founded in 1901 and is one of the oldest co-educational residential schools in India. Since its inception, the school has made significant progress. It is an excellent educational institution having a remarkable history and tradition spanning a century-long heritage. The school pays great attention to its students and strives to give them a decent education along with various extracurricular activities so that they feel confident in everything they do in life.
The school grants admission to students starting from Kindergarten (KG) and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
Kodaikanal International School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) affiliated day as well as a boarding school. The school is located in Kodaikanal in the state of Tamil Nadu. Parents who wish to send their children to a boarding school can take advantage of the same right from the Kindergarten level and onwards.
8. Mayo College
Place: Ajmer, Rajasthan
School Website: https://mayocollege.com/
Mayo College is a well-known boarding school for boys that was founded in the year 1875 and is one of the oldest in India. The school was built by Richard Bourke, a Viceroy of India (who served from 1869 to 1872) during the pre-independence period and is situated in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Mayo College is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board.
The school grants admission to students starting from standard IV and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
It is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in the country. Mayo College was established as an educational institution for the noble and upper strata of society. The institution is located in the royal and vibrant Ajmer city of Rajasthan and is influenced by the rich culture and heritage of the state. It offers students fantastic learning opportunities.
9. Rishi Valley School
Place: Annamayya district, Andhra Pradesh
School Website: http://rishivalley.org/
Rishi Valley School is a renowned private co-educational boarding school located in Annamayya district in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It was founded in the year 1926 by Jiddu Krishnamurti. The school is a member of the ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) and ISC (Indian School Certificate) Boards. It is a co-educational school that provides educational training to the students, both boys and girls.
The school grants admission to students starting from standard IV and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
Rishi Valley School offers students a quality education in excellent conditions. It is equipped with all the amenities that provide students with the opportunity to study. Qualified and experienced staff selflessly and passionately guides students.
10. Sahyadri National School
Place: Pune, Maharashtra
School Website: http://www.sahyadrischool.org/
Sahyadri National School is a co-educational residential school located in Pune, Maharashtra. It is also called Sahyadri School (KFI), which is named after its founder, J. Krishnamurti of the Krishnamurti Foundation, India (KFI). The school was founded in 1995 and is affiliated with the ICSE board. The name “Sahyadri” is also a mountain range in Maharashtra called the Sahyadri Range.
The school grants admission to students starting from standard IV and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
Inspired by the teachings and philosophies of its founder, Sahyadri National School is managed by the Krishnamurti Foundation, India (KFI). The school provides education along with training in various extra-curricular activities, such as origami, dance, music, debates, etc., to ensure the overall personality development of the students. This school also adopts the curriculum set by the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), also known as the ICSE board.
11. St. Paul’s School
Place: Darjeeling, West Bengal
School Website: https://stpaulsdarjeeling.edu.in/
St. Paul’s School is one of the oldest boarding schools for boys in India. The school was established in the year 1823 and is located in the beautiful hilly town of Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal. The school was originally established in Calcutta (now Kolkata), but was moved to Darjeeling in 1864.
The school grants admission to students starting from standard III and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
The school follows the ICSE curriculum until high school i.e., standard X, and the ISC curriculum for the higher secondary level, i.e., standards XI and XII.
12. Stonehill International School
Place: Bengaluru, Karnataka
School Website: http://www.stonehill.in/
Stonehill International School is a co-educational boarding school and is situated in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is an international school for boys and girls that comprise students coming from over 35 countries around the world. It is an International Baccalaureate (IB) affiliated day as well as a boarding school.
The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). It provides education to students in the primary year programme, middle years programme, and diploma programme, respectively, and is one of the top boarding schools in India.
The school grants admission to students starting from Kindergarten and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
13. The Asian School
Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
School Website: https://www.theasianschool.net/
The Asian School is one of the prestigious co-educational day and boarding schools in India. The school was founded in the year 2000, and it has since, become well-known for its outstanding performances.
The school grants admission to students starting from Nursery and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
The school is affiliated to CBSE and IB boards and gives its pupils remarkable and well-received exposure to the rest of the world.
14. The Doon School
Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
School Website: http://www.doonschool.com/
The Doon School in India is a very popular boarding school for boys and is situated in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The school was founded in the year 1935 and is affiliated with the International Baccalaureate (IB), CISCE and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). It is also well-known for having students that come from high-profile families, such as politicians, consumer brand owners, etc. It is also one of the oldest residential schools in the region.
The school grants admission to students starting from standard VII and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
The Doon School is sometimes called the “Eton of India”. The institute was constructed following British standards and offers a vast learning environment for its students. The Doon School has graduated some of the most accomplished people, giving pupils unprecedented exposure to other countries.
15. The International School Bangalore
Place: Bengaluru, Karnataka
School Website: https://www.tisb.org/
The International School Bangalore (TISB) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is one of the well-known international co-educational day-cum-residential schools for boys and girls in India. The school was established in the year 2000 by Dr. K. P. Gopalkrishna, who is also the chairman of the institution and of The National Public Schools (NPS) having an international presence. The school follows the standards set by the IGCSE and IB boards.
The school grants admission to students starting from Kindergarten and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
TISB has a thriving boarding community which makes up a quarter of its pupils, some of whose parents live abroad and some who live in Bengaluru but choose to board.
16. The Lawrence School
Place: Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh
School Website: http://www.sanawar.edu.in/
The Lawrence School is one of India’s oldest co-educational boarding schools and is situated in Sanawar, near the Kasauli Hills in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The independent boarding school was established in the year 1847 by Sir Henry Lawrence thus, the name of the school. The school is affiliated with the CBSE board.
The school grants admission to students starting from standard V and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
The Lawrence School, Sanawar, is also popularly known for being the first school in the world to send a team of seven students to climb Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world.
17. The Mann School
Place: New Delhi, Delhi
School Website: https://www.themannschool.com/
The Mann School (MS) is a co-educational day-cum-boarding school situated in India’s capital city, New Delhi. The school was established in 1989 and is currently a member of the Indian Public Schools’ Conference (IPSC) trust. The school is affiliated with the CBSE curriculum board.
The school grants admission to students starting from standard I and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
18. The Scindia School
Place: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
School Website: https://www.scindia.edu/
The Scindia School is among the oldest boarding school in India for boys. The school was founded in the year 1897 by the then Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia of Gwalior State and was called the Sardar School. Initially, the school was established that provide education to the children of the royal and noble families living in the region and neighbouring areas. Later, in the year 1933, the school was renamed The Scindia School and converted into a public residential school for boys. The present director of the institute is Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia, a descendant of the royal Scindia family.
The school grants admission to students starting from standard VI and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
The Scindia School is affiliated with the CBSE board. The school is also a member of an international organisation called the Round Square, which is a group of the most reputed schools in the world.
19. Welham Girls’ School
Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
School Website: http://www.welhamgirls.com/
The Welham Girls’ School is a very popular private boarding school for girls which is located in Dehradun in the state of Uttarakhand. The school was established in the year 1957 by a retired Welsh (a village in Wales) headmistress, H. S. Oliphant. It was then called the Welham Girls’ High School. She also established the Welham Boys’ School in the year 1937, which is another very popular boarding school in Dehradun for boys from standard IV and up to standard XII.
The school grants admission to students starting from standard V and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
Among the many boarding schools in Dehradun for girls, the Welham Girls’ School provides quality education. The school is affiliated with ICSE and ISC boards.
20. Woodstock School
Place: Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
School Website: http://www.woodstockschool.in/
Woodstock School is another well-known international co-educational boarding school situated in Mussoorie in the state of Uttarakhand. The town of Mussoorie is not only a gorgeous hill station in the region, but it is also home to some of India’s reputed schools for boys and girls. The school was established in 1854 and is recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Woodstock School was built as a missionary school by a Christian non-profit group and later, shifted to making it an international student body.
The school grants admission to students starting from Kindergarten (KG) and up to standard XII. In addition to providing boarding facilities to students, there are also curricular activities in the form of indoor and outdoor activities that are available here.
The Woodstock School is an international school and is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Recently, the school started offering American High School Diploma and IB Diploma to students.
Wrapping Up
The best boarding schools in India for boys and girls that are listed above have a good reputation when it comes to offering facilities. Many boarding schools also engage the students in extra-curricular activities to help train one’s minds, bodies and personalities for the better.
