The trend of boarding schools in India has been time-honoured. From the era of the GURUKUL system, where the lord Rama and Arjuna received residential education, they have now evolved to all-encompassing academic centers.
They possess various intrinsic advantages that make them superior to normal schools in many ways. Still, multiple factors are considered cumulatively to determine the top boarding schools in India for your child.
This endeavor can be simplified by considering the top choices and comparing them based on prominent features. For the parents exploring such options, here are the top 10 boarding schools in India, along with necessary information.
Top 10 Boarding Schools In India in 2025
As per the UDISE+ report, there are more than 45,000 residential schools in India. This makes it hard to trace the best one. Boarding schools helps you to get value education and have professional development.
To get this sorted, here are the top 10 boarding schools in India with fees that you can prefer. Their corresponding information mentioned below will help you make an informed decision.
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| Gender | Boys |
| Board | IGCSE, ICSE, IB Board (International Baccalaureate) |
| Classes | 7–12 Class |
| Address | Mall Rd, Krishna Nagar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 |
| Annual Fees (In Rupees) | 2612000 per annum |
| Student-to-teacher Ratio | 20:1 |
More about the Doon School
The Doon School has been considered the No. 1 boarding school in India. It has been providing the finest education to the students since 1935. Founded by Satish Ranjan Das, the school has preserved its ethos and tradition and imparts international standard education, making it the best boarding school for boys in India.
Often dubbed as “Eton of India,” it has been garnering immense repute for its world-class education. Some notable alumni of this institution are Rajiv Gandhi (former Prime Minister of India), Rahul Gandhi, and Amitav Ghosh (a famous author).
| Gender | Co-ed |
| Board | IB Board (International Baccalaureate) |
| Classes | 6–12 Class |
| Address | Tehri Road, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India, 248179 |
| Annual Fees (In Rupees) | 2866000–2932000 |
| Student-to-teacher ratio | 6:1 |
More about Woodstock School
Woodstock School’s history goes back to 1854. Since then, it has been embracing top-tier education for the overall development of the students. Built on an area of 250 acres of campus, it is known to provide quality education along with some exceptional diplomas in senior secondary grades.
Its affiliation with the Middle States Association and membership with the Council of International Schools is a testimony to its exceptional rapport. The school emphasizes experimental learning and value-based education that comprehensively shapes the student’s personality.
More about Mussoorie International School
Mussoorie International School, encircled by the green hills of Dehradun, is the best boarding school in India for girls. Founded in 1984, it was able to gather much reputation in a short span.
With the tag line of “Traditional Values, Modern Outlook,” the institution has been focusing on activity-based learning and providing best-in-class facilities to the students, such as well-equipped laboratories, fully furnished computer labs, and libraries. The Hawan activity every Saturday keeps the students in touch with the culture.
| Gender | Boys |
| Board | CBSE |
| Classes | 6-12th class |
| Address | Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474008 |
| Annual Fees (In Rupees) | 1350000 |
| Student-to-teacher ratio | 12:1 |
More about Scindia School
Scindia School, Gwalior, was established by Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia I in 1897. It was initially called “The Sardar School” and got its current name in 1933. The 160-acre campus with a BCCI-approved cricket ground leaves a remarkable impression on the parents, finding a good boarding school for their children.
The motto of the school is “Knowledge Liberates,” which correlates with its essence of rich, quality education that it provides. Its alumni, such as Madhav Rao Scindia (renowned politician), Sunil Mittal (founder of Bharti Enterprises), Salman Khan (famous actor), and Air Chief Marshal Om Prakash Mehra, depict its outstanding repute.
| Gender | Coed |
| Board | CBSE |
| Classes | 3–12 Class |
| Address | Tons confluence, Subharti Hospital Rd, Prem Nagar, Dehradun, Shahpur Santore, Uttarakhand 248001 |
| Annual Fees (In Rupees) | 710000–760000 |
| Student-to-teacher Ratio | 30:1 |
More about TonsBridge School
TonsBridge School is a coed school in Dehradun, founded in 2013. The school admits students for class nursery to 12th grade to inculcate a holistic education deep into the personality of the student. Its comprehensive co-curricular activities range from dance, yoga, theater, to membership in various clubs such as the music club, the nature club, and the adventure club.
For its exceptional educational services, it was awarded the “Most Technically Advanced School” award at the National School Awards ceremony in New Delhi on August 20, 2023.
| Gender | Boys |
| Board | ICSE, Cambridge, IGCSE |
| Classes | 4 – 12 Class |
| Address | Shimla Bypass, near Khalini, New Shimla, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171002 |
| Annual Fees (In Rupees) | 1055000–1160000 |
| Student-to-teacher ratio | 30:1 |
More about Bishop Cotton School
Bishop Cotton School is also one of the best boarding schools for boys in India. It was founded by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, Bishop of Calcutta, in 1859. With rich facilities for sports and extracurricular activities, it imparts value-based and community-oriented education to the students.
Its alumni group is studded with some big names, such as Jeev Milkha Singh (Indian golfer) and Fali Nariman (famous Indian jurist).
| Gender | Coed |
| Board | CBSE |
| Classes | 5–12 Class |
| Address | Sana, Shimla Hills P.O. Sanawar, Distt. Solan, H.P. 173202 |
| Annual Fees (In Rupees) | 1543600 |
| Student-to-teacher Ratio | 24:1 |
More about The Lawrence School
The Lawrence School was established by Sir Henry Lawrence in 1847 with a vision to provide value education. The school works on the motto of “never give in,” which matches and satisfies its core aim. Spread over a 139-acre area, it is nestled amid nature to provide the best environment to students.
The well-equipped laboratories, computer labs, and library provide the best learning experience to students. It also provides the facility of joining the NCC to senior students. Some notable alumni of this school are Capt. Amrinder Singh (political leader), Snajay Dutt (famous actor), and Omar Abdullah (political leader).
| Gender | Coed |
| Board | CBSE |
| Classes | Nursery — 12 Class |
| Address | 8th Milestone, Sonipat Rd, Rohtak, Haryana 124001 |
| Annual Fees (In Rupees) | 310000 |
| Student Teacher Ratio | 25:1 |
More about GD Goenka International School
GD Goenka International School, Rohtak, was established in 2014. Its quality education has led it to rank top in some rankings. Though afflicted with CBSE, it also offers the IGCSE curriculum. The classrooms are studded with smart class systems, which make learning much easier.
The semi-Olympic-size swimming pool, football ground, basketball court, and lawn tennis court further provide immense scope for students to harness their skills.
| Gender | Coed |
| Board | Cambridge, IGCSE |
| Classes | 6–12 Class |
| Address | 648, Doddaballapur Main Road, National Highway, opposite DC Office, Devanahally, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562110 |
| Annual Fees (In Rupees) | 2216500 |
More about Harrow International School
Harrow International School is one of the best coed boarding schools in India. The IGCSE curriculum makes it one of the top residential schools. Apart from the school education, it also facilitated the senior students with university guidance counseling to help them in getting admission in top colleges. With best-in-class outdoor sports facilities and avenues of skill development, it stands unrivaled as one of the best boarding schools in South India.
| Gender | Coed |
| Board | IB Board (International Baccalaureate) |
| Classes | 1–12 Class |
| Address | Aravali Retreat, Off Gurgaon-Sohna Road, Gurugram, Haryana 122102 |
| Annual Fees (In Rupees) | 988750 |
| Student Teacher Ratio | 10:1 |
More about Pathways World School
Pathways World School has gathered applause within a brief period since its inception in 2003. Though it is an English-medium school, Spanish, Hindi, and French are the second language options offered to the students.
The school has well-furnished studios for performing arts, atriums, an open-air theater, and multiple sports facilities such as an athletic track, an Olympic-size soccer ground, a cricket pitch, and other such facilities. It has also been recognized as the first school in North India to provide the option of all 4 IB programs.
Why Choose Top Boarding Schools in India?
Though boarding schools are less preferred over normal schools, they still have some advantages that the parents must pay heed to. Such pros make them the best option for nurturing the children’s personality holistically.
- Value Inculcation: Certain values, such as time management, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, are learned better in boarding schools, boosting the behavioral and emotional strength of the child.
- Develop Discipline: The child learns to take responsibility for their daily activities, which develops discipline as a byproduct.
- Imbibe Camaraderie: When they constantly remain in contact with their classmates, seniors, and juniors, they cultivate a sense of cooperation and coordination.
- Full-time Learning Environment: Boarding school provides a 24×7 opportunity to learn and infuse various qualities.
- Better Experiences: The sports facilities, co-curricular activities, and fully equipped laboratories, libraries, and smart classes further facilitate impactful learning.
- Structured Education Culture: Right from the hostel beds to the evening sports schedules, boarding schools structure the daily routine and bring versatility to the children’s personalities.
The orderliness that the student is exposed to in boarding school helps them build a better character.
But how to get into these prestigious, best boarding schools in India?
Here’s the answer.
General Criteria for Admission in Best Boarding Schools in India
The admission criteria of the top boarding schools in India differ significantly. However, some elementary requirements remain constant for all such institutions. Here are some basic eligibility criteria that parents must know before choosing the best boarding schools in India for their child.
- Age Criteria: At the outset, the parents need to get aware of the age range for the class they want their student to get admitted to.
- Academic Record: Some educational institutions prefer students with up-to-the-mark performance in prior academic endeavors as a fundamental criterion.
- Entrance Exam: To keep a good level of educational performance, boarding schools often conduct entrance exams for admissions, which might or might not contain an interview.
After all these factors, there comes the responsibility of parents to examine some points before admitting the child to residential schools.
How to Choose the Best Boarding School in India?
There are plenty of options for boarding schools, but picking the right one for the child is the utmost duty of a parent. To help them out in this pursuit, we have provided some parameters to consider before selecting one.
Here is a breakdown of the points to keep in mind before selecting one of the top boarding schools in India for your children.
- Location: The prime factor parents need to consider is to prefer a school located closer or reachable to keep constant contact with the child. If any of the above schools lie in their proximity, then they must try for them.
- Fee Structure: Affordability must be examined before selecting the best option among the top boarding schools in India.
- Students’ Interest: As Indian culture favors strong parent-child relations, the majority of children find it overburdening to study in a boarding school. For this, the student’s interest must be prioritized before admitting them to such institutions.
- Study Culture and Past Performance: The past results of the class sessions are the best parameter to gauge the performance of the school, which the parents need to consider.
- Reputation: A reputed boarding school always has a good overall study culture. For this, the parent can go through the online surveys, institutional rankings, awards received, and alumni board concerned with the selected school.
Conclusion
Summarizing the above-mentioned discussion points, it is self-evident that these top 10 boarding schools in India come out as the best option for your children. Apart from that, the general criteria and parameters for choosing a boarding school will also facilitate the parents in selecting the best boarding school.
Next Read: Top 10 Schools in India with Quality Education and Elaborate Curricula
FAQs
Ans: The Doon School, situated in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is considered the No.1 boarding school in India.
Ans: Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland is known as the No. 1 boarding school in the world.
Ans: The Doon School is the top boarding school in Uttarakhand, known for its best-in-class academic facilities and a high reputation.
Ans: Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai; The British School, New Delhi; and The International School Bangalore are the best IB schools in India.
