List of Best Boarding Schools in India 2025-26

When it comes to shaping a child’s future, many parents in India are increasingly turning to boarding schools as an option. It’s not just about getting the best academic education, but about offering their children a holistic environment where they can grow, learn life skills, and build lasting friendships. Boarding schools give kids the opportunity to experience a structured routine, develop independence, and discover their true potential away from the usual distractions of home.

Parents often choose these schools not just for their high academic standards, but because of the nurturing yet disciplined environment that can help children build confidence, resilience, and leadership qualities.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best boarding schools in India, where students aren’t just prepared for exams but for life.

1. The Doon School

The Doon School is one of India’s top all-boys boarding school, founded in 1935. Located on a beautiful 70-acre campus, it offers a peaceful, nature-filled environment for students aged 12-18. The school provides a full boarding experience, where boys can focus on academics, sports, arts, and extracurricular activities without the hassle of commuting. With strong support from teachers, counselors, and wellness staff, students have everything they need to thrive, both academically and personally.

Address: Mall Rd, Krishna Nagar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Curriculum: IB, ICSE and ISC

Gender: Only Boys

Grades: Nursery to 12th

Fees

The school website provides clear fee details for both Indian and overseas students. For Indian students, fees range from Rs. 12,000 for children up to 3 years to Rs. 36,000 for children aged 11-13 years.

For overseas students, fees start at $600 USD for children up to 3 years and go up to $1,800 USD for children aged 11-13 years.

Google Rating

The Doon School in Dehradun is one of the top boarding school for boys in India, with a rating of 4.3 from 680 reviews.

While the fees are high, parents appreciate the school’s excellent education, extracurricular activities, and strong values that help shape students into confident individuals. The 70-acre campus is beautiful, full of nature, and provides a peaceful atmosphere. Students are well-mannered and the environment is nurturing.

Facilities the school offers

• The Doon School offers the English Debating Society, where students are trained in various debating formats and public speaking skills, preparing them for competitions and enhancing their communication for future success.
• The school has an Astronomy Society, allowing students to explore space through activities like stargazing, model-making, and trips to NASA and IUCAA, providing opportunities for those interested in pursuing careers in astronomy.
• The Doon School is set on 35 acres of beautiful green land, combining historical charm with modern facilities, including a library, auditorium, specialized spaces for art, media, and music, as well as a unique Rose Bowl amphitheater.
• The school offers a wide range of subjects, including Art, French, German, Sanskrit, Life Skills, Music (both Hindustani and Western Classical), Physical Education, and Yoga.
• The science labs at The Doon School are state-of-the-art, fully equipped for Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Computer studies.
• In 2019, The Doon School hosted a Formula 1 car design competition, showcasing its focus on innovative events and hands-on learning experiences.
• The school provides expert coaching in various sports, including Hockey, Badminton, Cricket, Golf, Polo, Shooting, and Swimming.

Important Website: Website, Fees, Facebook, Instagram

2. Mayo College (Boys School)

Mayo College, founded in 1875 by the 6th Earl of Mayo, is one of India’s premier all-boys residential schools, located in Ajmer, Rajasthan. With a rich legacy that blends tradition with modern education, the school offers a unique environment where academic excellence, sports, fine arts, and technological skills come together. Mayo College aims to build global leaders with character, instilling values such as leadership, self-confidence, mutual respect, and a strong sense of cultural identity.

The school provides a holistic education, focusing not only on academics but also on the development of non-cognitive skills. With a strong commitment to preparing students for the future, Mayo offers state-of-the-art facilities, including technology-driven classrooms, AI and robotics labs, and a wide range of co-curricular activities. Mayo College is a place where every student is encouraged to discover their potential, whether in sports, arts, or academics.

Being a full boarding school, Mayo also ensures quality pastoral care and a supportive environment, allowing students to grow and thrive. Through exchange programs, sports partnerships, and a global outlook, Mayo College offers students an international perspective while nurturing their Indian roots. Today, Mayo continues to uphold its vision of shaping confident, capable young men who are ready to take on the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Address: Srinagar Road, Alwar Gate, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305001

Curriculum: CBSE and IGCSE

Gender: Only Boys

Grades: Nursery to 12th

Fees

Here’s the fee structure for Mayo College, Ajmer:

• Prospectus Fees: Rs 500 (School Counter) / Rs 550 (By Post) for India, Rs 650 (By Post) for SAARC countries, US $20 (By Post) for Overseas.
• Aptitude Analysis Paper Set: Rs 100 per set (School Counter) / Rs 150 (By Post) for India, Rs 175 (By Post) for SAARC countries, US $10 (By Post) for Overseas.
• Registration Fees: Rs 16,500 (India) / US $825 (Overseas), Late registration after June costs an additional Rs 2,000 (India) / US $60 (Overseas).

Google Rating

Mayo College, Ajmer, holds a 4.4 rating on Google from 382 reviews.

Many appreciate the school for shaping global citizens while maintaining strong traditional values.

One former student shared a heartfelt reflection, describing their journey through various houses—Shivaji, Prithviraj, Jaipur, and BT—as a surreal blend of reality and fantasy. They described Mayo as a “divine emotion” and expressed deep gratitude for the unique experience, calling it something every student should have.

Facilities the school offers

• Mayo College emphasizes the use of technology in its curriculum, partnering with Microsoft to enhance learning. Classrooms are equipped with Smart Boards and Wi-Fi, and all school buildings are networked for easy access to educational content. The school has an AI and Robotics Lab, where students learn to build and program robots using C++ and Python. There is also a 3D Scanner and Printer, allowing students to create 3D models and objects.
• The school’s 187-acre campus serves as a rich learning environment, featuring the largest school museum in India. The museum, along with age-specific tool kits created by museologists, is used to teach various subjects. The lush green campus and frequent trips, tours, and expeditions further enhance the educational experience.
• Mayo College offers students global exposure through exchange programs with schools in Australia, South Africa, Germany, France, the USA, and the UK. The school is a member of the Round Square network, connecting with 180 schools in 40 countries. Additionally, Mayo has sports-centric exchange programs with countries like England, Australia, Egypt, and Russia, focusing on sports such as Football and Polo.
• Mayo College offers a wide range of sports, including Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Polo, Golf, Skating, Shooting, Swimming, and more. The school has a Sports Authority of India approved Center of Excellence for Hockey and Football. Students receive exposure to all sports in their early years and then specialize in one. The school has the capacity to ensure 500 boys can play sports daily.

Important Website: Website, Fees, Facebook, Instagram

3. Welham Girls’ School

Welham Girls’ School is a prestigious boarding school in Dehradun, India, that started with a wonderful dream in 1957. The school began when Miss H. S. Oliphant wanted to create a place where young Indian girls could get an excellent education. Starting with just 10 students, the school has now grown to over 500 students and has become one of India’s most respected educational institutions.

The school follows a beautiful motto in Sanskrit – “aartt shanti phala vidya” – which means the aim of knowledge is to bring peace. Students at Welham wear white uniforms with blue bands, and they learn not just from books but also about life, respect, and caring for others. The school brings together girls from all backgrounds and teaches them to appreciate different cultures and traditions.

What makes Welham special is how it encourages students to “choose the harder right over the easier wrong” – a principle that has guided many successful Welham graduates over the years. The school creates a warm, home-like environment where girls learn to be independent, thoughtful, and brave while staying connected to their Indian roots.

Address: Municipal Rd, Panchpuri Colony, Dalanwala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Curriculum: CISCE

Gender: Only Girls

Grades: 6th to 12th

Fees

At Welham Girls School, the total annual fee is Rs. 935,000. The fees include a one-time admission charge of Rs. 100,000 at the time of registration. Additionally, there is a security deposit of Rs. 467,500, an imprest deposit of Rs. 40,000, and a uniform deposit of Rs. 20,000.

Google Rating

Welham Girls’ School has an overall rating of 4.3 stars from 223 reviews.

While opinions are mixed, many believe it’s one of the best boarding schools for girls in India, ranking among the top 10. Reviewers praise the school for providing a bright future for students, with a focus on hard work and personal growth. Many recommend it for families looking to invest in their daughter’s education and future.

Despite some suggestions for improvement, the school maintains a strong reputation and is highly regarded by many parents and students.

Facilities the school offers

• They have amazing international connections – they’re part of Round Square and WLSA networks, which lets their students connect with over 50 schools worldwide. Their class 11 students even get to spend a month studying in the UK or USA!
• They take community service pretty seriously – every Wednesday afternoon, their students help out in the community. The girls teach underprivileged kids, spend time with elderly people, and even learn Indian sign language to help kids with disabilities.
• They’re big on cultural activities – they have this cool program called SPICMACAY where famous artists come to perform and teach. The girls get to pick two activities to focus on, and each one is taught by an expert.
• They have a super active sports program – the girls can play everything from basketball to karate. They’ve got 10 different sports options, and their teams compete at district, state, and even international levels. Plus, they have this fun annual Sports Day that everyone gets excited about.
• They have strong environmental and community initiatives – they do this thing called ‘Shramdaan’ during Gandhi Jayanti where everyone, including teachers, helps clean the campus. The students also make items from recycled materials and organize fundraisers for various causes.
• They offer lots of global exposure – their students get to travel to places like Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Tanzania, and many other countries for educational trips. This really helps them learn about different cultures firsthand.

Important Website: Website, Fees, Facebook, Instagram

4. JAIN International Residential School

Jain International Residential School (JIRS) in Bangalore is a renowned educational institution offering weekly boarding under The JGI Group. Located on a sprawling 350-acre campus, it hosts over 750 students from India and around the world. JIRS is known for its strong academic programs and world-class facilities, including professional sports coaching through the Jain Academy for Sporting Excellence (JASE) and preparation classes for exams like SAT and JEE.

The school is ISO certified for international quality and is an IB World School. In addition to academics, students have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, sports, and clubs, along with essential amenities like food, medical care, and comfortable dormitories. The school offers a diverse curriculum, including IGCSE, CBSE, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, ensuring a comprehensive education for students up to Grade 12.

Address: Jakkasandra, Kanakapura, Karnataka 562112

Curriculum: CBSE, IGCSE, IB, CIE, GCE, AICE

Gender: Co-Educational

Grades: Nursery to 12th

Fees

The annual fee at Jain International Residential School is roughly ₹4,00,000, covering tuition. The admission fee is approximately ₹50,000, while other incidental expenses are estimated to be around ₹2,50,000.

Google Rating

Jain International Residential School (JIRS) has earned a solid rating of 4.2 stars from 323 reviews, with many parents praising the school for its overall quality.

One parent shared her experience, explaining how after extensive research, she found JIRS to be the perfect choice for her child’s future. She highlighted the school’s dedicated faculty who offer personalized attention, and the impressive infrastructure that supports both academics and extracurricular activities like dance, music, and sports. The parent also emphasized the importance of safety, noting that she feels confident her child is well-cared for and secure at JIRS. Overall, she expressed great satisfaction with the coaching, facilities, and the nurturing environment the school provides.

Facilities the school offers

• JIRS offers modern facilities, including a spacious library with over 20,000 books and digital resources, hi-tech computer labs, and well-equipped science and language laboratories to support academic learning.
• The classrooms are designed with smart technology, including projectors and smart screens, to create an interactive and engaging learning environment.
• The school provides exceptional sports facilities, offering both general fitness programs (SportsFit) and sport-specific training (SportsPro), with coaching in a wide range of sports.
• Students benefit from personalized attention from qualified teachers and expert coaches, ensuring quality education and specialized training in academics and sports.
• The school promotes a healthy lifestyle through a variety of sports and physical activities, helping students develop endurance, coordination, and leadership skills.
• JIRS boasts certified sports and academic facilities, ensuring that students receive top-notch education and training in a safe and well-equipped environment.

Important Website: Website, Instagram, Facebook

5. Mayo College Girls’ School

Mayo College Girls’ School, located in the historic city of Ajmer, Rajasthan, is known for its commitment to academic excellence and overall development. Founded in 1988, the school has a rich legacy of fostering intellectual growth and progressive values. Its curriculum encourages critical thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of various subjects, blending traditional and modern teaching methods.

Beyond academics, the school offers plenty of opportunities for students to explore sports, performing arts, and community service. The dedicated faculty members provide personalized attention, ensuring each student’s success and holistic development.

Mayo College Girls’ School also promotes values like teamwork, empathy, and social responsibility, helping students become well-rounded individuals. With its mix of modern infrastructure and traditional charm, the school creates a nurturing environment for students to grow academically, socially, and personally.

Address: Mayo Link Rd, nr. Mayo Lake, Nagra, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305007

Curriculum: ICSE, ISC and CISCE

Gender: Only Girls

Grades: 4th to 12th

Fees

The fee structure for Mayo College Girls’ School is as follows:

The annual school fee is ₹9,67,000. There are also one-time charges, including a caution money of ₹4,83,500, an admission fee of ₹2,50,000, and an IT fee of ₹42,000.

Additionally, there is an imprest money charge of ₹80,000, a uniform advance of ₹25,000, and a registration fee of ₹25,000. The prospectus fee is ₹500 (₹500 including postage).

Google Rating

Mayo College Girls’ School has an impressive rating of 4.5 stars from 209 reviews.

Many parents consider it one of the safest and most trusted residential schools for girls in India.

While, like any institution, not all reviews are perfect, some feedback points out areas for improvement, which the school is actively addressing.

Overall, the school is highly regarded for its strong academic standards and its ability to cater to students from all over the world. One former student shared that the best aspect of Mayo College Girls’ School is its ability to maintain a balance between modern education and cultural traditions. The school fosters independence, helping students grow into confident, self-reliant individuals.

Facilities the school offers

• Mayo College Girls’ School provides international exposure through programs like Exchange Programs, Model United Nations (MUN), Round Square, and AFS Intercultural Programs, allowing students to engage with global cultures and perspectives.
• The school has a strong focus on sports, offering compulsory activities such as swimming and cross-country, with additional options for students to specialize in individual or team sports. Paid sports like horse riding and golf are also available for interested students.
• Students can join a variety of creative and cultural clubs, including the Book-Reading & Film-Viewing Club, TED Club, and Photography Club, which allow them to explore their literary, artistic, and presentation skills in a supportive environment.
• For those interested in STEM, the school offers clubs like the Robotics Club and Astronomy Club, where students can engage in hands-on learning and explore fields like technology, engineering, and space science.
• The Prakriti Environment Club at Mayo College Girls’ School focuses on environmental education, encouraging students to become environmentally conscious and participate in sustainability projects and awareness campaigns.
• The Business Club at the school helps students develop business acumen and entrepreneurial skills, offering them opportunities to engage in economics-related activities and participate in national competitions.

Important Website: Website, Fees, Instagram, Facebook

Conclusion

We’ve researched and put together a list of some of the best boarding schools in India. We recommend you start by checking out their websites to get a feel for what each school offers. Once you’ve shortlisted your top choices, it’s really important to visit the schools in person. This will help you see if the school is the right fit for your child and if it matches your expectations. Every child is unique, so it’s essential to understand what your child needs and find a school that will support their growth and well-being.

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