Boarding schools in India have a long and storied history, originating during the colonial era. Today, they have evolved to offer a wide range of educational programs tailored to meet the diverse needs and academic interests of students. Among these, co-ed boarding schools in India have gained popularity for promoting inclusivity and balanced learning environments.
In this article, we present a detailed overview of India’s top 10 co-ed boarding schools, ranked based on key factors such as academic excellence, extracurricular options, modern facilities, reputation, alumni networks, and admission criteria.
Our goal is to provide parents and students with comprehensive insights, helping them make informed decisions in choosing the best co-ed boarding school in India that aligns with their academic and personal aspirations.
Each school’s unique features and strengths will be highlighted, along with a closer look at their admission processes and other relevant details, ensuring a complete understanding of what each co-ed boarding institution offers.
Top 10 Boarding Schools in India
1. Shri Ram Centennial School
4.5 (110 Reviews)
School Details:
| Est. year | 2000 |
| Affiliation | ICSE |
| Grades | Pre- Nursery-12th |
| Fee | 5, 10,000-5, 50,000/ |
| Address | Knowledge Village Sherpur, Shimla Road, Dehradun – 248197, Uttarakhand, India |
About School:
Sri Ram Centennial School, founded in 2013, is a distinguished co-educational institution located in Dehradun, offering an integrated approach to education with CBSE curriculum. The school is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development, providing a vibrant learning environment that caters to both traditional and contemporary educational needs.
Students benefit from a range of facilities, including modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, and extensive sports amenities.
Sri Ram Centennial School fosters a balanced student life by encouraging active participation in extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership opportunities, all while maintaining a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
2. The Doon School
4.3 (665 Reviews)
School Details:
| Est. year | 1935 |
| Affiliation | IGCSE, ICSE, IB |
| Grades | Class 6th – 12th |
| Fess | 1300000 |
| Address | The Doon School, Mall Road, Dehradun, India, Pin-248003 |
About School:
Founded in 1935, The Doon School stands as one of India’s most prestigious institutions, with a strong focus on intellectual growth. It is a full-time boarding school exclusively for boys, not just a school that accommodates boarders.
Spread across a stunning seventy-acre campus, the school offers an abundance of green spaces, fresh air, and a rich variety of plant, animal, and bird species—an atmosphere that is hard to find in schools located in urban areas across India or even in some other countries.
The boys have continuous access to the teaching staff, the Wellness Centre, and the school counselor, all of whom reside on campus throughout the week. With no commuting time for activities like Sports, Art, Music, Drama, or university preparation, students find more opportunities to focus on academics and explore their personal interests
3. Jain International School
4.2 (320 Reviews)
School Details:
| Est. year | 1999 |
| Affiliation | CBSE, IB, CIE |
| Grades | Class 5th to 12th |
| Fee | 850000 to 1200000 /year |
| Address | Jakkasandra post, kanakapura taluk Bangalore rural ramanagara district Bangalore, Bangaluru, Karnataka |
About School:
Established in 1999 by The Jain Group Of Institutions (JGI Group), Jain International Residential School (JIRS) is situated in Jakkasandra Post, Kanakpura Taluk, Bangalore Rural, RamaNagara District, Bangalore (NH 209). Dr. ChenRaj RoyChand serves as the Chairman of the JGI Group.
The school caters to students from Grade V to Grade XII. It is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Cambridge International (CI), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Spanning 350 acres, JIRS is a co-educational institute where English is the primary medium of instruction
4. Welham Girls
School Details:
| Est. year | 1957 |
| Affiliation | CISCE & ICSE |
| Grades | Class 6th- 12th |
| Fess | 935000 |
| Address | Municipal Rd, Panchpuri Colony, Dalanwala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001About School: |
About School:
Welham Girls’ School, founded in 1957, is a prestigious all-girls boarding school located in Dehradun, India. Affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), it offers ICSE and ISC curricula for students from Grades 6 to 12.
Known for its strong emphasis on academic achievement, leadership, and holistic development, Welham Girls’ provides an environment where students grow intellectually and personally. With a rich legacy of nurturing confident and empowered women, the school fosters values of discipline, independence, and community service, preparing its students to excel in both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
5. Mayo College Girls
4.5 (203 Reviews)
School Details:
| Est. year | 1988 |
| Affiliation | ICSE/ISC Board |
| Grades | 4th to 12th |
| Fee | ₹1068900 – ₹1068900 |
| Address | Mayo Link Rd, Ajmer |
About School:
History & Vision: MCGS was created to extend Mayo College’s prestigious legacy to female students, offering a nurturing and empowering learning atmosphere. The school’s motto, “Let There Be Light,” highlights its dedication to enlightening and shaping the minds of young women.
Facilities: Like Mayo College, MCGS is set on an expansive campus, with facilities designed to support both academic and extracurricular growth. Its classrooms are equipped with modern technology to promote interactive learning, while the science labs offer opportunities for hands-on experimentation. The well-stocked library nurtures a love for reading and research. For physical activity, the school features sports grounds, courts for various games, and potentially a swimming pool (to be confirmed).
6. Scindia School
4.5 (261 Reviews)
School Details:
| Est. year | 1897 |
| Affiliation | CBSE Board |
| Grades | 6th to 12th |
| Fee | 1325000 – ₹1530000 |
| Address |
Gwalior Fort, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474008
|
About School:
Founded in 1897 by HH Maharaja Madhavrao Scindia I, The Scindia School blends modern education with Indian traditions, offering a distinctive learning experience atop the historic Gwalior Fort.
The campus features cutting-edge labs, a well-stocked library, extensive sports grounds, performing arts centers, and modern boarding facilities, all set against a backdrop of rich cultural heritage.
The school provides a well-rounded curriculum that integrates strong academics with co-curricular activities, nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and the overall growth of students.
7. Welham Boys School
4 (206 Reviews)
School Details:
| Est. year | 1937 |
| Affiliation | ICSE |
| Grades | class 4th- 12th |
| Fess | 3,00,000 |
| Address | 5, Circular Road, Dalanwala, Dehradun – 248001, Uttarakhand, India |
About School:
Welham Boys’ School, founded in 1937, is a renowned residential institution located in Dehradun. Affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), the school offers ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) curriculums. Welham Boys’ School serves students from Grades 4 to 12, fostering an environment of academic rigor, leadership, and personal growth.
Known for its rich heritage and commitment to holistic education, the school emphasizes intellectual, physical, and ethical development. With a strong focus on discipline, values, and co-curricular activities, Welham Boys shapes well-rounded, socially responsible individuals.
8. Woodstock School
4.4(21 Reviews)
School Details:
| Est. year | 1854 |
| Affiliation | International Baccalaureate |
| Grades | Pre-nursery-12th |
| Fee | 20,00,000 |
| Address | Landour, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179 |
About School:
Woodstock School, situated in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India, has been an esteemed center of learning since 1854. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it provides a varied and challenging curriculum designed to bring out the best in its students.
The school’s dedication to well-rounded education is clear through its extensive outdoor programs, where students cover over 1300 kilometers each semester by rafting, hiking, and mountain biking. This combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience sets Woodstock School apart as a top institution in Uttrakhand.
9. Bishop Cotton
4.4 (465 Reviews)
School Details:
| Est. year | 1859 |
| Affiliation | CBSE Board |
| Grades | 3rd to 12th |
| Fess | 1055000 – ₹1095000 |
| Address | Shimla Bypass, Near Khalini, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171002, India |
About School:
Bishop Cotton School (BCS), Shimla, established in 1859 by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, is one of the oldest boys’ boarding schools in Asia. Situated in the serene Shimla Hills, it provides a distinguished educational experience rooted in tradition.
Founded on the values of Christian education and service, BCS has nurtured generations of students who have excelled in various fields. The school motto, “Overcome Evil with Good,” highlights the importance of integrity and moral character. Consistently ranked among India’s leading boarding schools, BCS is known for shaping well-rounded individuals.
10. Ecole Globale Girls International School
4.5 (643 Reviews)
School Details:
| Est. year | 2012 |
| Affiliation | CBSE & CIE |
| Grades | 4th to 12th |
| Fess | 1202000 – ₹1202000 |
| Address | Village Horawalla, Near Sahaspur, Dehradun |
About School:
Ecole Globale Girls International School (EGGIS) in Dehradun stands out as a leading boarding school for girls. Established in 2012 under the Asian Educational Charitable Trust, EGGIS offers an outstanding education that promotes academic success and global awareness.
History & Vision: EGGIS builds upon the expertise of its sister institution, The Asian School. Its mission is to empower young women through a well-rounded education, preparing them for achievement in a connected world. The school has earned accolades for its accomplishments, including the National Excellence Award.
FAQs about Top 10 Boarding Schools in India
Q1: What factors should I consider when choosing a boarding school in India?
Answer: When selecting a Boarding School in India, consider factors such as academic reputation, extracurricular opportunities, facilities, location, fees, alumni network, teacher-student ratio, and the school’s philosophy or values.
Q2: How are boarding schools ranked in India?
Answer: Boarding schools in India are often ranked based on criteria like academic performance, infrastructure, extracurricular activities, faculty qualifications, safety measures, and feedback from alumni and parents.
Q3: Do all top boarding schools in India follow the same curriculum?
Answer: No, top boarding schools in India offer different curricula. Some follow national boards like CBSE and ICSE, while others offer international options like IB (International Baccalaureate) and IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education).
Q4: How competitive is the admission process for these schools?
Answer: Admission to top boarding schools is highly competitive. Many schools require an entrance exam, interviews, and sometimes aptitude tests. Early applications are encouraged due to limited seats and high demand.
Q5: What kind of facilities do these Boarding Schools in India provide?
Answer: Top boarding schools offer comfortable residential facilities with well-maintained dormitories, common rooms, dining halls, and 24/7 supervision by staff. They also prioritize student safety with security personnel, surveillance, and medical facilities.
