Boarding schools in India have long been known for their disciplined environment, academic excellence, and holistic development of students. These institutions not only focus on education but also emphasize character building, leadership, and extracurricular activities. Here, we explore the top 10 boarding schools in India, providing comprehensive details about each one to help you make an informed choice.
The Doon School, Dehradun
Overview
The Doon School, established in 1935, is one of the most prestigious boarding schools in India. Located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, it follows the ICSE curriculum and is known for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on all-around development.
Facilities
State-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories
Extensive library
Sports facilities including cricket, football, hockey, and swimming
Art and music rooms
Auditorium and amphitheater
Notable Alumni
Rajiv Gandhi, Former Prime Minister of India
Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha
Abhinav Bindra, Olympic Gold Medalist
Admission Process
The admission process includes a written test followed by an interview. The school admits boys from Class VII.
Website
The Doon School
Mayo College, Ajmer
Overview
Mayo College, founded in 1875, is located in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Known as the “Eton of the East,” it is one of the oldest boarding schools in India and offers a CBSE curriculum.
Facilities
Modern classrooms and labs
Extensive sports infrastructure including golf, squash, and equestrian sports
Music and art facilities
Spacious hostels
Medical center
Notable Alumni
Maharaja Gaj Singh, Former Maharaja of Jodhpur
Ramakrishna Hegde, Former Chief Minister of Karnataka
Aman Nath, Historian and Writer
Admission Process
Admissions are based on an entrance examination, followed by an interview and assessment of previous academic records.
Website
Mayo College
Welham Boys’ School, Dehradun
Overview
Founded in 1937, Welham Boys’ School is another esteemed boarding school in Dehradun. It follows the ICSE curriculum and focuses on nurturing young boys into responsible and capable individuals.
Facilities
Smart classrooms and advanced laboratories
Extensive library and research center
Sports facilities including basketball, cricket, and athletics
Art and drama rooms
Music studios
Notable Alumni
Sanjay Gandhi, Politician
Zayed Khan, Actor
Manvendra Singh Gohil, Activist
Admission Process
The admission process involves an entrance exam and an interview. The school admits boys from Class IV onwards.
Website
Welham Boys’ School
Rishi Valley School, Chittoor
Overview
Rishi Valley School, established by the philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti in 1926, is located in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. It follows the ICSE curriculum and emphasizes holistic education.
Facilities
Modern classrooms and science labs
Comprehensive library
Sports facilities including tennis, basketball, and football
Music, art, and craft centers
Organic farming and nature study areas
Notable Alumni
The Scindia School, Gwalior
Overview
The Scindia School, founded in 1897, is located in the historic Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh. It follows the CBSE curriculum and is renowned for its academic excellence and co-curricular activities.
Facilities
Well-equipped classrooms and labs
Extensive sports facilities including polo, squash, and shooting
Music and dance studios
Art and craft workshops
Medical and health center
Notable Alumni
Salman Khan, Actor
Anurag Kashyap, Filmmaker
Rajat Sharma, Journalist
Admission Process
The school conducts an entrance examination followed by an interview. Admissions are open for boys from Class VI onwards.
Website
The Scindia School
Lawrence School, Sanawar
Overview
The Lawrence School, Sanawar, founded in 1847, is located in the picturesque hills of Himachal Pradesh. It is affiliated with the CBSE and focuses on the all-around development of its students.
Facilities
State-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories
Sports facilities including horse riding, swimming, and tennis
Art and music studios
Auditorium and amphitheater
Medical center
Notable Alumni
Sanjay Dutt, Actor
Omar Abdullah, Politician
Ness Wadia, Businessman
Admission Process
Admissions are based on an entrance test followed by an interview. The school admits students from Class V onwards.
Website
Lawrence School, Sanawar
Woodstock School, Mussoorie
Overview
Woodstock School, founded in 1854, is an international boarding school located in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. It offers an American curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Facilities
Modern classrooms with digital learning tools
Science and computer labs
Sports facilities including basketball, soccer, and track and field
Music, drama, and art studios
Health and wellness center
Notable Alumni
Tom Alter, Actor
Michael Graves, Architect
Stephen Alter, Author
Admission Process
Admissions are based on academic records, a personal statement, and an interview. The school accepts students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Website
Woodstock School
Bishop Cotton School, Shimla
Overview
Bishop Cotton School, founded in 1859, is one of the oldest boys’ boarding schools in Asia, located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. It follows the ICSE curriculum.
Facilities
Well-equipped classrooms and science labs
Sports facilities including cricket, football, and swimming
Art and music rooms
Library and resource center
Health care facilities
Notable Alumni
Ruskin Bond, Author
Ratan Tata, Industrialist
Jeev Milkha Singh, Golfer
Admission Process
The admission process includes a written test and an interview. The school admits boys from Class III onwards.
Website
Bishop Cotton School
Sherwood College, Nainital
Overview
Sherwood College, established in 1869, is located in Nainital, Uttarakhand. The school follows the CISCE curriculum and is known for its academic excellence and co-curricular activities.
Facilities
Modern classrooms and laboratories
Sports facilities including basketball, football, and athletics
Music and art studios
Auditorium and amphitheater
Medical and health care center
Notable Alumni
Amitabh Bachchan, Actor
Kabir Bedi, Actor
Ram Kapoor, Actor
Admission Process
Admissions are based on an entrance examination and an interview. The school admits students from Class III onwards.
Website
Sherwood College
The Assam Valley School, Balipara
Overview
The Assam Valley School, established in 1995, is located in Balipara, Assam. It follows the CISCE curriculum and is known for its excellent academic and co-curricular programs.
Facilities
State-of-the-art classrooms and labs
Sports facilities including tennis, swimming, and basketball
Music, dance, and drama studios
Art and craft workshops
Medical and health care center
Notable Alumni
Angaraag Mahanta (Papon), Singer
Parineeta Borthakur, Actress
Anirban Dasgupta, Comedian
Admission Process
The admission process includes a written test, an interview, and an assessment of previous academic records. The school admits students from Class V onwards.
Website
The Assam Valley School
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Choosing the right boarding school is crucial for the holistic development of a child. Each of these top 10 boarding schools in India offers a unique blend of academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and character-building programs. Whether you are looking for a school with a strong academic focus, excellent sports facilities, or a nurturing environment, these institutions provide a range of options to cater to diverse needs and preferences. Make sure to visit their websites and gather more information to find the best fit for your child’s future.