Why Choose a Boarding School in India?

Choosing the right boarding school is one of the most important decisions for any parent. A boarding school is not just an academic institution—it becomes your child’s second home. Parents usually look for safety, academics, sports, discipline, and overall personality development. India, being home to some of the world’s most prestigious schools, offers plenty of options. From the lush hills of Dehradun and Mussoorie to the historic institutions of Rajasthan, each school has its own unique culture.

In this 2025 updated guide, we will explore the Top 10 Boarding Schools in India, highlight their unique strengths, fee ranges, and why parents prefer them.

---

List of Top 10 Boarding Schools in India 2025

1. The Doon School, Dehradun

• Board: ICSE/ISC

• Founded: 1935

• Why Parents Choose It: Known as the “Eton of India,” The Doon School focuses on holistic education, leadership, and grooming future leaders. Alumni include top politicians, entrepreneurs, and diplomats.

• Fee Range: ₹11–12 lakhs annually (approx.)

• USP: Exclusive boys-only campus with world-class facilities, emphasis on debating, leadership, and academics.

---

2. Mayo College, Ajmer (Rajasthan)

• Board: CBSE

• Founded: 1875

• Why Parents Choose It: One of India’s oldest boarding schools, Mayo College is often called the “Eton of the East.” Rich in heritage, it blends traditional values with modern education.

• Fee Range: ₹9–10 lakhs annually (approx.)

• USP: Heritage architecture, sprawling 350-acre campus, polo, horse riding, and leadership grooming.

---

3. Woodstock School, Mussoorie

• Board: IB & IGCSE

• Founded: 1854

• Why Parents Choose It: International curriculum, global exposure, and a strong focus on arts and creativity. Perfect for parents planning overseas education for their children.

• Fee Range: ₹16–17 lakhs annually (approx.)

• USP: International boarding life, IB diploma, diverse student body with 30+ nationalities.

---

4. Welham Boys’ School, Dehradun

• Board: ICSE/ISC

• Founded: 1937

• Why Parents Choose It: Discipline, academics, and extracurricular balance. Parents see Welham as a more affordable alternative to Doon School.

• Fee Range: ₹7–8 lakhs annually (approx.)

• USP: Focus on leadership and discipline, excellent sports infrastructure.

---

5. Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun

• Board: ICSE/ISC

• Founded: 1957

• Why Parents Choose It: Among the top girls-only boarding schools in India, known for academic excellence and strong cultural education.

• Fee Range: ₹7–8 lakhs annually (approx.)

• USP: Women empowerment, creative arts, literature, and science clubs.

---

6. Bishop Cotton School, Shimla

• Board: ICSE/ISC

• Founded: 1859

• Why Parents Choose It: Set in the hills of Shimla, this is one of the oldest and most respected boarding schools in Asia.

• Fee Range: ₹6–7 lakhs annually (approx.)

• USP: Discipline, strong alumni network, historic British-style campus.

---

7. Sherwood College, Nainital

• Board: ICSE/ISC

• Founded: 1869

• Why Parents Choose It: Known for its balance between academics, sports, and cultural activities.

• Fee Range: ₹5–6 lakhs annually (approx.)

• USP: Beautiful hill campus, rich heritage, emphasis on personality development.

---

8. Scindia School, Gwalior

• Board: CBSE

• Founded: 1897

• Why Parents Choose It: Built in the Gwalior Fort, this boys-only school blends history with modern academics.

• Fee Range: ₹8–9 lakhs annually (approx.)

• USP: Strong leadership training, politics and sports culture, historic legacy.

---

9. Rishi Valley School, Andhra Pradesh

• Board: ICSE/ISC

• Founded: 1926 by Jiddu Krishnamurti

• Why Parents Choose It: Focus on holistic learning, environmental education, and creativity rather than rote learning.

• Fee Range: ₹6–7 lakhs annually (approx.)

• USP: Alternative education model, sustainability projects, liberal and progressive education.

---

10. Lawrence School, Sanawar (Himachal Pradesh)

• Board: CBSE

• Founded: 1847

• Why Parents Choose It: One of the oldest co-ed boarding schools in the world. Known for discipline, military-style grooming, and academic excellence.

• Fee Range: ₹7–8 lakhs annually (approx.)

• USP: NCC training, leadership programs, heritage campus.

---

Quick Comparison Table

---

‍♂️ FAQs

Q1. Which is the No.1 boarding school in India in 2025?
➡ The Doon School (Dehradun) is often ranked the best, especially for boys. For girls, Welham Girls’ and Mayo Girls’ are top choices.

Q2. What is the average boarding school fee in India?
➡ Fees range from ₹5 lakhs to ₹18 lakhs per year, depending on facilities and curriculum.

Q3. Which board is best for boarding schools – CBSE, ICSE, or IB?
➡ CBSE is best for Indian competitive exams (IIT, NEET), ICSE offers a broader curriculum, while IB is excellent for overseas education.

Q4. When should parents apply for admissions?
➡ Most schools start admission processes in October–February for the next academic year. Apply early to secure seats.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand continues to be the hub of India’s finest boarding schools. Whether it’s the heritage-rich Doon School, the globally recognized Woodstock, or the affordable Oak Grove, parents have diverse options to suit different needs and budgets.

To explore detailed profiles, admission guidance, and fee structures of these schools, visit Boarding School India.