Boarding schools guarantee advanced education, overall development, and value for money.
Written by Sagari Gongala, BSc, PG Diploma (Psychological Counseling) sagari gongalaBSc, PG Diploma (Psychological Counseling)Specialty: Child Psychology and Development
Sagari was a math graduate and studied counseling psychology in postgraduate college, which she used to understand people better. Her interest in reading about people made her take up articles on kids and their behavior. She was meticulous in her research and gave information that could be of help to parents in times of need.
Edited by Harshita Makvana, B.Com, PG Dip harshita makvanaB.Com, PG DipSpecialty: Child Education, Storytelling, Activities and LearningExperience: 7 years
Harshita is a graduate in commerce and holds a PG Diploma in Patent and Copyrights Law from NALSAR University. She has also pursued CA and has more than three years of internship experience in auditing. Her love for travelling has taken her to various parts of the world, and writing the travelogues was what brought out her love for content writing.
Fact-checked by Kavita Kankani, MBA, BEd kavita kankaniMBA, BEdSpecialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 7 years
Kavita has a diverse background in finance, human resources, and teaching. She did her MBA in Finance and HR at Solapur University, and bachelor in Education at Pune University. After working for three years in the banking industry, Kavita took up teaching before moving to writing.
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Parents may find it challenging to find the right boarding school for their kids with plenty of options available. Boarding/residential schools in India are ideal for kids whose parents do not live in the country or have busy jobs that make it difficult to concentrate on their children.
Supervision and safety are essential factors that parents must consider as you have to account for the safety and security of your kids a lot more than a regular school. The Indian government has put in place policies and regulations that require all residential schools to maintain high standards of safety, education, and care, and the best schools in the country go above and beyond to meet these requirements while also ensuring transparency and accountability in their operations.
It can be a daunting task for most parents. We understand your plight, and we are here to help. Here are some of the best residential schools that you may consider for your child.
In This Article
Key Pointers
Bishop Cotton School in Shimla boasts a comprehensive infrastructure, including well-equipped laboratories, libraries, dormitories, and dining halls.
St. John’s International Residential School in Chennai and Mayo College in Ajmer, Rajasthan, offers various sports and extracurricular activities, including football, cricket, hockey, volleyball, and basketball.
Welham Girls School in Dehradun promotes diversity and inclusivity by bringing together girls from varied backgrounds and fostering a sense of community.
Assam Valley School in Balipara promotes environmental awareness and sensitivity and fosters a sense of responsibility towards nature among students.
Best Boarding And Residential Schools in India
1. The Doon School, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Doon School is situated in the heart of the valley, Dehradun. It is a well-known institution for boys. Established in 1935 by Satish Ranjan Das, a cousin of the freedom fighter Chittaranjan Das, it continues to be the best boarding schools in India. This school is affiliated to ICSE.
Infrastructure:
Library
Auditorium
Science laboratories
Design and technology center
Rose Bowl amphitheater
Dining hall
Multipurpose hall
Music school and dance studios
Wellness center
Facilities:
Medical care with 24-bed facility, with specialized dentists and physicians, Free counseling service.
Sports and extra-curricular activities: Boxing, Squash, Tennis, Golf, Badminton, Volleyball, Trampolining, Yoga, Drama/theater, Excursions – adventure travel and educational tours, Workshops and exhibitions, Night outs, Activity clubs based on interests.
Contact Info: The Doon School Mall Road, Krishna Nagar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
One of the best boarding schools in India for boys, Mayo College is affiliated to CBSE and is a perfect blend of academic excellence, sports, music and theater, art and craft. It grooms the child’s personality and is famous for its disciplined and well-organized environment.
Infrastructure:
Boarding house
Environment park
Equestrian
Library
Mess
Museum
Oman guest house
Science laboratories
College store
College cafe
College temple
Dining hall
Multipurpose hall
Medical clinic
Facilities:
Hygienic food, Provides travel services to children and parents.
Sports and extra-curricular activities: Boxing, Swimming pools, Gymnasium, Golf course and cricket stadium, Badminton, Volleyball, Hockey, Soccer, Artificial rock climbing and, trampoline, Reading rooms, Students exchange program, Mid–term treks and exhibitions, Adventure and education clubs.
Contact Info: Mayo College Srinagar Road, Ajmer PIN – 305008 Rajasthan, Tel – 91-145-2661154,2664393
Standing up to its principal motto of “Overcome evil with good,” Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, has been a remarkable boarding school in India for boys. Founded in 1859 by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, this is one of the oldest schools in India. The ‘house system’ originated here. The four gentlemen who helped the school after the great fire of 1905 were honored by naming the houses after them. The school also runs a learning center for non-resident, mentally-challenged children from Shimla. It is affiliated to the CBSE board and is regarded as one of the top 10 boarding schools in India.
Infrastructure:
Lawren gate
Canning gate
Linlithgow house for staff
The dormitory houses
War memorial
Museum
Swimming pool
Irwin hall
Parks
Library
Chapel
Laboratories
Dining hall
Medical care
Facilities:
Lecture halls, Resource centers, Transport.
Sports and extra-curricular activities: Fine arts, Music, School and band choir, Uniform services, Club activities, Badminton, Volleyball.
Contact Info: Bishop Cotton School Shimla BCS Ward No.19, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Postal Code: 171002 India
Rishi Valley Education Center is run by Krishnamurti Foundation, India. It is located in a sheltered valley in the interior of rural Andhra Pradesh, about 15km from the nearest town, Madanapalle, and about 140km north-east of Bangalore. The junior and middle school, with around 190 students from classes IV to VIII, provides a flexible curriculum, free from the pressure of examinations. This creates an atmosphere conducive to innovative teaching and a rich range of learning, whereas the senior school, with 160 students from classes IX to XII, is affiliated to the ICSE and ISC examination boards.
5. St. John’s International Residential School, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
St. John’s Academy is one of the best international schools in India with a difference and aims to impart education for life. Apart from academic excellence, the school plays an important role in instilling social values and developing overall personality of a child. It is affiliated to CBSE board.
Infrastructure:
School transport
Cafeteria
Internet browsing center
Industrial washing and laundry system
Hair dressing and salon
Laboratories for math, arts, and science
Well-equipped library
Boarding facilities
Dining hall
St. Johns medical center
Separate non-vegetarian and vegetarian kitchens with attached dining halls
Facilities:
More than ten physical education and five special coaches for sports
Well equipped audio-visual department with LCD projector
Career guiding center, Travel desk for ticketing and escorting services, School broadcasting system
Welham Girls School, Dehradun, inculcates of Indian culture and tradition in its students. The school aims at developing in them a sense of discipline and a spirit of service and fair play. The school brings together girls from varied backgrounds and socially diverse groups and instills in them a belief so strong that they learn to appreciate this diversity and inclusivity. It is affiliated to ICSE board.
Infrastructure:
Dormitories
Junior and senior girls separate hostels
Day boarding
School transport
Infirmary
Highly equipped laboratories
Library
Resource center
Mess
Facilities:
Live learning, including educational trips to other countries and institutions
Well-equipped audio-visual department for studies, Workshops.
The Scindia School for boys aims to build the child’s academic skills, improve their academic performance, as well as their overall personality. The school strives to nurture the boys through their formative years, and place them on a path of life-long learning. It is affiliated to the CBSE board.
The Daly College was established in 1905 by Sir Henry’s son, Sir Hugh Daly. The school’s motto “Gyanamev Shakti” or Knowledge is power requires no elaboration and states their clear motive to create global citizens. It is affiliated to CBSE curriculum.
Sports and extra-curricular activities: Tennis Academy, Eight squash courts, Nine basketball courts, Two volleyball courts, Skating rink, Gymnasium, Badminton, Tennis table, Three soccer and hockey pitches, 400m athletics track, 25-lane indoor shooting range, Dance and Indian music, English and Hindi dramatics, Band, Fine arts, sculpture and pottery, Woodcraft and photography, Electronics, bamboo craft and needle work.
Contact Info: The Daly College, Residency Area, Indore – 452001
St. Paul’s School was founded in Calcutta and later shifted to Darjeeling to provide an exhilarating environment amid the Himalayas. The school makes the boys think big and strive for great things in life. It is affiliated to ICSE curriculum.
Infrastructure:
Houses
Dormitories
Day boarding
School transport
The chapel
The rectory
Cafeteria
Laboratories
Junior and primary wings
Laboratories for math, arts and science
Well equipped library
Boarding facilities
Catering and dining services
Gardens, lawns, and planted forest trees
Cybernetics
Facilities:
Qualified doctors, Tennis and other sports courts, Playgrounds.
Sports and extra-curricular activities: Football, Cricket, Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Squash, Lawn tennis, Rock climbing (mandatory), Hobbyclub, Art and craft, Indian and Western music, Model making and photography, Wood and lathe work, Textile design, Cooking and philately.
Contact Info: St. Paul’s School P.O: Jalapahar Darjeeling, Pin: 734103 West Bengal, India
Sarala Birla Academy is a premier educational institution for boys. Among the best ICSE schools in Bangalore, it aims to equip each child with life skills that help in their all-round development, including socialization and independence. It helps them grow, enables them to rise to their maximum potential and build their intellectual curiosity.
Infrastructure:
Spacious classrooms
Boarding houses
School transport
Cafeteria
Library
Laboratories
Dining hall
Sports department
Gym
Healthcare and medical facilities
Counselling
General store
Facilities:
Training workshops, Championships, Conferences, Exchange program, Prose and poetry.
Sports and extra-curricular activities: Football, Cricket, Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball, Film appreciation club, Photography club, Public speaking, Various clubs.
Contact Info: Sarala Birla Academy Bannerghatta, Jigni Road Bangalore 560083
Assam Valley School is one of the finest co-educational boarding schools in North-East India. The school aims to prepare children for life and creates an environment that fosters sensitivity towards nature. It imbibes a sense of responsibility and encourages mutual help among the children, creating a close-knit community. The school is affiliated to ICSE curriculum.
Infrastructure:
High-end campus
Boarding house
Day boarding
School transport
AVS library
Estate
Administration
Laundry
Stores
Maintenance
Cafeteria
Dining hall
Pastoral care
Medicare
Facilities:
School vehicle and farm equipment for daily operations and estate upkeep.
12. Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
The Rashtriya Indian Military College has a long history. Founded in 1922 by Prince Edward VIII, the Prince of Wales, it has the reference to old Indian tradition of ‘guru and sishya’ and this relationship of mutual love and reverence has formed the basis of this college’s ethos. Nested in the foothills of Shivalik in sylvan surroundings of the Doon valley, this school is affiliated to CBSE curriculum.
Infrastructure:
138-acre campus
Heritage building in Tudor style
Mess and dining hall
Spacious classrooms
Playfields
Courts
Swimming pool
Library
Computer center
Cyber cafe
Day boarding
Facilities:
Computer center, Cyber cafe, Scholarship, Medical facilities.
Sherwood College aims at developing a curriculum which attempts to recognize and encourage student’s talent at different stages of his/her life. It strives at achieving fluency in English language and ensures efficient and effective delivery of the teaching/learning process. The school is affiliated to ICSE board.
Infrastructure:
Dormitories Mess food and cafeteria Courts and playfields Laboratories Well equipped library Dining hall Medical centre
Facilities: Swimming pool, Squash courts, Badminton and tennis courts, Internet.
Sports and extra-curricular activities: Football, Hockey, Basketball, Badminton, Tennis, Art and craft, Sculpture and glass painting, Pottery making, oil painting, batik, tie and dye, Photography, Indian music (instrumental and vocal), Western music (string instrumentation, piano) choral singing.
14. Chinmaya International Residential School, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Chinmaya International Residential School aims at the all-round development of children, who can grow up into global citizens. This residential school gives the students a chance to absorb and understand Indian culture and heritage with a sense of respect and gratitude to one’s country. It is affiliated to CBSE curriculum.
Infrastructure:
Dormitories
Healthy food
Internet browsing center
Laboratories
Well-equipped library
Dining hall
Health and medical care center
Auditorium
Gymnasium
Facilities:
Laundry service, Standby power supply.
Sports and extra-curricular activities: Jogging, Yoga, Cricket, Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball, Water polo, Badminton, Adventure sports such asmountaineering, trekking, rock-climbing, Lawn tennis, Athletics, Softball, Baseball, Clubs and societies, Social service programs, Educational tours.
Contact Info: The Chinmaya International Residential School Nallurvayal Post, Siruvani Main Road, Coimbatore-641 114, Tamil Nadu
The mesmerizing Lawrence School is situated in the lap of Mother Earth and is a renowned coeducational institution in Ooty. Its motto is to nurture every child in an informative and caring environment. It is affiliated to CBSE curriculum.
A coeducation boarding school, surrounded by forests with pine, deodar and other conifer trees, was established in the year 1847 by Sir Henry Lawrence and his wife Honoria. One of the top boarding schools in India, the motto of this school lies in molding children into good human beings with hallmarks of values, compassion, empathy, self-service, honesty, diligence, and commitment. It is affiliated to CBSE curriculum.
Infrastructure:
Seven boarding houses for girls and boys
Dormitories
Spacious classrooms
Hospital
Laboratories
Well-equipped library
Digital library
Dining halls
Round square
Playgrounds and courts for different sports and activities
Facilities:
Regular counseling, Healthy meals, Mandatory usage of digital libraries to get the children acquainted with newest technologies, Parker Hall, school’s resource center provides, easy access to archival memorabilia.
Sports and extra-curricular activities: Boxing, Cricket, Hockey, Squash, Basketball, Soccer, Badminton, Athletics, Table tennis, Gymnastic, Rifle shooting, Clubs and societies, Activities including weaving, ceramics, fashion designing, Indian classical music and dance, art, carpentry, photography, bulge and brass bands, sculpture and paper recycling.
Contact Info: The Lawrence School Sanawar, Distt. Solan Himachal Pradesh India- 173202
Singapore International School is built in an 8-acre campus. It is a residential boarding co-educational school offering classes from primary to XII. The average teacher to student ratio in the school is 1:5. It follows two international curricula. The IGCSE program in classes IX and X leads to the Cambridge exam at the end of class X and also prepares students for the two-year IBDP curriculum in classes XI and XII.
Infrastructure:
Spacious and smart classrooms
Library
Amphitheatre
Indoor stadium
Facilities:
Cafeteria
Boarding
Transport for day scholars
Sports and extra-curricular activities:
Sports such as football, basketball, badminton, athletics, table tennis, lawn tennis, and karate.
The school also offers arts and crafts, sculpting and pottery classes.
Contact info:
On National Highway No. 8, Post Mira Road, Dahisar, Mumbai – 401104
1. What are the advantages of attending a boarding/residential school in India?
Attending a boarding/residential school may allow fewer distractions and more focus on studies, teach students to live with people from various cultural backgrounds, and encourage participation in various activities. It may help in the overall development of good character (1).
2. What facilities and amenities are provided at boarding/residential schools in India?
Residential schools may provide housing/hostel facilities, security, medical care facilities, classrooms with technology support, entertainment (music room, games, TV), and sports and extracurricular activities.
3. What criteria should parents consider when selecting a boarding school for their child in India?
When selecting a boarding school for their child, parents should consider its academic reputation, facilities, hostels, food quality, staff, curriculum followed, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, if parents can go personally to the school to examine its environment and talk with their teachers, it would help make a decision.
4. How do boarding schools in India ensure the safety and well-being of their students?
Generally, 24-hour CCTV cameras are set up around the whole school with security guards for patrolling. In the hostels, housemasters, nurses, and mental health counselors are available round the clock for effective management.
5. What is the average class size in boarding schools in India?
The top boarding schools in India have an average of 12 students in a class.
6. How do boarding schools in India support the emotional and psychological well-being of their students, especially when they are away from their families?
To support students in emotional and psychological well-being, boarding schools provide counseling services, organize group activities, schedule routine home visits, and arrange monthly parent-teacher meetings.
The above list includes the best boarding schools in India and their infrastructure and facilities. A child in a residential school spends a substantial part of their growing years away from home. So their safety and comfort are of prime importance. It is crucial to opt for a school that boasts of quality teachers and ample opportunities for sports, extra-curricular activities, and the child’s personal growth. You may also visit the schools personally or arrange for someone reliable to talk to the faculty, staff, and students and find out more about the entrance exams, admission procedures, and fees. Connect with parents and guardians of such students or alumni so that you make an informed decision.
Disclaimer: “The list of schools has been taken from various surveys done by third-party print and online publications. MomJunction was not involved in the surveys nor it has any business partnerships with the schools covered in the list. This post is not an endorsement of the schools and parents’ discretion is advised in selecting a school.”
Cannot decide which residential school in India is the best for your child? Use this video to learn about the top schools, their values, and student-teacher ratio.
References
MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
Sagari was a math graduate and studied counseling psychology in postgraduate college, which she used to understand people better. Her interest in reading about people made her take up articles on kids and their behavior. She was meticulous in her research and gave information that could be of help to parents in times of need.
Harshita is a graduate in commerce and holds a PG Diploma in Patent and Copyrights Law from NALSAR University. She has also pursued CA and has more than three years of internship experience in auditing. Her love for travelling has taken her to various parts of the world, and writing the travelogues was what brought out her love for content writing.
Kavita has a diverse background in finance, human resources, and teaching. She did her MBA in Finance and HR at Solapur University, and bachelor in Education at Pune University. After working for three years in the banking industry, Kavita took up teaching before moving to writing.
