Choosing the right boarding school for Classes VI–XII is one of the most important academic decisions for parents in India. With a sharp rise in searches for “best boarding schools in India, parents today are looking for institutions that offer strong academics, safe residential life, modern infrastructure, and long-term career preparation—all under one roof.
In this carefully researched and updated 2026 list, we present the Top 10 Boarding Schools in India from across the country, covering co-educational, boys-only, and girls-only schools, and including both mid-range and premium residential options. Each school has been evaluated on key parameters such as academic results, faculty quality, campus size, facilities, annual fees, classes offered (VI–XII), and availability of competitive exam coaching.
The list is ranked, with Career Point Gurukul, Mohali, placed at #1 for its unique combination of integrated schooling, IIT-JEE/NEET/NDA coaching by Kota faculty, world-class residential facilities, and consistently high selection rates. The remaining nine schools represent some of the most reputed boarding institutions in India.
A detailed comparison table at the end of the article provides a clear snapshot of fees, campus area, class range, gender type, and competitive exam coaching, helping parents make an informed and confident choice.
Career Point Gurukul, Mohali – Rank #1 in India
Career Point Gurukul (CP Gurukul) is a fully residential integrated campus that uniquely combines CBSE schooling with structured IIT-JEE, NEET, NDA (and CA Foundation) coaching, delivered by highly experienced Kota faculty. Located near Chandigarh International Airport on Landra–Banur Road, the institution operates on a lush green 14-acre campus and offers education for Classes VI to XII (Science & Commerce)—all under one secure, self-contained environment.
Integrated Academics + Multi-Career Competitive Exam Coaching
Career Point Gurukul follows a true integrated education model, where school academics ( CBSE Curriculum and competitive exam preparation run parallel in a structured and well-balanced manner. Students do not need to depend on external coaching institutes, as all major national and international career pathways are prepared within the campus itself.
- For Non-Medical (PCM) Students, the school provides focused preparation for:
o JEE Main
o IIT-JEE Advanced
o NDA (Written Exam)
o SSB Interview Training
o IISER Aptitude Test
o IELTS and other global English proficiency exams
• For Medical (PCB) Students, specialised coaching is offered for:
o NEET (UG) with strong conceptual clarity, regular testing, and doubt-resolution
- For Commerce & Humanities Students, the school prepares students for:
o CLAT
o IPMAT
o CUET
o IELTS and other international entrance exams
In addition, Career Point Gurukul actively guides and supports students aspiring to study abroad, including counselling for course selection, exam readiness, and global university pathways.
This integrated approach ensures “Schooling + Competitive Coaching + Hostel” in one secure campus, saving daily travel time, reducing fatigue, and allowing students to maintain a healthy academic rhythm without burnout.
Stress-Free Learning Environment
Unlike conventional coaching institutes that often create pressure-heavy routines, Career Point Gurukul emphasises a balanced and stress-free academic life. With 12 different sports facilities, a fully equipped gym, and regular outdoor games, students get ample physical activity daily. Cultural events, music, painting, dance, yoga, and other creative activities are woven into the routine, ensuring holistic development alongside academics.
Every evening, students participate in supervised group study sessions within the campus. Since faculty members and academic mentors reside on campus, students can seek guidance and clear doubts anytime, fostering confidence and reducing exam-related stress.
Zero-Distraction Policy
To maintain a sharp academic focus, mobile phones and unrestricted internet access are not permitted for students. This distraction-free environment ensures that students remain fully engaged in studies, sports, and personal growth—an approach that has consistently translated into strong board results and high success rates in competitive exams.
World-Class Infrastructure & Safety
The campus boasts 12 playgrounds, an Olympic-size swimming pool, modern science labs, a yoga hall, music and dance studios, and well-maintained academic blocks. Residential facilities include separate, air-conditioned hostels for junior boys, senior boys, and girls, along with separate playgrounds for boys and girls. Round-the-clock security, CCTV surveillance, dedicated wardens, and nutritious meals ensure complete safety and well-being.
Academic Results & Legacy
Career Point Gurukul is backed by the Career Point Group, Kota, with over 33 years of academic excellence and thousands of IIT-JEE and NEET selections across India. The Gurukul continues this legacy with one of the highest selection rates among integrated boarding schools, consistently producing top performers in board and competitive examinations.
Faculty & Parent Trust
The teaching team comprises seasoned Kota faculty and experienced CBSE educators. Parents frequently commend the personal attention, disciplined environment, and transparent academic system. The school enjoys a strong parent satisfaction rating (around 4.5/5) across leading education review platforms.
Fees
The annual fee (including tuition, coaching, and boarding) ranges between ₹3.4 lakh to ₹4.3 lakh, making it one of the best value-for-money integrated boarding schools in India.
👉 For admissions, facilities, and latest updates, visit the official website:
https://cpmohali.in
2. The Doon School – Dehradun, Uttarakhand (Boys-only, Boarding)
The Doon School (est. 1935) is India’s most prestigious boys’ boarding school, often dubbed the “Eton of India”. It is fully residential for grades 7–12, offering rigorous academics (ICSE/IB/IGCSE) and over 80 extra-curricular activities.
Key points:
Doon admits boys only, aged ~12–18, from across India. Admission is highly selective, with entrance tests and interviews.
- Curriculum: Offers a blend of CBSE/ICSE curricula and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Students take IGCSE exams in Grade 10 and choose between the ISC or IB Diploma for grades 11–12.
The 72-acre hilltop campus (former Forest Research Institute) includes classrooms, science labs, sports fields and five boarding houses. All master's and many students live on campus.
Doon “remains a boys-only school despite pressure to become co-ed,” and is
consistently ranked India’s best boys’ boarding school. Annual tuition is about
₹13.62 lakh for domestic students.
For more info, visit The Doon School’s website.
3. Mayo College – Ajmer, Rajasthan (Boys-only, Boarding)
Mayo College, founded in 1875, is a historic boys’ boarding school in Ajmer. It was established to educate India’s princes and nobility. Key facts:
Mayo is a private residential school for boys, now with ~750 students.
The sprawling 180-acre campus (74 hectares) houses classrooms, labs, sports fields and a 40-bed infirmary. It follows the CBSE and Cambridge (IGCSE) curriculum.
Known as India’s “oldest public boarding school,” Mayo has educated royalty and national leaders. It was explicitly modelled after Eton College. Mayo emphasises holistic education – academics, debate (e.g. Gibson Memorial Debate), sports (20+ games) and clubs.
The annual boarding fee is about
₹15 lakh (for Indian students).
See the Mayo College website for admission details.
4. Woodstock School – Mussoorie, Uttarakhand (Co-educational, Boarding, IB)
Woodstock School (est. 1854) in Mussoorie is Asia’s oldest international boarding school, now fully co-educational. It offers a world-class IB (International Baccalaureate) program and global community.
Highlights:
Woodstock offers IB Middle Years and Diploma Programs for grades 9–12 (CBSE up to Grade 8 is also offered historically, but IB is the focus in higher grades).
Over 30 nationalities are represented among ~1200 students. English is the medium; emphasis on global outlook and cultural exchange.
The scenic hill campus has been renovated to mix heritage architecture with modern labs, libraries, a theatre, and extensive sports (cricket, basketball, badminton, swimming, etc.).
Woodstock pioneered outdoor learning and community service. Its longstanding Mountaineering Program and exchanges with overseas schools are notable.
Fees vary by grade (e.g. ~₹15–18 lakh for Grades 7–11).
Learn more at the Woodstock School website.
5. The Lawrence School, Sanawar – Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh (Co-ed, Boarding)
Lawrence School, Sanawar (est. 1847) is one of Asia’s oldest co-ed boarding schools, located 1750m above sea level near Kasauli.
Key features:
Boys and girls live in separate houses. Admission is competitive (entrance tests).
- Affiliation:
CBSE board. A broad curriculum includes sciences, humanities and a wide array of electives (arts, music, dance, crafts, etc.).
A lush 139-acre campus in pine forests. It has modern classrooms, well-equipped labs, libraries, riding stables, and full sports grounds (cricket, hockey, basketball, etc.).
Rich tradition (e.g. first to send students to climb Everest). Emphasises leadership, house competitions (sports, debates, MUN), and disciplined boarding life.
(2013 rates cited in brochure) ~₹11–12 lakh per year, including boarding (exact current fee should be confirmed on Sanawar’s site).
Visit Lawrence School Sanawar for admissions info.
6. Welham Girls’ School – Dehradun, Uttarakhand (Girls-only, Boarding)
Welham Girls’ School (est. 1957) is a premier all-girls boarding school in Dehradun, known for academic excellence and holistic education.
Key Features:
- Girls-only, Grades 5–12: Welham offers the ICSE/ISC curriculum and admits girls typically from age 10 upwards.
- Campus & Culture: The campus has modern classrooms, science labs, art and dance studios, and sports facilities (basketball, volleyball, swimming, etc.). The school emphasises leadership, community service and a caring environment.
- Academics & Results: Strict academics with strong performance (often top ISC results in Doon Valley). Unique programs foster creativity and critical thinking.
- Fees: Annual boarding fee is about ₹6.75 lakh.
- Reputation: Ranked among India’s top girls’ boarding schools, Welham alumnae include prominent leaders.
Official site: Welham Girls’ School.
7. Ecole Globale International Girls’ School – Dehradun, Uttarakhand (Girls-only, Boarding)
Ecole Globale is a relatively new (est. 2012) but rapidly rising girls’ boarding school in the Dehradun foothills, focused on all-around empowerment:
Offers CBSE and Cambridge International curriculum.
40 acres with green lawns, modern classrooms, science labs, sports (swimming, squash, basketball, shooting, horse riding, etc.).
Emphasises leadership, professionalism and “holistic” growth of girls.
Annual tuition ~
₹10–12 lakh.
Won national excellence awards for quality education. The school’s focus on personal attention and empowerment is well-regarded.
Learn more at Ecole Globale.
8. Good Shepherd International School (GSIS) – Ooty, Tamil Nadu (Co-ed, Boarding)
Good Shepherd International School (est. 1977) in the Nilgiris offers co-ed boarding with international curricula:
Affiliated to Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma programmes. (ICSE is also offered for younger classes.)
A sprawling hillside campus with state-of-the-art classrooms, labs and arts centres. Extensive sports facilities (cricket, basketball, swimming, tennis, equestrian, etc.) cater to its top sports program.
• Education: Highly regarded for balanced education – outstanding academics alongside sports and the arts. (Ranked India’s #1 school for sports education in a 2018 survey.) Active clubs include MUN, dramatics, and adventure sports.
• Fees: Annual boarding fee ranges ₹6.10–15.00 lakh depending on grade.
Official site: Good Shepherd International School.
9. Sherwood College – Nainital, Uttarakhand (Co-ed, Boarding)
Sherwood College (est. 1869) is a historic co-ed boarding school in Nainital, famed as an “Eton-equivalent” of India:
Affiliated to CISCE (ICSE/ISC) and IGCSE.
Located in the hills of Nainital, the 45-acre campus includes heritage stone buildings, classrooms, science labs and athletic fields.
Strong emphasis on discipline, outdoor education and sports (football, hockey, tennis, basketball, swimming, etc.). Many alumni have been national athletes.
The annual boarding fee is about
₹7.07 lakh. (Includes tuition and hostel.)
It has educated many leaders, and was praised in the press as part of India’s elite boarding schools.
Visit Sherwood College for more.
10. The Scindia School – Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (Boys-only, Boarding)
The Scindia School (est. 1897) is a boys’ boarding school set in the historic Gwalior Fort. It blends royal heritage with modern education:
Follows CISCE (ICSE/ISC) curriculum. Renowned for academics and leadership training.
The 37-acre campus on the fort’s southern slopes has modern classrooms, science labs, libraries and wide sports fields.
Has consistently been ranked among the top boys’ schools in India. Offers a broad co-curricular program (MUN, Model Army, sports, arts).
Annual boarding+tuition fee is about
₹9.37 lakh (non-refundable).
Founded by the Scindia royal family; continues the tradition of discipline and excellence.
| Rank |
School Name |
Location |
Co-ed /Boys/Girls |
Classes |
Campus Area |
Competitive Exam Coaching |
Approx. Annual Fees |
| 1 |
Career Point Gurukul |
Mohali, Punjab |
Co-educational |
6–12 |
14 Acres |
Yes (IIT-JEE, NEET, NDA – Kota Faculty) |
|
| 2 |
The Doon School |
Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
Boys Only |
7–12
|
72 Acres
|
No |
₹13.6 L |
| 3 |
Mayo College |
Ajmer, Rajasthan |
Boys Only |
4–12 |
180 Acres |
No |
₹15 L
|
| 4 |
Woodstock School |
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand |
Co-educational |
6–12 |
300 Acres
|
No
|
₹15 – ₹18 L |
| 5 |
The Lawrence School, Sanawar |
Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh |
Co-educational |
5–12 |
139 Acres |
No |
₹11 – ₹12 L |
| 6 |
Welham Girls’ School |
Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
Girls Only |
6–12 |
40 Acres |
No |
₹6.75 L
|
| 7 |
Ecole GlobaleInternational Girls’ School |
Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
Girls Only |
4–12 |
40 Acres |
No |
₹10 – ₹12 L
|
| 8 |
Good Shepherd International School |
Ooty, Tamil Nadu |
Co-educational |
6–12 |
150 Acres |
No |
₹6.1 – ₹15 L |
| 9 |
Sherwood College |
Nainital, Uttarakhand |
Co-educational |
3–12 |
45 Acres |
No |
₹7.07 L |
| 10 |
The Scindia School |
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh |
Boys Only |
6–12 |
37 Acres |
No |
₹9.37 L |
Notes: All fees above are approximate annual boarding (tuition + hostel) for Indian students. Exact fees may vary by grade and are subject to annual revision. The list includes co-educational and single-gender schools; the age range is generally classes 6–12 unless noted.
Sources: School websites and authoritative profiles were used for data. For example, Career Point Gurukul’s facilities and programs, Woodstock’s IB focus, Welham’s fees and ICSE board, Scindia’s official fee chart, etc. Each entry is fact-checked with the school’s official materials or reputable education platforms.
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