Best Boarding Schools in Kolkata
The Best Schools in Kolkata – The City of Joy’s Learning Legacy
Kolkata truly lives up to its title—the City of Joy. From its lip-smacking rasgullas to its deep love for art, music, and literature, the city overflows with culture and creativity.
Education in Kolkata reflects this rich heritage, blending strong academics with artistic and cultural excellence. The best schools in Kolkata nurture students in an environment that celebrates learning, warmth, and tradition.
For families seeking holistic growth beyond academics, the best boarding schools in Kolkata offer a perfect balance of discipline, care, and cultural enrichment.
List of Best Boarding Schools in Kolkata
1. La Martiniere for Boys
Curriculum: ICSE
Standout Feature: One of Kolkata’s oldest and most prestigious boys’ schools, known for its colonial heritage, discipline, and leadership-focused education.
Notable Alumni
- K. Birla is an Indian Industrialist, Chairman of C.K. Birla Group.
- Pritish Nandy is a famous Indian Poet, Journalist, and a filmmaker.
- Shri Basudeb Banerjee, IAS (Retd) served as State Chief Information Commissioner and Former Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal.
2. North Point Senior Secondary Boarding School
Curriculum: CBSE
Standout Feature: A co-educational institution providing wholesome education through academics, sports, and co-curricular activities.
3. Pratt Memorial School
Curriculum: ICSE & ISC
Standout Feature: A well-known girls' boarding school in Kolkata with a focus on academic rigor and values. Its nurturing environment inspires confidence, self-reliance, and leadership in young women.
4. Aditya Academy Secondary School, Barasat
Curriculum: CBSE
Standout Feature: A co-educational school in Kolkata with a wide campus, up-to-date facilities, and a perfect fusion of discipline and creativity.
5. GEMS Akademia International School
Curriculum: IGCSE, CIE, ICSE & ISC
Standout Feature: An international co-educational school in Kolkata providing worldwide exposure, best-of-facilities, and a welcoming environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and global citizenship.
Key Achievements- The school has been honored as Kolkata’s No. 1 and West Bengal’s No. 3 school in the prestigious Day-Cum-Boarding School category.
6. Assembly of Christ School
Curriculum: ICSE
Standout Feature: An equal focus on academics, sports, and values-based development in a co-ed school. It's famous for its student-friendly education and value-based education.
7. Saini International School
Curriculum: CBSE
Standout Feature: A new-generation co-educational boarding school in Kolkata that has technology-enriched teaching, innovative learning, and individual mentoring in order to prepare students to be confident.
Comparing Curricula: CBSE vs ICSE vs IB vs Cambridge in Kolkata Boarding Schools
1. CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)
A guided, nationally accepted curriculum concentrated on major subjects and understanding concepts. Best for students interested in competitive exams.
2. ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education)
Famous for its comprehensive syllabus and high emphasis on English and logical ability. It promotes deep learning, creativity, and balanced intellectual development.
3. IB (International Baccalaureate)
A world-renowned program that gives main importance to inquiry-based learning and critical thinking. It is driven by research, reflection, and the cultivation of internationally aware students.
4. Cambridge (IGCSE)
An international curriculum with wide subject choice and a practical focus. It encourages independent learning, problem-solving, and application of knowledge in the real world.
Kolkata’s Boarding School Infrastructure & Facilities: Then & Now
Let’s compare and evaluate how the infrastructure and facilities of the best boarding schools in Kolkata have evolved over time, keeping pace with the rapid advancements in education.
- Then: Colonial buildings with traditional classrooms.
Now: Smart campuses with smart boards, digital labs, and technology-facilitated learning.
- Then: Basic dormitories with shared rooms.
Now: Comfortable, air-conditioned hostels with security systems and individual study areas.
- Then: Basic sports grounds and minimal facilities.
Now: Multi-sport arenas, swimming pools, and professional coaching initiatives.
- Then: Traditional libraries and chalkboard pedagogy.
Now: Digital libraries, e-learning platforms, and interactive sessions.
- Then: Emphasis on studies only.
Now: Special art studios, music rooms, health spaces, and holistic development programs.
Campus Life in the Top Boarding Schools in Kolkata – Student Safety and Wellbeing
In Kolkata's best boarding schools, life is so comfortable and caring that classrooms are just one part of it.
- Well-being and safety come first, with safe campuses, caring wardens, and 24x7 medical facilities.
- Counselors and mentors are always on hand to take students through both academics and emotions.
- From yoga mornings to weekend activities for fun and well-being, each moment seems equilibrated and homely.
Admission Process of Boarding Schools in Kolkata
- Begin by verifying the school website for admission announcements and application forms.
- Complete and submit the form online or offline by the provided deadline.
- Many schools hold entrance exams to determine readiness in fundamental subjects.
- Shortlisted candidates are called in for an interview or interaction round.
- Provide necessary documents like birth certificate, previous school reports, transfer certificate, and photographs.
- Selection is made finally based on test performance, interview, and vacancy.
- Edustoke Advantage - Edustoke helps parents explore, compare, and shortlist the best boarding schools in Kolkata based on curriculum, facilities, fees, and reviews—all in one place.
Fees, Scholarships & Cost Considerations in the Top Boarding Schools in Kolkata
- In boarding schools of Kolkata, there is quality education available for various budgets, with fees between ?1.5 lakhs to ?6 lakhs annually, based on the school and course.
- While conventional schools in Kolkata like La Martiniere for Boys or Pratt Memorial School provide high-quality academics at affordable fees, high-end schools in Kolkata like GEMS Akademia International School offer international exposure at a higher fee.
- Most schools also provide merit-based grants and need-based assistance, making it possible for families to make informed, value-conscious decisions for their child's education process.
From academic excellence to holistic development, the top boarding schools in Kolkata ensure every child’s journey is inspiring, enriching, and future-ready.