List of Best ICSE Boarding Schools in India 2027-2028

Located in the scenic valley of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, The Doon School is an all-boys residential institution founded in 1935. Spread across a 70-acre green campus with iconic red-brick architecture, it has amenities like specialized creative-arts centres, libraries, squash courts, and a 25-metre pool. It accepts residential admissions from Grade 7 (at the age of 11 or 12) to Grade 12, offering ICSE, ISC, and the IB Diploma. Follows "aristocracy of service" as a core philosophy through pastoral care, encouraging social service and outdoor learning among students apart from regular academics. Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and India’s first individual gold medalist Abhinav Bindra (Sports Shooter) are among the most notable alumni of this institution.

Rishi Valley School was established in 1926 by renowned philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, as a premier co-educational, fully residential institution. Founded on the vision of non-competitive learning, it nurtures free, self-aware individuals rather than routine workers. It accepts boarders from Grade 4 (around ages 8–9) through Grade 12 under the CISCE board (ICSE and ISC). A peaceful 375-acre campus also acts as a protected bird sanctuary, housing 20 family-style stone dormitories, sports grounds, and a rural clinic. Following Krishnamurti's learning philosophy, no ranks & exams till Grade 9 are replaced with nature exploration, creative arts, and community service.

Established in 1957 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Welham Girls' School is a premier all-girls residential institution educating students from Grade 4 to 12. It accepts boarding admissions in Grades 6, 7, and 11, offering CISCE (ICSE/ISC) and CAIE curricula. The 12-acre green campus with historic buildings houses smart classrooms, modern labs, and sports courts. First Female Speaker of Lok Sabha Meira Kumar & the first Indian-origin head of the New York-based British advertising agency, Ogilvy, Devika Bulchandani, are notable alumni of this institution. Following the philosophy "Aartt Shanti Phala Vidya" (Knowledge aims to bring peace), teachers use student-centred, experiential, and inquiry-led pedagogy to nurture young girls into well-rounded women leaders.

Good Shepherd International School (GSIS) was founded in 1977 by Dr. P. C. Thomas and Mrs. Elsamma Thomas in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. It is a co-educational, fully residential school with no day scholars. Boys and girls are admitted from Grade 4 to Grade 12, with entry open through Grade 9 and Grade 11. Students can choose the IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP and IBCP), CISCE (ICSE and ISC) or Cambridge (Primary, Lower Secondary and IGCSE). The 150-acre IGBC Platinum-certified campus has smart classrooms, an athletics track, heated indoor pools, equestrian arenas, and an 80-bed infirmary with 24/7 medical supervision. Following the Learning Philosophy of “Truth, Trust, Triumph,” the school focuses on inquiry-based learning with dedicated, safe pastoral care.

Unison World School, founded in 2007 along Mussoorie Diversion Road in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is an all-girls, full-boarding school. Its 16-acre campus in the Shiwalik foothills has smart classrooms, language labs, residential chalets, shooting ranges, and a temperature-controlled indoor pool with female-only pastoral staff. Boarding starts from Grade 6 (age 10.5) to Grade 12 under CISCE (ICSE/ISC) and Cambridge (IGCSE/A-Levels) streams. The school stands out for its focused 1:8 teacher-student ratio and global exchange programs with partner schools in the UK and New Zealand, which build strong public speaking skills, global awareness, and self-confidence for university life.

Established in 1988 on a former polo ground, Mayo College Girls' School sits across an expansive 46-acre estate in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Built exclusively as an all-girls boarding institution, the campus has facilities, robotics and science labs, two swimming pools, tennis courts, and a quiet Saraswati temple. Girls are admitted into the residential houses from Class 4 (ages 8 to 9.5) through Grade 12, pursuing either the CISCE (ICSE/ISC) or Cambridge (IGCSE) pathways. A standout feature is its mandatory week-long mid-term expedition for non-board classes, blending high-altitude trekking and river rafting with heritage study at historical forts and wildlife sanctuaries. This immersive routine instills sharp self-reliance, physical grit, and calm leadership in young women.

Founded in 1999 by Kamal Sehgal with the vision of creating a happy and nurturing ecosystem for young girls, Hopetown Girls' School is a full-boarding school set across a 50-acre green campus along Rajawala Road in Selaqui, Dehradun. The campus features smart classrooms, science labs, pottery and weaving rooms, a swimming pool, open sports grounds, and a 21-bed health center. It teaches CISCE (ICSE/ISC) and Cambridge (IGCSE/A-Levels) curricula from Grade 6 to Grade 12, admitting students to hostels/boarding from Grade 6 through Grade 9 and Grade 11. Guided by its motto "Growth is Good", Hopetown keeps a close 1:10 teacher-student ratio, balancing daily schoolwork with art, drama training through Trinity College London, and active nature clubs.

"Yadavindra Public School, SAS NAGAR, Sector 51, Chandigarh was established on April 9, 1979 under the kind patronage of Maharaja Amarinder Singh of Patiala, the son of Maharaja Dhiraj Yadavindra Singh of Patiala, who was the founder of Yadavindra Public School Patiala. It's founder and first chairman was Raja Ram Partap Singh and founder principal Mr. H.N. Kashyap. "

St. George’s College (Manor House) in Barlowganj, Mussoorie, was founded in 1853 as an all-boys boarding and day school. Its 400-acre Himalayan estate provides heritage architecture alongside modern AI robotics labs, an indoor heated pool, centrally heated dormitories, and the famous Top Flat playing grounds. It admits boys from Grade 4 (ages 9) through Grade 12 under the CISCE board (ICSE and ISC). With the motto "Virtus et Labor" (Virtue and Labor), the school combines strong moral values and deep focus on studies with football, cross-country runs, and cultural events to shape honest, hardworking young men. Internationally acclaimed actor Saeed Jaffrey & Former Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army and distinguished military leader General Shankar Roy Chowdhury are notable alumni who studied at this institution.

Distinguished as one of the best all-boys international boarding schools in India, Sarala Birla Academy (SBA) is located in Bangalore, India. The school is based on an expansive campus offering state-of-the-art facilities like interactive classrooms, well-stocked libraries, designated labs, experienced staff, and extensive sports complexes. It was established in 2004 by Shri Kumar Mangalam Birla to honour his grandmother, the late Dr. Sarala Birla. SBA Bangalore accepts admissions from classes V to XII. The school’s strategic educational approach is widely recognized. It strives to integrate essential life skills among students while preparing them for the challenges of the modern world. Sarala Birla Academy fosters diversity and inclusivity through diverse curricula, including ICSE, CAIE, and IBDP.

An elite up-scale English Medium Co-Educational Residential Boarding School spread over 105 Acres Campus in Shivalik Hills on Guru Tegh Bahadur (GTB) State Highway, Near Anandpur Sahib about 95 kms from Chandigarh & Five Hours Drive from New Delhi.

Sahyadri School is a fully residential, co-educational institution in Pune, Maharashtra, founded in 1995 under the Krishnamurti Foundation India. Built on a 65-acre hilltop plateau, the school's campus has a unique lotus-shaped library hall, dedicated science and computer labs, arts and crafts centers, and an active tinker-shed. Admission is open for boarders from Grades 4 (ages 8–9) through Grade 12 under the CISCE curriculum (ICSE and ISC). The school's core pedagogy follows philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti’s teachings on holistic human development, self-inquiry, and freedom from conventional peer competition or rankings. This makes students more connected with nature and community living.

Inaugurated in 2006 by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and founded by spiritual teacher Sri M, The Peepal Grove School is an alternative, full-boarding campus nestled in a 30-acre valley in Gongivari Palli, Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh. Home to over 90 bird species, the estate features pottery studios, organic farms, and a traditional Kalari martial arts pit. Students enter residential life from Grade 4 (age 8.5) up to Grade 12 under the CISCE (ICSE/ISC) board. Operating on J. Krishnamurti's philosophy of fearless inquiry, the school maintains an intimate 1:5 teacher-student ratio without rote tests. Daily Kalaripayattu, yoga, and Sanskrit foster deep self-awareness, emotional grounding, and creative independence.

Founded in 1888 near Mussoorie’s Mall Road, Wynberg-Allen School is a historic co-educational boarding institution set across a 135-acre Himalayan estate. The campus is divided into the Wynberg Junior and Allen Senior wings and includes smart classrooms, modern science labs, tennis courts, and a heated indoor swimming pool. Students are admitted from Grade 1 through Grade 12 under the CISCE (ICSE/ISC) board, with residential boarding opening from Grade 1 (age 6) up to Grade 11. Guided by its Protestant Christian roots and the motto "Excelsior" (Ever Upward), the school balances rigorous academics with outdoor Himalayan treks and sports, helping young boarders cultivate early independence, physical stamina, and quiet moral resilience.

Sherwood College was founded in 1869 as a historic co-educational boarding school, perched on Nainital’s Ayarpatta Hill at nearly 7,000 feet. Its 45-acre mountain campus blends Gothic arches and timbered halls with smart classrooms, robotics labs, and two large auditoriums. Operating strictly as a residential institution, the school admits boys and girls into separate hostels from Grade 3 (ages 7–8) through Grade 12 under the CISCE (ICSE/ISC) board. In alignment with its core maxim, "Mereat Quisque Palmam" (let each one merit his prize), the school balances academics with boxing, theatre, choir, and house debates. This mountain-town boarding life helps students build strong stamina, clear speaking skills, and natural self-confidence. Amitabh Bachchan, renowned cinema icon and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, studied at this institution.

Col. Brown Cambridge School, located in Dalanwala, Dehradun, is an all-boys, full-boarding school established in 1926 by Col. William Brown. Set across a verdant 63-acre estate shaded by litchi orchards, the campus houses colonial-era buildings, digital classrooms, science and computer laboratories, large sports fields, a gymnasium, and a swimming pool. It admits residential students from Grade 4 through Grade 9 and Grade 11 under the CISCE (ICSE/ISC) board. Guided by the motto "Magna Est Veritas" ("Truth is Great"), its military-inspired boarding tradition balances academic study with morning drills, team athletics, and declamation to build strong discipline, physical resilience, and moral character early in life. The former Prime Minister of India, V. P. Singh, & Iconic Indian film actor Raj Kapoor are alumni of this institution.

Located on a purpose lush green campus, Ebenezer International School (EISB) is a premier co-educational day cum residential school in Electronic City, Bengaluru, Karnataka. The school follows diverse curricula, including IBDP, IBPYP, IGCSE, and CISCE. Its student-centred instructional approach strives to raise caring, compassionate, and talented citizens to make a positive change in society. EISB was established in 2006 and provides admissions from nursery to grade X and XI. It prepares students to pursue higher education in the world's prestigious universities by offering world-class university placement programs.

The International Sahaja Public School is situated high in the Himalayan foothills above Dharamshala in Northern India. Founded in 1990,the school is based on the teachings of Her Supreme Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, Sahaja Education. Its an English medium co-educational residential school.

Surrounded by the sprawling Harchurah Tea Estate in Balipara, Assam, The Assam Valley School was established in 1995 as a co-educational, full-boarding institution by the Williamson Magor Education Trust. Across its 235-acre landscape near the Himalayan foothills, students have access to equestrian tracks, Olympic-standard sports arenas, craft and design workshops, and modern science laboratories. Residential admissions open from Grade 4 (ages 9+) through Grades 9 and 11, following the CISCE (ICSE/ISC) curriculum. Guided by its watchword "Courage, Humility, and Determination" and the Round Square network, the school pairs classroom study with adventure sports, horse riding, and social service leagues to build practical independence, physical resilience, and sound character.

Montfort Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School, situated amid the Shevaroy Hills in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, is a co-educational, residential-cum-day institution founded in 1917 by the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel. Set across a serene hilltop estate bordered by pine and eucalyptus groves, it features stone European heritage architecture, a 1930s chapel, science laboratories, twin swimming pools, and a 400-metre running track. It admits day scholars and hostel boarders from Grade 3 through Grades 9 and 11 under CISCE and Tamil Nadu State boards. Guided by "Virtus et Labor" (Virtue and Labour), its structured routine combines rigorous studies with scouting, choral singing, and compulsory sports to build moral character, physical stamina, and quiet self-reliance.