Best Residential & Boarding Schools of India 2026-27

Expert Comment :Founded in 1997, UWC Mahindra College is a co-educational boarding school in Pune, Maharashtra. The school is affiliated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) board and promotes lifelong learning. The campus spans 175 acres and is nestled in the Sahyadri Hills, surrounded by rich biodiversity. It offers state-of-the-art facilities to foster academic, recreational, and personal goals. The school’s educational approach encompasses 5 C’s, including compassion, creativity, courage, critical thinking, and curiosity. UWC Mahindra College starts admission from grades XI through XII. The students should be a minimum of 16 to 18 years old at the time of admission.

Expert Comment :Established in 2023, Harrow International School is a co-educational day cum boarding school in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The school provides admissions from classes Upper KG to XII. It is affiliated with the IGCSE curriculum. Harrow International School follows a pedagogy inspired by the international educational system. It aims to produce talented global citizens who can thrive in the 21st century. The school boasts a 60-acre sprawling campus with modern facilities like interactive classrooms, experienced faculty, a well-stocked library, well-resourced science labs, art and craft centers, and extensive co-curricular activities to promote holistic well-being.

Expert Comment :Counted among Asia’s oldest international boarding schools, Woodstock School is a co-educational residential school located in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. It was established in 1854 and follows all four IB (International Baccalaureate) programs, including IBPYP, IBMYP, IBDP, and IBCP, to promote global education and an international outlook. The school provides admissions from ECP1 (Early Childhood Programme) to Grade 12. Woodstock School Mussoorie has a sprawling campus of 300 acres and is situated amidst the beautiful Himalayas. It follows a vibrant and enriching learning approach to produce successful future leaders. The school provides a nurturing and safe environment that fosters quality learning and results-oriented education.

Expert Comment :Shrewsbury International School India is a co-educational boarding school situated on a 150-acre campus in Bhopal. The schools admits children from the age of 11 i.e. from year 7 at Shrewsbury, India school. Following the English National Curriculum, the school prepares students for the Cambridge International IGCSE Examinations in Years 9 and 10. Successful completion of these examinations will enable students to pursue A Level courses in Years 12 and 13. Shrewsbury International School Bhopal, offers a wide and balanced curriculum that combines depth with choice, ensuring that every interest is catered for.

Expert Comment :Founded in 2008, Stonehill is a premium day cum residential school in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, including IBPYP, IBMP, and IBDP. It offers admissions from grades Nursery to XII. Stonehill International School Bengaluru boasts a 34-acre campus offering modern amenities, such as interactive classrooms, designated STEM labs, extensive sports fields, experienced faculty, a multipurpose sports hall, an exclusive arts centre, and a swimming pool for an enriched academic experience. The school’s personalized instructional approach places a strong emphasis on the individual excellence of children for better results and lifelong learning.

Expert Comment :Located in the Nilgiris Hills, Ooty, The Good Shepherd School is a fully residential international co-educational school with a vision of ensuring the overall development of students in the most peaceful settings along with modern state-of-the-art infrastructure and educational curriculum. Started in 1977, the school boasts of its sprawling 150 acres of campus, providing a wide range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and started following an international curriculum in 1995, thereby offering IGCSE, ICSE, and IB curricula.

Expert Comment :The International School Bangalore (TISB) is a premier co-educational day cum residential school in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The school offers admissions from Pre-KG to Grade 12. It follows the Cambridge International and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula. The school was established in the year 2000. It has a beautiful, spacious, and safe campus equipped with cutting-edge facilities to stay at the forefront of the contemporary educational landscape. The purpose-driven pedagogy of TISB strives to nurture talented, compassionate, and enthusiastic learners who can bring positive changes in the world.

Expert Comment :Lancers International School was founded in the year 2009 with the belief in the individuality of each student. Located in the heart of the city, on the gold course road, this school allows easy accessibility from all neighboring areas. The entire campus is spread over a spacious area with proper security all around. The hostel facilities at the institute are one of the best in the country. It ensures appropriate modes of development, growth and learning within the students residing here. Under the charge of the dorm parent, the students here feel at home and live together as a family. The amenities at the institute are world-class with a lounge at each floor where the students can discuss and study together. The dining facilities are also great, with special care offered to prepare a well balanced and nutritious meal to all students residing here.

Expert Comment :The Aga Khan Academy is a co-eductional boarding school in Hyderabad, Telangana. The school covers an area of 100 acres and features world-class facilities on a serene and peaceful campus. It follows the IB curriculum and starts admissions from grade I. The Aga Khan Academy was established in 2011 and fosters a progressive educational approach to nurture effective and ethical global leaders.

Expert Comment :Started in 1901, the Kodaikanal International School is a residential co-educational school committed to providing diverse cultural backgrounds to its students and teachers, where they can learn freely from each other. A pioneered in the field of IB education, the school adopted the IB program in the 1970s, making it the first IB school in India and the third in South Asia. Apart from providing excellent college admission counselling, the school offers high standards of boarding and learning facilities through its signature programs in the fields of music, drama, sports, camping, and hiking.

Expert Comment :Launched in 2003, Pathways World School was the first IB Continuum School in North India and the first residential school in the region to follow the IB curriculum. The curriculum includes the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate Organization of Geneva. It is a co-educational school offering flexible boarding options between week, fortnight, and term boarding. The school focuses on a student-centred learning approach wherein project-based learning, learning to learn, and anytime-anywhere learning are its key mantras.

Expert Comment :Canadian International School (CIS) was founded in 1996 as ‘Canadian School of India’. In 2002, it was renamed Canadian International School, and the campus was relocated to Bengaluru in 2006. CIS is one of the best co-educational day cum boarding school in Bengaluru. The school has a spacious, purpose-built campus of 15 acres equipped with modern facilities to promote global citizenship. It offers admissions from grades I to XII. Students have to qualify for the assessment test to secure admission. Canadian International School Bengaluru follows the IB and IGCSE curricula to foster a global outlook. Through its purpose-driven educational approach, the school integrates essential skills among students, preparing them for the global challenges.

Expert Comment :Established in 1935, The Doon School is a premier all-boys boarding school in Dehradun. The school follows the ICSE, IB, IGCSE, and Doon School curriculum. It offers admissions in classes VII and VIII only. The Doon School, boasts a picturesque campus with state-of-the-art facilities to foster a well-rounded education. The school’s dynamic pedagogy focuses on enriching the intellectual and creative interests of young boys to ensure that they succeed in both professional and personal endeavours. It is renowned for fostering critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and independent thinkers.

Expert Comment :Unison World School (UWS) is counted among the best all-girls boarding schools in India. It was founded in 2007 and is located at the Mussoorie Diversion Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The school accepts admissions from Grades 6 to 12. UWS is affiliated with the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) and Cambridge International Education (CIE) boards. Its stimulating educational approach enhances student development significantly. Unison World School stands out for its learner-centric approach which caters to the students’ needs at different levels. The school campus is safe, nurturing, and enriching. It provides outstanding facilities to raise confident, resilient, skillful, and cultured women who are ready to face the modern world's challenges.

Expert Comment :Offering quality education to students from classes IV to XII, Mayo College Girls School (MCGS) was founded in 1988. It is a premier all-girls boarding school located on the Mayo Link Road, Ajmer, Rajasthan. The school is affiliated with the CISCE and CAIE boards. MCGS is based on a campus that offers world-class facilities in academics, co-curricular, and boarding. The school operates under the aegis of the Mayo College General Council. Its balanced educational pedagogy encourages students to explore their innate capabilities and nurtures them to pursue their dreams. Mayo College Girls School in Ajmer provides a safe environment conducive to personal growth and quality learning.

Expert Comment :Spread over a beautiful lush green campus of 187 acres, Mayo College is an all-boys residential school in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. The school provides cutting-edge facilities, such as pastoral care, medical facilities, counselling centres, smart classrooms, sports complexes, art & craft centres, libraries, science labs, dramatics, music school, a museum, and international exchange programs to foster well-rounded education. Mayo College Ajmer was started in 1875. It offers admissions from classes IV to IX and XI. The school’s instructional approach serves as a beacon of academic excellence, quality learning, and holistic development. Mayo College aims to develop an international outlook among students via its challenging curricula, including CBSE and Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE).

Expert Comment :Established in 1999, Hopetown Girls’ School is one of the best boarding schools in India. This all-girls boarding school is located on Rajawala Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Purpose-driven pedagogy and quality academics contribute to the school’s excellent reputation. Hopetown Girls’ School has a beautifully landscaped campus with state-of-the-art facilities to promote holistic education. It follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), ICSE, and IGCSE curricula. Admissions are available from classes 6 to 12. Hopetown Girls’ School prepares students for different competitive exams like JEE, CLAT, NEET, CUET, and IPM.

Expert Comment :Welham Girls’ School is located on the Municipal Road, Dehradun, India. This all-girls premier boarding school was founded in 1957 by H. S. Oliphant. The school is affiliated to two boards. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) is an Indian board and Cambridge Assessment International Examination (CAIE) which is an international board. It offers classes from VI to XII. However, admissions are available in classes VI, VII, and XI only. Welham Girls’ School in Dehradun is situated on a beautiful campus with state-of-the-art facilities, promoting educational excellence through a challenging curriculum and global exposure. The school’s academic approach is unique and focused on nurturing young women. It supports social, emotional, mental, and intellectual development. Welham Girls’ School encourages women to be independent, strong, resilient, and the best versions of themselves.

Expert Comment :Ranked among the best schools in Bengaluru, JAIN International Residential School (JIRS) is a co-educational boarding school in Karnataka. The school has a beautiful campus with modern facilities to foster responsible, motivated, and skillful global citizens. It was established in 1999. JIRS Bengaluru provides admissions from grade V through grade XII. To secure admissions, candidates are required to qualify for the JAIN Excellence Test (JET) followed by a personal interview. The school adheres to internationally recognized curricula, including CIE and IBDP. It is also affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). JAIN International Residential School’s pedagogy prepares students for higher education and ensures placement at prestigious global universities.

Expert Comment :Welham Boys School is a famous all-boys boarding school in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The school is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). It was founded in 1937 and offers admissions from grades IV to XI. Welham Boys School Dehradun is built on a 30-acre campus nestled among the hills of the Doon Valley. The school is well-recognized for its cutting-edge facilities like modern classrooms, huge libraries, designated science labs, art & crafts rooms, extensive sports fields, and highly trained faculty. It adheres to an interdisciplinary learning approach to foster independent learners. Welham Boys School is counted among the leading schools in the country.

Expert Comment :The Scindia School is a well-renowned all-boys boarding school in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. The school offers a CBSE curriculum fostering quality education and holistic development. Admissions are available from classes VI to IX and XI. Students have to qualify for the Scindia Aptitude Analysis (SAA) tests to secure admission. The Scindia School Gwalior boasts a beautiful campus with modern amenities to support lifelong learning. It was established in 1897 by the visionary HH Maharaja Madhavrao Scindia I. Its dynamic academic framework nurtures well-groomed individuals who are strong, confident, and capable of becoming global leaders.

Expert Comment :Founded in 1847 , The Lawrence School, Sanawar is one of the oldest co-educational boarding schools in India. Situated at an elevation of 1,750 meters in the Kasauli Hills of Himachal Pradesh, the 139-acre campus provides a peaceful atmosphere that is ideal for learning. Linked to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the school has admissions from Class 5 to Class 12 with Science (PCM/PCB), Commerce, and Humanities streams. Being a residential school, there is a focus on wholesome development through a combination of curriculum, sports, arts, and social service. Infrastructure comprises state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, a library, a gym hall, a swimming pool, and a medical center.