Published on January 15, 2025 by Tula's International School
Here’s the list of Top Residential Boarding Schools in India. Have a look!
Ranking | Top Residential Boarding Schools in India | School Type | Annual Fees |
1 | Tula’s International School | Boarding School | ₹ 5-6 Lakh |
2 | The Doon School, Dehradun | Boarding School | ₹ 11,20,000 |
3 | Mayo College, Ajmer | Boarding School | ₹ 6,84,300 |
4 | Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun | Boarding School | ₹ 7,50,000 |
5 | Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun | Boarding School | ₹ 24,450 |
In the pursuit of academic excellence and holistic development, residential boarding schools in India have become a popular choice among parents. These institutions offer a nurturing environment that fosters independence, discipline, and a well-rounded education.
Among the top boarding schools, Tula’s International School stands tall as a beacon of quality education and all-round growth. Let’s delve into what makes Tula’s International School the best residential boarding school in India, as well as explore some of the other leading institutions in the country.
1. Tula’s International School

Tula’s International School is the epitome of modern education combined with traditional values. Located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, this residential boarding school is nestled amidst the serene beauty of the Himalayas. It caters to both boys and girls from various cultures and backgrounds, providing a diverse and inclusive environment for all its students.
Academics: Tula’s International School boasts a rigorous academic curriculum that is complemented by state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced teaching methods. The school follows the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) curriculum, ensuring students receive a well-structured and standardised education.
Extracurricular Activities: The school emphasises a balanced approach to education by promoting extracurricular activities like sports, music, dance, arts, and various clubs. These activities encourage students to explore their passions and develop valuable skills beyond academics.
Residential Life: Tula’s International School understands the importance of creating a home away from home. The boarding facilities are comfortable and secure, providing a safe haven for students to grow and thrive. Trained house parents and staff offer constant support and guidance to ensure students’ emotional well-being.
Faculty: The school’s faculty comprises experienced educators who are passionate about teaching and mentoring. They create a conducive learning environment that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities among students.
School details | |
School Type | Boarding School |
Board | CBSE |
Gender | Co-Ed |
Grade | Class 4-12 |
Annual Fees | ₹ 5-6 Lakh |
Established in | 2012 |
Address | VILL.DHOOLKOT, NEAR TULA'S INSTITUTE SELAQUI NEAR MANDIR Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248197 |
Enquiry Now | |

2. The Doon School, Dehradun
The Doon School, one of the oldest and most prestigious boarding schools in India, is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Known for its academic excellence and strong alumni network, The Doon School instils a sense of responsibility and leadership in its students.
School details | |
School Type | Boarding School |
Board | ICSE & ISC, IGCSE, IB DP |
Gender | Boys School |
Grade | Class 7-12 |
Annual Fees | ₹ 11,20,000 |
Established in | 1935 |
Address | Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
Enquiry Now | |

3. Mayo College, Ajmer
Mayo College, situated in Ajmer, Rajasthan, is another esteemed residential boarding school that has been providing quality education since 1875. The school’s picturesque campus and exceptional academic programs make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a top-tier institution for their children.
School details | |
School Type | Boarding School |
Board | CBSE |
Gender | Boys School |
Grade | Class 4-12 |
Annual Fees | ₹ 6,84,300 |
Established in | 1875 |
Address | Shrinagar Road, Ajmer, Rajasthan |
Enquiry Now | |

4. Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun
For parents looking for a premier-only girls residential boarding school, Welham Girls’ School in Dehradun is an excellent option. The school’s commitment to empowering young women through education and co-curricular activities has earned it a remarkable reputation.
School details | |
School Type | Boarding School |
Board | ICSE |
Gender | Girls School |
Grade | Class 6-12 |
Annual Fees | ₹ 7,50,000 |
Established in | 1957 |
Address | Dalanwala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
Enquiry Now | |

5. Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun
As a feeder institution to the Indian Armed Forces, RIMC offers a unique blend of academics and military training. It aims to groom young minds into disciplined and responsible leaders for the nation.
School details | |
School Type | Boarding School |
Board | CBSE |
Gender | Boys School |
Grade | Class 8-12 |
Annual Fees | ₹ 24,450 |
Established in | 1922 |
Address | Garhi Village in Dehradun Cantonment |
Enquiry Now | |
Residential boarding schools in India play a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders of the country. Tula’s International School, with its holistic approach to education and commitment to overall development, stands out as a prime example of excellence in this domain.
Choosing the right boarding school is a crucial decision, and parents must consider factors such as location, academic reputation, extracurricular activities, and the overall environment when making their choice. With the right blend of academics, co-curricular, and pastoral care, Tula’s International School shines as the beacon of an enriching educational journey for every student who passes through its gates.
Debunking The Myths Around The Residential Boarding Schools In India
How is it that whenever we think of residential boarding schools in India, we think of troubled kids in need of discipline? Did we learn it from the book or the movies? Or maybe it stems from the stories our elders told us. “Once upon a time, there was a notorious kid…” their stories began. But as we grew up, we knew they were just that–stories. Stories far from the truth.
Residential boarding schools in India are so much more than what they are known for. They have excellent faculty teaching some of the finest subjects. They have a bunch of really cool extracurricular activities and sports. But most importantly, they have an environment where they can soak all of this in and become the best version of themselves.
There’s one challenge that we must overcome to make sure these wonderful institutions reach the kids who deserve them. That’s changing how they are viewed by the masses. So let’s go ahead and bust some more myths related to residential boarding schools in India, shall we?
#Myth1- Residential boarding schools are archaic in nature
How many times have we heard this? How many times have we confused holding a legacy with being outdated? Institutions can have a rich history and still be technologically advanced. But very few understand this. Residential boarding schools in India have some of the most cutting-edge facilities. They have smart classrooms, labs and digitally equipped libraries right on campus. Not just that, 24x7 facilities like CCTV cameras, medical aid for safety and security are also always available without any hassle.
So let’s keep the myths aside and collectively agree that residential boarding schools in India have an evergreen charm, but also the tech edge that most institutions don’t have.
#Myth2- Students in residential boarding schools have no social life
Imagine being part of a large community, living in a larger-than-life campus, and still thinking you’ll not have a thriving social life? Sounds silly, right? It indeed is! Students in residential boarding schools have a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to spending their time and energy. There are sports and extracurricular activities that all encourage team bonding. You live with your peers and grow with them. You get to meet people from every corner of the country and socialise with them. Some of the premium boarding schools in India also have domestic and international trips planned for their students. What could be a better way of creating a healthy social life than travelling the globe?
Let’s just say students in residential boarding schools have a vibrant and Instaworthy social life!
#Myth3- Residential boarding schools have strict rules
Why is it that a beautiful experience that shapes your future is portrayed as punishment? Maybe that's a question we should be asking ourselves. Residential boarding schools in India believe in creating a structured way of learning. These structures are not limits, just boundaries that help students find themselves. Also, discipline, when accompanied by fun and festivities, can feel less like a bane and more like a blessing. It helps students discover their full potential and maintain autonomy without losing their path.
I don't think we need to emphasise again, but for one last time, residential boarding schools in India are not all about rules; they are about rules that matter.
#Myth4- Students are isolated from friends and families in residential boarding schools
According to popular beliefs, hostel life is less about isolation and more about evolution. You don't lose touch with people; you just find new people and develop the capacity to connect with more people. Staying away from family also means finding a family in your peers, and that’s what happens within these walls. Residential boarding schools in India have experienced teachers and staff to take care of every child’s emotional and physical needs.
So be assured that when kids come back home for holidays, they’ll not be sad and alone but instead healthy, hearty and joyful.
Now that we have successfully debunked the myths, are you ready to try this amazing experience? Residential boarding schools in India, like Tula's International School, Dehradun, offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow and evolve in an environment designed for you. So go grab this opportunity. Don't let the myths stop you!
But What Do I do to find the Happiest Residential Boarding Schools in India?
Academics are what come to mind whenever we mention the schools in India. However, the fact remains that a school is not simply about textbooks and exams. It is more about defining the personality of a child, values, habits and confidence. And putting all these things into consideration, residential boarding schools are often likely to be conspicuous. They do not just teach you, but more than this, they make you a more independent and rounded person.
But this is the stumbling block: there are hundreds of residential boarding schools in India, and each one of them claims to be the best one. To parents, this is confusing. It is a source of stress to the students. So, how can you end up with the really good residential boarding schools in India? What are the things to look for, and how do you know which one fits you like?
I would like to respond to this question because, as a student, I have closely observed both day schools and boarding schools.
The difference between residential boarding schools
Most day schools allow students to attend school, go home, have some coaching and then spend many hours in traffic jams or being distracted. Some work in this routine, yet it is a waste of valuable time, particularly in advanced classes where career and exams are involved.
Residential schools give this picture a totally different look. Everything here is under a single roof, including studies, sports, self-study, and activities. Hostels not only means that your routine disciplines you, your mentors, but your environment as well is staffed with peers that are pursuing similar goals.
This is a conducive environment, which would be difficult to create in day schools. This is why most families in India, when they reach class 9,10 and even 11 and 12, think about residential boarding schools. These are the most crucial years, and a dedicated environment would go a long way in this case.
What is the best school boarding?
In my own eyes, a quality residential boarding school is not based on whether it is a well-known school or whether its used campus looks bigger than it does in the photos. The ideal school is the school that provides the student with a blend of academic support, hostel felicitousness, co-curricular possibilities and emotional provision.
An example would be Take Tula's International School, Dehradun. It is one of the schools frequently recommended by people when parents inquire about the best residential boarding schools in India. And the rationale is to the point, it does not just help students pass the examinations, it is at the same time helping them get ready to live.
Academic commitment and test-taking
The senior classes expose students to two significant factors, namely, board examination and competitive admission, such as JEE, NEET, CLAT, and the SAT test. Routine is supported by having a strong residential school.
In Tula's International School, the CBSE curriculum is used, the most popular in all of India. However, in addition to the curriculum, the school offers targeted self-studying courses, frequent assessments and special training for national examinations. Teachers offer personal attention to students and students do miss this in specific schools or all tuition center.
This is the speciality of the residential schools. You do not have to spend time getting to some coaching centres, days, except that support is within the school routine.
Hostel life and discipline
Hostel life is one of the greatest fears of parents. Will their child adjust? Will it be too strict? Will they miss home too much?
Frankly speaking, life in the hostel is based on the school environment. Hostels are a second home in a good child care school or residential school. In Tula's International School, e.g., students live room with others, and there were wardens who paid attention to them, and all had a routine in which studies, sport and rest were at an equal rate.
Discipline is a large portion of life in the hostels my getting up on time, keeping clean, and going through with your studies the whole time, but then this discipline creeps into getting used to and later in college and life. You get to time-manage, be independent and responsible.
Web → extracurricular and sporting activities
Regardless of the significance of exams, there should be more to life at 16 and 17, nor should life be books at that time. Even residential boarding schools in India accord the same significance to sports, clubs and activities.
Students in Tula's International provide football, cricket, basketball and swimming. They engage in arguments, plays, classes and school competitions. Leaving the school, seniors are often prodding juniors or acting as leaders who represent the school externally.
Confidence and personality are developed through this exposure. It teaches you not only to make a team, but also how to collaborate, and to combine studies and your loves. Such skills are of the essence as much as academic marks when you are seeking university admission or entering any other career.
Social support and counseling
Emotional well-being is one of the aspects of boarding schools that is not often discussed. In the case of the teens, homesickness or even stress may be experienced as a result of being off. The mentorship and counselling programs come in at that.
In Tula's, it works differently; the students have mentors, but they serve as their guides and friends. Counsellors can help deal with stress levels, career or personal issues. Such emotional backing ensures that life in hostels becomes easier and the students are able to concentrate more on their development rather than being lonely.
Comparing famous schools
All parents talk about Doon School, Mayo College, and Woodstock when they mention the top residential boarding schools in India. There is no doubt that these schools are great. They possess long-term and powerful alumni networks.
The thing is that not all families will be able to pay their very high charges or pass their competitive entrance. And that is where schools such as Tula's International come in. They offer a considerably more evenly matched equal of academics, hostel life and global exposure but at a lower price.
Therefore, in place of chasing the largest names, it would be best to consider schools of equal quality in a more inclusive manner.
Conclusion
The residential boarding school list in India is not relevant in search of pl realizing the most prestigious name. It is about seeking the correct environment, within which a student can learn, develop, and instil confidence in the future.
Tula's International School, located in Dehradun, has turned out to be that place for many families. It is a balance between academic excellence and hostel life, sporting, cultural activities and personal care. You know it is that balance that makes a school the best.
