An ultimate guide to top boarding schools in India
Bengaluru (12/04/2025): Renowned boarding schools go beyond mere academics, offering students an immersive environment where they also develop their personalities and essential life skills.
These institutions provide a structured setting where holistic pedagogy creates a multifaceted learning experience shaped by ample exposure to the arts, athletics and diverse extracurricular activities.
Fostering a lifelong passion for learning, residential schools also inculcate independent decision-making, discipline, and time management and shape students to contribute positively to the society. In India, the popularity of boarding schools is rising as parents increasingly seek comprehensive education for their children.
Below is a list of five international schools in India that are preparing young learners to become future leaders, critical thinkers and responsible global citizens. Shrewsbury International School India, Bhopal-With its first South Asian campus to inaugurate in August this year, the globally renowned Shrewsbury School UK, is going to set a new benchmark for international education in India, as reflected in its longstanding 473-year-old legacy.
Founded in the UK in 1552, the school has built a rich history, earning recognition as one of the most prestigious public schools in the world.
With distinguished alumni like Charles Darwin, Shrewsbury will introduce a whole-person education experience for students between 11-18 years, focussed on their well-rounded development.
Spanning 150 acres, the fully residential campus will be the first of its kind in South Asia under the aegis of Jagran Social Welfare Society.
It aims to bring the distinctive learning environment of the institution to the country by upholding its long-standing traditions while adapting to contemporary educational needs. Official Website: https://shrewsburyindia.in/ . The Doon School, Dehradun- The Doon School, an all-boys private boarding school in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, was founded in 1935 by Satish Ranjan Das, a lawyer from Calcutta.
The school has produced distinguished alumni across various fields, including former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, writer Vikram Seth, actor Roshan Seth, designer Tarun Tahiliani, painter Vivaan Sundaram, and sculptor Anish Kapoor.
Recognized as leading legacy boarding school of the country, The Doon School was ranked first for four consecutive years (2007–2010) in Education World – Cfore, respected schools survey in India.
Spread across a sprawling 70-acre campus with lush greenery, the institution has cemented its reputation as one of the most iconic educational establishments in the country. Official Website: https://www.doonschool.com/ . Harrow International School, Bengaluru-Drawing from the heritage of notable alumni associated with Harrow School in the UK, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Lord Byron, and Winston Churchill, Harrow International School is a leading co-educational boarding and day school in India.
A collaboration between Harrow School, UK, and Amity Education, a non-profit education foundation based in Delhi, Harrow Bengaluru currently accommodates over 500 students.
The majority of secondary school students are boarders, coming from across India and beyond, with 40% holding non-Indian passports and representing various nationalities. Official Website- https://harrowbengaluru.in/ . Lawrence School, Sanawar- One of the oldest private boarding schools in India, The Lawrence School, Sanawar, is located in Kasauli near Solan in Himachal Pradesh.
Established in 1847, its history, influence, and the accomplished students it has nurtured make it one of the most prestigious schools.
It was founded by Sir Henry Lawrence and his wife, Honoria.
Its notable alumni include former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Param Vir Chakra awardee Arun Khetarpal and actor-comedian Vir Das.
The motto of the school, ‘Never Give In,’ is reflected in the success stories of its many distinguished students, who later excelled across social, cultural, political and economic spheres. Official website: https://www.sanawar.edu.in/ . JAIN International Residential School (JIRS), Bangalore- Jain International Residential School (JIRS), Bangalore, which completed 25 years of educational excellence last year, offers both full and weekly boarding facilities.
JIRS is home to more than 750 students from India and various other countries.
The Jain Academy for Sporting Excellence (JASE) also operates on the campus, providing professional coaching to complement academic learning through sports.
Students are encouraged to explore their passions, develop life skills, and enhance creativity, teamwork, and personal growth through a global curriculum and an engaging learning process.
Within a supportive and diverse community, JIRS helps students refine their talents, broaden their perspectives and sharpen their focus to become future leaders. Official Website: https://www.jirs.ac.in/.
