Why Is Dehradun India's Boarding School Capital?
Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is home to more top-ranked boarding schools per square kilometre than any other Indian city. Its year-round pleasant climate (Doon Valley sits at 640m above sea level), vast open campuses, clean air, and proximity to the Himalayas make it the natural home of India's residential school tradition.
Over 40 residential schools operate in and around Dehradun, ranging from India's most prestigious institutions (The Doon School) to more accessible co-ed residential schools. Parents across India — and many NRI families — consider Dehradun the default destination for quality boarding education.
Top Boarding Schools in Dehradun 2026-27
1. The Doon School
Board: CBSE | Type: Boys | Annual Fee: ₹10–12 lakh
India's most iconic boarding school. 70-acre campus, 1,300+ students from Class 7 to 12. Alumni include Rajiv Gandhi, Vikram Seth, Shashi Tharoor, and many India CEOs. Admission at Class 7 only via the highly competitive DS-CET (held January–February annually).
- Intake: ~130 students per year (Class 7)
- Facilities: Olympic-size swimming pool, 400-m athletics track, multiple sports courts, theatre, darkrooms, electronics lab
- Affiliations: Round Square, HMC, CBSE
2. Welham Girls' School
Board: CBSE | Type: Girls | Annual Fee: ₹7–9 lakh
India's premier girls' boarding school, consistently ranked #1 for residential girls' education. Strong academics, music, art, sports, and leadership programmes.
- Entry: Class 6 (age 10–11) via written entrance
- CBSE Class 12 results: Near-100% pass, many distinctions
3. Welham Boys' School
Board: CBSE | Type: Boys | Annual Fee: ₹6–8 lakh
Sister school to Welham Girls', founded on similar values. Entry at Class 7 via written entrance. Strong cricket, debate, and science traditions.
4. Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC)
Board: CBSE | Type: Boys | Annual Fee: ₹1.5–2.5 lakh
A Central Government residential school preparing boys for the National Defence Academy. Entry at Class 8 via the RIMC entrance exam (held twice a year). Subsidised fees with military discipline.
- Entry: Class 8 (age 11.5–13 years) via RIMC entrance
- Quota: Open to all states
5. Tula's International School
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed | Annual Fee: ₹3–5 lakh
One of Dehradun's most popular modern co-ed boarding schools. Strong focus on sports (has produced national-level athletes), academics, and vocational skills. More accessible fees than the heritage schools.
6. Ecole Globale International Girls' School
Board: CBSE | Type: Girls | Annual Fee: ₹5–7 lakh
A modern girls' residential school in Dehradun with strong emphasis on global exposure, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills alongside CBSE academics.
7. Asian School Dehradun
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed | Annual Fee: ₹3–5 lakh
Large co-ed residential school known for excellent sports infrastructure (swimming, athletics, cricket, badminton) alongside mainstream CBSE academics.
8. St. Joseph's Academy
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed | Annual Fee: ₹2–4 lakh (day + boarding)
Established Jesuit school in Dehradun with both day and boarding options. Well-known for academics and values-based education.
Dehradun Boarding School Fees Comparison 2026-27
| School | Type | Board | Annual Fee | Entry Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Doon School | Boys | CBSE | ₹10–12 lakh | 7 |
| Welham Girls' | Girls | CBSE | ₹7–9 lakh | 6 |
| Welham Boys' | Boys | CBSE | ₹6–8 lakh | 7 |
| Ecole Globale | Girls | CBSE | ₹5–7 lakh | 6–9 |
| Tula's International | Co-ed | CBSE | ₹3–5 lakh | 6–9 |
| Asian School | Co-ed | CBSE | ₹3–5 lakh | 6–9 |
| RIMC | Boys | CBSE | ₹1.5–2.5 lakh | 8 |
| St. Joseph's Academy | Co-ed | CBSE | ₹2–4 lakh | Nursery–12 |
How to Get Admission in Dehradun Boarding Schools
- Doon School: Register for DS-CET (January–February). Test includes English, Mathematics, Science, GK. Shortlisted students attend interviews in Dehradun. Very competitive — roughly 10:1 applicant-to-seat ratio.
- Welham Girls'/Boys': Register October–December; entrance test in January–February; results March.
- RIMC: Apply for RIMC exam (June and December cycles); national-level competitive test.
- Tula's, Asian School, Ecole Globale: More accessible — apply year-round; entrance test + interaction + previous class TC/marksheets.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Dehradun Boarding School
- Budget: Heritage schools (₹7–12 lakh) vs modern co-ed (₹3–5 lakh) vs government/subsidised (₹1–2.5 lakh)
- Gender: Boys-only (Doon, Welham Boys') vs girls-only (Welham Girls', Ecole Globale) vs co-ed (Tula's, Asian, St. Joseph's)
- Entry class: Class 6, 7, or 8 depending on school; plan ahead for tests that open 6–12 months in advance
- Specialisation: Military (RIMC), sports (Asian, Tula's), academics (Doon, Welham), global (Ecole Globale)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best boarding school in Dehradun?
The Doon School is India's most prestigious boys' boarding school, based in Dehradun. For girls, Welham Girls' School is the top choice. For co-ed options with more accessible fees, Tula's International and Asian School are popular choices.
What is the fee for Doon School Dehradun?
The Doon School annual fee is approximately ₹10–12 lakh, inclusive of tuition, boarding, meals, and all school activities. This is one of the highest fee structures among Indian boarding schools.
How many boarding schools are there in Dehradun?
Dehradun has 40+ residential/boarding schools, more than any other Indian city. These range from premier heritage institutions established 100+ years ago to modern co-ed residential schools.
Is there a girls-only boarding school in Dehradun?
Yes. Welham Girls' School and Ecole Globale International Girls' School are both highly regarded girls-only boarding schools in Dehradun.
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