Top Boarding Schools in Ajmer 2026
Ajmer in Rajasthan is home to some of India's most historic and prestigious boarding schools, including the legendary Mayo College — often called the "Eton of the East." Nestled between the Aravalli Hills, Ajmer has been a centre of boarding school education since 1875 and continues to attract students from aristocratic, business, and professional families across India.
1. Mayo College
About the School
Mayo College (est. 1875) is India's oldest residential school and one of its most prestigious. Founded by Lord Mayo (Viceroy of India) as a school for the sons of Rajputana princes, it is today India's finest boys boarding school for senior classes. An ICSE-affiliated school, Mayo College has a 100-acre campus with Mughal-Indo-Saracenic architecture. Its alumni include maharajas, cabinet ministers, Olympic athletes, and captains of industry. Mayo College is part of the prestigious Round Square organisation alongside The Doon School and Woodstock School.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 12-15 Lakh per year
- One-time admission fee: Rs 3-5 Lakh
- Security deposit: Rs 1 Lakh (refundable)
Facilities
- 100+ acre campus with iconic Mughal-Indo-Saracenic architecture
- International-standard polo ground, cricket, football, squash, tennis, swimming pool
- Fully equipped science and computer labs, digital classrooms
- Library with 50,000+ volumes, archives, reading rooms
- Heritage museum, art gallery, music conservatory
- Multiple boarding houses with senior housemasters and tutors
- Medical centre with full-time doctors and hospital tie-up
Board: ICSE | Type: Boys Boarding (Class V-XII) | Estd: 1875
2. Mayo College Girls School (MCGS)
About the School
Mayo College Girls School (est. 1988) is the sister institution to Mayo College, offering the same heritage and prestige for girls. Located on a beautiful campus in Ajmer, MCGS follows CBSE curriculum and is considered one of India's top girls boarding schools. It shares the Mayo College philosophy of holistic development combining academic excellence with culture, leadership, and community service.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 10-13 Lakh per year
- One-time admission fee: Rs 2-3 Lakh
Facilities
- Sprawling modern campus adjacent to Mayo College
- Swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball, athletics track
- Science labs, computer centre, library
- Art and design studios, dance rooms, music conservatory
- Girls boarding with experienced housemistresses
- Health centre with female medical staff
Board: CBSE | Type: Girls Boarding (Class V-XII) | Estd: 1988
3. Sophia Senior Secondary School, Ajmer
About the School
Sophia School (est. 1918) is one of Rajasthan's oldest and most respected girls schools, managed by the Society of the Sacred Heart. While primarily a day school, it has boarding facilities for outstation students. Sophia Ajmer has an impeccable academic record and is affiliated to CBSE. It has been a pioneer in women's education in Rajasthan for over a century.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 40K-80K per year
- Boarding (Hostel): Rs 1.5-2.5 Lakh per year (additional)
Facilities
- Heritage campus in central Ajmer
- Sports grounds, basketball and volleyball courts
- Science and computer labs, library
- Art and craft room, music room, chapel
- Girls hostel with supervised accommodation and dining
Board: CBSE | Type: Girls Day + Boarding (Class I-XII) | Estd: 1918
4. St. Ansgar Senior Secondary School
About the School
St. Ansgar School in Ajmer is a co-educational CBSE school with boarding facilities managed by a Christian mission. It offers a well-rounded education combining academics, sports, and spiritual development. St. Ansgar is an affordable boarding option in Ajmer, popular among middle-class families seeking quality residential education in a safe environment.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 30K-55K per year
- Boarding: Rs 1.2-2 Lakh per year
Facilities
- Well-maintained campus with sports grounds
- Science and computer labs, library
- Chapel, music room, art room
- Co-ed boarding with separate hostels for boys and girls
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed Day + Boarding | Estd: Mid-1900s
Admission Process for Boarding Schools in Ajmer
- Mayo College: Registration opens July-October. Entrance test (English, Mathematics, General Knowledge) followed by interview. Highly selective — fewer than 80 seats per year across classes.
- Mayo College Girls School: Similar process to Mayo College boys; registration August-November.
- Other Schools: Registration October-January; entrance test and interview required.
- Documents Required: Birth certificate, school TC, last three years marksheets, character certificate, medical certificate.
- Seat Confirmation: Advance fee payment (Rs 2-4 Lakh) required immediately upon offer of admission.
FAQs — Boarding Schools in Ajmer
Q1. Is Mayo College really India's Eton?
Yes. Mayo College is often called the "Eton of the East" because of its heritage, architecture, prestige, and alumni. It is India's oldest functioning residential school.
Q2. What is the admission process for Mayo College?
Mayo College requires a written entrance test (English, Math, GK) and interview. Admission is extremely competitive. Many families apply for Class V-VI slots years in advance.
Q3. Is Ajmer a good city for boarding school education?
Yes. Ajmer is a calm, safe city with a strong boarding school culture. Its location in Rajasthan provides easy access from Delhi, Jaipur, and major cities via rail and road.