Top Boarding Schools in Darjeeling 2026
Darjeeling, perched at 2,042 metres in the Eastern Himalayas, is home to some of India's oldest and most storied boarding schools. The "Queen of Hills" in West Bengal has been a centre of residential education since the British colonial era, with schools that have produced Supreme Court judges, generals, Olympic medallists, and Nobel Prize winners. The cool climate, breathtaking Kanchenjunga views, and century-old academic tradition make Darjeeling one of India's most sought-after boarding school destinations.
1. St. Paul's School, Darjeeling
About the School
St. Paul's School (est. 1823) holds the distinction of being one of the oldest functioning schools in India. Founded by the Church of England, this iconic boys boarding school sits on a 40-acre campus overlooking the Himalayas. Affiliated to ISC/ICSE, St. Paul's follows the British public school tradition with a house system, prefects, and an emphasis on character alongside academics. Its extraordinary alumni include Field Marshals Sam Manekshaw and K.M. Cariappa — the first two Commanders-in-Chief of the Indian Army — as well as Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. St. Paul's is consistently ranked among India's top 5 boarding schools.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 7-9 Lakh per year
- One-time admission fee: Rs 1.5-2.5 Lakh
- Security deposit: Rs 1 Lakh (refundable)
Facilities
- 40-acre heritage campus at 2,042m with unobstructed Kanchenjunga views
- Cricket ground, football pitch, squash courts, basketball, swimming pool, athletics track
- ISC-standard science and computer labs, digital classrooms
- Library with 35,000+ volumes, archives dating to the 19th century
- Chapel, music rooms (piano, guitar, choir), drama stage, art studio
- 8 boarding houses with experienced housemasters and tutors
- Medical centre with resident doctors, infirmary
- Trekking and mountaineering programmes in the Himalayas
Board: ISC/ICSE | Type: Boys Boarding (Class V–XII) | Estd: 1823
2. Loreto Convent, Darjeeling
About the School
Loreto Convent (est. 1846) is one of India's oldest and most prestigious girls boarding schools, managed by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM). Situated on a scenic hilltop, Loreto Convent Darjeeling is affiliated to ISC/ICSE and has produced generations of outstanding women in education, politics, law, and public service. Mother Teresa was a teacher here before going on to found the Missionaries of Charity. The school is known for its academic rigour, disciplined environment, and strong Christian values.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 5-7 Lakh per year
- One-time admission fee: Rs 1-1.5 Lakh
Facilities
- Heritage hillside campus with Himalayan panorama
- Sports: tennis, basketball, badminton, volleyball, yoga
- Science labs, computer centre, library with 20,000+ volumes
- Chapel, music rooms (piano, violin, choir), art studio, dance hall
- Girls boarding houses with housemistresses and matrons
- Medical facility with female nursing staff
Board: ISC/ICSE | Type: Girls Boarding (Class I–XII) | Estd: 1846
3. Dr. Graham's Homes
About the School
Dr. Graham's Homes (est. 1900) in Kalimpong (near Darjeeling) is a unique co-educational Christian residential school founded by Dr. John Anderson Graham to care for children of mixed heritage. Today it is a fully inclusive boarding school welcoming students from all backgrounds. Affiliated to CBSE, the school is known for its warm family-like atmosphere, outdoor education, and excellent academic results. It spans a 400-acre self-sustaining estate and offers one of the most picturesque school environments in India.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 2-4 Lakh per year (subsidised for economically weaker families)
- Scholarship and financial aid available
Facilities
- 400-acre estate campus in Kalimpong at 1,250m with Himalayan views
- Cricket, football, basketball, badminton, athletics
- Science labs, computer centre, library
- Chapel, music room, art studio, craft workshops
- Full co-ed boarding with residential cottages and house system
- Farm, dairy, and organic garden (students participate in estate activities)
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed Boarding (Class I–XII) | Estd: 1900 | Location: Kalimpong
4. Mount Hermon School, Darjeeling
About the School
Mount Hermon School (est. 1895) is a co-educational ISC boarding school in Darjeeling managed by the Darjeeling-Kalimpong Area Church. Known for balanced academics, good sports programme, and a nurturing residential environment, Mount Hermon is one of the most affordable quality boarding options in the Darjeeling hills. It has a loyal alumni base and produces consistent ISC results.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 3.5-5 Lakh per year
- Admission fee: Rs 75,000-1 Lakh
Facilities
- Hillside campus with Himalayan views
- Cricket, football, basketball, badminton courts
- Science labs, library, computer centre
- Chapel, music room, art room, drama stage
- Co-ed boarding with separate houses for boys and girls
Board: ISC/ICSE | Type: Co-ed Boarding (Class I–XII) | Estd: 1895
5. St. Joseph's School, Darjeeling (North Point)
About the School
St. Joseph's School, North Point (est. 1888) is a prestigious boys ISC boarding school in Darjeeling run by Jesuit missionaries. One of the finest Catholic schools in eastern India, North Point emphasises academic excellence, discipline, and service to society. Its alumni network spans the Indian Army, judiciary, civil services, and corporate world across multiple generations.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 5-7 Lakh per year
- Admission fee: Rs 1-1.5 Lakh (one-time)
Facilities
- Heritage campus on the slopes of Darjeeling
- Sports grounds, basketball, football, badminton
- Science labs, computer labs, library
- Chapel, music hall, art studio
- Boys boarding with Jesuit brothers and house tutors
- Medical room with resident nurse
Board: ISC/ICSE | Type: Boys Boarding (Class V–XII) | Estd: 1888
Admission Process for Boarding Schools in Darjeeling
- Apply Early: Registration for St. Paul's, Loreto, and North Point opens between July and October. Competition is very high — seats are limited.
- Entrance Test: Written test in English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge for Class V and above.
- Interview: Both parent and child interviews are part of the selection process at top schools.
- Documents: Birth certificate, Transfer Certificate, previous 3 years marksheets, character certificate, medical fitness certificate.
- Advance Payment: Seat confirmation requires advance fee payment of Rs 1-3 Lakh immediately upon offer of admission.
- Travel: Darjeeling is accessible via NJP Railway Station (3 hours) or Bagdogra Airport (3 hours) from the hills.
FAQs — Boarding Schools in Darjeeling
Q1. Which is the No. 1 boarding school in Darjeeling?
St. Paul's School (est. 1823) is India's oldest continuously functioning boarding school and the most prestigious institution in Darjeeling. For girls, Loreto Convent (est. 1846) holds the equivalent status.
Q2. Did Amartya Sen study in Darjeeling?
Yes. Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen studied at St. Paul's School, Darjeeling — a fact that adds immensely to the school's academic prestige.
Q3. Is Darjeeling safe for boarding school children?
Yes. Darjeeling is a calm, safe hill town with a long tradition of boarding school education. Schools maintain 24x7 security, medical facilities, and experienced residential staff to ensure student welfare.