Top Boarding Schools in Dehradun 2026
Dehradun is India's undisputed boarding school capital. Nestled in the scenic Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas, the city has been synonymous with elite residential schooling for over a century. From The Doon School to Welham Girls, Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) to Asian School, Dehradun's boarding schools attract students from across India and abroad, offering world-class academics, outstanding sports facilities, and holistic character development.
If you are searching for the best boarding school in Dehradun for your child, this comprehensive guide covers the top institutions — their history, facilities, annual fees, and admission process for 2026.
1. The Doon School
About the School
Established in 1935 by S.R. Das, The Doon School is India's most prestigious boys boarding school. Located in the heart of Dehradun, it follows the CBSE curriculum and has produced Prime Ministers, business leaders, and literary greats. The school is a member of Round Square — a global network of progressive schools — and emphasizes experiential learning, community service, and environmental stewardship.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 10-12 Lakh per year
- One-time admission fee: Rs 2-3 Lakh
- Security deposit: Rs 1 Lakh (refundable)
Facilities
- 200-acre campus with verdant grounds and heritage buildings
- Olympic-standard swimming pool, cricket ground, tennis and squash courts
- Fully equipped science and computer labs, digital library
- Air-conditioned dormitories with housemasters
- Theatre, art studios, music and dance rooms
- Medical centre with full-time doctors and nursing staff
Board: CBSE | Type: Boys Boarding (Class VI-XII) | Estd: 1935
2. Welham Girls School
About the School
Welham Girls School (est. 1957) is India's top residential school for girls, offering a rigorous CBSE curriculum in a nurturing environment. Known for producing strong, independent women, Welham Girls has an alumni network spanning politics, business, arts, and academia. Located in central Dehradun, the school emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and cultural sensitivity.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 8-10 Lakh per year
- Admission fee: Rs 1.5-2 Lakh (one-time)
- Security deposit: Rs 75,000 (refundable)
Facilities
- Sprawling green campus with heritage architecture
- Indoor and outdoor sports — tennis, basketball, badminton, athletics
- Science labs, language labs, art and craft rooms
- Well-stocked library with 20,000+ volumes
- Spacious dormitories with dedicated house staff
- Music rooms (vocal and instrumental), dance studios
Board: CBSE | Type: Girls Boarding (Class VI-XII) | Estd: 1957
3. Welham Boys School
About the School
Welham Boys School (est. 1937), often called the feeder school for The Doon School, is a premier boys boarding school in Dehradun for junior classes. It provides an academically rigorous environment for boys in Classes IV-VIII, after which many students transition to The Doon School or other prestigious senior boarding schools.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 6-8 Lakh per year
- Admission fee: Rs 1-1.5 Lakh (one-time)
Facilities
- Beautiful 10-acre campus in the heart of Dehradun
- Cricket nets, football and basketball courts, swimming pool
- Well-equipped science and computer labs
- Library, music and art rooms
- Full boarding facilities with house system and senior housemasters
Board: CBSE | Type: Boys Boarding (Class IV-VIII) | Estd: 1937
4. Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC)
About the School
RIMC (est. 1922), originally the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College, is a premier military residential school for boys in Dehradun. Admission is through a highly competitive national entrance exam. Graduates feed into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Military Academy (IMA), producing some of India's greatest military officers. RIMC combines rigorous academics with military training and discipline.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 2-3 Lakh per year (subsidised by Ministry of Defence)
- Admission via RIMC entrance exam (national level)
Facilities
- Sprawling military campus with parade grounds, obstacle courses
- Cricket, football, hockey, basketball, equestrian sports
- Science and computer labs, library
- Military training grounds and obstacle tracks
- Full residential facilities with strict military discipline
- Medical facilities with full-time staff
Board: CBSE | Type: Boys Boarding (Class VIII-XII) | Estd: 1922
5. St. Joseph's Academy
About the School
St. Joseph's Academy is one of Dehradun's oldest and most respected co-educational ICSE schools, managed by the De La Salle Brothers. While primarily a day school, it offers boarding facilities for outstation students. Known for excellent academic results, sports achievements, and strong values-based education, St. Joseph's has a legacy spanning over a century.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 80K-1.2 Lakh
- Boarding (hostel): Rs 2.5-3.5 Lakh per year
Facilities
- Large campus with multiple sports grounds — cricket, football, basketball
- Well-equipped science labs, computer centre
- Library with 25,000+ books, reading room
- Art and music rooms, theatre hall
- Hostel with dining hall and 24x7 supervision
Board: ICSE | Type: Co-ed Day + Boarding (Class I-XII) | Estd: 1890s
6. Asian School Dehradun
About the School
Asian School Dehradun is a residential CBSE school known for its strong focus on academics, sports, and value-based education. It operates on a full-boarding model and serves students from across India. The school follows an integrated approach combining JEE/NEET preparation with board-level academics, making it popular with families targeting engineering and medical colleges.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 2.5-4 Lakh per year
- One-time admission fee: Rs 50K-1 Lakh
Facilities
- Residential campus with fully furnished dormitories
- Physics, chemistry, and biology labs with modern equipment
- Cricket, volleyball, basketball, badminton courts
- Computer labs with high-speed internet
- Dining hall with nutritious multi-cuisine meals
- Medical room with nurse, doctor on call
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed Boarding (Class VI-XII) | Focus: JEE/NEET
Admission Process for Boarding Schools in Dehradun
- Research and Apply Early: Most Dehradun boarding schools open registration between August and December. Seats are limited and fill quickly.
- Entrance Test: Schools like The Doon School and Welham Girls conduct competitive written entrance tests in English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge.
- RIMC Entrance: National-level examination conducted twice a year by Ministry of Defence. Extremely competitive — only 25 seats per batch.
- Interview: Most schools include a parent and child interview as part of the selection process.
- Documents: Birth certificate, school Transfer Certificate, previous three years marksheets, character certificate, medical fitness certificate.
- Fee Payment: Advance fee payment is required on seat confirmation. Refund policies vary.
FAQs — Boarding Schools in Dehradun
Q1. Which is the No. 1 boarding school in Dehradun?
The Doon School is widely considered India's No. 1 boys boarding school, with an unmatched legacy, alumni network, and global reputation. For girls, Welham Girls School holds the equivalent position.
Q2. What is the fee for The Doon School in 2026?
The Doon School charges approximately Rs 10-12 Lakh per year inclusive of tuition, boarding, meals, and activities. There is also a one-time admission fee of Rs 2-3 Lakh.
Q3. At what age can my child join a boarding school in Dehradun?
Most senior boarding schools like The Doon School and Welham Girls admit students at Class VI (age 11-12). Welham Boys and some others admit from Class IV (age 9-10). RIMC admits at Class VIII level.
Q4. Is Dehradun safe for boarding school students?
Yes. Dehradun is consistently ranked among India's safest cities. Boarding schools maintain 24x7 security, housemasters, resident nurses, and strict safety protocols for all students.