Top Boarding Schools in Deolali (Near Nashik) 2026
Deolali, a quiet cantonment town 15 km from Nashik in Maharashtra, is known in Indian military history as a famous army camp and transit depot. Less well-known — but equally significant — is its role as home to Barnes School, one of Maharashtra's finest and most historic ICSE boarding schools. Situated at 600 metres in the Sahyadri foothills, Deolali offers a calm, disciplined environment ideal for residential schooling.
1. Barnes School and Junior College, Deolali
About the School
Barnes School (est. 1925) is one of Maharashtra's most prestigious co-educational boarding schools, established by the Anglican Church for children of soldiers stationed in Deolali camp. Today it welcomes students from all backgrounds and is affiliated to ISC/ICSE. Barnes School occupies a beautiful 35-acre campus with colonial bungalows and is celebrated for outstanding ISC results, exceptional sports (cricket, hockey, athletics), and a warm, family-oriented boarding culture. The school regularly figures in national rankings of India's top boarding schools.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 4.5-7 Lakh per year
- One-time admission fee: Rs 1-1.5 Lakh
- Security deposit: Rs 50,000 (refundable)
Facilities
- 35-acre heritage colonial campus in Deolali cantonment
- Cricket ground with scoring pavilion, hockey pitch, football field, swimming pool, tennis, basketball, athletics track
- ISC/ICSE-standard science labs, computer labs, digital classrooms
- Library with 20,000+ volumes, reading room
- Chapel, music rooms (piano, guitar, choir), art studio, drama hall
- 6 boarding houses with housemasters, matrons, and resident tutors
- Medical centre with resident nurse, doctor on call
Board: ISC/ICSE | Type: Co-ed Boarding (Class V–XII) | Estd: 1925
2. St. Mary's School, Deolali
About the School
St. Mary's School Deolali is a girls boarding school affiliated to ICSE, managed by Catholic sisters. One of the oldest girls schools in the Nashik region, St. Mary's offers a structured residential programme combining academics with arts, music, and sports. Known for its disciplined and nurturing boarding environment, it is particularly popular with families from Maharashtra and Goa.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 3-5 Lakh per year
- Admission fee: Rs 75,000-1 Lakh (one-time)
Facilities
- Peaceful campus in Deolali with heritage school buildings
- Sports courts — tennis, basketball, volleyball, badminton
- Science labs, computer centre, library
- Chapel, music room, art studio, craft rooms
- Girls boarding houses with housemistresses and matrons
- Medical clinic with female nursing staff
Board: ICSE | Type: Girls Boarding (Class I–XII)
3. Army Public School Deolali
About the School
Army Public School (APS) Deolali is a CBSE school managed by the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES), serving children of defence personnel stationed at Deolali Cantonment. While primarily a day school, APS Deolali provides hostel accommodation for students from postings outside the local area. Known for discipline, academics, and sports — especially cricket and athletics — consistent with the Army Public School tradition across India.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition: Rs 25K-50K per year (subsidised for defence families)
- Hostel: Rs 1-2 Lakh per year (where available)
- Civilian quota seats available at slightly higher fees
Facilities
- Military campus with parade grounds and sports fields
- Cricket, football, basketball, indoor sports
- Science labs, computer labs, library
- Boarding hostel for outstation defence students
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed Day + Hostel (Defence Priority)
4. Nearby Boarding Options — Nashik (15 km from Deolali)
| School | Board | Type | Annual Fees (Boarding) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DPS Nashik | CBSE | Co-ed Day + Boarding | Rs 4-6 Lakh |
| Ryan International Nashik | CBSE | Co-ed Day + Hostel | Rs 3-5 Lakh |
| St. Xavier School Nashik | CBSE | Co-ed Day + Hostel | Rs 2-4 Lakh |
| Podar International Nashik | CBSE/IB | Co-ed Day + Boarding | Rs 4-12 Lakh |
Admission Process — Deolali Boarding Schools
- Barnes School: Registration opens July–October. Written entrance test (English, Maths, Science, GK) + interview. Approximately 60–80 new boarders admitted per year. Very competitive.
- St. Mary's: Registration August–November; written test and interview for girls Class V onwards.
- APS Deolali: Priority allocation for defence families based on posting; civilian quota via direct application.
- Documents: Birth certificate, TC, previous 3 years marksheets, medical fitness certificate, character reference.
- Travel: Deolali is 15 km from Nashik city, 165 km from Mumbai (3 hours by road). Nashik Road railway station is the nearest railhead (10 km).
FAQs — Boarding Schools in Deolali
Q1. Which is the best boarding school in Deolali?
Barnes School is unequivocally the finest boarding school in Deolali — with a 100-year history, outstanding ISC results, exceptional sports facilities, and a warm boarding culture.
Q2. Is Barnes School in Deolali a good school?
Yes. Barnes School consistently ranks among Maharashtra's top 5 boarding schools and is well-regarded nationally. Its alumni span the armed forces, civil services, medicine, and corporate leadership.
Q3. How far is Deolali from Mumbai?
Deolali is approximately 165 km from Mumbai — about 3 hours by road or train. Parents from Mumbai, Pune, and Goa frequently choose Deolali schools for weekend visiting convenience.