Top Boarding Schools in Guwahati 2026
Guwahati — the gateway city of Northeast India and Assam's largest city — has grown rapidly into one of India's fastest-developing metros. Strategically located on the banks of the Brahmaputra, Guwahati serves as the commercial, administrative, and cultural hub of all eight Northeast Indian states. Guwahati's schools draw students from Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Mizoram, and Sikkim. With Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati is increasingly well-connected to all major Indian cities.
1. Don Bosco School, Panbazar, Guwahati
About the School
Don Bosco School Panbazar is the flagship of the Salesian schools network in Northeast India — and one of Guwahati's most prestigious boys schools. Founded in 1934, Don Bosco Panbazar has a 90-year tradition of academic excellence, character formation, and community service. Affiliated to ICSE, the school consistently produces Assam's top ICSE scores and is the alma mater of Assam's most distinguished professionals, politicians, and businesspeople. The school's boarding facility draws students from across Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Manipur — Don Bosco Panbazar is the "first choice" boarding school for many Northeast families.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 80K–1.3 Lakh per year
- Boarding: Rs 2.5–4 Lakh per year (additional)
Facilities
- Historic campus in central Guwahati (Panbazar) with chapel, sports grounds, labs
- ICSE science labs, computer lab, library, auditorium
- Football, basketball, cricket, volleyball, indoor games
- Music programme, arts activities, NCC unit
- Boarding house managed by Salesian Brothers with experienced housemasters
Board: ICSE | Type: Boys Day + Boarding | Estd: 1934
2. Assam Valley School, Balipara (Near Tezpur)
About the School
Assam Valley School (AVS), Balipara is one of Northeast India's finest full boarding schools — often described as the "Doon School of the Northeast." Located 190 km from Guwahati in the heart of the Assam tea-garden belt near the foothills of the Himalayas, AVS provides a unique residential experience combining CBSE academics with an extraordinary natural environment, outdoor education, and Round Square membership. Founded in 1995 by the Williamson Magor tea group, AVS is co-educational, admits students from Class V, and draws students from across the Northeast, Bengal, and beyond. Its beautiful 350-acre campus, exceptional faculty, and holistic programme make it Northeast India's top residential school.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Full Boarding: Rs 7–10 Lakh per year
- One-time admission fee: Rs 1.5–2 Lakh
Facilities
- 350-acre campus in the Assam tea-belt with Himalayan foothills view
- Swimming pool, cricket, football, basketball, tennis, squash, athletics, horse riding
- CBSE science labs, digital library, robotics, computer centre
- Performing arts theatre, music conservatory, art studio
- Boarding houses with experienced houseparents and matrons
- Round Square membership — international exchange and community service
- Medical centre, counsellors, outdoor education programme
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed Full Boarding (Class V–XII) | Estd: 1995
3. Delhi Public School, Guwahati
About the School
Delhi Public School Guwahati is Assam's most recognised CBSE school with boarding facilities. DPS Guwahati is known for strong CBSE board results, JEE/NEET coaching integration, and a comprehensive co-curricular programme. With multiple campuses across Guwahati, DPS draws boarding students from across Assam and the Northeast who want quality CBSE residential education in the region's most connected city.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 80K–1.4 Lakh per year
- Boarding: Rs 2–3.5 Lakh per year (additional)
Facilities
- Multiple modern CBSE campuses in Guwahati
- Swimming pool, cricket, football, basketball, badminton, athletics
- Science labs, computer lab, library, digital classrooms
- Auditorium, music room, arts activities
- Boarding hostel with wardens and dining
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed Day + Boarding
4. St. Mary's School, Guwahati
About the School
St. Mary's School, Guwahati is one of Assam's top girls schools, run by Catholic missionary sisters. Affiliated to ICSE, St. Mary's is known for its academic excellence, strong English-language education, and a distinguished alumni network across the Northeast. Boarding facilities are available for girls from outstation districts of Assam and neighbouring states.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 60K–1 Lakh per year
- Boarding: Rs 1.8–3 Lakh per year (additional)
Board: ICSE | Type: Girls Day + Boarding
5. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Assam / Kamrup
About the School
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Kamrup (near Guwahati) is part of the national JNV network providing free full boarding, meals, and CBSE education to meritorious rural students. JNV Kamrup is one of the best-performing JNVs in Northeast India, consistently producing CBSE results that rival private schools. Free for selected students from rural Assam — the best value boarding school option in Guwahati region.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Completely free for selected students (merit-based via JNVST)
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed Free Full Boarding
Quick Comparison: Guwahati Boarding Schools 2026
| School | Board | Type | Annual Boarding Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don Bosco Panbazar | ICSE | Boys Day+Boarding | Rs 3.3–5.3 Lakh total |
| Assam Valley School | CBSE | Co-ed Full Boarding | Rs 7–10 Lakh |
| DPS Guwahati | CBSE | Co-ed Day+Boarding | Rs 2.8–4.9 Lakh total |
| St. Marys School | ICSE | Girls Day+Boarding | Rs 2.4–4 Lakh total |
| JNV Kamrup | CBSE | Co-ed Free Boarding | Free (merit) |
Admission Process — Guwahati Boarding Schools
- Assam Valley School: Applications August–November; written test + interview at Guwahati, Kolkata, or Delhi. Limited seats (100 per year) — apply 18 months ahead.
- Don Bosco / St. Marys: Applications September–January; merit-based admission with entrance test.
- DPS Guwahati: Applications October–February; entrance test for Class V+.
- JNV Kamrup: Through JNVST national test — free for rural Assam merit students.
- Connectivity: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati has direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
FAQs — Boarding Schools in Guwahati
Q1. Which is the best boarding school near Guwahati?
Assam Valley School (Balipara, 190 km from Guwahati) is Northeast India's finest full boarding school — often called the "Doon School of the Northeast." Don Bosco Panbazar is Guwahati's most prestigious day+boarding school.
Q2. Is Guwahati good for boarding school education?
Yes — Guwahati is the hub of Northeast India with excellent connectivity, quality schools, and a safe environment. For families across all 8 Northeast states, Guwahati is the most accessible boarding school city.