Top Boarding Schools in Kolkata 2026
Kolkata — the "City of Joy" and India's cultural capital — has some of the country's most prestigious and historically significant schools. Many of Kolkata's finest institutions date to the British colonial era and have produced Nobel laureates, revolutionary thinkers, prime ministers, and world-class artists. While primarily day schools, several of Kolkata's elite schools offer boarding facilities, and the city's academic ecosystem is among the richest in India.
1. La Martiniere for Boys
About the School
La Martiniere for Boys (est. 1836) is one of India's most prestigious ICSE schools and a proud member of the La Martiniere group that includes schools in Lucknow and Lyon (France). Founded under the bequest of French general Claude Martin, the school is housed in an extraordinary Gothic-style building — Belvedere House — in central Kolkata. Affiliated to ISC/ICSE, La Martiniere Boys consistently ranks among India's top 10 schools. While primarily a day school, limited boarding hostel facilities are available for outstation students. Alumni include legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 80K-1.5 Lakh per year
- Boarding (hostel): Rs 2.5-4 Lakh per year (additional)
- One-time admission: Rs 1-2 Lakh
Facilities
- Historic Gothic campus in central Kolkata — a heritage landmark
- Cricket ground, football, basketball, swimming pool, athletics
- ISC-standard science and computer labs, library with 30,000+ volumes
- Chapel, music rooms, art studio, drama stage with professional lighting
- Boarding hostel with housemasters and dining facility
- Medical room with resident nurse
Board: ISC/ICSE | Type: Boys Day + Boarding (Class I–XII) | Estd: 1836
2. La Martiniere for Girls
About the School
La Martiniere for Girls (est. 1876) is one of India's most respected girls schools, affiliated to ISC/ICSE. Situated in a beautiful heritage building in south Kolkata, the school is known for exceptional academic standards, arts, music, and strong co-curricular programmes. Like its counterpart for boys, La Martiniere Girls is primarily a day school with some boarding provision. It consistently ranks among India's top girls schools.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 70K-1.3 Lakh per year
- Boarding (hostel): Rs 2-3.5 Lakh per year (additional)
Facilities
- Heritage campus in south Kolkata with beautiful colonial architecture
- Sports courts, swimming pool, gymnasium
- Science labs, computer centre, library
- Chapel, music conservatory, art studio, dance rooms
- Girls hostel with housemistresses and supervised accommodation
Board: ISC/ICSE | Type: Girls Day + Boarding (Class I–XII) | Estd: 1876
3. St. Xavier's Collegiate School
About the School
St. Xavier's Collegiate School (est. 1860) is Kolkata's most iconic ICSE school, run by Jesuit missionaries. Known for intellectual rigour, strong Jesuit values, and producing generations of thinkers and leaders — including Mother Teresa, Justice P.N. Bhagwati, and numerous IAS officers — St. Xavier's Collegiate is primarily a day school but offers boarding facilities for outstation students through its residential programme.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 60K-1.2 Lakh per year
- Boarding: Rs 2-3.5 Lakh per year (additional)
Facilities
- Grand heritage campus in central Kolkata near Park Street
- Sports grounds, gymnasium, swimming pool
- Science labs, computer labs, library with 40,000+ volumes
- Chapel, music room, drama stage, art gallery
- Residential accommodation with Jesuit housemaster supervision
Board: ICSE | Type: Boys Day + Boarding (Class I–XII) | Estd: 1860
4. Don Bosco School Park Circus
About the School
Don Bosco School (est. 1887), managed by the Salesian Brothers, is one of Kolkata's oldest Catholic schools with boarding facilities. Affiliated to ICSE, the school emphasises academic excellence alongside vocational and character development — consistent with the Salesian charism of educating youth from all backgrounds. It is particularly popular with families from North East India who seek quality ICSE boarding in Kolkata.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 50K-90K per year
- Boarding: Rs 1.5-2.5 Lakh per year (additional)
Facilities
- Heritage campus in Park Circus area of Kolkata
- Cricket, football, basketball courts
- Science labs, library, computer centre
- Chapel, music room, vocational training workshops
- Boys boarding with Salesian brother supervision and dining
Board: ICSE | Type: Boys Day + Boarding (Class I–XII) | Estd: 1887
5. Birla High School, Kolkata (Boarding)
About the School
Birla High School is one of Kolkata's top CBSE schools established by the Birla Education Trust. Known for strong CBSE results, excellent infrastructure, and a balanced approach to education, Birla High School offers boarding facilities and is a preferred choice for students targeting engineering and medical entrance exams alongside CBSE board exams.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 70K-1.2 Lakh per year
- Boarding: Rs 2-3 Lakh per year (additional)
Facilities
- Well-maintained CBSE campus with modern classrooms and labs
- Swimming pool, sports courts, cricket ground
- Science and computer labs, library
- Arts room, music room, auditorium
- Boarding hostel with house staff and nutritious dining
Board: CBSE | Type: Boys Day + Boarding (Class I–XII)
Admission Process for Boarding Schools in Kolkata
- Apply Early: La Martiniere, Xavier's, and Don Bosco have very high demand — register between July and October.
- Entrance Test: Written test in English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge for Class IV and above.
- Interview: Both parent and student interviews are required at leading schools.
- Documents: Birth certificate, TC, previous 3 years marksheets, character certificate, medical certificate.
- Boarding Hostel Availability: Boarding seats are separate from day seats — confirm hostel availability directly with the school admission office.
FAQs — Boarding Schools in Kolkata
Q1. Which is the best boarding school in Kolkata?
La Martiniere for Boys is widely regarded as Kolkata's most prestigious school with boarding. St. Xavier's Collegiate is equally renowned for ISC/ICSE excellence.
Q2. Do Kolkata schools have proper residential facilities?
Kolkata's elite schools like La Martiniere and Xavier's have boarding hostels, though boarding capacity is limited. For full-boarding residential school experience, many Kolkata families opt for Darjeeling hill schools (3 hours) which offer dedicated boarding campuses.
Q3. Is Kolkata good for overall education?
Yes. Kolkata has one of India's richest educational traditions, with schools dating to the 1800s, a strong coaching ecosystem for competitive exams, and prestigious higher education institutions like Presidency University, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Kharagpur nearby.