Top Boarding Schools in Nainital 2026
Nainital, the emerald lake city in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is home to some of India's most historic and revered boarding schools. Set at 2,084 metres above sea level, the city's cool climate, natural beauty, and colonial heritage have made it a centre of excellence in residential education since the British era. Sherwood College and St. Joseph's College are nationally recognised institutions that have shaped some of India's greatest achievers.
1. Sherwood College, Nainital
About the School
Sherwood College (est. 1869) is one of India's oldest and most respected boys boarding schools. Affiliated to ISC/ICSE, the school sits on a 40-acre campus overlooking Naini Lake with breathtaking Himalayan views. Sherwood College is celebrated for academic excellence, outstanding cricket (it has a private cricket ground), mountaineering, and a house system that instils leadership and camaraderie. Its alumni include Field Marshals, IAS officers, Bollywood personalities, and prominent industrialists.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 7-9 Lakh per year
- One-time admission fee: Rs 1.5-2.5 Lakh
- Security deposit: Rs 75,000 (refundable)
Facilities
- 40-acre lakeside campus with colonial architecture and Himalayan panorama
- Private cricket ground, football, squash, badminton, gymnasium
- ISC-standard science and computer labs, digital classrooms
- Library with 30,000+ volumes, archives
- Chapel, music hall, art studio, theatre
- Multiple boarding houses with housemaster system
- Medical centre with resident nurse and doctor
- Mountaineering and outdoor activity programmes
Board: ISC/ICSE | Type: Boys Boarding (Class V-XII) | Estd: 1869
2. St. Joseph College (Brinton Hall), Nainital
About the School
St. Joseph College (est. 1888), run by the Brothers of St. Gabriel, is one of Nainital's premier boys ICSE boarding schools. Also known as Brinton Hall, the school occupies a scenic hilltop campus and is celebrated for academic rigour, exemplary discipline, and a rich tradition in sports — particularly football, cricket, and athletics. The school has produced many distinguished alumni in public service, business, and the armed forces.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 5-7 Lakh per year
- One-time admission fee: Rs 1-1.5 Lakh
Facilities
- Hilltop campus with Himalayan views and clean mountain air
- Cricket ground, football field, basketball courts, indoor sports
- ICSE science labs, computer centre, library
- Chapel, music room, art room, recreation hall
- Boys boarding with house system and experienced housemasters
- Medical clinic with resident nurse
Board: ICSE | Type: Boys Boarding (Class V-XII) | Estd: 1888
3. All Saints College, Nainital
About the School
All Saints College (est. 1869) is a co-educational boarding school in Nainital affiliated to CBSE. Managed by the Church of North India, it is known for quality education at a more accessible fee point than Sherwood or St. Joseph. All Saints has a good track record in academics and sports, and offers a nurturing boarding environment suitable for both boys and girls.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 3.5-5 Lakh per year
- One-time admission fee: Rs 75,000-1 Lakh
Facilities
- Lakeside campus with heritage school buildings
- Sports fields, basketball, badminton, yoga
- Science labs, computer centre, library
- Chapel, music and arts rooms
- Co-ed boarding (separate houses for boys and girls)
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed Boarding (Class I-XII) | Estd: 1869
4. The Birla Vidya Niketan, Nainital
About the School
Birla Vidya Niketan (part of the Birla education group) is a co-educational CBSE residential school in Nainital. It provides quality education at a moderate price point with a focus on academics, sports, and character development. Popular with families from UP, Uttarakhand, and Delhi NCR who want a trusted branded school in the mountains.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Tuition + Boarding: Rs 2.5-4 Lakh per year
- One-time fee: Rs 50,000-75,000
Facilities
- Modern campus with mountain views
- Sports grounds, indoor games, yoga hall
- Science labs, computer centre, library
- Dining hall with nutritious meals, medical room
- Co-ed boarding with 24x7 supervision
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed Boarding (Class I-XII)
Admission Process for Boarding Schools in Nainital
- Sherwood College: Registration opens June-September; entrance test + interview. Highly selective with limited seats per year.
- St. Joseph: Registration August-November; written test (English, Math, Science) and interview.
- Other Schools: Registration October-January with entrance test and parent interview.
- Documents: Birth certificate, TC, previous three years marksheets, medical fitness certificate, character certificate.
- Advance Payment: On admission confirmation, advance payment of Rs 1-2 Lakh is typically required.
FAQs — Boarding Schools in Nainital
Q1. Which is the best boarding school in Nainital?
Sherwood College is the most prestigious and historically significant institution in Nainital. For co-education, All Saints College offers a quality and affordable alternative.
Q2. What is the fee range for boarding schools in Nainital?
Fees range from Rs 2.5 Lakh (Birla Vidya Niketan) to Rs 9 Lakh per year (Sherwood College) inclusive of tuition and boarding.
Q3. How far is Nainital from Delhi?
Nainital is approximately 300 km from Delhi, about 6-7 hours by road. The nearest major railway station is Kathgodam (35 km), which is well connected to Delhi and other major cities.
