Top Boarding Schools in Shillong 2026
Shillong — the "Scotland of the East" and the only hill station that is also a state capital — has been a premier education destination for Northeast India for over 150 years. The city's colonial-era boarding schools, run by Christian missionary orders, are among the finest in the country. With its salubrious climate (20°C year-round), pine-forested hills, and disciplined school culture, Shillong attracts boarding students from Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and even West Bengal. The city is home to some of India's oldest and most respected missionary schools.
1. Pine Mount School, Shillong
About the School
Pine Mount School (est. 1895) is one of India's oldest and most prestigious girls boarding schools, run by the Loreto Sisters. Founded by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), Pine Mount is a CBSE school with a full residential programme for girls from Class V to XII. The school's 125+ year history, rigorous academic standards, and character formation programme have made it one of Northeast India's most respected educational institutions. Alumni include senior IAS officers, doctors, professors, and leaders across all professions from the Northeast. Pine Mount's boarding tradition, discipline, and pastoral care are legendary in Meghalaya.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Full Boarding: Rs 3.5–6 Lakh per year
- Admission fee: Rs 25K–50K (one-time)
Facilities
- Heritage campus amidst pine forests above Shillong city
- CBSE science labs, computer centre, library
- Sports grounds, basketball, badminton, indoor games, athletics
- Music room, art studio, chapel, performing arts hall
- Full boarding houses with Sisters as housemistresses; strict but caring residential programme
- Medical centre, nutritious dining
Board: CBSE | Type: Girls Full Boarding (Class V–XII) | Estd: 1895
2. St. Edmund's College & School, Shillong
About the School
St. Edmund's (Edmonts, as locals call it) is Shillong's most celebrated boys institution, run by the De La Salle Brothers. The school (Class I–XII) and the associated degree college together form one of Shillong's most iconic educational landmarks. Affiliated to CBSE, St. Edmund's is known for excellent academic results, strong sports culture (particularly football and athletics), and a robust arts and music tradition. The school offers boarding facilities and is the preferred school for families across Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland. Students from as far as Kolkata and Delhi send their children here for the unique Shillong boarding experience.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 80K–1.2 Lakh per year
- Boarding: Rs 2.5–4 Lakh per year (additional)
Facilities
- Large campus in central Shillong with football field, basketball, volleyball
- CBSE science labs, computer lab, library, chapel
- Music programme — Shillong's famous rock music culture has roots in St. Edmunds
- Boarding hostel with De La Salle Brothers as housemasters
Board: CBSE | Type: Boys Day + Boarding (Class I–XII)
3. Loreto Convent, Shillong
About the School
Loreto Convent, Shillong (not to be confused with Pine Mount — both are run by the Loreto order) is one of the city's top girls schools with over a century of history. A premier CBSE institution affiliated to the CISCE (ICSE) board, Loreto offers a holistic education with strong emphasis on English language, arts, music, and academics. The school is the alma mater of many distinguished women leaders from Meghalaya and Northeast India. Day school primarily, with limited boarding for senior secondary students.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 60K–1 Lakh per year
- Limited hostel: Rs 2–3 Lakh per year (additional, senior secondary only)
Facilities
- Beautiful heritage campus in the heart of Shillong
- Science labs, computer room, library, chapel, music room, art studio
- Sports grounds, basketball, badminton
Board: ICSE | Type: Girls Day + limited hostel
4. Don Bosco School, Shillong
About the School
Don Bosco School Shillong is one of the premier Salesian institutions in Northeast India. Run by the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), the school follows a co-educational CBSE curriculum with a strong emphasis on vocational skills, character building, and youth leadership alongside academics. The school is known for producing students who excel in CBSE boards, competitive examinations, and community leadership. Boarding facilities are available for students from outstation locations in the Northeast.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 60K–1 Lakh per year
- Boarding: Rs 2–3.5 Lakh per year (additional)
Facilities
- Modern Salesian school campus with updated CBSE infrastructure
- Football field, basketball, volleyball, athletics
- Science labs, computer centre, library, chapel
- Vocational training workshop, music band, arts activities
- Boarding hostel with Salesian brothers as housemasters
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed Day + Boarding
5. Shillong Public School
About the School
Shillong Public School is one of the newer residential schools offering CBSE education in the Shillong area with a modern campus and focus on academic-sports balance. The school is affiliated to CBSE and offers both day and boarding options. It has grown rapidly to become a respected choice for families across Meghalaya and neighbouring states seeking quality CBSE residential education in the Shillong region.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 70K–1.1 Lakh per year
- Boarding: Rs 2–3 Lakh per year (additional)
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed Day + Boarding
Quick Comparison: Shillong Boarding Schools 2026
| School | Board | Type | Annual Boarding Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Mount School | CBSE | Girls Full Boarding | Rs 3.5–6 Lakh |
| St. Edmunds School | CBSE | Boys Day+Boarding | Rs 3.3–5.2 Lakh total |
| Loreto Convent | ICSE | Girls Day+Hostel | Rs 2.6–4 Lakh total |
| Don Bosco | CBSE | Co-ed Day+Boarding | Rs 2.6–4.5 Lakh total |
| Shillong Public School | CBSE | Co-ed Day+Boarding | Rs 2.7–4.1 Lakh total |
Admission Process — Shillong Boarding Schools
- Pine Mount: Applications open October–December; entrance test and interview in January–February. Extremely competitive — apply 18 months in advance.
- St. Edmunds: Applications September–January; entrance test in February.
- Loreto / Don Bosco: Applications November–January; registration on campus or by post.
- Documents: Birth certificate, TC, previous marksheets, medical fitness, baptism certificate (for Christian schools, though non-Christians are also admitted).
- Connectivity: Shillong is connected via Umroi Airport (30 km) with limited flights; most families travel via Guwahati (100 km) which has full flight connectivity to all metros.
FAQs — Boarding Schools in Shillong
Q1. Which is the best boarding school in Shillong?
Pine Mount School (est. 1895) is Shillong's finest girls boarding school. For boys, St. Edmund's is the most prestigious. Both have 100+ year legacies and are among Northeast India's finest educational institutions.
Q2. Is Shillong a good city for boarding school education?
Excellent. Shillong has year-round cool weather (15–20°C), some of India's oldest missionary boarding schools, a strong English-language culture, and a safe, culturally rich environment — ideal for boarding school life.
Q3. Can students from other states get admission to Shillong schools?
Yes. Shillong's boarding schools actively admit students from Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal, and even other states. The schools are accustomed to hosting students from diverse backgrounds across Northeast India.
