Top Boarding Schools in Varanasi (Banaras) 2026
Varanasi — one of the world's oldest living cities and India's spiritual capital — is also home to some of Uttar Pradesh's finest schools. The city of Ganga ghats, Banaras Hindu University (one of Asia's largest universities), IIT-BHU, and centuries of scholarly tradition has naturally produced quality educational institutions. Varanasi's boarding schools draw students from eastern UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. The city's central location on the Howrah-Delhi main line makes it easily accessible from all over India.
1. Sunbeam School, Lahartara / Varuna, Varanasi
About the School
Sunbeam Schools (multiple campuses — Lahartara, Varuna, Sunderpur, Bhagwanpur) is Varanasi's most celebrated and largest CBSE school group. Sunbeam has consistently produced UP CBSE state toppers and national Olympiad participants. Known for academic excellence, strong sports culture, and a robust co-curricular programme, Sunbeam Group of Schools has a combined student strength of over 25,000 — making it one of UP's largest school systems. Boarding facilities are available at the Varuna campus for outstation students from eastern UP and Bihar.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 80K–1.3 Lakh per year
- Boarding: Rs 2–3.5 Lakh per year (additional)
Facilities
- Multiple modern campuses across Varanasi
- Swimming pool, cricket, football, basketball, badminton, athletics
- CBSE science labs, computer lab, digital library, robotics
- Auditorium, music room, arts and cultural activities
- Boarding hostel with wardens and nutritious dining
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed Day + Boarding
2. Delhi Public School, Varanasi
About the School
Delhi Public School Varanasi is one of eastern UP's top CBSE schools, offering education from Class I to XII with boarding facilities. DPS Varanasi has grown rapidly and is known for strong CBSE results, JEE/NEET coaching integration, and comprehensive co-curricular activities. Students from Mirzapur, Chandauli, Bhadohi, and neighbouring districts board at DPS Varanasi for quality CBSE education in the city.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 80K–1.3 Lakh per year
- Boarding: Rs 2–3 Lakh per year (additional)
Facilities
- Modern CBSE campus in Varanasi with well-equipped labs
- Cricket, football, basketball, swimming pool, badminton
- Science labs, computer lab, library, digital classrooms
- Auditorium, music room, arts room
- Boarding hostel with wardens and dining
Board: CBSE | Type: Co-ed Day + Boarding
3. St. John's School, Varanasi
About the School
St. John's School, Varanasi is one of the city's oldest Christian missionary schools with a distinguished academic tradition. Affiliated to ICSE, St. John's is known for English language excellence, academic rigour, and a strong alumni network in Varanasi's professional community. The school has boarding facilities and is a first-choice school for Catholic families and English-medium families across eastern UP.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 60K–1 Lakh per year
- Boarding: Rs 1.8–3 Lakh per year (additional)
Board: ICSE | Type: Co-ed Day + Boarding
4. Central Hindu Boys School (BHU Campus), Varanasi
About the School
Central Hindu Boys School (CHBS) is a unique institution located inside the Banaras Hindu University campus. Founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya alongside BHU in 1916, CHBS integrates CBSE education with Sanskrit, Vedic studies, yoga, and Indian cultural values. The school has hostel facilities (for BHU-affiliated residential students) and offers one of India's most unique educational environments — studying in Asia's largest residential university campus, surrounded by India's intellectual, cultural, and spiritual heritage. A truly distinctive option for families seeking a blend of academic excellence and Indian tradition.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 20K–50K per year (university-subsidised)
- Hostel (BHU campus): Rs 60K–1.2 Lakh per year
Facilities
- Campus inside Banaras Hindu University — access to BHU museums, libraries, temples, hospitals
- Sanskrit, Vedic studies, yoga integrated into curriculum
- Sports grounds, BHU stadium access, swimming pool
- Science labs, BHU library access, computer lab
Board: CBSE | Type: Boys Day + Hostel (BHU campus) | Estd: 1916
5. Holy Child School / Convent of Jesus & Mary, Varanasi
About the School
Holy Child School and Convent of Jesus and Mary are among Varanasi's top girls missionary schools with boarding facilities. These Catholic schools (ICSE) are known for English language excellence, disciplined academic programmes, and a strong tradition of women's education in Uttar Pradesh. Boarding is available for girls from outstation families.
Fees (Annual, 2026)
- Day School: Rs 50K–90K per year
- Boarding: Rs 1.5–2.5 Lakh per year (additional)
Board: ICSE | Type: Girls Day + Boarding
Quick Comparison: Varanasi Boarding Schools 2026
| School | Board | Type | Annual Boarding Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunbeam School | CBSE | Co-ed Day+Boarding | Rs 2.8–4.8 Lakh total |
| DPS Varanasi | CBSE | Co-ed Day+Boarding | Rs 2.8–4.3 Lakh total |
| St. Johns School | ICSE | Co-ed Day+Boarding | Rs 2.4–4 Lakh total |
| CHBS (BHU Campus) | CBSE | Boys Day+Hostel | Rs 80K–1.7 Lakh total |
| Holy Child/CJM | ICSE | Girls Day+Boarding | Rs 2–3.4 Lakh total |
FAQs — Boarding Schools in Varanasi
Q1. Which is the best boarding school in Varanasi?
Sunbeam School Group is Varanasi's most celebrated CBSE school with boarding. DPS Varanasi is the top co-ed CBSE boarding option. Central Hindu Boys School (BHU campus) offers a unique and affordable traditional Indian education in the BHU setting.
Q2. Is Varanasi good for boarding school education?
Yes — Varanasi combines a safe, culturally rich environment, quality schools, BHU's intellectual atmosphere, and an affordable cost of living. It is one of eastern UP's best cities for boarding school education.