Top Boarding Schools in Dehradun 2026-27: Fees, Admissions, Rankings & Reviews

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun has earned its reputation as one of the premier hubs of boarding schools in India. There are 88 boarding schools in and near Dehradun, offering a distinctive blend of academic excellence, natural environment, and legacy institutions. 

The city’s mild climate (avg. 16-30°C), pollution-free air, proximity to nature reserves and academic pedigree have made it a preferred choice among both Indian and international parents seeking structured and secure residential education for their children. In fact, according to Ezyschooling’s keyword research, Dehradun is the second most popular destination in India for boarding schools, following Bangalore. 
 

Boarding Schools in Dehradun: Key Highlights

 

Quick Facts about Boarding Schools in Dehradun

• Dehradun has 88 boarding schools, with 71 inside the city and 17 in nearby towns and hill stations.
• Fees range from ₹4,500 in budget schools to ₹26.12 lakh in premium institutions like The Doon School.
• About 55% of boarding schools in Dehradun fall in the ₹3 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs fee range, while fewer than 10% charge above ₹10 lakh annually.
• CBSE is the most common affiliation in Dehradun with 42 schools, covering 48% of the total.
• ICSE and CISCE account for 29 schools, representing 33% of the total.
• Cambridge and IGCSE are offered in 7 schools (8%), while IB is available in 1 school (1%).
• Dehradun has a higher share of ICSE and IGCSE boarding schools compared to other Indian states.
• Full boarding schools in Dehradun dominate with 55 institutions, about 63% of the total.
• Day-cum-boarding schools in Dehradun are 14 in number (16%), while day boarding schools are only 2 (2%).
• Co-educational schools form the majority in Dehradun with 51 institutions (58%), while there are 11 girls-only schools (12%) and 9 boys-only schools (10%).
• Nearly three-quarters of boarding schools in Dehradun are co-educational, yet the city is also known for its prestigious single-gender institutions.
• International boarding schools in Dehradun are 7 in number, making up 8% of the total.
• Leading residential schools in India include The Doon School, Welham Boys’ School, Welham Girls’ School, The TonsBridge School, The Asian School, and Col. Brown Cambridge School.
   

Top 10 Boarding Schools in Dehradun with Fee Structure (2025-26)

Here is a list of the top 10 schools in Dehradun for 2025-26: The Doon School, Welham Boys’ School, The TonsBridge School, Welham Girls’ School, Col. Brown Cambridge School, The Asian School, Doon International School, Doon Imperial Residential School, Tula’s International School and The Pestle Weed School. The annual fees in the top 10 schools in Dehradun usually range from ₹ 3.15 lakhs to ₹26.12 lakhs. 

Let us take a closer look at the fee structures of the top 10 boarding schools in Dehradun:

Note: The fee structures mentioned here are to the best of our knowledge. For the most accurate and detailed breakdown of costs, we strongly recommend that you cross-check the latest fee structure directly with the school's admissions office or connect directly with Ezyschooling admission counsellors.
 

Top 5 Boarding Schools in Dehradun: By Search

Here are the top 5 boarding schools in Dehradun, searched most on Google in 2024:

Please note that this data is based on Google search trends and may not be completely accurate.

• *Search Score represents search interest relative to the highest point on the chart for the given region and time. A value of 100 is the peak popularity for the term. A value of 50 means that the term is half as popular. A score of 0 means there was not enough data for this term.
• According to Google Search Trends, the most searched boarding school in India in 2024 is The Doon School. It is a boys-only school located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The school was founded in 1935 and is known for its academic excellence, sports, and extracurricular activities. The Doon School has produced many notable alumni, including politicians, diplomats, and business leaders.
   

Best Girls’ Boarding Schools in Dehradun

Welham Girls’ School, Unison World School and Ecole Globale International Girls’ School are some of the best girls’ boarding schools in Dehradun. Known for their academic rigour, excellent facilities and focus on holistic development, these schools have consistently been recognized as the best girls’ residential schools in Dehradun. 

Here is a table detailing more information about the top girls’ boarding schools in Dehradun:

 

Best Boarding School for Boys in Dehradun

The best boarding schools for boys in Dehradun include The Doon School, Welham Boys’ School and St. George’s School. These schools are known for their strong academic reputation, rich heritage and focus on holistic development. Here is a table detailing more information about these and other top boarding schools for boys in Dehradun:

 

Best Coed Boarding Schools in Dehradun

The best coed boarding schools in Dehradun include The Asian School, The Tonsbridge School, Doon International School, etc. Known for structured academic programs and emphasis on all-round growth, these coed boarding schools in Dehradun provide a dynamic and nurturing environment that prepares students for success in an interconnected world.

Here is a table detailing the best coed boarding schools in Dehradun:

 

Government Boarding Schools in Dehradun

Even though in a limited number, there are certain prestigious boarding schools in Dehradun, like Rashtriya Indian Military College, Kanya Gurukul Mahavidyalaya and PM Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya. Known for their affordable fee structures, these government boarding schools are known to emphasise holistic development.

Here is a table detailing more information about these schools:

Source: KnowYourSchool and official school websites
 

Why is Dehradun a Popular Choice for Boarding Schools?

For over a century, Dehradun has been the gold standard for boarding school education in India. Its reputation as the 'School Capital' is built on a unique combination of historical legacy, an unparalleled environment, and a commitment to holistic student development.

• 150+ years of educational legacy, housing India's oldest and most prestigious boarding schools
• A pristine Himalayan valley setting (640m elevation) with pollution levels 30% lower than Delhi (CPCB 2023)
• Consistently ranked as one of India's safest cities
• Over 90% average scores in CBSE and ICSE board exams each year
• Alumni networks spanning
• Alumni networks spanning prominent politicians, artists, writers, social activists and businesspeople

Source: District Dehradun, Numbeo and Wikipedia
 

What is the Admission Process for Boarding Schools in Dehradun?

The admission process for boarding schools in Dehradun usually involves registration, document submission, an entrance test, followed by an interaction round with the school administration. Let us look at these in more detail:

Admission Criteria

Each school might have slightly differing admission criteria, the most prevalent being:

• Satisfying the minimum age criteria according to the class in which admission is sought(if applicable) 
• Past school records and marksheets to determine eligibility for admission to a particular class
• Medical fitness certificate, as schools prioritize student health and well-being. (if applicable)
• Behavioural certificate if transferring from another school
• Priority to siblings of current students or children of alumni is also given in some schools
• Parent-child interviews (common in IB/ICSE schools) to assess alignment with school values
• Qualifying entrance tests might also be a criterion of applying for admission to higher classes

Admission Process

While each school may have its own nuances, the general admission process follows these steps:

1. Online/Offline Registration: Fill out the application form on the school’s website or in person during the admission window.
2. Submission of Required Documents: Upload or submit physical copies of all required documents along with the application form and fee.
3. Entrance Assessment (if applicable): Students may be invited to take a written test in subjects like English, Math, or Science, depending on the grade level.
4. Parent-Child Interaction/Interview: An informal session to assess the child’s readiness and the family’s compatibility with the school’s philosophy.
5. Review of Academic & Medical Records: The school verifies previous performance, health status, and overall suitability.
6. Offer of Admission: Selected candidates receive an admission offer via email or official communication.
7. Fee Payment and Enrollment Confirmation: Admission is confirmed after fee payment within the given deadline.
8. Orientation & Onboarding: Parents and students are invited to orientation sessions before the academic session begins.

Please Note: Parents can apply to partner schools directly through the Ezyschooling website, online, in less than 15 minutes. With a single form, you can apply to multiple schools, track application status, get personalized recommendations, and access expert admission support, all in one place.

Documents Required

The documents required for admission usually include the following:

• Birth certificate (original + copy)
• Address proof (Aadhaar, utility bill, rental agreement)
• Parent/child ID proofs (PAN, passport)
• Previous school transcripts (if applicable)
• Medical records (vaccination certificate, allergy/disability disclosures)
• Transfer certificate, for mid-year admissions
• Passport-sized photos of the child and parents
• Application form (online/physical) with fee receipt
• Extracurricular certificates, if required

Note: The admission timeline, criteria, process and document requirements mentioned above are general guidelines and may vary between schools. Some institutions might waive certain documents or request additional ones. Verify all the information on the official school website before proceeding further.
 

How to Choose the Best Boarding School in Dehradun for your Child?

The decision of choosing the best boarding school in Dehradun depends on several key factors, the most important of them being your child’s learning style, needs and aspirations. The facilities provided by the schools, safety measures and the budget for the same also play a crucial role.

Here is a closer look at how you can choose the best residential school in Dehradun for your child:

• Child’s Personality & Learning Style: Pick a school that complements your child’s learning style, personality and strengths, as every child has unique needs.
• Curriculum Fit: Understand the different boards available, like CBSE, IB, ICSE etc. and assess whether the curriculum will suit your child’s strengths and future aspirations.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Look for schools that emphasize extracurricular activities, development of life skills, values and ethics in addition to academics.
• Proximity and Commute: Choose a school that is near your residence, this saves commute time as well as reduces exhaustion of travelling for long hours.
• Teaching Approach: Pay attention to the student-teacher ratio, and opt for schools that have a more concept-based and interactive approach to learning.
• Budget: Be realistic about affordability. Look for detailed fee structures, like transport, uniform, books, etc, and inquire about hidden costs and scholarships.
• School Feedback: Gather genuine insights from current students and parents, along with checking out online reviews for a more well-rounded perspective.
• Visit and Interaction: Visiting schools before making the final decision is a must; take a feel of the environment, facilities and interactions first-hand. Key observations include:
  • Attempt to enter the campus without prior notice to test gate security–how secure is the school campus?
  • Observe the classroom atmosphere–are students actively engaged and listening to the teacher?
  • Visit bathrooms in different blocks for consistency–is hygiene and sanitation maintained regularly?

Note: The term “best school” is highly subjective and can vary based on each child’s learning needs, family values, lifestyle, and academic goals. What works wonderfully for one child may not be the right fit for another. Instead of chasing rankings or popularity, parents should focus on finding a school that aligns with their child’s interests, emotional well-being, and long-term development goals.
 

Comparing School Boards in Dehradun Boarding Schools

When selecting a boarding school in Dehradun, one of the biggest decisions that parents face is choosing the curriculum. With each board having distinct strengths and pathways, it is important to understand the differences between each of these in order to choose the curriculum that is best suited for your child.

Here is a table comparing the common boards available in boarding schools in Dehradun:

Source: Official curriculum websites (CBSE, CISCE/ ICSE, IB, IGCSE/ Cambridge)
 

Our Ranking Methodology (2025-26)

At Ezyschooling, our rankings are built on the understanding that the definition of the “best” boarding school varies from family to family. To ensure relevance and objectivity, our 2025–26 rankings are based on a multi-criteria evaluation framework that reflects both academic excellence and broader developmental priorities, such as infrastructural facilities, teachers and quality of teaching, parental interest, ratings and reviews, etc.

Our 2025-26 internal rankings are based on:

• Location Factor: To identify the best boarding schools in Dehradun, our evaluation includes not only the top-rated boarding schools within Dehradun, but also in immediately adjacent cities by calculating the aerial distance of schools within 150 kms from the central coordinates of Dehradun as boarding school searches are less location-centric and can extend to nearby areas in order to fulfil the "best" criteria.  
• Academic Record: We prioritize schools with consistently strong board exam results (CBSE, ICSE, IB, or state boards) over the past 3–5 years. Schools affiliated with nationally/internationally recognized boards (like CBSE, ICSE, or IB) are weighted higher for their structured curricula and global relevance.
• Infrastructural Facilities: The campus size, quality of classrooms, availability of specialized facilities such as labs (robotics, science, computer, etc), swimming pools, indoor and outdoor sports complexes are also considered.
• Emphasis on Holistic Development: Schools are also assessed based on their commitment to holistic development and the availability of extracurricular activities. Schools that offer a balance of extracurricular activities, sports, life skills programs, and creative pursuits are prioritized more.
• Teachers and Quality of Teaching: Student-teacher ratio is a key metric. We also assess teacher qualifications, training programs, and retention rates. Schools that encourage innovative teaching methods over rote memorization score higher.
• Legacy & Credibility: The establishment year helps gauge experience and stability. Older schools often have established alumni networks and proven track records, while newer institutions may offer modern pedagogy. We also consider the institution’s local reputation and community trust.
• Parental Interest & Engagement: At Ezyschooling, we track key indicators like profile views, clicks, and frequent inquiries to gauge parent interest in a school. Time spent on a school profile and scheduled school visits reflect satisfaction, helping us identify schools that genuinely connect with families.
• Ratings and Reviews: We track authentic parent feedback regarding the school through ratings and reviews submitted on Ezyschooling, as well as those available on other public domains.

Please Note: This is not an official ranking. However, we do assign and regularly update internal ranks to schools based on the weightage of the key factors mentioned above, thus serving parents with schools that score highly on our matrix.
 

How We Gather & Verify Data

Information is gathered from official school websites (especially Mandatory Disclosures), data provided by partnered schools, education board portals (CBSE, CISCE/ ICSE, IB, IGCSE/ Cambridge), government databases(Know Your School and UDISE+), parent feedback, site visits (wherever feasible) as well as analysis of public domain data, verified and cross-referenced with school authorities by our team of education experts. 

We prioritize transparency by:

• Regular Updates: Refreshing data regularly to reflect new schools, fee revisions, curriculum changes, classes offered, admission status and more school-related data.
• Verification Process: Cross-checking critical details (e.g., fees, facilities, board affiliations, etc.) with multiple sources, as listed above.
• User Feedback: Encouraging schools and parents to suggest corrections or additions via query@ezyschooling.com.
   

How Ezyschooling is Helping Parents Find the Right Boarding Schools in Dehradun

At Ezyschooling, we understand that the journey to finding the right school for your child can be overwhelming. That's why we are here to simplify the process and guide you through every step of the application journey. Whether you are considering one of Dehradun's prestigious boarding schools or looking for an affordable option, we offer tailored support to help you make the right decision.

Here’s how Ezyschooling can assist you:

1. Explore Schools with Ease: Our platform gives you access to detailed school profiles, including curriculum, fee structure, admission requirements, and reviews from other parents. You can quickly compare schools to find the best match for your child’s academic needs, personality, and family values.
2. One-Click Applications: Apply to multiple boarding schools with just one form. Ezyschooling makes it easy to submit applications to your preferred schools in less than 15 minutes, saving you time and hassle. With Ezyschooling, you can upload documents, pay application fees, and manage everything online through a secure and user-friendly platform.
3. Personalized Recommendations: Our expert admission counselors provide personalized school recommendations based on your preferences, your child’s strengths, and your budget. With Ezyschooling, you are assured of getting the right options that suit your unique needs.
4. Stay Updated: Track the status of your applications in real time. Our platform ensures you are always informed about the progress of your child’s admission process.
5. Expert Support: We provide in-depth guidance on admission requirements, entrance exams, and the overall process. Our team is ready to assist you with any questions, offering insights based on the latest updates from schools across India.

With Ezyschooling, parents no longer have to stress over multiple applications, scattered information, or missed deadlines. By bringing everything onto one platform, from exploring schools to easy applications and expert guidance, Ezyschooling ensures that every child gets the right opportunity and every parent finds peace of mind in the admission journey.
 

Expertise Behind This Page

Published By: Riya Sree Kaishyap

Riya Sree Kaishyap is a Senior Content Writer at Ezyschooling with specialized expertise in the Indian K-12 education system since 2020. Her content is a blend of in-depth research and real-world insights, drawn from direct collaboration with Ezyschooling’s on-ground admissions counsellors and data analytics teams, while also being in direct touch with the schools. With a focus on simplifying the often-stressful process of school selection, she authors detailed guides, articles, and analyses that help parents make informed decisions.