Top Boarding Schools in Pune 2025-26: Fees, Admissions, Rankings & Reviews

Pune, often called the 'Oxford of the East', has rapidly emerged as a leading destination for high-quality residential education in India. Located in the scenic Sahyadri mountain range, the city offers a unique combination of academic rigour, a cosmopolitan environment, and a focus on modern, international curricula. There are more than 80 boarding schools in and near Pune, attracting students from across India and the globe.

Pune’s pleasant climate (avg. 18-32°C), low pollution levels, and status as a major IT and industrial hub make it an ideal choice for parents looking for top-tier boarding schools. According to Ezyschooling’s research, Pune ranks among the top 5 cities in India for boarding school searches, thanks to its strong academic reputation and holistic development opportunities.
 

Boarding Schools in Pune: Key Highlights

 

Quick Facts about Boarding Schools in Pune

• Pune has 80+ boarding schools, including nearby areas like Panchgani.
• The annual fee range is ₹1.81 lakhs to ₹12.98 lakhs.
• About 60% of schools fall between ₹3–8 lakhs annually, while around 15% charge above ₹10 lakhs.
• CBSE is the most common affiliation (about 40%), followed by ICSE/CISCE (25%), IB (15%), IGCSE (10%), and State Board (10%).
• 70% of Pune’s boarding schools are co-educational, while about 20% are girls-only and 10% boys-only.
• Military boarding schools form less than 5% of the total.
• Government boarding schools (Sainik, Navodaya, Social Welfare) make up about 8%.
• Pune ranks among the top 5 most searched cities for boarding schools in India, contributing to nearly 9% of all boarding school-related searches on Ezyschooling.
   

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

Here is a list of the top 10 schools in and near Pune for 2025-26: MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul, MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul, BK Birla Centre for Education, Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Shri Shivaji Preparatory Military School, UWC Mahindra College, The Bishop’s School, Sahyadri School, Pune, St. Helena’s School, Billimoria High School in Panchgani and Indus International School. The fee structure of the top 10 residential schools in and near Pune usually ranges between ₹ 1.81 lakhs to ₹ 12.98 lakhs per year.

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 Pune: By Search

The top 5 boarding schools in Pune, according to Google Search Trends 2025, are The Bishop's School, MIT Vishwashanti School - An IB World School, Sahyadri School, Indus International School and Shri Shivaji Preparatory Military School.

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

Best CBSE Boarding Schools in Pune 2025-26

The best CBSE boarding schools in Pune include BK Birla Centre for Education, Billimoria High School and Trinity International School. Known for their focus on holistic development, these CBSE residential schools in Pune consistently rank high and are the most popular choices among parents.

Here is a table detailing the top CBSE boarding schools in Pune:

 

Best IB Residential Schools in Pune 2025-26

The best IB residential schools in Pune include MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul, Sanjay Ghodwat International School and UWC Mahindra College. Affiliated with the International Baccalaureate, these boarding schools provide a holistic learning experience while preparing students for an increasingly complex world.

Here is a table detailing the top IB boarding schools in Pune:

 

Best IGCSE Boarding Schools in Pune

Pune is home to several IGCSE boarding schools such as The Cathedral Vidya School, Trinity International School and Sanjay Ghodawat International School. Known for their structured curriculum, these IGCSE residential schools in Pune encourage a global approach to education.

Here is a table detailing the best IGCSE boarding schools in Pune:

 

Top Girls' Boarding Schools in Pune

While Pune is dominated by co-educational schools, it features some excellent institutions for girls, mostly in the nearby hill station of Panchgani. The best girls' boarding schools in Pune (and nearby) include St. Helena’s School, Rani Laxmibai Mulinchi Sainiki Shala, St. Joseph’s Convent School and Kimmins High School.

Here is a table detailing these and some of the other top girls’ residential schools near Pune:

 

Government Boarding Schools in Pune

Although government boarding schools are limited in number, there are a few government-run boarding schools in Pune, such as Sainik School, Social Welfare Residential Schools and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. These government boarding schools are highly affordable and are known to encourage discipline through structured routines.

Here is a table detailing more information about these schools:

Source: KnowYourSchool, Government of Maharashtra, Sainik School Satara
 

Why is Pune a Popular Choice for Boarding Schools?

Pune’s boarding schools are renowned for their academic rigor, sports facilities, and extracurricular excellence. Here’s why parents prefer choosing a boarding school in Pune:

• Strong academic legacy with 90%+ average board results in CBSE, ICSE, and IB schools. (Source)
• Safe and student-friendly environment, ranked among India’s safest cities.
• Proximity to Mumbai (just 3-4 hours away) for easy accessibility.
• Diverse curriculum options (CBSE, ICSE, IB, IGCSE, and state board).
• Affordable fees compared to metros like Mumbai and Bangalore.
• Focus on sports & co-curricular activities, with many schools having Olympic-level training facilities.
   

What is the Admission Process for Boarding Schools in Pune?

The admission process for boarding schools in Pune 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 Pune for Your Child?

The decision of choosing the best boarding school in Pune 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 Pune 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 Pune Boarding Schools

When selecting a boarding school in Pune, 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 Pune:

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 Pune, our evaluation includes not only the top-rated boarding schools within Pune, but also in immediately adjacent cities by calculating the aerial distance of schools within 150 kms from the central coordinates of Pune 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 Pune

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 India’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.