Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make for their child. Among the various options available in India, boarding schools have always stood out due to their exceptional academic standards, holistic development approach, and serene environment. Known as the “School Capital of India,” Dehradun is home to some of the most prestigious and historic boarding schools that attract students from across the country and abroad.
If you are a parent looking to understand how to get admission in boarding schools, this guide will help you navigate the entire process—from shortlisting schools to understanding admission requirements and timelines. At Verified Campus, we aim to simplify school selection by giving you trusted insights and options best suited for your child’s growth.
Why Choose Boarding Schools in Dehradun?
Dehradun offers a unique ecosystem that supports high-quality education. The city is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, providing a peaceful and natural learning environment. More importantly, boarding schools in Dehradun are known for their discipline, academic rigor, and emphasis on character building.
Some reasons why parents prefer boarding schools in Dehradun:
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Strong academic foundation aligned with CBSE, ICSE, IB, and Cambridge boards
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Focus on extracurricular activities like sports, arts, and leadership
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24/7 mentorship and supervision
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Exposure to a multicultural peer group
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Heritage schools with a legacy of excellence
Types of Boarding Schools in Dehradun
Before applying, it’s important to understand the types of boarding schools in Dehradun available. Each school type offers a distinct learning environment, and understanding their core philosophies can help parents make better choices aligned with their child’s needs, interests, and future goals.
1. Traditional Boarding Schools
These are legacy institutions with decades of heritage and a strong reputation for producing well-rounded individuals. Examples include:
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The Doon School
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Welham Girls’ School
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St. George’s College, Mussoorie
These boarding schools in Dehradun follow rigorous academic frameworks (mostly ICSE or ISC), emphasize English fluency, and nurture students in a structured, values-driven atmosphere. The focus goes beyond academics to include arts, debate, sports, leadership training, and character building. The admission process is highly competitive, often involving multiple rounds of testing and interviews. These schools maintain a rich alumni network and are considered stepping stones to elite colleges in India and abroad.
Ideal for: Academically inclined students with strong leadership and co-curricular interests.
2. Modern-Day Residential Schools
These are newer institutions that blend academic excellence with global exposure and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Examples include:
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Ecole Globale International Girls’ School
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Tula’s International School
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The Asian School
These boarding schools offer flexible academic boards such as CBSE, ICSE, IB, and Cambridge IGCSE. They emphasize individual growth, technology-enabled learning, and personal mentoring. Many of these schools are co-educational and provide career counselling, soft-skills development, foreign language training, and exposure to international student exchange programs.
Modern-day residential schools are also known for their luxurious campuses, including sports arenas, indoor activity zones, robotics labs, music studios, and more—ensuring a well-balanced life for students.
Ideal for: Students looking for a modern academic environment with a global outlook and diverse extracurricular exposure.
3. Military or Discipline-Focused Schools
For families aiming for a career in defence services or seeking a highly structured academic environment, military and discipline-focused institutions in Dehradun are ideal. Top examples include:
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Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC)
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Sainik School, Ghorakhal (near Dehradun)
These boarding schools are governed by the Ministry of Defence or follow military-based educational philosophies. Admission is extremely selective and includes medical tests, fitness evaluations, written exams, and interviews. The curriculum focuses on discipline, patriotism, leadership, fitness, and academics—especially in subjects relevant to national defense examinations like NDA and SSB.
Daily schedules are strict, involving early wake-up calls, physical training, regular study hours, and structured routines to instill discipline and resilience.
Ideal for: Students who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces or who thrive in highly structured environments with strong discipline and leadership goals.
Together, these three broad categories of boarding schools in Dehradun cater to a wide range of educational and personal development needs. Whether you’re looking for tradition, modernity, or discipline, Dehradun offers a rich spectrum of residential schooling options to choose from.
Let me know if you’d like me to expand on school-specific comparisons or create a chart/table for easier selection!
Each of these boarding schools has its own admission criteria, facilities, and curriculum. Knowing what suits your child’s personality and career goals is key to making the right choice.
Admission Process in Boarding Schools in Dehradun
The admission process in boarding schools in Dehradun is competitive and varies from school to school. However, the general steps remain quite similar:
1. Shortlisting the Right Schools
Start by identifying the kind of curriculum and facilities you want for your child. Consider:
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School board (CBSE, ICSE, IB, etc.)
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Class strength and student-teacher ratio
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Academic performance and extracurriculars
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Location, campus, and boarding facilities
You can visit school websites or platforms like Verified Campus for school comparisons and reviews.
2. Application Submission
Once shortlisted, most boarding schools have online and offline application forms. These forms usually ask for:
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Personal details of the student
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Academic records of previous years
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Documents like birth certificate, Aadhar card, passport-size photographs
Some schools charge a non-refundable registration fee during this step.
3. Entrance Tests and Interviews
Many boarding schools in Dehradun conduct entrance tests to evaluate the academic level of students. These tests often include:
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English
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Mathematics
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Logical reasoning or general knowledge
Some also conduct personal interviews or interaction rounds with students and parents to assess readiness for boarding life.
4. Offer and Admission Confirmation
If your child clears the test and interview, you will receive a provisional offer letter. Pay the required admission fee and submit remaining documents to secure the seat.
Key Documents Required
Here are some commonly required documents for admission in boarding schools:
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Previous school report cards (2-3 years)
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Birth certificate
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Transfer certificate (TC)
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Passport-sized photographs
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Medical fitness certificate
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ID proof of parents
Ideal Age for Admission in Boarding Schools
Most boarding schools in Dehradun admit students from Grade 3 or 4 onwards. The ideal age is typically 8 to 10 years, which allows children to adjust better to residential life. However, many schools also offer admissions in higher grades (Class 6, 9, and 11), depending on seat availability.
Common Entrance Exam Patterns
While entrance tests vary, most boarding schools test students on:
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Grammar and comprehension in English
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Arithmetic and problem-solving in Mathematics
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Logical reasoning or aptitude tests
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General awareness
Preparing for these subjects at least 2–3 months in advance is recommended, especially if you’re aiming for the top-tier schools.
Admission Timeline: When to Apply?
Understanding the timeline is essential for a smooth admission process in boarding schools:
| Activity | Timeline |
| School Shortlisting | September – November |
| Application Submission | October – January |
| Entrance Exams & Interviews | December – February |
| Admission Offers | February – March |
| Session Starts | April – July (depending on school) |
Fee Structure of Boarding Schools in Dehradun
The cost of studying in Top schools in Dehradun can range anywhere from ₹2,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 per year depending on:
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Reputation and ranking
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Curriculum (CBSE, ICSE, IB, etc.)
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Infrastructure and facilities (labs, dorms, sports complexes)
Always factor in additional expenses like uniforms, books, travel, and pocket money while budgeting.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Several reputed boarding schools in Dehradun offer scholarships based on:
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Academic merit
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Sports achievements
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Family income bracket
Check with individual schools about their financial aid policies. You may need to apply separately or submit income proof along with other documents.
Tips for Parents During the Admission Process
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Visit the school campus, if possible
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Interact with current students and parents
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Evaluate food, dorms, and pastoral care
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Understand the school’s discipline and lifestyle structure
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Ask about student safety and medical facilities
Role of Verified Campus in Your Admission Journey
At Verified Campus, we guide you through every step of your school search. From understanding what each school offers to helping you compare fee structures and admission timelines, our expert insights make choosing from boarding schools in Dehradun easier, faster, and more reliable.
We know how important this decision is for your child’s future—and we’re here to make it count.
Conclusion
Getting admission in boarding schools in Dehradun is a well-structured but competitive process. It requires timely planning, the right preparation, and thorough research. Whether you’re aiming for traditional institutions or modern international setups, understanding each school’s culture, curriculum, and expectations will give your child the best start possible.
With so many schools in Dehradun offering world-class education, Verified Campus ensures you don’t feel overwhelmed. We simplify the school selection process, help with timelines, and connect you with the best possible options for your child’s growth.