Top Schools in Dehradun 2025 with Fees | Best Boarding & Day Schools Guide

1.Introduction

When it comes to quality education in India, Dehradun has always stood out as a hub for prestigious schools. Known as the “School Capital of India,” the city is home to legendary institutions such as The Doon School, Welham Girls’ School, and Kasiga School, which have been producing global achievers for decades. Parents across India and even abroad consider Dehradun schools for their unique blend of academics, extracurriculars, discipline, and holistic growth.

This guide by Career Buddy Club is designed to help parents compare the best schools in Dehradun in 2025, with detailed information on fees, curriculum, facilities, and admission considerations.

2. Why Choose Schools in Dehradun?

• Wide variety of curricula: Schools offer CBSE, ICSE, IB, and IGCSE, giving flexibility for higher education in India and abroad.
• Boarding excellence: World-class residential life focusing on discipline, independence, and leadership.
• Safe and nurturing environment: The peaceful surroundings of Dehradun provide a stress-free backdrop for students.
• Global exposure: Many schools collaborate with international institutions, allowing students to adapt to global learning styles.
• Holistic development: Sports, debating, arts, and leadership training receive equal emphasis alongside academics.
• Rich alumni networks: Graduates include business leaders, IAS officers, defense personnel, authors, and global innovators.

3. Comparison Table: Top Schools in Dehradun with Fees (2025)

Note: Fees are approximate and vary by grade, boarding/day status, and facilities.

4. Detailed Overview of Each School

The Doon School

• Curriculum: ICSE/ISC
• Fees: ₹10–11.5 Lakhs per year
• Type: Boys-only boarding
• Highlights: Established in 1935, The Doon School is India’s most prestigious all-boys boarding school. Known as the “Eton of India,” its alumni include former PM Rajiv Gandhi, business leaders, writers, and defense officers. The Doon School emphasizes leadership, debating, and a rigorous academic environment.

Welham Girls’ School

• Curriculum: ICSE/ISC
• Fees: ₹6.5–8 Lakhs
• Type: Girls-only boarding
• Highlights: Founded in 1957, Welham Girls’ School is synonymous with women empowerment and academic brilliance. Beyond academics, the focus is on debating, dramatics, sports, and leadership programs.

Welham Boys’ School

• Curriculum: CBSE
• Fees: ₹7–9 Lakhs
• Type: Boys-only boarding
• Highlights: Known for all-round excellence, the school blends modern infrastructure with strong traditions. Students excel in sports, creative arts, and academics.

St. Joseph’s Academy (SJA)

• Curriculum: ICSE
• Fees: ₹1.2–1.8 Lakhs
• Type: Co-ed day
• Highlights: Established in 1934, SJA is one of the oldest and most respected day schools. It has produced countless academic toppers while maintaining affordability and accessibility. Its balance of discipline and personal growth is widely admired.

Brightlands School

• Curriculum: ICSE
• Fees: ₹1–1.5 Lakhs
• Type: Co-ed day
• Highlights: Another leading ICSE school in Dehradun, Brightlands, is known for academic rigor and extracurricular encouragement. It consistently produces ICSE/ISC board toppers.

Cambrian Hall

• Curriculum: ICSE/ISC
• Fees: ₹2.5–3.5 Lakhs
• Type: Co-ed day/boarding
• Highlights: Founded in 1954, Cambrian Hall is famous for its rich extracurricular scene including drama, arts, music, and sports, along with strong academics.

Convent of Jesus & Mary (CJM)

• Curriculum: ICSE
• Fees: ₹80,000–1.2 Lakhs
• Type: Girls-only day
• Highlights: A premier convent school established in 1901, CJM is known for moral education, values, and holistic growth while keeping education affordable.

Tula’s International School

• Curriculum: CBSE
• Fees: ₹3.5–5 Lakhs
• Type: Co-ed boarding
• Highlights: A relatively modern institution with state-of-the-art facilities, international tie-ups, and focus on global education. Tula’s gives holistic emphasis on creativity and entrepreneurial skills.

The Asian School

• Curriculum: CBSE
• Fees: ₹2.5–4 Lakhs
• Type: Co-ed day/boarding
• Highlights: Known for excellent sports infrastructure like cricket grounds, swimming pools, indoor games, The Asian School blends discipline with personality development.

Kasiga School

• Curriculum: CBSE, Cambridge IGCSE
• Fees: ₹5.5–7 Lakhs
• Type: Co-ed boarding
• Highlights: A modern residential school appealing to parents seeking international curriculum and teaching methodologies. Students gain exposure to global academic standards, foreign language options, and leadership training.

5. Admission Process & Eligibility

1. The Doon School

Eligibility:

• Admission is only for boys in Class VII (D Form, age 11–12 years) in April and Class VIII (C Form, age 12–13 years) in January.
• No admissions after Class VIII.

Application Steps:

• Registration: Apply online through the Doon School website; last date for registration for 2025 is July 10, 2025. Pay the registration fee (Rs. 100 for DSSE).
• Written Test: Applicants must appear for either the Doon School Scholarship Exam (DSSE, April 27, 2025) or the Main Admission Test (August 10, 2025). Both exams test English, Mathematics, Science, and Reasoning skills.
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to campus for an in-depth interview assessing academic attitude and leadership potential.
• Final Offer: Admission is based on overall performance in the test and interview. Financial aid eligibility is tied to success in the DSSE.

Documents Required:

• Admit card, birth certificate, academic records, photographs.

2. Welham Girls’ School

Eligibility:

• Only girls are eligible.
• For Class VI admission: Age must be 10–11 years as of April 1, 2025.
• Other classes have specified age brackets (Class VI: 10.5–12 years, Class VII: 11.5–13 years, and so on up to Class XII: 16.5–18 years).

Application Steps:

• Application Form: Available on school website. Submit with required documents (birth certificate, academic records, photographs).
• Registration Fee: Non-refundable fee to complete registration.
• Entrance Exam: Written exam in English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge (usually in Nov/Dec).
• Interview & Interaction: Shortlisted applicants, along with their parents, are called for a personal interaction round.
• Final Selection: Selection is based on test performance, interview, and merit fit. Admission confirmation requires payment of fees and submission of documents.

Documents Required:

• Application and registration forms, birth certificate, report cards, photographs.

2. Kasiga School

Eligibility:

• Open to boys and girls for Classes IV–IX and XI.
• Age for Class IV: 8.5–9.5 years as of April 1, 2025. Admissions for Classes IV to IX and XI only.

Application Steps:

• Registration: Online or offline; pay ₹15,000 registration fee. Submit the form to the admissions office.
• Written Assessment: Conducted in November/December, testing English, Mathematics, Science, and Hindi based on the candidate’s current syllabus.
• Interaction: Both parents and the student attend an interaction session with the Principal and Admissions Committee after the assessment.
• Reference: Previous school reference check is mandatory.
• Admission Offer: Acceptable within 15 days via payment of the admission fee, or the seat may be offered to the next candidate.

Documents Required:

• Registration card, birth certificate, last three years’ academic records, six passport photographs, Aadhar card (for Indian nationals).

Additional Tips

• All listed schools advise starting registrations months ahead due to intense competition.
• Frequent document checks and interviews mean timely, complete applications are vital.
• Boarding and day schools may have additional requirements such as medical forms or vaccinations.

6. Factors to Consider Before Choosing a School

• Budget & Fees – Boarding schools usually cost 5–10 times more than day schools. Parents should calculate long-term affordability.
• Curriculum Choice – CBSE is best for engineering/medical aspirants, ICSE/ISC focuses on holistic + academic depth, IB/IGCSE is recognized globally.
• Type of School – Day schools suit local families, while boarding schools foster independence and leadership.
• Facilities & Campus Life – Sports complexes, labs, extracurricular opportunities, and hostel safety must be evaluated.
• Teaching Quality – Smaller class sizes and good teacher-student ratios ensure personalized attention.
• Legacy & Alumni – Some schools offer access to elite alumni networks that may benefit students in future careers.

7. Conclusion

Dehradun offers an extraordinary choice of schools that cater to different budgets, learning philosophies, and career ambitions. From prestigious legacy schools like The Doon School and Welham to modern institutions like Kasiga and Tula’s, parents can choose the right fit based on their child’s personality, long-term goals, and interests.
Career Buddy Club assists parents and students with school selection, admission guidance, and career planning — ensuring every child gets the environment best suited for their growth.

8. FAQs on Top Schools in Dehradun

Q1. Which is the No.1 school in Dehradun?

The Doon School is ranked as the No.1 school, often called India’s most elite boys’ boarding school.

Q2. What are the fees of The Doon School in Dehradun?

Fees range from ₹10.25 Lakhs to ₹11.5 Lakhs annually.

Q3. Which is the best girls’ school in Dehradun?

Welham Girls’ School is the most reputed girls’ boarding school in the city.

Q4. Which is the most affordable school in Dehradun?

Among renowned schools, CJM, Brightlands, and St. Joseph’s Academy have fees ranging from ₹80,000–1.8 Lakhs annually.

Q5. Do Dehradun schools offer international curricula like IB or IGCSE?

Yes, Kasiga School offers the Cambridge IGCSE alongside CBSE.

Q6. Are Dehradun schools only for boarding students?

No. While schools like Doon, Welham, and Kasiga are boarding-focused, affordable day schools like CJM, Brightlands, and SJA are available.