From ₹6 Lakh to ₹18 Lakh A Year: Inside India’s 7 Most Expensive Schools and What They Offer

Education in India is no longer limited to textbooks and exams. Today, a new wave of premium schools is redefining learning with world-class infrastructure, global curriculums, and exposure that matches international standards. From art labs and sports facilities to exchange programs and holistic development, these institutions are shaping future leaders, but such privileges come with a hefty price tag.

Here’s a look at seven of the most expensive schools in India, starting with the highest fees.

1. Woodstock School, Mussoorie

Woodstock School in Mussoorie is among the most expensive schools in India, with fees ranging from ₹16 to 18 lakhs per year. It is an international co-educational boarding school, located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Landour. The school offers classes from kindergarten to grade 12, with residential programs beginning from grade 6.

Woodstock has a strong history, becoming the first school in Asia to be accredited by the Middle States Association in 1960. In 2019, it gained full authorization as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering both the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The focus here goes beyond academics, with equal attention to arts, sports, and outdoor education.

2. The Doon School, Dehradun

The Doon School, often called simply “Doon,” is another prestigious boarding institution with fees of around ₹10 to 12 lakhs per year. Established in 1935, it is one of the most well-known all-boys boarding schools in India. The school is affiliated with the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and caters to classes 7 to 12.

Known for its rigorous academics, the school also emphasizes extracurricular activities and leadership development. Over the years, Doon has built a strong network of notable alumni across politics, business, and the arts.

3. Good Shepherd International School, Ooty

Good Shepherd International School in Ooty charges approximately ₹10 to 12 lakhs per year. Established in 1977, it is set against the backdrop of the Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu. The school admits students from class 3 to 12 and maintains an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1, ensuring individual focus.

Good Shepherd offers both ICSE and IB curriculums and is known for its excellent campus, academic standards, and equal importance to extracurricular activities.

4. Ecole Mondiale World School, Mumbai

Ecole Mondiale World School, located in Mumbai, has fees ranging between ₹10 and 12 lakhs annually. Founded in 2004, it offers an international education pathway with IB primary, middle, and diploma programs. At the Year 10 level, students also have the option of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, École Mondiale ensures personalized attention. It is known for its modern infrastructure, global perspective, and strong academic performance.

5. Scindia School, Gwalior

The Scindia School in Gwalior has fees between ₹8 and 10 lakhs per year. Founded in 1897, it is one of the oldest all-boys boarding schools in India. It is situated within the historic Gwalior Fort and was originally established for royals and nobles, especially the Marathas.

Today, Scindia admits students from across the country and focuses on academic excellence, sports, and leadership training. With its rich legacy, it continues to be one of the most prestigious names in Indian boarding education.

6. The Shri Ram School, Delhi & Gurgaon

The Shri Ram School, spread across Delhi and Gurgaon, also charges around ₹8 to 10 lakhs annually. It is widely recognized as one of the most sought-after day schools in India. Known for its holistic approach to education, it combines strong academics with extracurriculars and co-curricular activities.

The Shri Ram School has earned its place among the best because of its balance between innovative teaching and a focus on overall student growth.

7. Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun

Welham Girls’ School in Dehradun has fees of about ₹6 to 8 lakhs per year. This all-girls boarding school is well-known for its academic performance and strong sports culture. Students here take part in a wide range of activities such as basketball, hockey, swimming, athletics, and even national-level tournaments.

The school follows the ICSE curriculum from class 6 to 12 and maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. Known as the sister school to Welham Boys’, it has built a reputation as one of the top choices for girls’ boarding education in India.

From the scenic Himalayan hills of Woodstock to the historic forts of Scindia, these schools represent the finest in premium education in India.