Some schools are remembered for their results, while others are known for the people who sat in their classrooms. In India, some institutions have built strong reputations over decades because many of their former students have gone on to become prime ministers, billionaires, CEOs, actors, writers and members of royal families. These are some of the schools that have trained some of India’s best-known personalities. The Doon Schoolin Dehradun is among the best known boarding schools in the country. Since its opening in 1935, it has produced leaders in politics, business, journalism, literature and sports. Its alumni include former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Max Group founder Analjit Singh, Hero Enterprise chairman Sunil Kant Munjal, Eicher Motors CEO Siddhartha Lal, Booker Prize-winning author Amitav Ghosh, journalist Vikram Karan Tharannoy, journalist and gold medalist Romány Abhinav Bindra and artist Anish Kapoor. Founded in 1875, Mayo College at Ajmer was originally set up to educate the children of the princely states of India. Currently, it is one of the most recognized boarding schools in the country. Over the years, it has educated members of royal families from several former princely states. Its notable alumni include former Foreign Minister K. Natwar Singh, diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, actor Vivek Oberoi, former Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, writer Indra Sinha and Hari Singh, the last ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. Another historical institution is The Scindia School in Gwalior. Established in 1897 within the Gwalior Fort, it first served princes and noble families before opening admissions to students from diverse backgrounds. Its alumni include filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, actor Salman Khan, several members of former royal families and business leaders. Welham School for Girls in Dehradun has educated many women who later entered public life, politics and entertainment. Its former students include Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, actor Kareena Kapoor Khan, former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and actor Manisha Koirala. from BombayCathedral and John Connon School iIt is one of the oldest schools in India and has a long list of famous alumni. Among them even Kumar Mangalam Birlachairman of the Aditya Birla Group, actor Aamir Khan, writer Shobhaa De and actor Kabir Bedi. School of Sant Pau Darjeeling has also produced several prominent personalities over the years. Its alumni include Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, Executive Chairman of EIH Limited and The Oberoi Group, surgeon Samiran Nundy and economist Rehman Sobhan. Bishop Cotton School in Shimla, one of the oldest boarding schools in Asia, has trained several military officers, civil servants, business leaders and sportsmen. Meanwhile, Mussoorie’s Woodstock School, which follows an international curriculum, counts TED curator Chris Anderson and author Gita Mehta among its alumni.
Can a normal student get into these schools?
Schools like The Doon School, Mayo College, The Scindia School and Welham Girls’ School represent the highest level of school education in India. With a history spanning decades, these institutions are known for their academic excellence, boarding facilities, sports infrastructure and influential alumni. They are also among the most expensive schools in the country, with annual fees of several thousand rupees depending on class, boarding status and other charges.However, studying in these schools is not limited to children from wealthy families, business houses or royalty. Most schools have a formal admission process open to eligible students from across India and abroad. Depending on the institution, applicants must pass an entrance exam, attend an interview or interaction, and meet established age and academic eligibility criteria.Admission is very competitive because the number of places is limited, especially in popular access classes. Several of these schools also offer merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, or fee concessions to deserving students. Although the eligibility and selection process varies from school to school, admission is based on meeting the school’s criteria rather than family background or social status.