Some schools are remembered for their results, while others are known for the people who sat in their classes. Across India, several institutes have built a reputation over the years as many of their students have gone on to become Prime Ministers, billionaires, CEOs, actors, writers and members of the royal family. Here are some schools that have trained some of the most famous people in India. The Doon Schoolin Dehradun is among the reputed 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, Olympic novelist Vikram. Abhinav Bindra, and actor Anish Kapoor. Founded in 1875, Mayo College at Ajmer was originally established to educate the sons of the princely states of India. Today, the school is one of the most popular boarding schools in the area. Over the years, it has trained members of royal families from several former princely countries. Its notable alumni include former Foreign Minister K. Natwar Singh, diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, actor Vivek Oberoi, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, writer Indra Sinha, and Hari Singh, the last ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. Another historical organization is Scindia School in Gwalior. Established in 1897 within the Gwalior Fort, it served princes and noble families before opening admissions to students from various 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 trained many women who later entered public life, politics and entertainment. His former students include Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, former Lok Sabha MP Meira Kumar, and actress Manisha Koirala. Mumbai toCathedral and John Connon School andfrom one of the oldest institutions in India and has a long list of distinguished alumni. Some of them are Kumar Mangalam BirlaChairman of the Aditya Birla Group, actor Aamir Khan, writer Shobhaa De, and actor Kabir Bedi. School of St Darjeeling has also produced several celebrities 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, Woodstock School in Mussoorie, which pursues international education, counts TED curator Chris Anderson and author Gita Mehta among its alumni.
Can an ordinary student enter these schools?
Schools such as The Doon School, Mayo College, The Scindia School and Welham Girls’ School represent the best educational institutions in India. With a history spanning several decades, these institutions are known for their high-quality education, accommodation, sports facilities and distinguished alumni. They are also among the most expensive schools in the country, with annual fees reaching several lakh rupees depending on class, accommodation and other expenses.However, studying in these schools is not limited to children from rich families, business houses or royal families. Most of the schools have a formal admission process that is open to eligible students from India and abroad. Depending on the institution, applicants are required to take an entrance exam, attend an interview or fellowship, and meet the prescribed age and academic eligibility requirements.Admission is highly competitive because the number of seats is limited, especially in popular entry classes. Many of these schools also offer merit-based scholarships, significant financial aid or scholarships to eligible students. Although eligibility and selection varies from one school to another, acceptance depends on meeting the school’s requirements and not on family or social background.