5 Best Boarding Schools In Chandigarh 2026-27-Fees, Reviews, Admission, Infrastructure & More

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• St. Stephen's School, Chandigarh — a Roman Catholic co-educational institution founded in 1982, affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), with a campus spread across 4 acres in Sector 45-B.
• The school follows the motto Semper Sursum ("Always Aim Higher") and has grown from a small primary school in 1982 to a full senior secondary institution, catering to over 3,000 students from Class I through XII.
• St. Stephen's is one of the few ICSE-affiliated boarding schools in Chandigarh, offering both day and boarding facilities, with hostel provisions for boys and girls and a well-rounded extracurricular programme including sports, dance, drama, and music.

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St. Stephen's School is a CISCE-affiliated boarding school in Sector 45-B, Chandigarh, offering classes from I to XII. Annual day school fees are approximately ₹80,240 per year, with boarding fees available on request from the school. It is one of the only ICSE boarding options in Chandigarh's city area, making it a distinct choice for parents who prefer the ICSE curriculum with residential facilities.

St. Stephen's School Parent Review

Based on our recent research on various platforms and conversation with parents here is our observation about the school,

• 82% of parents express positive sentiments about academics, highlighting strong ICSE board results (78%) and effective teaching methodology (75%).
• 78% of parents praise the school's infrastructure, particularly the sports facilities, auditorium, and smartboard-equipped classrooms.
• 80% of parents are satisfied with teacher quality and dedication, noting the experienced faculty that has taught at the school for over two decades.
• 75% of parents appreciate the extracurricular programme, covering house shows, debate, music, and inter-school competitions.
• 28% of parents raise concerns about fee transparency and the higher cost relative to CBSE boarding alternatives in the city.
• 18% of parents flag management responsiveness as an area needing improvement, particularly around the admission process and communication.

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Admission Process of St. Stephen's School

• Registration: Download the admission form from the official website (stephenschandigarh.com) or collect it from the school office. A non-refundable registration fee of ₹100 applies.
• Age Criteria: The child must be five and a half years or above as on 1 April of the academic year for Class I admission.
• Documents Required: Birth Certificate, Transfer Certificate (for Class 9 and 11 lateral admissions), Marksheet/Report Card, Residence Proof, Aadhaar Card (child and parents), and passport-sized photographs.
• Selection Process: A parent-child interaction is conducted. For Class 9 and above, students appear for a written assessment and parent interaction.
• Fee Payment: Once selected, fees must be paid via Demand Draft in favour of St. Stephen's School, Chandigarh.
• Admission forms are typically available until mid-December, with the final list announced in late January.

Fee Structure of St. Stephen's School

• Guru Nanak Public School, Chandigarh — a co-educational CBSE-affiliated boarding school founded in 1974, spread across 16 acres in Sector 36-D, Chandigarh, offering education from Nursery to Class XII.
• The school was formally inaugurated in 1976 by Giani Zail Singh, then Chief Minister of Punjab, and has a student-teacher ratio of approximately 1:30 with four named houses — Bhai Vir Singh, General Hari Singh Nalwa, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and Rabindranath Tagore.
• GNPS offers separate hostel facilities for boys and girls and is located approximately 7 km from Chandigarh International Airport and 18 km from the railway station, making it highly accessible for outstation families.

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Guru Nanak Public School is a CBSE boarding school in Sector 36-D, Chandigarh, serving students from Nursery to Class XII. Annual fees for 2026–27 range from ₹2,35,300 for Classes 1–5 to ₹2,59,300 for Classes 11–12. The school's 16-acre campus and long-standing presence since 1974 make it one of the most established boarding options in the city.

Guru Nanak Public School Parent Review

Based on our recent research on various platforms and conversation with parents here is our observation about the school,

• 85% of parents highlight the school's spacious infrastructure and campus facilities, particularly the advanced science labs, tech-integrated classrooms, and extensive sports grounds.
• 80% of parents express positive sentiments about academics, noting consistent CBSE board results and a dedicated teaching faculty.
• 82% of parents appreciate the extracurricular programme, which includes Aero-Modelling, Robotics, MUN sessions, Youth Parliament, Yoga, and inter-school sports championships.
• 78% of parents are satisfied with teacher quality and commitment, though some note that the student-teacher ratio of 1:30 can limit individual attention.
• 22% of parents raise concerns about fee value, particularly given that the total admission cost starts at ₹2,35,300 per year for boarding.
• 18% of parents flag occasional management communication gaps, particularly regarding policy changes and hostel-related updates.o

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Admission Process of Guru Nanak Public School

• Application: Download the admission form from the official website (gnpschandigarh.in) or apply in person at the school office.
• Entrance Test: GNPS conducts an entrance test for admission. Parents should confirm current test dates directly with the school.
• Age Criteria: Confirm minimum age requirements with the school, as these vary by grade level.
• Documents Required: Birth Certificate, Transfer Certificate (for lateral admissions), previous academic reports, Aadhaar Card, and photographs.
• Hostel Admission: Boarding admissions require a separate hostel application. The school provides both food options (vegetarian and non-vegetarian).
• Process: Submit the completed form, attend the entrance assessment, and await the merit-based shortlist. Contact the school directly for the current 2026–27 admission calendar.

Fee Structure of Guru Nanak Public School

• Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Chandigarh — a government co-educational residential school established in 1995 under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), Ministry of Education, located in Sector 25 West, Chandigarh, offering classes from VI to XII.
• JNV Chandigarh is fully funded by the Central Government and offers free boarding, lodging, school uniforms, textbooks, stationery, and to-and-fro rail/bus travel — making it one of the most accessible quality boarding options in India for meritorious students.
• Admissions are primarily reserved for children from rural areas, with at least 75% of seats allocated to rural candidates, 1/3 of seats for girl students, and 3% for children with disabilities — following the founding vision of the National Policy on Education, 1986.

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Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Chandigarh is a government-run CBSE residential school in Sector 25 West, Chandigarh, admitting students from Class VI to XII. Education, boarding, and all basic amenities are provided free of charge by the Central Government. It is the only fully government-funded free boarding school in this list, making it uniquely suited for academically talented students from modest financial backgrounds.

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Parent Review

Based on our recent research on various platforms and conversation with parents here is our observation about the school,

• 85% of parents express positive sentiments about academics, noting strong CBSE results and well-structured teaching programmes across Sciences, Commerce, and Arts streams.
• 82% of parents appreciate the teaching staff's dedication, highlighting that teachers at JNV are specially selected through NVS recruitment and maintain high professional standards.
• 80% of parents praise the school's management and adherence to government policies, citing transparent admission processes and merit-based selection.
• 95% of parents value the fee structure, acknowledging that free education with full residential facilities is an exceptional value for meritorious students.
• 16% of parents flag infrastructure limitations, particularly older hostel facilities that may not match the amenities found at private boarding schools.
• 12% of parents note that extracurricular activities, while present, are less expansive compared to well-funded private schools.

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Admission Process of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya

• Class VI Admission: Through the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST), a national-level entrance examination for students studying in Class V.
• Class IX Admission: A lateral entry test is conducted for students who have passed Class VIII, subject to seat availability.
• Class XI Admission: Based on Class X board examination marks, with preference for students already studying in a JNV.
• Eligibility: The applicant must be a resident of the district/UT in which the JNV is located. For Class VI, priority is given to rural candidates (minimum 75% of seats).
• Reserved Seats: Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and disabled students are admitted in proportion to their district population, as per NVS guidelines.
• Documents Required: Birth Certificate, Class V/VIII/X marksheet, residence proof, caste certificate (if applicable), and passport-size photographs.
• Admission forms are available on the NVS official website (navodaya.gov.in) and at the school office.

Fee Structure of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya

• The New Public School, Chandigarh — a CBSE-affiliated co-educational boarding school established in 1960 as the first public school in Chandigarh, located in Sector 18-B, approximately 5 km from Chandigarh Airport and 6 km from the railway station.
• NPS operates full boarding only (no flexi or weekly boarding options), offering separate hostels for boys and girls with CCTV surveillance, RO water facilities, hygienic food, dedicated medical rooms with on-call doctors, and after-school hobby classes in dance, music, art, and sports.
• The school has an average class size of 30 students with a student-teacher ratio of 1:30, and has consistently produced strong CBSE board results while hosting inter-school initiatives including the Big Aunty Maths Quest, Col. Balraj Singh Memorial Basketball Tournament, and Inter-School Water Resource Day.

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The New Public School is a CBSE boarding school in Sector 18-B, Chandigarh, offering full boarding (no flexi or weekly option) from Nursery to Class XII. Annual fees are estimated at approximately ₹81,520 for the first year (day school component). It holds the distinction of being the first public school established in Chandigarh and is one of few schools in the city to offer exclusively full-time residential facilities.

The New Public School Parent Review

Based on our recent research on various platforms and conversation with parents here is our observation about the school,

• 80% of parents praise the infrastructure, particularly the spacious classrooms, lift facility for children with special needs, library, auditorium, and dedicated basketball and football courts.
• 78% of parents are satisfied with academic quality, appreciating the school's consistent CBSE results and focus on both academic and personality development.
• 76% of parents commend the hostel facilities, specifically noting that the hostels are hygienic, well-maintained, and have strong security measures including CCTV and controlled access.
• 74% of parents appreciate the range of extracurricular activities offered, including dance, music, and inter-school sports and cultural events.
• 25% of parents raise concerns about fee satisfaction, particularly since NPS offers only full boarding (no weekly/flexi option), which limits flexibility for families.
• 22% of parents flag management responsiveness, including some reports of difficulty navigating the admission process.

Admission Process of The New Public School

• Application: Obtain the admission form from the school office at Sector 18-B or download from the school website (npschd.com). A separate hostel admission form (Hostel-Admission-Form.pdf) is available on the website.
• Entrance Test: NPS conducts an entrance test for admission across classes. Students must clear this assessment to be shortlisted.
• Age Criteria: Age eligibility varies by grade; contact the school for the specific criteria applicable to your child's target class.
• Documents Required: Birth Certificate, Transfer Certificate, previous report cards, Aadhaar Card (child and parents), and photographs.
• Boarding Admission: Full boarding only — no flexi or weekly option. Parents should confirm hostel seat availability before applying, as boarding intake is limited.
• Contact: The school is reachable at 7087413024. Visit the campus or the website (npschd.com) for the latest 2026–27 admission schedule.

Fee Structure of The New Public School

• St. Joseph's Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh — a CBSE-affiliated co-educational school established in 1981 and managed by the St. Joseph's Educational & Charitable Trust, located near the Boaster, Sector 44-D, Chandigarh.
• The school offers full boarding with an annual boarding fee of approximately ₹2,10,000 per year and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 — notably more personalised than the city average — catering to students from Pre-School through Class XII.
• SJSSS has received multiple institutional awards including Best School for Quality Education, Swachh Vidyalaya, and Best Eco-Club, and integrates SmartBoards, School Cinema, and TeachNext technology platforms into its academic delivery.

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St. Joseph's Senior Secondary School is a CBSE boarding school in Sector 44-D, Chandigarh, offering education from Pre-School to Class XII. Annual day school fees for 2026–27 range from ₹1,02,502 for Class 1 to ₹1,34,694 for Class 12, with boarding fees at approximately ₹2,10,000 per year. Its 15:1 student-teacher ratio is one of the strongest in this list, supporting more personalised academic attention for each child.

St. Joseph's Senior Secondary School Parent Review

Based on our recent research on various platforms and conversation with parents here is our observation about the school,

• 84% of parents praise the school's infrastructure, particularly noting modern smartboard classrooms, well-equipped labs, basketball and football facilities, and the overall campus environment.
• 82% of parents are satisfied with academics, highlighting good CBSE board results and the school's strong emphasis on discipline and moral development.
• 80% of parents appreciate the teaching staff, with many noting that the lower student-teacher ratio of 15:1 allows more focused guidance for each child.
• 78% of parents value the co-curricular programme, which includes sports at state and national competition levels, music, dance, and international student trips.
• 22% of parents raise concerns about fee satisfaction, noting that boarding fees add significantly to the total annual cost.
• 20% of parents flag some concerns about management responsiveness, including experiences with front-desk communication as reflected in online reviews.

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Admission Process of St. Joseph's Senior Secondary School

• Application: Visit the school in person at Sector 44-D, Chandigarh, or check the official school website for online/offline form availability.
• Age Criteria: Age eligibility varies by class; contact the school's admission office directly for confirmation.
• Documents Required: Birth Certificate, Transfer Certificate (for lateral admissions), previous academic marksheets, Aadhaar Card (child and parents), and passport-size photographs.
• Selection: Admissions are subject to seat availability and may involve an academic assessment or parent interaction for senior classes.
• Boarding Admission: Separate process for hostel admission; both boys and girls hostels are available with CCTV-secured premises.
• Co-curricular Admission: NCC, Scouts, and sports team admissions follow a separate process managed by respective departments.
• Contact the school directly at Himalaya Marg, near Boaster, Sector 44-D, Chandigarh, for the 2026–27 admission timeline.

Fee Structure of St. Joseph's Senior Secondary School

Conclusion

For families seeking the only ICSE boarding experience in Chandigarh's city area, St. Stephen's School remains a distinct choice with its long legacy and CISCE affiliation. Parents looking for a CBSE full-boarding school with a well-established 16-acre campus and strong co-curricular tradition will find Guru Nanak Public School to be a reliable option. For families where fee affordability is the primary concern, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya stands in a category of its own — offering completely free residential education for meritorious students. And for those who prioritise personalised academic attention, St. Joseph's Senior Secondary School's 15:1 student-teacher ratio sets it apart. Have we missed a boarding school in Chandigarh that your family considered? Feel free to share in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boarding Schools in Chandigarh

Which is the best CBSE boarding school in Chandigarh?

Guru Nanak Public School in Sector 36-D and St. Joseph's Senior Secondary School in Sector 44-D are among the top CBSE boarding schools in Chandigarh. GNPS offers a 16-acre campus with fees ranging from ₹2,35,300 to ₹2,59,300 per year, while St. Joseph's provides a more personalised learning environment with a 15:1 student-teacher ratio and fees starting at ₹1,02,502 per year for day school. The New Public School is another strong option, being Chandigarh's first public school with full boarding facilities.

What is the fee range for top boarding schools in Chandigarh?

Boarding school fees in Chandigarh vary considerably depending on the type of institution. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya offers completely free residential education for meritorious students. At the private end, Guru Nanak Public School's all-inclusive boarding fees range from approximately ₹2,35,300 to ₹2,59,300 per year, and St. Joseph's Senior Secondary School charges around ₹2,10,000 per year for boarding in addition to day school fees starting from ₹1,02,502.

Which boarding school in Chandigarh has the best parent reviews?

St. Joseph's Senior Secondary School and Guru Nanak Public School both receive strong parent sentiment scores across platforms such as Edustoke and Justdial. GNPS is particularly appreciated for its spacious infrastructure (85% positive sentiment) and strong co-curricular programme (82% positive). St. Joseph's is consistently praised for its infrastructure and student-teacher ratio. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya stands out for fee satisfaction, with 95% of parents appreciating the free residential education it provides.

How do I apply for admission to boarding schools in Chandigarh?

Most private boarding schools in Chandigarh open admissions between October and January for the following academic session beginning in April. Applications are typically submitted offline at the school office or downloaded from the school's official website. Most schools require a Birth Certificate, Transfer Certificate, previous academic reports, and Aadhaar Cards for the child and parents. Entrance tests or parent-child interactions are commonly conducted, and hostel admissions are usually handled through a separate process. It is advisable to contact schools by November to ensure you don't miss early deadlines.

Is there a free boarding school option in Chandigarh?

Yes — Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Sector 25 West, Chandigarh, offers fully free residential education under the Central Government's Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti programme. Education, boarding, lodging, uniforms, textbooks, and travel are all provided at no cost to admitted students. Admission is merit-based through the JNVST (Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test) for Class VI, with at least 75% of seats reserved for children from rural areas.

Which boarding school in Chandigarh is best for ICSE curriculum?

St. Stephen's School in Sector 45-B is the only ICSE-affiliated boarding school in this list and one of the few such institutions within Chandigarh's city area. Founded in 1982 and spread across 4 acres, it offers education from Class I to XII under the CISCE board. The school has a Justdial rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on over 500 parent reviews and is well-regarded for its academic standards and co-curricular programme.