The Doon School, Dehradun — Complete School Profile

If you are looking for one of the best schools in India for your son, The Doon School is a name you must know. Located in the beautiful city of Dehradun in Uttarakhand, this school is famous all over the country and even across the world. It is known for producing great leaders, thinkers, politicians, businessmen, and artists. In this blog, we will tell you everything about The Doon School — from its history and facilities to admission process and fee structure — in simple words so that students and parents can understand it easily.

School at a Glance

Here is a quick summary of The Doon School’s important details:

School Name	The Doon School
School Type	Boys’ Residential (Boarding) School
Board / Affiliation	CISCE (ICSE & ISC) + IB (International Baccalaureate) + Cambridge IGCSE
Address	The Doon School, Mall Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand – 248001
Phone	+91-135-2526400 / 2652900
Email	admissions@doonschool.com
Official Website	www.doonschool.com
Established	1935
Founder	Satish Ranjan Das
Current Headmaster	Mr. Matthew Jonathan Raggett
Type of Students	Boys Only (Ages 12–18)
Total Students	Approx. 580
Classes Offered	Class VII to Class XII

History of The Doon School

The Doon School has a very rich history. It was started in the year 1935 by Satish Ranjan Das, a well-known lawyer from Calcutta. He wanted to create a school in India that would match the quality of the best British public schools, but would also keep Indian values and goals in mind.

The school was officially opened on October 27, 1935. Lord Willingdon, the Viceroy of India at that time, was present at the opening ceremony. The very first students joined the school even before that — on September 10, 1935.

The first Headmaster of the school was Arthur E. Foot, an educationist from England who had previously taught Physics at the famous Eton College for nine years. Under his leadership, the school built a strong foundation that it still stands on today.

Over the decades, The Doon School became one of the most respected schools in India. Many of its former students went on to become great leaders in politics, business, arts, and sports. This is why the school is often called the ‘Eton of India’ by international media, though the school itself does not use that title.

School Type and Board Affiliation

The Doon School is a private boys-only boarding school. This means that all students live on the school campus in boarding houses. It is not a day school — boys stay at the school during the entire term.

In terms of academic board, the school is affiliated with:

• CISCE (Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations) — Students appear for the ICSE exam in Class X and the ISC exam in Class XII.
• Cambridge IGCSE — Students in Class X sit for Cambridge International examinations as an option.
• IB (International Baccalaureate) — Since April 2007, the school offers the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Classes XI and XII. This is very helpful for students who want to study abroad after finishing school.

So, The Doon School gives students a choice between ISC and IB for their senior years. This makes it very flexible and globally competitive.

Address and Contact Details

The Doon School is centrally located in Dehradun, making it easy to reach from all parts of the country.

Address: The Doon School, Mall Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand – 248001, India

Phone: +91-135-2526400 / 2652900

Email: admissions@doonschool.com

Official Website: www.doonschool.com

The school is located on Mall Road, which is one of the most well-known roads in Dehradun. The Dehradun Railway Station is nearby, and the Jolly Grant Airport is about 25 km away. Dehradun is also well connected by road from Delhi, which is about 300 km away.

About the Current Headmaster

The current Headmaster of The Doon School is Mr. Matthew Jonathan Raggett. The school uses the term ‘Headmaster’ instead of ‘Principal’, which is a tradition followed since the school’s founding days.

The Headmaster plays a very important role at Doon School. He is involved not only in the academics of the school but also in the overall growth of every student. He even takes a personal interview of students who are being considered for admission — which shows how involved the school’s leadership is in selecting the right students.

Some well-known past Headmasters of The Doon School include Arthur E. Foot (the first Headmaster), John Martyn, and Peter McLaughlin, among others. Each of them has contributed greatly to the school’s strong culture and reputation.

Campus and Facilities

The Doon School has a large and beautiful campus. The school was built on land that was once part of the Forest Research Institute area, so it is surrounded by trees and natural greenery. The campus is home to not just classrooms but a wide variety of facilities that make learning fun and complete.

Academic Facilities

• Well-equipped science laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
• A large library with thousands of books, journals, and digital resources
• Smart classrooms with modern audio-visual teaching tools
• Computer labs and internet access for students
• An Art and Media School for creative subjects
• A Music School where students can learn various instruments
• Photography lab for students interested in visual arts
• A Design and Technology workshop

Sports Facilities

Sports is a very important part of life at The Doon School. The school has excellent facilities for both indoor and outdoor sports:

• A 25-metre swimming pool
• Acres of open grounds for football, cricket, and athletics
• Multiple basketball courts with floodlights
• Multiple tennis courts with floodlights
• Cricket practice nets
• Squash courts
• Badminton courts (in the multipurpose hall)
• A Fitness Centre and Gym
• A Golf Course just a few hundred metres from the school gates
• Boxing facilities

Boarding and Living Facilities

• Seven boarding houses where all students live
• Each boarding house has a Housemaster and assistant staff who look after the boys
• A dining hall that serves nutritious meals
• A Wellness Centre for medical care and mental well-being
• The Rose Bowl — a famous social and cultural space on campus
• An Auditorium for school events, plays, and performances
• A Multipurpose Hall for various indoor activities

The boarding houses at The Doon School are not just places to sleep. They are communities where boys learn to live together, respect each other, and grow as individuals. Each house has its own identity, traditions, and spirit.

Co-Curricular Facilities

The school offers around 80 different co-curricular activities. Students are encouraged to join clubs, societies, and sports teams from the time they join. Some popular activities include:

• Debate and Public Speaking clubs
• Drama and Theatre
• Music bands and orchestras
• Photography and Film-making
• Adventure sports like trekking and mountaineering (a strong tradition at Doon)
• Social service projects, including community outreach programmes

Admission Process

Getting into The Doon School is not easy. The admission process is tough and involves multiple stages. But if your child is well-prepared and genuinely capable, it is achievable. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to the admission process:

Step 1: Eligibility

The school admits boys into two classes:

• Class VII (D Form) — Admission in April every year. The boy must be above 11 years but below 12 years of age in September of the year of the entrance exam.
• Class VIII (C Form) — Admission in January every year. The boy must be above 12 years but below 13 years of age in September of the year of the entrance exam.

Step 2: Online Registration

Parents need to fill out the application form on the official website at www.doonschool.com. A non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 10,000 must be paid at the time of registration. After submitting the form, candidates receive an Admit Card to appear for the entrance exam.

Step 3: Written Entrance Exam (Stage I)

The written exam is the first stage of the selection process. It tests the boy’s academic ability across four subjects:

Subject	Duration
English	45 minutes
Mathematics	45 minutes
Science	45 minutes
Logic and Reasoning	45 minutes

The exam is conducted in various cities across India, including Dehradun, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Hyderabad. So you do not necessarily have to travel to Dehradun for the written test.

The school does not provide a specific exam syllabus. The questions are based on what is normally taught at the student’s current grade level. However, the school does send sample papers to all registered students so they can get familiar with the question format.

Step 4: Personal Interviews (Stage II)

Students who pass the written exam are invited to The Doon School campus for Stage II. This stage includes:

• Subject-wise interviews with teachers (15–20 minutes each)
• A Group Discussion round
• A final one-on-one interview with the Headmaster

The Headmaster’s interview is a very important part of the process. It is a chance for the school to understand the student’s personality, values, and potential — not just his academic performance.

Key Admission Dates (AY 2026–27)

• Registration Deadline: 10 July 2026
• Written Entrance Exam: 9 August 2026
• Please check the official website for updated dates and schedules

Remember: Registration does not guarantee admission. The final selection is based on the full performance across both stages of the process.

Fee Structure

The Doon School is a premium boarding school, and its fees reflect the quality of education and facilities it provides. The fees cover everything — tuition, boarding, meals, and most activities. There are no major hidden costs.

As per the latest available information, the school’s fee structure for AY 2026–27 is expected to remain similar to that of 2025–26, with no major increases announced as of now. The school has been consistent about maintaining fee transparency.

General Fee Overview

Fee Component	Details
Application / Registration Fee	Rs. 10,000 (non-refundable)
Annual Fee (Approx.)	Rs. 10–13 Lakhs per year (inclusive of boarding, tuition, and meals)
Payment Mode	Demand Draft or Cheque in favour of ‘The Headmaster, The Doon School’, payable at Dehradun

Note: The exact fee breakdown depends on the class and curriculum (ISC or IB). Parents are advised to visit the official website at www.doonschool.com or contact the Admissions Office directly for the most current and accurate fee details. Fees are charged on an annual basis and paid in installments per term.

Academics at The Doon School

The Doon School follows a very structured and enriching academic programme. The school runs on two terms every year:

• Spring Term: February 1 to May 31
• Autumn Term: August 1 to November 30

Classes are held five and a half days a week. The average class size is around 20 students, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 10:1. This means students get a lot of personal attention from their teachers.

Apart from the main subjects like English, Maths, Science, and Social Studies, students are also required to study:

• Sanskrit (compulsory for all students)
• German or French (as additional language options)
• Art and Design
• Music
• Yoga
• Carpentry and Technology

In Class X, students appear for the Cambridge IGCSE exams. After that, they can choose between the IB Diploma Programme or the Indian School Certificate (ISC) for Classes XI and XII. Both options are excellent and widely recognised by universities around the world.

Famous Alumni of The Doon School

One of the things that makes The Doon School truly special is its list of alumni — former students who have gone on to achieve great things in their fields. Some well-known ‘Doscos’ (as Doon School alumni are called) include:

• Rajiv Gandhi — Former Prime Minister of India
• Sanjay Gandhi — Politician and son of Indira Gandhi
• Rahul Gandhi — Senior Congress leader and politician
• Jyotiraditya Scindia — Union Minister, Government of India
• Kamal Nath — Senior politician and former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh
• Mani Shankar Aiyar — Diplomat and politician
• Abhinav Bindra — India’s first individual Olympic Gold Medalist (Shooting, 2008 Beijing Olympics)
• Vikram Seth — Celebrated author of ‘A Suitable Boy’
• Amitav Ghosh — Award-winning novelist
• Ramachandra Guha — Historian and author
• Anish Kapoor — World-famous sculptor
• Karan Thapar — Senior television journalist
• Bunker Roy — Social entrepreneur and founder of Barefoot College

This incredible list of alumni shows that The Doon School does not just teach students to pass exams — it shapes them into future leaders.

Reviews and Ratings

The Doon School is consistently rated as one of the top schools in India, and the reviews from students, parents, and educators are mostly very positive. Here is what people generally say about the school:

What Parents Say

• Parents appreciate the school’s focus on overall development — not just academics but sports, arts, and leadership.
• The boarding environment is seen as a major positive. Boys learn independence, discipline, and teamwork from a young age.
• The school’s global alumni network is a huge advantage for students later in life.
• Some parents feel that the fees are on the higher side, but most agree that the quality justifies the cost.

What Students Say

• Students love the variety of activities available — from trekking and golf to drama and photography.
• The campus life is described as exciting, challenging, and very memorable.
• The strong sense of brotherhood and house spirit is something that stays with students for life.
• The workload is demanding, but teachers are supportive and approachable.

Ratings Overview

Category	Rating
Academic Quality	★★★★★ (5/5)
Infrastructure & Facilities	★★★★★ (5/5)
Sports & Co-Curricular	★★★★★ (5/5)
Overall Campus Life	★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Overall Rating	★★★★★ (4.9/5)

The Doon School has been featured and praised by international media including the BBC, The Guardian, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Daily Telegraph. It is frequently ranked among the top three boarding schools in India in various education surveys and rankings.

Nearby Schools in Dehradun

If you are exploring options in Dehradun, here are some other well-known schools near The Doon School that you can also consider:

School Name	Type	Board
Welham Girls’ School	Girls’ Boarding School	ICSE / ISC
The Welham Boys’ School	Boys’ Boarding School	ICSE / ISC
Kasiga School	Co-ed Boarding School	CBSE / IB
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dehradun	Day School (Co-ed)	CBSE
The Aryan School	Day School (Co-ed)	CBSE
Doon Valley Public School	Day School (Co-ed)	CBSE
Flowerdale School	Day School (Co-ed)	CBSE
Kingston Public School	Day School (Co-ed)	CBSE

Dehradun is considered one of the best cities for school education in India. Apart from The Doon School, the city has many excellent options for different budgets and preferences.

Is The Doon School Right for Your Child?

The Doon School is truly one of the finest schools in India. But it is important to understand that it is a very specific kind of school. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• It is a boys-only boarding school. Girls are not admitted. The student lives on campus during the school term.
• The entrance process is highly competitive. Only a small number of boys are selected each year from thousands of applicants.
• The fee is on the higher side and may not be suitable for all families.
• The school is ideal for boys who are academically curious, interested in co-curricular activities, and open to living away from home.
• The school offers a truly world-class education that prepares students not just for exams but for life.

If your child fits the profile and you are in a position to invest in this education, The Doon School can be a life-changing experience. The school does not just teach — it shapes character, builds leadership, and creates friendships that last a lifetime.

Conclusion

The Doon School in Dehradun is not just a school — it is an institution with nearly 90 years of history and a legacy of producing extraordinary individuals. From prime ministers and Olympic champions to writers and artists, the school has shaped some of the most influential people in Indian history.

With its ICSE/ISC and IB board options, world-class facilities, a strong focus on overall development, and a deeply enriching boarding life, The Doon School continues to be the top choice for parents who want the very best for their sons.