Bishop Cotton School Shimla

India, Shimla

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The school at a glance

Instructs in English

Fees ₹780,000 - 1,280,000

Ages Not listed

Type Boys School (boarding)

Opened 1859

Bus Service No

Availability Not shared by this school

Academic offering

Curriculum Indian Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels

Taught languages Hindi, French

Typical class size 20

Strengths Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education, Performing Arts

Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service

Stages Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School

Introduction

Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, founded in 1859, is the oldest boys' boarding school in Asia. Located on Bishop Cotton School Road, Shimla, it offers a curriculum that includes Indian Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, and Cambridge A Levels. The school is affiliated with Cambridge Assessment International Education and CISCE. Its educational framework is delivered through five pillars: Chemsford Sinker Academic Programme, Bayliss Co-Curricular Programme, Grindlays Games Programme, Parigyal Outward Bound Programme, and Sapan Walia Outreach Programme, integrating academics, co-curriculars, sports, outdoor learning, and community engagement. The Main School Building (est. 1863), Irwin Hall (1930), War Memorial (1921), Holy Trinity Chapel (1871), and the School Infirmary are facilities. Holy Trinity Chapel Library houses over 50,000 volumes. Notable activities include Debates & Public Speaking (National Champions 2023), Model United Nations, Quizzing & Trivia, Dramatics & Theatre, Dance & Movement, Western Music, and Creative Writing. Alumni exceed 4,000 in 120+ countries via the Old Cottonians Network.

bishopcottonshimla.com

Bishop Cotton School, Bishop Cotton School Road, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171002, India

Gallery

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Vibes and Culture

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The Essentials

Location

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171002, India. The school is located on Bishop Cotton School Road in Shimla.

Stages

Prep School (Classes 4–8); Senior School (Classes 9–12).

Type

Boys' boarding school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

45+ countries represented.

Country affiliation

India

Diving Deeper

The school has not added this information

Fees

Application / Admission fee
- Admission fee (Indian students): INR 65,000.
- Admission fee (NRI students): INR 100,000.

Security / Caution deposit
- Caution money (refundable): INR 300,000.
- INR 25,000 of the caution money will be deducted towards the OCA Lifelong Membership fee; the balance (INR 275,000) is refundable on leaving the school.

Imprest / Personal advance
- Imprest account (advance against personal billing): INR 100,000 to be deposited on joining.

Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts and new-admission term breakdowns)
- Class 4–6: Tuition (annual) INR 780,000.
- New-admission payment on joining (first-term package = Admission + Caution + Imprest + 1st installment): INR 945,000.
- Second installment (term 2) due: INR 300,000 (payable by 31/07/2026).
- Total payable for a new admission at joining (first + second installments + deposits): INR 1,245,000.

- Class 7–10: Tuition (annual) INR 860,000.
- New-admission first-term package (Admission + Caution + Imprest + 1st installment): INR 1,025,000.
- Second installment (term 2) due: INR 300,000 (payable by 31/07/2026).
- Total payable for a new admission at joining: INR 1,325,000.

- Class 11–12: Tuition (annual) INR 920,000.
- New-admission first-term package (Admission + Caution + Imprest + 1st installment): INR 1,085,000.
- Second installment (term 2) due: INR 300,000 (payable by 31/07/2026).
- Total payable for a new admission at joining: INR 1,385,000.

- NRI students (Classes 4–12): Tuition (annual) INR 1,280,000.
- NRI admission fee INR 100,000; caution INR 300,000; imprest INR 100,000.
- First-term tuition component for new NRI admissions: INR 980,000; second term: INR 300,000 (due by 31/07/2026).
- Total payable for a new NRI admission at joining: INR 1,780,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard instruction: school fees are payable in two installments.
- For new admissions the initial payment (first-term package) includes the admission fee, caution money, imprest account deposit and the first tuition installment; the second installment is due by 31 July (date shown: 31/07/2026).
- The school fee is subject to revision as per school rules.

Boarding fees
- Boarding-related components are included in the published annual school-fee figures above (the fee schedule presents tuition and boarding together as the annual school fee for the specified class bands).

Other costs / deposits / routine charges
- Pocket-money deposit: INR 10,000 to be deposited in the student's UCO Bank personal account through the House Master/Matron on the day of joining (applicable for the relevant classes as listed).
- OCA Lifelong Membership fee: INR 25,000 (deducted from the caution deposit at the time of admission).
- Imprest account: INR 100,000 (advance against personal billing).

Refund information
- Caution money (after the INR 25,000 OCA deduction) is refundable when the student leaves the school; the refundable balance shown is INR 275,000.
- The fee schedule states that the school fee is subject to revision according to school rules.

Fee concessions / rebates
- Active Defence / Government employee rebate on school fee: 25% for the first child and 15% for the second child (school-fee rebate).

Payment methods and banking details
- Payment method: Bank transfer is the prescribed payment route; an online SBI-Collect option is provided for electronic payments.
- Bank accounts published for fee payments: HDFC Bank (Bishop Cotton School current account) and State Bank of India (Bishop Cotton School current account) with IFSC codes and account numbers; SWIFT codes are provided for international/NRI payments.

Notes on instalment formats for specific cases
- For new admissions the first payment is a combined first-term package (Admission fee + Caution + Imprest + first tuition installment); the second instalment is the remaining tuition instalment and is due by the date specified in the schedule.

(End of fees overview.)

Academics

Curriculum

The school is affiliated with Cambridge Assessment International Education and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). The curriculum is delivered through five pillars: The Chemsford Sinker Academic Programme; The Bayliss Co-Curricular Programme; The Grindlays Games Programme; The Parigyal Outward Bound Programme; and The Sapan Walia Outreach Programme. The Chemsford Sinker Academic Programme provides a rigorous curriculum that challenges minds and cultivates intellectual curiosity across all disciplines. The Five Pillars are designed to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for leadership, service, and excellence in all endeavors. The approach integrates academics, co-curricular activities, sports, outdoor learning, and community engagement.

Student Teacher Ratio

8:1

Higher Education Progression

98% university placement.

Wellbeing

The school has not added this information

Parent Experience

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Facilities

The school has not added this information

Extra-Curricular Activities

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Languages

The school has not added this information

Reputation

The school has not added this information

Admissions

1. Begin your application by filling out the comprehensive admission form and registering for the entrance examination through the Apply Now option. The process identifies students who will thrive in the school's distinctive educational environment. Guidance for the admissions journey is available from the Admissions team via the contact details provided. 2. Pay the non-refundable admission test fee of ₹15,000 at registration. This fee accompanies the entrance examination and is payable at the time of registration. The test is conducted at designated test centres, including Delhi and Shimla. 3. Take the Entrance Examination. The examination is a comprehensive written assessment designed to measure academic aptitude, critical thinking, and foundational knowledge across core subjects. It is subject-based with age-appropriate difficulty levels and is held at designated test centres. Following the examination, a Personal Interview with the student and parents is conducted to assess character, aspirations, and alignment with school values. Admission Test Centres include Delhi (Connaught Place, at our partner institution) and Shimla (Bishop Cotton School, Shimla). 4. Access preparation materials and fee information. Download the syllabus by class to guide preparation; Class 4 to Class 9 syllabi are available. Review the fee structure to plan for tuition, boarding, and additional charges for the academic year. Fees and payment details are provided to help families plan the admissions timeline. For guidance, contact the Admissions team.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is Bishop Cotton School Shimla located and when was it founded?

Bishop Cotton School Shimla is on Bishop Cotton School Road in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India (PIN 171002). It was founded in 1859, making it one of the oldest boys' boarding schools in Asia.

What levels does the school serve and what curriculum framework does it follow?

The school offers Prep School (Classes 4–8) and Senior School (Classes 9–12). It is affiliated with Cambridge Assessment International Education and CISCE, delivered through five pillars that blend academics, co-curriculars, sports, outdoor learning and service.

Is Bishop Cotton Shimla a boarding school, and how many boarding houses are there?

Yes, it is a boys' boarding school with four boarding houses—Curzon, Ibbetson, Lefroy and Rivaz—accommodating about 350 boarders in total. Housemasters and resident tutors provide 24/7 pastoral care.

What are the annual tuition ranges for different year groups, and does boarding come included?

Annual tuition is INR 780,000 for Classes 4–6, INR 860,000 for Classes 7–10, and INR 920,000 for Classes 11–12. Boarding is included in the published annual school fee.

What are the upfront costs for new admissions and how are fees billed?

For new admissions, the first-term package includes the admission fee, caution money, imprest and the first tuition installment. The second installment is due by 31 July in the joining year; caution money is refundable after deducting INR 25,000 for the OCA Lifelong Membership.

Are there fee concessions for Defence/Government employees or for siblings?

Yes. Defence/Government employees receive a 25% rebate for the first child and 15% for the second child.

What curricula are available and can families switch between Cambridge and CISCE?

The school offers Cambridge Assessment International Education and CISCE; from Class 9 onwards Cambridge IGCSE is available, with the option to transition between Cambridge and CISCE curricula.

What is the student–teacher ratio and university placement rate?

The student–teacher ratio is 8:1, allowing smaller class sizes and individual attention. About 98% of graduates secure university placement.

From which class does Cambridge IGCSE begin, and what are the language provisions?

From Class 9, Cambridge IGCSE is offered. English Language & Literature is a core subject in the Prep curriculum, and a Second Language is offered as Hindi or French.

What are the main campus facilities and libraries like?

The campus features the Main School Building, Irwin Hall, War Memorial, and The Holy Trinity Chapel. The Holy Trinity Chapel houses a library with over 50,000 volumes including rare manuscripts, and the School Infirmary provides a fully equipped medical facility.

What health and wellbeing facilities are available on campus?

There is a 24/7 medical team on campus with an on-site infirmary, and a Chaplain serves the spiritual needs of students. Pastoral care is provided by house staff and resident tutors.

How are the boarding living arrangements structured?

There are four boarding houses—Curzon, Ibbetson, Lefroy and Rivaz—each housing 75–100 students. Juniors typically share rooms with 3–4 housemates, while seniors may have single or double occupancy.

What extracurricular activities and competitions does the school offer, particularly in debating and MUN?

The Bayliss Co-Curricular Programme runs Debates & Public Speaking, Model United Nations, and Quizzing & Trivia. The Debating Society has national recognition, including the National Champions title in 2023 and participates in 15+ inter-school tournaments.

What are the five pillars of the school's educational approach and what do they cover?

The five pillars are The Chemsford Sinker Academic Programme, The Bayliss Co-Curricular Programme, The Grindlays Games Programme, The Parigyal Outward Bound Programme, and The Sapan Walia Outreach Programme. They integrate academics, co-curricular activities, sports, outdoor learning and community engagement to develop leadership, service and excellence.

What community service or outreach programs exist at the school?

Sapan Walia Outreach is the school's community service initiative under the Bayliss Programme.

What support is available for SEN and EAL students?

SEN support is provided by staff including Sunetra Halder, who has a PG Diploma in Guidance & Counselling and in Special Education. English Language & Literature is a core subject and a Second Language is offered at Prep level to support EAL learners.

How is wellbeing and safeguarding managed on campus?

Pastoral care is delivered by Housemasters and resident tutors with 24/7 support, and Rev Dinesh Singh serves as Chaplain. Safeguarding is overseen by the Board of Governors as part of governance and policy oversight.

What dining and uniform arrangements should international families know about?

The Dining Hall seats 400 and serves four meals a day plus evening snacks, with a rotating three-week menu that accommodates dietary requirements. Uniform is required and items are supplied by designated outfitters.

What is the school's motto and its heritage?

The motto is Overcome Evil with Good. The school was founded in 1859 and is recognized as the oldest boys' boarding school in Asia, with a long history and heritage.

Are there any notable recognitions for the school's debate program or other academics?

The Debating Society achieved National Champion status in 2023 and participates in more than 15 inter-school tournaments, reflecting strong recognition in debates.

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