Rajghat Besant School
Parent InsightsRajghat Fort, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221 001, India.
If you’re looking for a school that blends academic learning with a calm, reflective environment, Rajghat Besant School in Varanasi might catch your attention. This is not your typical high-pressure CBSE school — it’s a place that values curiosity, simplicity, and community living.
- ✦Founded by J. Krishnamurti, run by Krishnamurti Foundation India.
- ✦Set on a 400-acre historic campus with a river, farms, and educational institutions.
- ✦The assembly hall was designed by Surendranath Kar and inaugurated by Rabindranath Tagore.
Summary for Parents
Overview
- •Rajghat Besant School is a long-standing CBSE residential school that blends academics with a reflective, nature-based lifestyle. It’s ideal for families who value simplicity, self-awareness, and experiential learning over competition.
What kind of child will this school work best for
- •A child who enjoys open-ended learning and creative exploration.
- •A child comfortable with boarding life and community living.
- •A child who thrives in smaller, more personal classroom settings.
Strengths
- •Small class sizes and individual attention.
- •Beautiful, peaceful campus.
- •Strong arts and cultural exposure.
- •Balanced CBSE academics with practical learning.
- •Deep-rooted educational philosophy.
Potential trade-offs / Things to check
- •High one-time and annual fees.
- •Limited day-scholar options.
- •Less focus on competitive exam coaching.
- •Transport availability for day scholars.
- •Boarding readiness for younger children.
Recommendations / Questions to Ask
- •Request the latest fee schedule and refund policy.
- •Ask for recent board exam results and college placements.
- •Visit the hostels and meet house parents.
- •Confirm transport routes and day-scholar availability.
- •Discuss how the school supports academic rigor within its holistic approach.
School Information
Board / Curriculum
CBSE
Grades offered
Nursery - 12
Medium
English
Type
Co-ed
Students
Around 250 students in Classes III–XII (as per school website). Some directories list ~370 — parents should confirm the current figure.
Student–Teacher Ratio
About 1:7 (as stated by the school)
Boarding
Yes
Pincode
221001
Leadership & Staff
- • Head of Institution: Atul Kumar Vij; small, experienced faculty with subject specialists
Fees & Admissions
| Class / Category | Fee (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | 2,000 | Non-refundable, paid at application |
| Admission Fee | 50,000 | One-time |
| Caution Deposit | 80,000–1,38,000 | Refundable, varies by class |
| Day Scholar (Class 2) | ₹3,05,000 (first year) | Includes one-time fees |
| Boarder (Class III–V) | ₹7,03,000 (first year) | Includes one-time fees |
| Boarder (Class IX) | ₹8,33,000 (first year) | Includes one-time fees |
| Boarder (Class XI) | ₹8,74,000 (first year) | Includes one-time fees |
| Personal Account Deposit | 25,000–50,000 | For incidental expenses |
Admission Process for Interested Parents
When to Apply: Registration opens in November; last date is usually 31 December for the next academic year.
Registration Fee: ₹2,000 (non-refundable).
Application: Download and fill the form, attach documents, and email to the school.
Documents Required: Application form, mark sheet, Aadhaar, birth certificate, payment proof, and for Class XI — subject choices.
Selection: Written test and interaction on campus; parents must accompany the child.
Confirmation: Admission confirmed after fee payment within the given deadline.
Day Scholar Policy: Only up to Class 5; boarding mandatory from Class 6 onwards.
What Parents Say
Aggregated from parent reviews across platforms. Ask these questions during your school visit.
Academics
Positives
Small classes and a 1:7 ratio allow teachers to know each child well. The CBSE curriculum is balanced with creative and practical learning.
Watch out for
Some parents feel the academic pace is slower compared to coaching-oriented schools.
Ask: How does the school support board exam preparation and subject guidance in Classes 10 and 12?
Campus & Environment
Positives
The 400-acre campus is peaceful, green, and historically rich — ideal for reflective learning.
Watch out for
Maintenance of some facilities (like the pool or older buildings) may vary; worth checking during a visit.
Ask: Can parents tour the hostels, classrooms, and sports areas before admission?
Fees
Positives
Transparent fee structure published online; includes boarding and meals.
Watch out for
High one-time deposits and annual costs make it less accessible for some families.
Ask: What is the refund policy for the caution deposit and how often are fees revised?
Boarding Life
Positives
House parents and small hostels create a family-like environment.
Watch out for
Boarding is mandatory from Class 6, which may not suit all families.
Ask: How are younger boarders supported emotionally and academically?
Philosophy & Fit
Positives
The Krishnamurti approach encourages curiosity and self-awareness.
Watch out for
Families seeking a more competitive or exam-driven environment may find it too relaxed.
Ask: How does the school balance holistic learning with academic rigor?
Campus & Facilities
Around 400 acres
Reviews from Other Platforms
Aggregated from public sources for reference. These are not verified by SchoolCompass.
What parents liked
"I have spent some of my unforgettable day here in my childhood!"
— Jayash Kumar
"Excellent."
— ShounaK SarkaR
"It's minimalistic but meaningful with all the supporting mechanisms in place. Rajghat has a great environment, especially better than the city."
— Reddit user
Concerns raised
"High fees and large deposits"
— aggregator sites
"Day scholar option is very limited and children must become boarders by class 6"
— Admissions policy
"Transport/commute issues — check routes"
— parent comments on aggregator sites
What Kind of Peer Group?
Age Range
From around 6–7 years (Class 2) to 17–18 years (Class 12).
Family Backgrounds
Families who value holistic education and Krishnamurti’s philosophy — often urban, educated, and open-minded. Some local families are also part of the community.
Socio-economic Profile
Mostly middle to upper-middle income families who can afford boarding fees. The school also connects with rural communities through its Rural Centre.
Child Profiles
Children who are curious, independent, and enjoy hands-on learning tend to thrive here. It suits those who prefer a calm, non-competitive environment.
Verified Parent Reviews
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