By the Education Karnataka Editorial Team · Last updated: November 2026
Quick answer: CBSE residential schools in Karnataka include private boarding schools, defence-oriented schools (Sainik Schools and Rashtriya Military Schools) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. CBSE suits families planning NEET and JEE or who may move between states. From 2026, CBSE Class 10 students can take two board exams in a year.
Key takeaways
- CBSE’s NCERT-based syllabus lines up closely with NEET and JEE.
- Defence and Navodaya schools have their own national entrance tests.
- Private CBSE boarding schools vary widely, so compare supervision, academics and cost.
- Confirm affiliation on the CBSE website (SARAS portal).
Types of CBSE residential schools
| Type | Examples in Karnataka | Admission |
| Private boarding schools | Many across the state | School’s own process |
| Sainik Schools | Kodagu, Vijayapura | AISSEE (NTA), Classes 6 and 9 |
| Rashtriya Military Schools | Bengaluru, Belagavi | RMS Common Entrance Test, Classes 6 and 9 |
| Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas | One in most districts | JNVST, Class 6 (plus limited lateral entry) |
| Residential Sainik School for Girls | Kittur, Belagavi district | School’s own admission process |
Some CBSE residential schools listed in our directory
Listed in no particular order. This is not a ranking:
- Rashtriya Military School Bengaluru
- Kittur Rani Channamma Residential Sainik School for Girls, Belagavi
- Sri Someshwara Residential School, Davanagere
- Sri Sathya Sai Divya Jyothi Vidya Kendra, Chikkamagaluru
- Mount Carmel School (Uttara Kannada)
- Shanthiniketan Public School, Ramanagara
Check current boarding availability, classes and fees directly with each school.
The CBSE Class 10 two-exam system (from 2026)
- First exam (February): Compulsory for all students.
- Second exam (May): Optional, for students who want to improve their scores.
- Internal assessment is conducted once during the year.
What to check in a CBSE residential school
- Affiliation number, verified on the CBSE website.
- Supervised study and academic support.
- Foundation programmes: optional or compulsory, and the extra cost.
- Hostel supervision, separate hostels and pastoral care.
- The total written annual cost.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a school is CBSE-affiliated? Use the CBSE affiliation search on the official CBSE website.
Do CBSE residential schools offer Class 11 and 12? Many do. Ask whether the school offers the stream your child wants (PCMB, PCMC, Commerce or Humanities).
Are Navodaya schools free? Navodaya Vidyalayas are government residential schools. Fee rules depend on category, so check the NVS website for current details.
Can girls join Sainik Schools? Yes, girls are eligible at Class 6, and at Class 9 subject to vacancies.
Is CBSE better than the State Board for KCET? KCET follows the Karnataka PUC syllabus. CBSE students can prepare for it with a focus on the PUC topics.
Need help shortlisting schools? Browse our directory of boarding schools in Karnataka and residential PU colleges in Karnataka, or message us on WhatsApp for guidance.
About Education Karnataka: a directory of residential schools and PU colleges across Karnataka, helping parents compare their options.
Leave a Reply