By the Education Karnataka Editorial Team · Last updated: November 2026

Quick answer: Girls in Karnataka can choose from:

• girls-only residential schools, such as the Kittur Rani Channamma Residential Sainik School for Girls and Kittur Rani Chennamma Residential Schools under KREIS
• co-educational boarding schools with separate girls’ hostels
• Sainik Schools, which admit girls at Class 6

Safety, women wardens and strong pastoral care are the top priorities in any option.

Key takeaways

• Girls-only and co-ed options are both available across the state.
• Separate hostels and women wardens are essential in co-ed schools.
• Defence-oriented options for girls are growing.
• Visit and ask detailed safety questions.

Types of boarding options for girls

Type	Examples
Girls-only defence-oriented	Kittur Rani Channamma Residential Sainik School for Girls (Belagavi district)
Government residential (girls)	Kittur Rani Chennamma Residential Schools under KREIS
Co-ed with separate girls’ hostels	Many private residential schools across Karnataka
Sainik Schools	Kodagu and Vijayapura, with girls eligible at Class 6 through AISSEE

Safety checklist for girls’ boarding

• Separate building for the girls’ hostel.
• Resident women wardens on duty at night.
• Controlled access to the hostel.
• A written safeguarding policy.
• Health support, including menstrual health supplies and care.
• Safe reporting channels.

Questions to ask

1. Is the girls’ hostel a separate building?
2. How many women wardens are on duty at night?
3. How is access to the girls’ hostel controlled?
4. What health support is available?
5. Are girls given equal opportunities in sport and leadership?

Frequently asked questions

Are co-ed boarding schools safe for girls? They can be very safe with separate, supervised hostels and strong policies. Check carefully.

Can girls join Sainik Schools in Karnataka? Yes, at Class 6 through AISSEE, and at Class 9 subject to vacancies.

What are Kittur Rani Chennamma Residential Schools? They are government residential schools for girls run by KREIS, with admission through the KEA entrance test.

Do girls’ schools offer sports? Good schools offer a full range of sports for girls.

Should I choose girls-only or co-ed? Both can work. Consider your daughter’s comfort and the school’s quality.

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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.