URGENT UPDATE: India’s prestigious Mayo College, located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, is reimagining education for a new elite class. Once reserved for royalty, this historic institution now enrolls 850 students, primarily from influential families, ensuring its legacy continues in a modern context.
Established in 1875, Mayo College has long been known as the “Eton of the East.” Originally founded by the British viceroy, the Earl of Mayo, the school aimed to strengthen ties between Indian royalty and British officials. Today, the school’s tuition fees of approximately $11,500 per year place it among the top elite boarding schools in India, catering to the descendants of ministers, business leaders, and diplomats.
Headmaster Saurav Sinha emphasizes the importance of blending tradition with innovation. “We try to preserve a certain tradition of the past,” he states, “but only to the extent it enriches our culture.” This commitment to heritage is coupled with a focus on student well-being and self-confidence, vital in today’s rapidly changing world.
Life at Mayo is demanding, with students rising at dawn and lights out set for 9:30 PM. Yet, the rigorous schedule fosters personal growth. “We’re so busy that I don’t have time to think about my family,” joked Arrin, an 11-year-old student, highlighting the intense environment. Mayo’s curriculum is broad, including science, foreign languages, and international relations, taught in English. Afternoons are dedicated to sports, with facilities boasting an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a nine-hole golf course.
Parents are witnessing significant transformations in their children. Daakshi Bhide, an English teacher at the school, notes, “My son has gained enormous self-confidence; he has become very independent.” The introduction of psychologists and an increase in female staff aim to create a nurturing atmosphere, ensuring student happiness and intellectual curiosity.
The school’s commitment to excellence is evident as students prepare for prestigious universities both in India and abroad. One-third of students plan to study overseas, with aspirations to contribute to India’s future. Advaya Sidharth Bhatia, 17, hopes to launch a business that aids his country’s prosperity, demonstrating the ambition fostered at Mayo.
With its rich history and a forward-looking approach, Mayo College stands as a beacon of elite education in India. The school is not only preserving its heritage but is also adapting to prepare today’s youth for tomorrow’s challenges. As Sinha asserts, “Mayo must always look to the future,” and for many students, that future starts right here.
