Perched on a sprawling 67-acre campus near Bangalore, Sarala Birla Academy (SBA) is more than a premier boys’ residential school—it is the embodiment of Kumar Mangalam Birla’s visionary approach to education. Since its inception in 2004, SBA has carved a distinguished place for itself among the best boys' boarding schools in India, seamlessly blending academic excellence, global perspective, cultural values, and holistic development.

From the first moment one steps onto the SBA campus, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary school. The architectural grandeur of the academic blocks, the meticulously curated rock gardens, the serene swimming pool, the vibrant sporting arenas, and thoughtfully designed boarding houses come together to create a space where education feels both aspirational and grounded.

A Visionary Foundation Rooted in Purpose

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, envisioned SBA as a school that would ignite young minds—not just with knowledge but with a lifelong passion for learning and self-growth. His philosophy emphasizes joy in learning and nurturing self-esteem through discovery and meaningful experiences.

“To ignite minds and to create in the students a love of learning and continuous development… to help develop a higher sense of self-esteem in the student and equip him with life skills that will place him first among his equals.” – Kumar Mangalam Birla

This guiding vision permeates every aspect of the SBA experience—from its dynamic curriculum to the strong focus on values and life skills.

A Global Outlook, an Indian Soul

SBA's unique edge lies in its ability to offer global education while preserving India's cultural richness. Affiliated with three prestigious education boards—the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), and the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO)—SBA ensures that students have access to international standards while staying rooted in Indian traditions.

Principal Santanu Das, a passionate leader with a clear global vision, explains this distinctive approach:

“We are international in curriculum and vision, but not at the cost of India’s glorious traditions. Our students embody courtesy, resilience, and compassion in everything they do.”

The results speak for themselves—SBA has consistently ranked among the top boys’ boarding schools in India, including a No. 2 ranking by Education Today and Education World (2022, 2023).

Alumni That Make India Proud

SBA’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals is evident in its alumni success stories. One standout example is Sapolnach Prompriengchai, who was recently declared a Rhodes Global Scholar in 2024—a rare and prestigious achievement that reflects SBA’s commitment to academic rigor, leadership, and global readiness.

SBA alumni are spread across top global universities, pursuing careers in technology, business, science, law, diplomacy, and the arts. Their journeys reflect the school's core mission: to shape young boys into ethical, confident, and globally competent leaders.

A Curriculum That Builds Gentlemen of Character

The teachers at SBA are handpicked from some of the most reputed institutions in the country. These educators go beyond textbooks—they are mentors, guides, and role models, fostering character and critical thinking in equal measure.

The school’s pastoral care system is an integral part of the learning experience, ensuring that each student’s emotional, social, and psychological well-being is prioritized. With structured mentorship and value-driven programming, SBA shapes its students into true gentlemen, ready to meet the challenges of the future.

In the words of Principal Das, the school aims to produce:

“Well-rounded gentlemen—resilient in adversity, humble in success, and noble in conduct.”

Beyond Academics: A Celebration of Talent and Spirit

SBA is not just about academic excellence—it’s a powerhouse of co-curricular and extracurricular activities. The school offers a wide array of opportunities in the performing arts, sports, leadership, and global collaboration.

Music & Performing Arts

The school boasts dedicated instructors for instruments such as the violin, drums, guitar, sitar, tabla, piano, and keyboard. Both Indian and Western vocal training are part of the music program. SBA’s orchestra has even performed in cities across Europe, collaborating with professional musicians for ticketed performances.

World-Class Sports Infrastructure

SBA’s sports program is second to none. The school has specialist coaches for football, cricket, hockey, squash, tennis, swimming, volleyball, and more. The results of this investment are evident—Aryaman Raunak Mistry, one of SBA’s star athletes, recently won Gold at the CISCE National Sports Meet.

International Exposure & Future-Ready Learning

SBA’s global orientation is evident through its exchange programs, international collaborations, and frequent visits by representatives from leading universities worldwide. Students travel abroad to participate in:

• Model United Nations (MUN)
• STEM and science programs
• Cultural and academic exchange initiatives
• International Award for Young People (IAYP) activities

The school is a proud member of respected global networks, including:

• Round Square
• IPSC (Indian Public Schools' Conference)
• TAISI (The Association of International Schools of India)
• IAYP

These affiliations ensure that students receive global exposure, develop leadership skills, and cultivate the mindset of global citizens.

A Nurturing Environment That Sparks Joy in Learning

What truly sets SBA apart is the sense of joy, discovery, and belonging that fills its campus. Students are encouraged to celebrate their childhood, explore their interests, and pursue excellence in a supportive environment. The school intentionally maintains a low profile, allowing its reputation to grow organically through the success and satisfaction of its students and their families.

Despite this quiet confidence, demand for admissions continues to surge, a clear indicator of SBA’s rising prominence as a center for value-based international education.

Why Sarala Birla Academy?

• Founded by Kumar Mangalam Birla, one of India’s foremost visionaries
• Led by Santanu Das, a principal known for balancing tradition with global innovation
• Ranked #2 Boys’ Boarding School in India by Education Today and Education World
• Affiliated with IBO, CAIE, and CISCE
• Offers unparalleled facilities in sports, arts, and leadership training
• Alumni attending top global universities and achieving international accolades
• A blend of Indian values and global vision

Conclusion: Nurturing Gentlemen, Building Leaders

Sarala Birla Academy is more than just a school—it is a transformative space where tradition meets innovation, where knowledge is pursued with humility, and where young boys grow into men of honor, purpose, and vision.