Rancho’s School in Ladakh Finally Gets CBSE Affiliation After 20-Year Wait

Druk Padma Karpo School, famously known as Rancho’s school from the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, has finally secured CBSE affiliation after more than two decades of efforts. Nestled in the cold desert of Ladakh, the school had previously been affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education but faced repeated delays in obtaining clearance for CBSE recognition.  

 

The school’s principal, Mingur Angmo, expressed relief at the long-awaited approval, noting that the first batch of Class 10 students is now awaiting their CBSE board exam results. Despite having the necessary infrastructure and a strong academic record, the school struggled to obtain the required no-objection certificate from the Jammu and Kashmir board before Ladakh became a Union Territory.  

 

With the CBSE affiliation now in place, the school plans to expand its curriculum to include Classes 11 and 12 by 2028. Teachers are undergoing training to ensure a smooth transition for students adapting to the CBSE syllabus. The school’s innovative teaching methods, which align with the reforms introduced in the National Education Policy, are expected to integrate well with CBSE’s evolving pedagogy.  

 

Druk Padma Karpo School, named after the revered scholar Mipham Pema Karpo, has become a popular tourist attraction due to its connection with 3 Idiots. The iconic wall featured in the film’s closing scene remains on campus, though the school has taken steps to separate student areas from tourist zones to minimize distractions.  

 

Sources: MSN News, NDTV, Deccan Herald, Deccan Chronicle