After a long wait, the Druk Padma Karpo School in Ladakh, the real-life inspiration behind “Rancho’s school,” has received CBSE affiliation. Despite its progressive pedagogy and infrastructure, the school faced years of NOC delays. This new affiliation will ease higher education transitions for its students.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, April 27, 2025 –
The Druk Padma Karpo School, the iconic educational institution nestled in the high-altitude desert of Ladakh and widely recognized as “Rancho’s school” following its feature in the Bollywood blockbuster “3 Idiots,” has finally achieved affiliation with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This milestone comes more than two decades after the school’s establishment and after enduring numerous delays and rejections.
The school, renowned for its progressive and experiential learning methodologies predating the reforms proposed by the National Education Policy (NEP), was previously affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education (JKBOSE). Now, with the coveted CBSE affiliation secured, the institution is setting its sights on expanding its educational offerings up to Class 12.
“We have finally got the CBSE affiliation after a delay of several years, and our first batch of Class 10 students is now eagerly awaiting their CBSE board exam results,” school principal, Mingur Angmo told a news agency.
(Druk Padma Karpo School)
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Angmo highlighted the persistent hurdles faced in obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the JKBOSE, a mandatory requirement for CBSE affiliation despite the school possessing the necessary infrastructure, a strong academic record, and a deep commitment to innovative teaching practices. As per CBSE norms, schools seeking affiliation must secure an NOC from their respective state board, while foreign schools require similar clearance from their embassy or the Indian Consulate.
The pursuit of this affiliation predates Ladakh’s transition into a Union Territory, underscoring the long-standing efforts of the school administration.
Looking ahead, Principal Angmo outlined ambitious expansion plans. “The infrastructure is already being expanded, and we plan to commence classes for 11 and 12 by 2028. We are also conducting specialized training for our teachers to ensure a seamless transition for our students to the CBSE curriculum.” She expressed confidence in the school’s ability to adapt, noting that their existing student-centric approach aligns well with the NEP-driven pedagogical reforms being adopted by CBSE. “Our methods of teaching were different from traditional classroom teaching, and with the CBSE also reforming its pedagogy after the NEP, it will be easier for us to blend both,” Angmo explained.
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Interestingly, even after the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and the creation of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory, many schools in the region continue to be affiliated with the JKBOSE. Recognizing the unique needs of the region, a committee had previously proposed the establishment of a new territorial board in Ladakh tailored to the “realistic needs of the students as per the natural conditions of the region.”
Named in honor of the revered scholar Mipham Pema Karpo (1527-1592), with “Padma Karpo” meaning ‘White Lotus’ in the local Bothi language, the 24-year-old school has also become a significant tourist attraction. Its “iconic idiotic wall,” famously featured in the closing scene of “3 Idiots,” remains a popular spot for visitors. While the original brick structure of the first floor, part of which was damaged in the 2010 flash floods, has been replaced with traditional Ladakhi wooden architecture, the wall itself has been relocated within the campus to minimize distractions for students.
Principal Angmo explained the school’s approach to managing the influx of tourists, stating, “Now the two areas are separate, the students do not get disturbed by the tourists. However, at times tourists get to attend some activities ongoing at the school. Like yesterday, we had conducted mock elections with the election commission here… So, if there is such an activity going on, we sometimes allow visitors to attend or see.”
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The CBSE affiliation marks a significant milestone for Druk Padma Karpo School, promising to ease the transition for its students to higher education both within India and abroad. As Principal Angmo aptly concluded, “With CBSE affiliation, the transition for higher education in the country and abroad will be easier for our students, and we can set an example of blending traditional classroom learning with innovative and play-way methods of teaching.”
