Rancho’s School Graduates to CBSE: 3 Idiots Fame Gets Its Due After 24 Years

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Druk Padma Karpo School, popularly referred to as "Rancho's School" from the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots, has marked a major milestone by getting affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) after over two decades of its establishment. Situated in the frigid desert of Ladakh, the school has been renowned for its out-of-the-box teaching practices and eco-friendly campus, and this affiliation is a game-changer for education in the area.

Background and Significance

Druk Padma Karpo School was founded in 2001 and is named after the venerated scholar Mipham Pema Karpo; "Padma Karpo" translates to "White Lotus" in Bothi, the local language.
The school became nationally and internationally renowned after it was used as the location for "Rancho's School" in the 2009 film 3 Idiots.
Before this, the school was a member of the Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education (JKBOSE).

Journey to CBSE Affiliation

The school has been pursuing CBSE affiliation for more than 20 years, with repeated delays and refusals mostly on account of challenges in procuring the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from JKBOSE.
Initiatives to obtain affiliation started even prior to Ladakh's Union Territory status being granted in 2019.
The turning point came in 2025, when the first batch of Class 10 students now wait for the results of their CBSE board examinations.

Innovative Education and Infrastructure

Druk Padma Karpo is famous for its innovative, experiential teaching styles, which closely match the reforms suggested in India's National Education Policy (NEP).
The campus of the school is a combination of Ladakhi traditional architecture and contemporary, eco-friendly design, supporting more than 880 students from local and distant communities.
Infrastructure development is in progress, with the aim to implement Classes 11 and 12 by 2028.

Impact and Future Plans

CBSE affiliation provides national and international scope for students, and facilitated transitions to higher education and the workplace.
Teachers are receiving special training to adjust to the CBSE curriculum and provide a seamless transition for students.
The school maintains its balancing act of tradition and modernity, incorporating Ladakhi culture and contemporary education practices.
The legendary "Rancho's Wall" is still a draw for tourists, although moved to reduce disruption of classrooms.

Broader Educational Context

The success of Druk Padma Karpo provides a precedent for the other schools of Ladakh, most of which remain affiliated to JKBOSE.
Talks are in progress on the formation of a separate territorial board to fulfill Ladakh's specific educational demands.

This accomplishment is a new era for the Druk Padma Karpo School, bringing together cinematic heritage, educational entrepreneurship, and regional pride as it takes its first steps onto the national stage through CBSE certification.

Sources: Deccan Herald, India Today, The Indian Express, Druk Padma Karpo School Official, ScooNews, Economic Times Education