(With the inputs from PTI)
Druk Padma Karpo School, famously known as “Rancho’s School” from the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, has finally secured affiliation with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), more than 24 years after its establishment in the cold desert region of Ladakh.
Long Road to Recognition
The school, previously affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education (JKBOSE), faced numerous delays in acquiring the required no-objection certificate despite strong academic performance and progressive teaching practices. With CBSE affiliation now granted, the first batch of Class 10 students is awaiting their board examination results.
Future Expansion Plans
Following this milestone, the school plans to expand its offerings up to Year 12 by 2028. Infrastructure development is already underway, and teachers are undergoing training to facilitate a smooth transition into the CBSE curriculum, blending innovative pedagogy with the structured national framework.
Cultural Significance and Tourist Attraction
Druk Padma Karpo School gained global recognition after featuring in the closing scenes of 3 Idiots. The ‘iconic idiotic wall’, damaged during the 2010 flash floods but restored with traditional Ladakhi architecture, continues to draw tourists. To maintain an academic atmosphere, the school separated tourist zones from student areas in 2018, although visitors occasionally observe educational activities such as mock elections.
Looking Ahead
CBSE affiliation is expected to provide students with better opportunities for higher education both within India and internationally. The school aims to serve as a model for blending traditional knowledge with innovative learning practices in a unique cultural landscape.
