The article provides an analysis of specific features of Christian education in India and Japan in the 19th century, when Christian missionaries started their systematic work in both countries. The missionaries, mainly Protestant ones, considered propagation of learning and scientific worldview a prerequisite for the conversion to Christianity, hence establishing schools and colleges was an important part of their work in India and Japan. In both countries, Christian educational institutions played an important role in the modernization of education system. They also contributed to the improvement of teaching methods, promotion of learning among different social groups as well as elimination of superstitions and unacceptable social practices. The missionary schools encouraged the spread of the English language. In India, they also contributed to the development of education in the vernaculars. British authorities supported education initiatives of Christian missions in India, as they required well-trained employees for the colonial administration. At the same time, they resisted the conversion of students at missionary schools. The students, in turn, primarily considered Christian education a means for further career. In Japan, the Meiji government at first appreciated Christian missionaries as proponents of Western culture and supported their work in the field of education. The educated Japanese were often converted to Christianity at that time. However, following the rise of Japanese nationalism by the late 19th century, the Christian education in Japan lost its significance and Christian educators were forced to take part in the propanganda of militarism and State Shinto ideology.