Rashtriya Military Schools Vs Sainik Schools: Admissions To Curriculum, Know Key Details

Sainik Schools and Rashtriya Military Schools in India aim to facilitate entry into the armed forces, and enrollment is open to students from non-armed Forces backgrounds. The process typically involves specific admission steps. While Sainik School and Rashtriya Military School share similar goals in preparing students for the military, the curriculum might have variations. Comparing Military and Sainik Schools proves challenging as both institutions share the common objective of physical and psychological preparation for service in the Indian Armed Forces. Deciding the best option may depend on individual preferences and specific criteria.

Rashtriya Military School established in 1922, stands as a unique institution, while the first five Sainik Schools began in 1961, gradually expanding to 33 schools. The diverse founding times make it impractical to directly compare the achievements of a century-old institution with a network of schools established at varying points in time.

Sainik Schools admit students in classes 6 and 9, while Rashtriya Military School allows admission to classes 8 and 9. Sainik Schools enrol around 100 students annually, whereas Rashtriya Military School admits approximately 25 cadets every six months. Rashtriya Military School follows a non-reservation policy, while Sainik Schools, despite reservations, maintain a diverse intake through a rigorous selection process. Once selected, both institutions provide equal opportunities for competition.

Rashtriya Military School employs a unique selection process, admitting one or two individuals from each state every six months, drawing top talents. Sainik Schools, in contrast, welcome both boys and girls, with 67% of seats reserved for boys from the state where the school is located. Additionally, Sainik Schools allocate 25% of seats for defence personnel and veterans, with specific quotas of 15%, 7.5%, and 27% for SCs, STs, and OBCs (Non-creamy layer) respectively.

Rashtriya Military School students are exempted from the CBSE examination requirement. Operating on a semester system, Rashtriya Military School students can attempt the NDA exam twice during enrollment, providing more dedicated preparation time. In contrast, Sainik School cadets, who take the Class XII CBSE exams, divide their focus between NDA and CBSE exams.

Sainik Schools typically charge around Rs 140,000 in annual fees, whereas Rashtriya Military School charges Rs 62,400.