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- History of Sainik Schools
Sainik Schools Society (SSS)
New Sainik Schools follow ‘Academic Plus Curriculum’ as prescribed by Sainik Schools Society to have a balanced mix of academic rigour, physical activities, NCC, sports and value based education. Cadets have regular mid-terms and term exams aligned with non-sainik students. Cadets can choose day-boarding or residential option.
Purpose behind their formation
After India’s independence, it was observed that, the officer cadre of the Indian Armed Forces lacked adequate representation from rural areas and the middle-income group. Most officers came from urban elite backgrounds, resulting in a lack of social diversity.
To address this, the government decided to create a system of schools that would
- Provide quality education with a military bias, particularly to students from rural and middle-class families.
- Create a robust feeder system for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other military academies.
- Promote values of discipline, leadership, and national integration at a young age.
The concept of Sainik Schools was the brainchild of V.K. Krishna Menon, the then Defence Minister of India in the late 1950s. The first Sainik School was established in Satara, Maharashtra in 1961.
Legacy and Impact
- Sainik Schools have produced thousands of officers who serve with distinction in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Many alumni have also excelled in civil services, politics, entrepreneurship, sports, and other leadership roles.
As of 2025, there are 33 Sainik Schools across India run by SSS. In 2021, the Government of India announced the opening of 100 new Sainik Schools in partnership with NGOs, private, and state-run schools to expand the reach and inclusivity of military-based education.
Key Features of Sainik Schools
- Fully residential schools for boys and now also admitting girls.
- Affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
- Emphasis on a balanced curriculum of academics, physical training, and extracurricular activities.
- Prepare students for NDA, INA, and other armed forces entry exams.
New Sainik Schools
The Government of India has approved an initiative for setting up of 100 new Sainik Schools under Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence on affiliation basis through partnership of States/NGOs/Private partners.
These schools will be affiliated to Sainik Schools Society under this Ministry to create a system that combines academic rigour with a degree of discipline to provide increased focus on value-based education which will enable the children to develop pride in the rich culture and heritage of the nation. The aforementioned initiative is expected to meet growing demand for Sainik Schools and provide effective physical, psycho-social, spiritual, intellectual, emotional and cognitive development besides qualitatively improving the youth entering the various walks of life.
