The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has officially launched the fourth round of registrations aimed at establishing new Sainik Schools across the nation. This strategic initiative is part of a broader governmental effort to expand the footprint of Sainik Schools through partnerships with State Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector participants.
The registration period commenced on May 15 and will continue until June 14, 2025. With plans to set up an additional 100 Sainik Schools, the government is looking to integrate the conventional board curriculum with the distinctive “Academic-Plus” framework that characterizes Sainik Schools. This unique educational model emphasizes attributes such as discipline, leadership, and national pride, preparing students not only for potential careers in defense but also as responsible and engaged citizens.
Since their establishment in 1961, Sainik Schools have been instrumental in training more than 7,000 officers for the Indian Armed Forces, serving as feeders to esteemed institutions like the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Naval Academy. Presently, there are 33 Sainik Schools functioning across the country, offering residential programs that are affiliated with the CBSE and are renowned for their rigorous academic standards coupled with military-style training.
The initiative to broaden the network of Sainik Schools aligns with the vision outlined in the 2021 Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which proposed the introduction of 100 new Sainik Schools operating under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for military education and to ensure a balanced approach to defense recruitment across various regions, drawing inspiration from long-established institutions like Sainik School Purulia, which was founded in 1962.
Interested educational institutions are encouraged to register on the official Ministry of Defence portal, and further details can be accessed through the Sainik Schools Society website. The Ministry has called upon all eligible entities to actively engage in this initiative, aiming to instill the core values of discipline, leadership, and patriotism in a wider segment of India’s youth.
