The parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has recommended to the Ministry of Defence that students in Sainik Schools, Rashtriya Military Schools, and RIMC be motivated to pursue careers not only in the Armed Forces but also in allied fields related to defence research, innovation, design, and medicine.
The move is in consonance with the growing trend of students of such schools -- dedicated to providing human resources for the armed forces -- who are exploring opportunities outside the uniformed forces.
Holistic development and purpose-driven education emphasized
“The Committee recommend that the Ministry, through these schools and colleges, adopt a multi-pronged approach to build awareness and instil a sense of purpose aligned with students’ interests from an early stage. Such an approach would ensure holistic development and enable students to emerge as responsible citizens and future leaders of the nation,” read the 23rd report on “Review of Sainik Schools, Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) and Rashtriya Military Schools.”
Expansion plans for Sainik Schools under way
At present, there are 33 Sainik Schools, which start from sixth standard onwards, but the government has approved the setting up of 100 more such schools in a graded manner, in partnership with NGOs/private schools/state governments. Of them, the Sainik Schools Society has approved 86 new schools so far in partnership mode with NGOs, private schools/state governments.
Out of 86, only 64 Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) have been signed for new Sainik Schools, and the academic session has already begun in 45 such schools. The Committee are constrained to note that the signing of the MoA for 22 newly approved Sainik Schools is pending due to the lack of the requisite documents.
The Committee has suggested expediting the process, as it expressed concern that the evaluation of applications to approve 14 New Sainik schools is still not complete with the Sainik Schools Society.
Budget allocations and infrastructure concerns
In FY 2023-24, out of the allocated budget of ₹175.87 crore, ₹152.43 crore was allocated for Sainik Schools. The balance amount of ₹23.44 crore was surrendered to the government. Although the amount of ₹152.43 crore, as stated by the Ministry, was adequate to fulfil the MoD’s obligation towards the functioning of Sainik Schools, the Committee stated that the surrendered amount of ₹23.44 crore could have been utilised to address various other issues, especially to improve the infrastructure of Sainik Schools.
Student retention and dropout rates
There are five Military Schools and one Military College. As per data shared with the parliamentary panel, the average dropout rate for students in Sainik Schools is 6.93 per cent, while it’s 6.96 per cent in Rashtriya Military Schools and 7.1 per cent in Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC).
Panel urges fee reforms for economically weaker students
The Committee has suggested to the Ministry to review its existing Sainik Schools Society Rules & Regulations, 1997 (SSSR&R, 1997) for considering exemption and provisions for minimising or subsidising fees to the students belonging to economically weaker sections of the society for their admissions, so that they also get an opportunity to serve the nation.
As of now, admissions to Sainik School are provided to students belonging to the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, and the Other Backward Classes. But the panel wants it increased for other economically weaker sections as well.
Published on March 19, 2026