Sainik School vs RMS: Quick Comparison for Parents (2025–26)

1. Purpose & Goals

• RMS (Rashtriya Military School)
  Aimed at grooming cadets for NDA or defense careers.
  Focus on academics + discipline.

• Sainik School
  Designed to prepare students for NDA and other defense pathways.
  Emphasis on academics plus physical fitness.

Both lead toward defense, but Sainik School is more intense with physical training.

2. Number of Schools

• RMS: 5 schools across India.

• Sainik Schools: ~73 schools (33 old + 40 new).

Sainik Schools offer more options and flexibility.

3. Entry Classes & Eligibility

School TypeEntry ClassAge Criteria (as on 31 Mar 2026)RMSClass 6 / Class 910–12 for Class 6, 13–15 for Class 9Sainik SchoolClass 6Class 5 pass required (old schools)

Note: For “new” Sainik Schools, passing Class 5 is mandatory. No class 6 entry from Class 4.

4. Reservation & Seat Share

• RMS:

  • 70% for JCOs/OR (Army, Navy, Air Force)

  • 30% for Officers & Civilians

  • No domicile requirement

• Sainik School:

  • 67% seats for home state candidates

  • 33% for other states

  • Domicile certificate required

5. Forms & Application Process

• RMS:

  • Forms expected around mid-September 2025

  • All process online

• Sainik School:

  • Forms around late October to November 2025

  • Entire process online too

Both need early action once forms release.

6. Documents Required

• Required for Both:

  • DOB certificate, school certificate, Aadhaar card

  • Defense category proof (if applicable)

  • Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL)

• Sainik School Extra:

  • Domicile certificate

7. Fees & Affordability

• RMS (approx):

  • Civilian: ₹51,000/year

  • Officer: ₹32,000/year

  • JCO/OR: ₹12,000/year

  • SC/ST pay only ~25%

• Sainik School:

  • Varies by school and category

  • Likely similar structure; maybe slightly higher fees depending on school

Both remain affordable, especially for defense families or SC/ST.

8. Exam Pattern & Format

• RMS (Written Exam):

  • Total 200 marks (but merit from 150)

    • Maths: 50

    • Reasoning: 50

    • GK: 50

  • English is qualifying (must score 17.5/50, but not in merit)

  • 20-mark interview after written exam

• Sainik School (Class 6):

  • 300 marks, including:

    • Maths (150), Language, GK, Intelligence

• Sainik School (Class 9):

  • 400 marks:

    • Maths (200), Science (50), Social Studies (50), Intelligence (50)

Safe Score Targets (approx):

• RMS: 130/150 (Class 6), 160/200 (Class 9)

• Sainik: 250/300 (Class 6), 350/400 (Class 9)

9. Physical & Interview Round

• RMS: Interview (20 marks) + written test.

• Sainik School: Written + Interview + Medical check-up later.

Sainik School has a longer, more involved selection process.

10. Final Thoughts for Parents

• Choose RMS if you want a strong academic + leadership track with less physical emphasis.

• Choose Sainik School if your child loves structure, physical drills, and is keen on a defense journey early.

Pro tip: Let your child apply to both if possible. The more, the better the chance.