How Many Sainik Schools in India? | Updated List

How Many Sainik Schools in India? Complete Guide (2025 Updated)

How Many Sainik Schools in India? As of 2025, India has 33 traditional Sainik Schools and over 50 new schools added under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, making the total number of schools exceed 80. These institutions play a crucial role in preparing young students for a career in the Indian Armed Forces through a combination of academic excellence, discipline, and military training.

For students and parents searching for state-wise Sainik Schools, understanding the total number of schools, their locations, and the new schools added in recent years is essential. The Indian government is actively working towards establishing 100+ Sainik Schools as part of a broader vision to expand military-style education across the country.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of how many Sainik Schools are in India, a state-wise list, the latest schools added, the admission process, and the role of Veritas Sainik School, South India’s first private Sainik School.

What Are Sainik Schools? Understanding Their Purpose and Role

Sainik Schools are residential military-preparatory institutions designed to groom students into future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces. These schools operate under the Sainik Schools Society, which is managed by the Ministry of Defence.

The primary aim of these schools is to prepare young boys and girls for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other prestigious military institutions. However, apart from producing military officers, Sainik Schools also nurture discipline, leadership skills, and patriotism among students, ensuring they excel in various professions.

Key Features of Sainik Schools

• Military-oriented education with a CBSE curriculum
• Emphasis on discipline, physical fitness, and leadership development
• NDA, CDS, and Indian Armed Forces career preparation
• Holistic personality development through academics, sports, and extracurricular activities
• Affordable education with government support

Since their establishment in 1961, Sainik Schools have maintained high academic standards while providing students with rigorous training in military leadership, sports, and academics.

How Many Sainik Schools in India? The Latest Count in 2025

As of 2025, the total number of Sainik Schools in India has significantly increased due to the government’s expansion plans. The country now has:

• 33 traditional Sainik Schools, which have been operational for decades.
• More than 50 new schools added under the PPP model, increasing the total to over 80.
• Plans to establish 100+ Sainik Schools in the near future.

The expansion of Sainik Schools ensures that more students across India have access to quality military-style education, allowing them to pursue careers in defense and leadership roles.

State-wise List of Sainik Schools in India (2025 Updated)

Finding a Sainik School near you is essential for students who want to pursue a disciplined, military-based education. The list of Sainik Schools in India has expanded significantly over the years, with new schools added to improve accessibility across various states. Below is a detailed breakdown of Sainik Schools across different regions in India.

Northern India – Home to Some of the Oldest Sainik Schools

Northern India has a strong presence of Sainik Schools, with some of the oldest institutions established in the country. These schools have a legacy of producing high-ranking officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

• Jammu & Kashmir: Sainik School Nagrota is the only Sainik School in J&K, providing a strategic military-focused education for students in the region.
• Himachal Pradesh: Sainik School Sujanpur Tira is a top choice for students in the hilly regions, focusing on physical endurance and leadership training.
• Punjab: Sainik School Kapurthala is one of the best-performing schools in the country, known for its NDA success rate.
• Haryana: Two prominent schools—Sainik School Kunjpura and Sainik School Rewari—are producing top defense officers, making Haryana one of the leading states in military education.
• Uttarakhand: Sainik School Ghorakhal is well-regarded for its picturesque setting and rigorous training, consistently delivering high NDA selections.

Central India – A Growing Hub for Military Education

Central India has witnessed significant growth in Sainik Schools, with a focus on expanding opportunities for students in rural and semi-urban areas.

• Madhya Pradesh: Sainik School Rewa, one of the oldest in India, has a rich legacy of defense aspirants making it to prestigious military academies.
• Chhattisgarh: Sainik School Ambikapur is known for its excellent sports infrastructure and academic rigor, making it an emerging hub for military education.
• Uttar Pradesh: The state has three major Sainik Schools—Sainik School Jhansi, Sainik School Amethi, and Sainik School Mainpuri—ensuring that students from different districts have access to quality military education.

Western India – Training Future Leaders in Defense

Western India has a mix of long-established and newly added Sainik Schools, playing a vital role in preparing students for defense careers.

• Rajasthan: Home to two major schools, Sainik School Chittorgarh and Sainik School Jhunjhunu, both of which focus on leadership training, equestrian sports, and defense-oriented academics.
• Gujarat: Sainik School Balachadi, situated near Jamnagar, offers a marine and naval-focused curriculum, making it unique among other Sainik Schools.
• Maharashtra: Sainik School Satara is one of the earliest Sainik Schools in India, with a long-standing history of success in NDA selections. The newly added Sainik School Chandrapur has further expanded military education in the state.

Eastern & Northeastern India – A Strong Military Tradition

Eastern and Northeastern India have a strong presence in the armed forces, and Sainik Schools in these states play a crucial role in grooming students for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• Bihar: Sainik School Nalanda and Sainik School Gopalganj are known for high academic performance, regularly producing top NDA cadets.
• Jharkhand: Sainik School Tilaiya is among the best-ranked schools, producing a large number of defense officers each year.
• Odisha: Two Sainik Schools—Sainik School Bhubaneswar and Sainik School Sambalpur—are shaping future defense leaders from the state.
• West Bengal: Sainik School Purulia has one of the best military training programs, ensuring students develop leadership qualities from a young age.
• Assam: Sainik School Goalpara has been instrumental in producing top-ranking officers, making Assam a key contributor to the Indian defense forces.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Sainik School East Siang is a new addition to the list and aims to provide military-focused education to students from the Northeastern states.
• Manipur: Sainik School Imphal is a highly reputed institution with strong discipline, academics, and physical training programs.
• Mizoram: Sainik School Chhingchhip was established to boost military education in the state, offering students an opportunity to excel in defense careers.
• Nagaland: Sainik School Punglwa is known for high-quality training and discipline, producing well-rounded individuals ready for NDA and other military academies.

Southern India – A Growing Hub for Private and Government Sainik Schools

Southern India has been a major contributor to India’s defense services, and its Sainik Schools play an important role in nurturing future officers.

• Andhra Pradesh: Two well-established schools—Sainik School Korukonda and Sainik School Kalikiri—are known for academic excellence, sports training, and military discipline.
• Karnataka: Sainik School Bijapur and Sainik School Kodagu are among the top-ranked schools in South India, known for producing disciplined and high-achieving students.
• Kerala: Sainik School Kazhakootam has one of the best NDA selection rates, making it a top choice for defense aspirants in South India.
• Tamil Nadu: Sainik School Amaravathinagar is a prestigious institution, producing a large number of officers for the Indian Armed Forces.

Apart from government-run Sainik Schools, South India has also witnessed the rise of private Sainik Schools like Veritas Sainik School in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, which is South India’s first private Sainik School, offering CBSE curriculum with a military-style education.

Expansion Plans – More Schools on the Way

The Indian government aims to increase the total number of Sainik Schools to 100+ by opening new schools in various states under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. These new schools will help in:

• Providing more students with access to military-based education.
• Expanding the NDA selection pool.
• Ensuring geographical diversity in defense training.

As more new schools are added, the list of Sainik Schools in India will continue to grow, offering students from rural and urban areas the opportunity to experience high-quality, disciplined education.

Admission Process for Sainik Schools (AISSEE 2025)

To secure admission to a Sainik School, students must clear the All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Eligibility Criteria for Admission

• For Class 6: Students must be between 10-12 years old.
• For Class 9: Students must be between 13-15 years old.

Selection Process

1. AISSEE Written Examination – Covers Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, and Intelligence.
2. Medical Examination – Tests physical fitness, eyesight, and overall health.

Students who qualify for both exams are granted admission based on merit and availability of seats.

Why Choose Veritas Sainik School?

Veritas Sainik School, located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is South India’s first private Sainik School. It provides:

• CBSE curriculum with disciplined, military-style education.
• Expert faculty preparing students for NDA & defense careers.
• Modern residential facilities with top-notch training infrastructure.

For admission inquiries, contact Veritas Sainik School at +91-6301959921 or visit their official website.

FAQs  

Q1. How many Sainik Schools are there in India?

As of 2025, there are 33 traditional Sainik Schools and more than 50 new schools added, bringing the total to over 80 and increasing.

Q2. What is the admission process for Sainik Schools?

Students must clear the AISSEE exam, followed by a medical fitness test.

Q3. Are there new Sainik Schools being established?

Yes, the Indian government plans to open 100+ Sainik Schools under the PPP model.

Q4. What is the age limit for admission to Sainik Schools?

• Class 6: 10-12 years
• Class 9: 13-15 years

Q5. Are Sainik Schools only for boys?

No, many Sainik Schools now accept girl students.

Q6. Which is the best private Sainik School in India?

Veritas Sainik School in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is South India’s first private Sainik School.

Q7. How can I apply for Sainik School admission?

Visit the AISSEE NTA official website to register online.

Q8. Do Sainik Schools guarantee entry into the NDA?

While many students qualify for NDA, selection depends on individual performance.