Approval has been given to set up three New Sainik Schools

At present, there are 24 Sainik Schools in the country. In-principle approval has been given to set up three new Sainik Schools in Sambalpur (Orissa), Sagar (Madhya Pradesh) and Chittoor (Andhra Pradesh) respectively.

Sainik Schools admit boys in Classes VI and IX. Their age should be 10-11 years for Class VI and 13-14 years for Class IX as on 1st July of the year in which admission is sought. Admissions are made strictly in the order of merit on the basis of an Entrance Examination held once a year. The Entrance Examination consists of a written examination followed by an interview of shortlisted candidates. Admission is further subject to the candidates being found medically fit according to the same medical standards prescribed for entry to National Defence Academy.

This information was given by Minister of Defence Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri N. Balaganga in Rajya Sabha today.