New Sainik Schools: How the Partnership-Mode Scheme Works

Two kinds of Sainik School

Alongside the long-established Sainik Schools run directly under the Sainik Schools Society, the government has approved a scheme for 100 new Sainik Schools in partnership mode. These are set up in association with state governments, NGOs and private schools.

How partnership-mode schools differ

Partnership-mode schools operate as affiliated Sainik Schools within an existing school, rather than as standalone campuses built from scratch. They follow the Sainik School ethos and pattern while remaining under their parent management for day-to-day running.

What this means for parents

The practical effect is more seats and more locations. Admission processes, fee structures and residential arrangements can differ from the older schools, so it is important to read each school's own prospectus rather than assuming the rules are identical everywhere.

Checking before you apply

Confirm the affiliation status of any school describing itself as a New Sainik School, check which classes it admits into, and confirm whether admission is through AISSEE or through the school's own process. These details vary.