INTRODUCTION
Rashtriya Military Schools (RMS), initially known as King George’s Royal Indian Military Schools, were founded with the primary goal of educating the children of defence personnel. Over the years, these schools have evolved to welcome students from various backgrounds, not only from Defence families. RMS is a group of five special schools that provide quality education and military training to boys & Girls from Class VI to XII. These schools are located in Chail (Himachal Pradesh), Bangalore (Karnataka), Ajmer (Rajasthan), Belgaum (Karnataka), and Dholpur (Rajasthan).
Rashtriya Military Schools (RMS), have evolved significantly since their inception. In 1952, they adopted the public school model and opened admissions to all. By 1954, RMS joined the Indian Public Schools Conference (IPSC), reflecting their commitment to academic excellence. In 1966, they were renamed Military Schools, emphasizing character development with the motto ‘Sheelem Param Bhushanam’ or ‘Character is the Highest Virtue’. In 2007, they became “Rashtriya Military School”, symbolizing their dedication to the nation with a new logo featuring the Ashoka Chakra and the National Emblem.
RMS has a rich history of alumni who have gone on to serve the nation in various capacities, particularly in the Armed Forces. The primary aim of RMS is to prepare young students for a career in the Indian Armed Forces. They provide a well-rounded education along with military training to groom students for leadership roles in the armed services. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects and activities to ensure the holistic development of the students.
Over the years, RMS has remained committed to its mission of nurturing brave and loyal leaders who are ready to serve the nation. The schools continue to evolve, adapting to the changing educational landscape while staying true to their foundational values of courage, loyalty, and service to the nation.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Rashtriya Military Schools are part of the Directorate General of Military Training at the IHQ of MOD (Army). They are considered Category ‘A’ establishments. The Central Governing Council (CGC), led by the Defence Secretary, Ministry of Defence, is the highest authority that provides strategic direction and oversight. The schools are managed by the Command Headquarters through the sub-area/Area Headquarters. Each school is led by a Principal, who is either an officer of the Education Corps or a civilian educationist. Additionally, there is a Vice Principal, a Headmaster, and an Adjutant who handle the academic, administrative, and disciplinary aspects of the school.
RMS BENGALURU
King George Royal Indian Military College, established in August 1946, in Bangalore, catered for the sons of defence personnel from South India and was meant for the children of defence staff from South India. In 1952, the school opened its doors to all students and shortened its name to King George’s School. It prepared students for the ‘Senior Cambridge Examination’ and was a member of the Indian Public Schools Conference (IPSC).
The school-houses were renamed Rajaji, Nehru, and Mountbatten, reflecting a growing sense of patriotism. In 1966, it became ‘Bangalore Military School’ and adopted a CBSE syllabus in 1967. The school’s motto changed to “Sheelam Param Bhushanm“, meaning “Character is the highest virtue” in 1969. In 2007, it was renamed as “Rashtriya Military School” Bangalore.
Contact Details
RMS Bengaluru
Post Box No 25040, Museum Road Post Office, Hosur Road, Bangalore – 560025, Karnataka.
Phone: +91 080-29602555
Email: rmsbengaluru@gmail.com
RMS BELGAUM
The school in Belgaum, founded on December 30, 1945, was first called King George VI Royal Indian Military College. It was India’s fourth such school, for Army JCOs and ORs sons only. The school trained boys for the Army Special Certificate Education Examination, with Army Educational Corps staff. In 1950, it was renamed King George’s Military College and reorganized in 1952 to resemble Residential Public Schools. Admissions were opened to sons of service officers and civilians, and the school switched to the Senior Cambridge Certificate Examination. The school was renamed ‘Belgaum Military School’ in 1966, ‘Military School Belgaum’ in 1988, and has been known as RMS Belgaum since June 2007.
Contact Details
RMS BELGAUM
Camp, Belgaum, Karnataka, India, Pin – 590009.
Phone : Adm Offr – 0831 2407530,
Principal – 0831 2407531
Email: princirmsbgm@gmail.com
RMS CHAIL
Rashtriya Military School (RMS) Chail, nestled in Shimla Hills, is a prestigious residential English medium institution under the Ministry of Defence. Its foundation stone was laid by the Prince of Wales in February 1922, and it began operations in Jalandhar Cantt in September 1925. The school relocated to Nowgong in 1952 and finally to its current location in Chail in 1960. Initially known as King George V’s Royal Indian Military School, it underwent several name changes before being designated as RMS Chail in June 2007.
Originally catering to sons of Defence Service personnel, it expanded its admissions to sons of Defence Service Officers and civilians in 1952. The school operates on all working days, guided by the Principal and an Administrative Officer from the Army.
Contact Details
RMS CHAIL (Shimla Hills),
Himachal, India, Pin – 173217.
Office: 01792-248026
Phone : Principal – 01792-248750 (o)
Email: admoffrchail@gmail.com
RMS DHOLPUR
Rashtriya Military School (RMS) Dholpur, established on July 16, 1962, is the youngest and the only RMS founded post-independence. It’s situated on the Dholpur-Bari Highway, within a majestic palace donated by the former Maharaja of Dholpur, Udaybhan Singh. The school campus sprawls over more than 1500 acres of the Royal Estate. Despite being the newest, RMS Dholpur has emerged as a leading residential public school in India, boasting a global alumni network.
Contact Details
RMS DHOLPUR
Principal, RMS Dholpur, Dholpur, Rajasthan – 328028.
Phone: Principal – 9413310842,
Adm offr – 9413310843, MIE- 9460241850
Email: princpalrmsd@gmail.com
RMS AJMER
Rashtriya Military School (RMS) Ajmer, nestled amidst picturesque hills and spanning 87 acres, was established on November 15, 1930. Originally known as King George’s Royal Indian Military School, it catered to the educational needs of defence personnel’s sons. In 1952, it restructured along public school lines, opening its doors to sons of Defence Service Officers and civilians. By 1954, it became an India Public School Conference (IPSC) member. Renamed as Military School in 1966, it adopted the motto ‘Sheelam Param Bhushanam’, signifying ‘Character is the highest virtue’.
It assumed its current name, RMS Ajmer, on June 25, 2007. Affiliated to CBSE, New Delhi, this English medium school is a category ‘A’ establishment under the Ministry of Defence. Its alumni have distinguished themselves in the Armed Forces and various other sectors.
Contact Details
RMS AJMER
Principal, AJMER, Rajasthan – 305001
Phone: 0145-2624105, 0145-2426643
Email: rashtriyamilitaryschoolajmer@gmail.com
ADMISSION FOR GIRLS
Until now, The RMS was only open to boys. In a landmark decision, the Government has started the Intake of girls in RMS from the academic year 2022-23. This is a significant step towards gender equality and the empowerment of women in the defence sector. The admission process for girls is similar to that of boys, which involves a written test, an interview, and a medical exam.
Registration for the 9th class girl cadets was open from November 13, 2023, to November 23, 2023. The RMS Common Entrance Test (CET) was conducted on December 17, 2023, and the result was declared on February 10, 2024. The selected candidates will be admitted to different RMSs based on the availability of vacancies and merit.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
| Eligibility Criteria | Class VI | Class IX |
| Gender | Boys & Girls | Boys & Girls |
| Age Limit | 10-12 years of age as on 31 March of the year of admission. | 13-15 years of age as on 31 March of the year of admission. |
| Age Relaxation | 6 months for sons of war widows or personnel killed in action | 6 months for sons of war widows or personnel killed in action |
| Educational Qualification | Passed or studying in Class 5 | Passed or studying in Class 8 |
| Medical Fitness | Certified by the Medical Board | Certified by the Medical Board |
ADMISSION PROCESS
The notification for the entrance exam of Rashtriya Military Schools (RMS) exam is usually released in September every year. The RMS Common Entrance Test (CET) is conducted for admission to classes VI and IX in December every year
The admission process for the Rashtriya Military Schools consists of three stages:
- written test
- interview
- medical examination
The written test is the first stage of the admission process, and it is held in December every year. The test covers subjects such as English, Hindi, Mathematics, General Knowledge, and Intelligence for Class VI, and English, Hindi, Science, Social Science, and Mathematics for Class IX. The test is automated OMR-based, which means that the candidates have to mark their answers on an optical mark recognition sheet. The test consists of multiple-choice questions, which means that the candidates have to choose the correct option from four given choices.
The test is conducted at various centres across the country, and the candidates have to appear at the centre allotted to them. The test is of 150 minutes duration for Class VI and 180 minutes duration for Class IX. The candidates who qualify the written test are called for an interview and a medical examination, which are the second and third stages of the admission process.
| Admission Process | Details |
| Notification of RMS CET | September or later months every Year |
| Written Test | Held in December for Class VI and IX; based on subjects mentioned Below and is automated OMR-based; multiple-choice questions |
| For Class VI (150 Min) | English, Hindi, Mathematics, General Knowledge, and Intelligence |
| For Class IX (180 Min) | English, Hindi, Science, Social Science, and Mathematics |
| Interview | Conducted after qualifying for the written test; assesses personality, communication, awareness, and aptitude |
| Medical Examination | Conducted after clearing the interview; checks physical fitness and health standards |
| Age Criteria | 10-12 years for Class VI; 13-15 years for Class IX; as of 31 March, of the year of admission |
| Availability of Seats | Depends on the vacancies in each school |
| Mode of Admission | Only for boarders; no day scholars allowed |
| Gender | Boys & Girls |
| Application Forms | To be submitted by the last date as per the notification |
| Date of Examination | To be informed through email or mobile of the registered candidates |
| Official Website | www.rashtriyamilitaryschools.edu.in |
RESERVATION STATUS
| Category | Percentage of Seats | Number of Seats |
| Wards of JCOs/OR of Army, Navy & Airforce (including Ex-servicemen) | 70% | Varies |
| Wards of Officers of the Army, Navy and AF (including retired Officers) and wards of civilians | 30% | Varies |
| Wards of service personnel Killed in Action | – | 50 |
| SC candidates in all categories | 15% | Varies |
| ST candidates in all categories | 7.5% | Varies |
FEE STRUCTURE
| Category | Description | Fee (per year) |
| Entitled Cat (OR) | Wards of Other Ranks (OR) of the defence personnel | Rs 12,000 |
| Entitled Cat (JCO) | Wards of Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) of the defence personnel | Rs 18,000 |
| Non-entitled Cat (Offr) | Wards of Officers of the Defence personnel | Rs 32,000 |
| Non-entitled Cat (Civ) | Wards of civilians | Rs 51,000 |
| Staff Cadets | Wards of the staff of RMS | Rs 250 for day scholars and Rs 2,000 for boarders |
The fee structure also provides some concessions and exemptions for certain categories of students. For SC/ST students in each category, the fee is 25% of the fee paid by the respective category. For the wards of service personnel killed in action (KIA), there is no tuition fee. The revised fee structure is effective from the academic year 2020-21 till further revision.
CONCLUSION
The Rashtriya Military Schools are special schools that prepare Boys & Girls for the future of the country. They provide quality education and military training to Boys & Girls from different backgrounds and statuses. They maintain high standards of excellence and discipline, while also adapting to the modern world. They teach not only academics, but also physical fitness, leadership, character, and patriotism.
They foster a culture of service and excellence, which is seen in their alumni. Many of them serve the nation in the Armed Forces and other fields, such as politics, sports, arts, and science. The Rashtriya Military Schools are a source of service and excellence and a pride of the nation. They are the schools that every Indian boy should want to join.
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