In a landmark educational initiative, Rajasthan has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first state in India to launch a state-run Sainik School model dedicated exclusively to girls. The state government is set to inaugurate two pioneering Balika Sainik Schools in the districts of Bikaner and Sikar, commencing operations from the new academic session starting in April.
Creating Pathways for Girls in Defense and Security Forces
This groundbreaking move is strategically designed to establish a dedicated pathway for young girls who aspire to build careers in the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and police services. The initiative has generated an overwhelming response from across the state, with approximately 13,000 applications received for merely 80 seats available at each of the two residential schools. This remarkable interest underscores the significant demand and enthusiasm for such specialized educational opportunities among female students in Rajasthan.
Modeled on Defense Ministry Standards
Officials have confirmed that the Balika Sainik Schools will be meticulously modeled on the Sainik School located in Chittorgarh, which is operated by the Ministry of Defence. To ensure high standards of discipline and leadership, principals and hostel wardens for these institutions will be appointed from the ranks of retired army officers. Importantly, these schools will be fully state-run entities, and education department officials have clarified that no specific clearance from the Ministry of Defence was required to designate them as 'Sainik Schools'.
Phased Implementation and Budgetary Support
Krishna Kunal, Secretary of School Education, emphasized that Rajasthan is pioneering this state-owned Sainik School model, following a key announcement made by the Chief Minister in the Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. The comprehensive plan involves establishing a total of 10 such schools across the state. The implementation will occur in two distinct phases, with five schools slated for the initial phase, including the institutions in Bikaner and Sikar.
The Ramidevi Ramnarayan Rathi Balika Sainik School will be operational from Jaimalsar village in Bikaner district, while the Maharao Shekhaji Balika Sainik School will be situated in Ralawata village within Sikar district. In Bikaner, a generous philanthropic contribution has played a crucial role, with land and infrastructure valued at an impressive Rs 108 crore donated by philanthropist Poonam Chand Rathi to the education department. Additionally, the state government has allocated Rs 9 crore specifically for the construction of a hostel facility at this location.
Admissions Process and Academic Framework
In Sikar, the school will initially function from the existing campus of the Maharao Shekhaji Armed Forces Education Academy until the permanent building in Ralawata is fully completed. Admissions to these prestigious institutions will be conducted through a competitive entrance examination scheduled for March. Prospective applicants can currently make corrections to their application forms from February 1 to February 5, utilizing the dedicated Balika Sainik School Module available on the Shala Darpan portal.
These English-medium residential schools will adhere to the curriculum prescribed by the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education for both Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations, ensuring a robust academic foundation alongside military training.
Expansion Plans and Future Targets
The first phase of this ambitious project includes three additional schools planned for Bharatpur, Ajmer, and Ramganj Mandi in Kota. Each of these schools has been sanctioned Rs 21 crore, and construction is anticipated to take approximately two years, with a targeted commencement date of April 1, 2028.
The broader vision, as announced in the previous year's Budget, encompasses the establishment of 10 state-run Sainik Schools throughout Rajasthan. This network will comprise one school for boys and nine schools exclusively for girls. Land allocations have already been secured in several districts, including Sriganganagar, Kota, Jaisalmer, Ajmer, Bharatpur, and Alwar. Furthermore, allotment processes are actively underway in Udaipur and Jaipur, indicating steady progress toward the realization of this transformative educational ecosystem.
