As parents, the dilemma –Sainik School or Regular School, which is better, is always there. On one hand, the parents want to give their children the best possible education, but due to the different schools, they want to make an informed decision. Sainik School, as the name suggests, is for those who want a career in the Indian defense forces. Let’s dive deep to discover whether a sainik school or a regular school is better for your child.
What is Sainik School?
Sainik School is a chain of schools set up by the Ministry of Defense (Ministry of Defense). These schools are completely residential for girls and boys. Admission to the schools starts from class 6 to 12. Currently, there are a total of 33 government-run sainik schools preparing students mentally, physically, and academically for the National Defence Academy or other Indian Army Forces.
There are also some new Sainik schools operating under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
How is Sainik School Different From Other Schools?
Sainik School and regular school have different objectives to begin with. On one hand, the Sainik school prepares students for leadership positions in the Defence Forces. Therefore, the focus is on training them with discipline to be patriotic and serve the nation.
On the other hand, the regular school focuses on educating students academically.
Is Sainik School Right For Your Child?
Sainik Schools were established with a vision to prepare students for the Indian defence forces from an early stage in life. That’s why the entrance test also includes a fitness test for students in addition to academic knowledge. These schools are a better fit for students who want a career in the Indian Army. The curriculum of Sainik schools is developed in a way to train them physically, mentally, and academically, appropriate for the army standards. The sports or the extracurricular activities in sainik schools align with the discipline and strength needs of the defence forces’ official ranks.
Pros of Sainik School
Sainik Schools are vastly preferred for these reasons. Here are the pros of the Sainik School:
- Academic excellence
- Physically Fit
- Character development
- Disciplined Environment
- Extracurricular activities like swimming, horse riding, etc.
Cons of Sainik School
Cons could help you decide if you would be ok with the downside of it. These cons are in consideration of students who found it tough to survive:
- The strict, disciplined environment
- Strong emphasis on academic excellence could be pressurising for some.
- Residential schools may make students feel homesick
- The cost fee of Sainik School is higher than that of regular schools.
Sainik or Regular School – Which is Better for your Child?
Sainik School or Regular School it’s an important decision that is going to impact the future and career of your child. A child’s career will be greatly impacted by their schooling. However, to make an informed decision, parents need to analyse the child’s capability. Sainik Schools have a rigorous schedule for studies, sports, and co-curricular activities. So, students who are doing well in studies are selected through the AISSEE entrance exam for the 700-800 approximate seats available in the Sainik Schools across India. If your child is the best and can take the pressure of being best academically and in training, then Sainik Schools are best for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques 1: What are the disadvantages of the Sainik School?
Ans 1: Sainik Schools provide a very disciplined environment, which can be problematic for some students to adjust to.
Ques 2: Why are Sainik schools preferred?
Ans 2: Sainik Schools are preferred for the best curriculum and the extracurricular activities that help students develop a strong and disciplined personality.
Ques 3: What is the difference between Sainik School and a normal school?
Ans 3: Other schools are much more relaxed; however, in Sainik School, students are trained to follow strict discipline to study, play, and eat.
Ques 4: Is Sainik School good to aim for IAS and IPS?
Ans 4: Yes, Sainik school focuses on developing the overall personality and confidence of the student to go for these roles of governance.
Ques 5: Is there a compulsion to join the Army after Sainik School?
Ans 5: No, there is no such compulsion. Sainik School just prepares you for leadership roles.
Archna is a University of Delhi graduate. She has 2 years of experience as a Content Writer in education, finance, and tech writing. She aims to create informative, clear, and concise user-friendly content. For the SD campus, she writes for: Teaching exams, Government Jobs, and School Entrance exams.
