The Ministry of Defence has approved setting up of a Sainik School in Dhenkanal in partnership with the Sanskar Public School (Abakash Foundation), the Ministry said on Saturday.

The Ministry has approved a total of 21 new Sainik Schools, including the one in Odisha, in partnership with NGOs, private schools and State Governments.

These schools would be set up in the initial round of the Government’s initiative of setting up of 100 new Sainik schools across the country in partnership mode. They would be distinct from the existing Sainik Schools, the Ministry said in a statement.

The objectives behind setting up of 100 new Sainik Schools is to provide quality education to the students in tune with the National Education Policy and give them better career opportunities, including joining the Armed Forces.

It also gives an opportunity to the private sector to work hand-in-hand with the Government towards nation building by refining today’s youth to become responsible citizens of tomorrow, the Ministry said.

Out of the total newly-approved schools, 17 are brownfield running schools and four greenfield schools to be operational shortly.

While NGOs, Trusts and Societies have a share of 12 approved schools, six private schools and three State Government-owned schools find place in the list.

Unlike all the existing Sainik Schools which are purely residential in nature, seven new Sainik Schools are day schools and 14 have residential arrangements.

These new Sainik Schools, besides their affiliation to respective education boards, will function under the aegis of the Sainik Schools Society and follow the rules and regulations for new Sainik Schools in partnership mode prescribed by the society.

In addition to their regular affiliated board curriculum, they will also impart education of Academic PLUS curriculum to the students of Sainik School pattern. Details pertaining to the modalities of operation of these schools are available at www.sainikschool.ncog.gov.in. Willing students and parents are invited to visit the web portal and take advantage of the novel opportunity.

The admission to the new Sainik School pattern will be at the Class-VI level only on the following lines:

At least 40% of intake in Class-VI will be from candidates who have qualified the All-India Sainik School Entrance Examination conducted by the NTA through E-Counselling.

Up to 60% intake will be from students enrolled in the same school and desirous of taking admission under this vertical of new Sainik Schools through a qualifying test, notification for which will be issued separately.