Rashtriya Military School (RMS) Common Entrance Test (CET) for Class VI & IX Admissions
by Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Highly Subsidized Fees & Exemptions
Rashtriya Military School (RMS) Common Entrance Test (CET) for Class VI & IX Admissions is a competition by Ministry of Defence, Government of India for students in Class 5–8, open to students across India.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Class 5–8
Fee
₹550
Duration
Class VI: 2.5 hours; Class IX: Two papers (duration not specified per paper, but total exam is comprehensive)
Format
Individual
Time needed
Full-time residential program upon admission
About This Opportunity
The Rashtriya Military School Common Entrance Test (CET) is a highly competitive national-level examination for admission to Class VI and IX in five Rashtriya Military Schools across India. These fully residential public schools, affiliated with CBSE, are administered by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The CET aims to identify and nurture young minds, providing them with quality education, discipline, and a foundation for potential careers in the armed forces.
Candidates for Class VI must be between 10 and 12 years old, while those for Class IX should be between 13 and 15 years old as of March 31st of the admission year. For Class VI, no prior educational qualification is mandatory, but for Class IX, candidates must have passed Class VIII from a government or recognized school. Both boys and girls are eligible for Class VI and Class IX admissions.
Successful candidates gain admission to prestigious residential schools that offer a unique blend of academic excellence and military discipline. The education prepares students for higher studies and potential entry into institutions like the National Defence Academy (NDA). Students benefit from a structured routine, comprehensive academic programs, and opportunities for character development and leadership training.
The schools provide state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, well-equipped labs, and extensive libraries. They focus on holistic development, physical and mental fitness, and offer career guidance, including special NDA preparation classes. The highly subsidized fee structure, supported by the Ministry of Defence, makes quality education accessible.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 5–8
- Age Range
- 10 - 15 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
For Class VI, candidates should have passed Class V or be studying in it and pass it before joining. For Class IX, candidates must have passed Class VIII from a government or recognized school before admission. Students currently in Class V and Class VIII are eligible to appear in their respective entrance tests.
Prerequisites
- For Class VI: Basic knowledge of Class V standard subjects.
- For Class IX: Basic knowledge of Class VIII standard subjects and preferably sufficient English proficiency.
Additional requirements
- Indian citizen
- Medically fit as per RMS standards
- Must be a boarder; day scholars are not permitted
For Class VI, candidates must be 10-12 years old (born between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2016) and either passed or studying in Class V. For Class IX, candidates must be 13-15 years old (born between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2013) and passed Class VIII. Both boys and girls are eligible. A six-month age relaxation is available for wards of personnel killed in action. Reservations apply for various categories including defence personnel wards, OBC, SC, and ST.
Does your child qualify?
WiWit checks eligibility against your child's class, age, and location, and finds more opportunities like this one.
Academic Details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The written test for Class VI is generally of Class V standard, and for Class IX, it is of Class VIII standard. The schools are affiliated with CBSE and follow an English medium of instruction. The curriculum prepares students for CBSE Class X and XII examinations, and for the UPSC examination for admission to the National Defence Academy.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
Highly subsidized fee structure. Full fee remission if parents' income is less than ₹3,00,000 per financial year. Half fees charged if parents' income is between ₹3,00,000 and ₹4,50,000. Wards of personnel killed in action receive complete fee exemption.
Certificate
CBSE Recognized Certificates
Students receive certificates for completing Class X and Class XII examinations, recognized by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Recognized by
Opens doors to
The education prepares students for higher studies and potential entry into institutions like the National Defence Academy (NDA). Graduates are well-prepared for competitive examinations like the UPSC NDA exam and other university admissions, benefiting from a rigorous academic and disciplined environment.
Career pathways
Provides a strong foundation and direct pathway for potential careers as officers in the Indian Armed Forces through preparation for the National Defence Academy (NDA).
Recognition
National Recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Fully residential public schools
- Administered by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India
- Focus on preparing cadets for defence services
- Highly subsidized fee structure
- 70% seats reserved for wards of JCOs/OR of Army, Navy and Air Force
Exam format
- Total marks
- 200
- Duration
- 150 minutes
- Format
- OMR-based multiple-choice questions
- Language
- English, Hindi
Rounds & format
The admission process involves two main stages: a Common Entrance Test (CET) followed by an interview. Candidates who qualify in the written exam and are shortlisted will be called for an interview at one of the Rashtriya Military Schools. A medical examination is conducted for selected candidates after the interview.
How entries are judged
Final merit list is prepared based on the combined scores from the written entrance test and the interview, subject to medical fitness and other criteria. English marks for Class VI are not counted towards the merit list, but candidates must qualify in this section. Minimum qualifying marks for Class VI are 35% in English and 40% in other sections. For Class IX, the minimum qualifying score is 50% for each paper.
Selection process
Selection is based on merit from the Common Entrance Test (CET) and interview scores, followed by a mandatory medical examination. Only medically fit candidates are offered admission based on vacancy and reservation norms.
How to apply
- 1Online application through the official RMS website (rashtriyamilitaryschools.edu.in).
- 2Application forms are typically available from August to September.
- 3The process involves filling out the online form, submitting required documents (e.g., birth certificate, caste certificate, domicile certificate), and paying the application fee.
- 4Shortlisted candidates based on the written exam will be called for an interview at one of the Rashtriya Military Schools.
- 5A mandatory medical examination is conducted for selected candidates after the interview.
How to prepare
- NCERT books for Class V and Class VIII standards
- Previous years' question papers and sample tests
- Mock tests and practice papers
Fees & financial support
Fee details
The annual fee for Civilian General category students is ₹77,000. For Defence General category students, it is ₹33,200. Defence JCO ranks (General) pay ₹39,800. Serving Officers (General/SC/ST) pay ₹55,800. Civilian (SC/ST) students pay ₹38,750. Defence other ranks (SC/ST) pay ₹24,200, and Defence JCO ranks (SC/ST) pay ₹26,300. Wards of personnel killed in action receive complete fee exemption. SC/ST students pay 25% of the prescribed fees for their respective categories. Caution money is deposited at admission and refunded upon discharge.
Financial support
Means-cum-merit scholarships are awarded based on a common scholarship test. Full fee remission is provided if parents' income is less than ₹3,00,000 per financial year. Half fees are charged if parents' income is between ₹3,00,000 and ₹4,50,000. Wards of personnel killed in action receive complete fee exemption.
Refund policy
Caution money is deposited at admission and refunded upon discharge.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rashtriya Military School (RMS) Common Entrance Test (CET) for Class VI & IX Admissions free?
₹550 registration
Who can participate in Rashtriya Military School (RMS) Common Entrance Test (CET) for Class VI & IX Admissions?
Students in Class 5–8. children aged 10-15.
What will my child gain from Rashtriya Military School (RMS) Common Entrance Test (CET) for Class VI & IX Admissions?
Admission to a prestigious residential school under the Ministry of Defence.. Highly subsidized fee structure with scholarships and fee exemptions for eligible categories.. Comprehensive academic and military-based education.. Preparation for National Defence Academy (NDA) and other competitive exams.. Development of leadership, discipline, and character.. Access to modern facilities and a structured learning environment.. Opportunity for holistic development and physical fitness.. National-level recognition and a strong alumni network.. CBSE recognized certificates for Class X and XII.. Highly subsidized fee structure with full fee remission for eligible families (income less than ₹3,00,000 per financial year)..
Share with other parents
Is this the right fit for your child?
WiWit matches opportunities to your child's class, interests, and skills, not a generic list. Save this and get reminders before the deadline closes.
Categories
WiWit
Don't miss what your child actually qualifies for
There are hundreds more opportunities like this one. WiWit matches them to your child's class, interests, and skills, so you find the right ones without searching through everything.
- Matched to your child's class, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related Opportunities
Akshaya Patra Foundation Scholarship Program
by The Akshaya Patra Foundation
Akshaya Patra’s scholarship begins from Class 11 and continues through Class 12 up to graduation. Students are selected on a merit-cum-need basis, ensuring long-term, uninterrupted educational support.
Digjyoti Scholarship
by Digjyoti Educational Trust
Annual scholarship for meritorious orphan, distressed, and differently-abled students entering Class 11 (+2) in India.
Government Flying Training School PPL Training Program
by Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Government of Karnataka
Government-run Private Pilot License training at Jakkur Aerodrome, Bangalore — 12 months, DGCA-aligned, with subsidized fees for Karnataka residents.
What your child could gain: