Rashtriya Military School (RMS) Common Entrance Test (CET) for Class VI & IX Admissions
by Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Highly Subsidized Fees & Exemptions
The Rashtriya Military School Common Entrance Test (CET) is a national-level examination for admission to Class VI and IX in five Rashtriya Military Schools across India, focusing on academic proficiency, discipline, and military-based education.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹550
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Class VI: 2.5 hours; Class IX: Two papers (duration not specified per paper, but total exam is comprehensive)
Eligibility
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.
- Grade level
- Grade 5 to 8
- Age range
- 10 to 15 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- 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.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and 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
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 21 Aug 2025
- Registration closed
- 19 Sept 2025
- Competition
- 7 Dec 2025 to 8 Dec 2025
- Results
- 27 Jan 2026
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.
Rules and guidelines
- Candidates must meet specific age and educational qualifications for their respective classes.
- All applicants must be Indian citizens.
- Once date of birth and category are claimed, no changes will be allowed.
- Admissions are open only for boarders; day scholars are not permitted.
- Minimum qualifying marks apply for each section of the written test.
Fees and 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.
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.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 200
- Duration
- 150 minutes
- Format
- OMR-based multiple-choice questions
- Language
- English, Hindi
Rounds and 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 prepare
- NCERT books for Class V and Class VIII standards
- Previous years' question papers and sample tests
- Mock tests and practice papers
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.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively manage exam-related stress during the preparation phase for the RMS CET?
Students can manage stress by maintaining a balanced study schedule, incorporating regular breaks, practicing mindfulness techniques, and ensuring adequate sleep. Focusing on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization also helps build confidence and reduces anxiety.
What are the common mistakes applicants make during the RMS CET preparation, and how can they be avoided?
Common mistakes include neglecting weaker subjects, not practicing enough mock tests, and poor time management during the exam. Avoiding these requires a structured study plan, consistent practice, and analyzing performance in mock tests to identify areas for improvement and strategize accordingly.
How important is the interview stage in the overall selection process for admission to Rashtriya Military Schools?
The interview stage is crucial as it assesses a candidate's personality, confidence, communication skills, and overall suitability for the disciplined environment of a military school. It complements the written exam score in determining final selection and ensures a holistic evaluation.
What strategies can students employ to improve their performance in the General Knowledge and Intelligence sections of the CET?
For General Knowledge, regular reading of newspapers, current affairs magazines, and general knowledge books is vital. For Intelligence, practicing various types of reasoning questions and puzzles can significantly enhance problem-solving speed and accuracy, along with critical thinking skills.
What is the significance of the medical fitness examination in the RMS CET admission process?
The medical fitness examination is mandatory to ensure that selected candidates meet the physical standards required for a disciplined residential school environment and potential future service in the armed forces. It is a critical and non-negotiable step for final admission.
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