UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — House panel for fee rationalisation, greater inclusivity in Sainik Schools

Q1. As per the March 2026 report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, how many Sainik Schools currently operate as joint ventures between the Central Government and the State Governments?

  • A. 28
  • B. 33
  • C. 86
  • D. 100

Q2. With reference to the existing Sainik Schools and the new Sainik Schools approved under the Union Budget 2021-22, consider the following statements: 1. The existing Sainik Schools are run as joint ventures between the Central and the State Governments, whereas the new Sainik Schools operate in partnership mode with NGOs, private schools or State Governments. 2. Both the existing Sainik Schools and the new partnership-mode Sainik Schools are affiliated to the Sainik Schools Society under the Ministry of Defence. 3. Unlike the Sainik Schools, the Rashtriya Military Schools are run as joint ventures between the Central and State Governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The existing Sainik Schools are run as joint ventures between the Central and the State Governments, whereas the new Sainik Schools operate in partnership mode with NGOs, private schools or State Governments.
  2. Both the existing Sainik Schools and the new partnership-mode Sainik Schools are affiliated to the Sainik Schools Society under the Ministry of Defence.
  3. Unlike the Sainik Schools, the Rashtriya Military Schools are run as joint ventures between the Central and State Governments.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. With reference to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence report (March 2026) on Sainik Schools, consider the following as its recommendations: 1. Rationalisation of the annual school fees on a priority basis. 2. Incorporation of artificial intelligence, cyber and space warfare in the curriculum. 3. Transfer of administrative control of Sainik Schools from the Ministry of Defence to the Ministry of Education. 4. Encouraging cadets to pursue careers beyond the Armed Forces, including in defence research and innovation. Which of the above is/are NOT correctly identified as a recommendation of the Committee?

  1. Rationalisation of the annual school fees on a priority basis.
  2. Incorporation of artificial intelligence, cyber and space warfare in the curriculum.
  3. Transfer of administrative control of Sainik Schools from the Ministry of Defence to the Ministry of Education.
  4. Encouraging cadets to pursue careers beyond the Armed Forces, including in defence research and innovation.
  • A. 1 and 3
  • B. 2 and 4
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 4

Q4. Under the Sainik Schools Society Rules & Regulations, 1997, the Board of Governors of the Sainik Schools Society is chaired by which one of the following?

  • A. Union Minister of Defence
  • B. Raksha Rajya Mantri (Minister of State for Defence)
  • C. Chief of Defence Staff
  • D. Cabinet Secretary

Q5. The Sainik Schools Society, which administers the Sainik Schools across India, functions as an autonomous body under which one of the following Union Ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Education
  • B. Ministry of Home Affairs
  • C. Ministry of Defence
  • D. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship