The Madras High Court has clarified that the provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) Act and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act cannot be enforced in Sainik Schools. The Court observed that these schools are run by the Sainik School Society under the Ministry of Defence and hence function outside the scope of state education laws. Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan, while upholding the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the All India Sainik School Admission Counselling 2025, found no illegality in setting eye standards as part of the eligibility criteria.
I found this development important to write about because Sainik Schools hold a unique position in India’s education system. They are designed to prepare students for careers in the armed forces, which naturally demands strict medical and physical fitness criteria. The ruling raises larger questions about the balance between equal opportunity in education and the specialised requirements of defence institutions.
For parents, students, and educators, understanding this decision is critical because it highlights how Sainik Schools differ from regular schools, both in structure and in expectations. It also shows why laws meant for general schools may not apply here.
Why the Court Said RTE and RPwD Don’t Apply
- Sainik Schools are central institutions: They are administered by the Ministry of Defence, not by state education boards.
- Special purpose institutions: Their mandate is to train boys and girls for possible entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other defence academies.
- Medical standards are essential: The SOP required eye standards for admission, which was challenged as discriminatory but upheld by the Court.
The Case Before the Court
- A petitioner argued that by enforcing eye standards, the SOP discriminated against children and violated the RTE and RPwD Acts.
- The Court disagreed, stating that military-oriented training schools cannot be compared with regular schools.
- It noted that the curriculum and training involve physical rigour, and exemptions on medical grounds could defeat the institution’s purpose.
What This Means for Students
- Students applying to Sainik Schools must continue to meet the physical and medical standards prescribed in the SOP.
- Special provisions like those available under RTE or RPwD will not extend to these schools.
- Parents should be aware that admission to Sainik Schools is not just about academic merit but also about medical fitness.
