Rashtriya Military School Dholpur Marks 64th Raising Day with Celebratory Ceremony and Renewed Commitment to National Service
Rashtriya Military School Dholpur marked its 64th Raising Day on July 16, 2026, with a ceremony filled with grandeur, patriotic zeal, and a strengthened focus on cultivating disciplined military leaders and responsible citizens. The event saw the gathering of cadets, faculty, parents, alumni, and both current and former Army officers, celebrating over six decades of the school's contributions to education, character development, and national service.
Major General Surinder Kumar Dhawan, VSM (Retired), a distinguished alumnus from the school's inaugural batch, served as the Chief Guest. His presence added a special significance to the occasion, representing the lasting connection between the institution and the many cadets who have graduated since its inception in 1962.
A key part of the Raising Day celebration was the Investiture Ceremony for the academic year 2026–27. Selected cadets were formally given leadership roles, highlighting the school's commitment to fostering confidence, discipline, teamwork, and accountability from a young age. The newly appointed leaders were urged to fulfill their duties with integrity and dedication, setting a positive example for their peers.
The program also included cultural performances that showcased India's rich heritage and diversity. Cadets performed patriotic and traditional acts, adding vibrancy and enthusiasm to the event. Annual house awards were distributed to recognize excellence in academics, sports, discipline, cultural activities, and other areas. A ceremonial cake-cutting was conducted with the Chief Guest, officers, alumni, faculty, parents, and cadets in attendance.
In his address, Major General Surinder Kumar Dhawan reflected on his formative years at Rashtriya Military School Dholpur and shared memories of its early phase. As a member of the school's first batch, he provided a unique perspective on its evolution from a newly established institution to one of India's leading residential military schools.
He praised the significant transformation of RMS Dholpur over the past six decades and lauded the institution for maintaining its core military values while adapting to changing educational needs. He encouraged cadets to embrace values of discipline, integrity, resilience, and selfless service.
Maj Gen Dhawan reminded the cadets that success encompasses more than academic achievements, emphasizing the importance of character strength, duty, and service to others. He noted that the school has consistently produced leaders who have served the nation with distinction in the Armed Forces and in various professional fields.
Lieutenant Colonel (Dr) Amit Sharma, VSM, Principal of RMS Dholpur, underscored the institution's progressive changes in line with the National Education Policy 2020. He noted the successful integration of contemporary educational practices with the school's longstanding emphasis on military discipline, leadership, and character development.
The curriculum now incorporates skill education, experiential learning, adventure activities, community service, study excursions, and technology-enabled classroom instruction to ensure the holistic development of cadets, preparing them for future academic, professional, and social challenges.
The Principal asserted that modern education must extend beyond textbooks and exams, offering cadets opportunities for critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and practical skill development in a rapidly evolving world. Adventure training and community service activities also contribute to building courage, empathy, adaptability, and social responsibility.
Lt Col (Dr) Amit Sharma highlighted the substantial infrastructure improvements made at the school, enhancing academic facilities, sports infrastructure, and technology-enabled learning environments to provide a modern and comprehensive educational experience for cadets.
RMS Dholpur remains committed to sports, physical fitness, and outdoor training, which are integral to life at the institution. These facilities enable cadets to engage in competitive sports while fostering endurance, confidence, and team spirit.
The Principal also noted the school's recent successes in academics, sports, and competitive exams. Cadets have excelled in national-level shooting competitions, exhibiting discipline, concentration, and technical proficiency.
The school's achievements extend to recognition in the School Games Federation of India Boxing Championships and the Inter Rashtriya Military Schools Pentangular Meet. The consistent success of its cadets in these competitions reflects the structured training, professional coaching, and dedicated mentorship provided by the institution.
RMS Dholpur continues to excel in the National Defence Academy Written Examination and the Services Selection Board process. Faculty members offer academic guidance, personality development support, and structured mentoring to help students develop the qualities necessary for officer selection.
Preparation at the school goes beyond examinations, with cadets encouraged to develop leadership capabilities, communication skills, situational awareness, physical fitness, and a strong sense of responsibility. The school's consistent results in NDA and SSB selection reflect its core mission of developing future military leaders.
Founded in 1962, Rashtriya Military School Dholpur is a Category ‘A’ institution under the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army). Over the years, it has grown into one of India's premier residential public schools.
The institution was created to provide quality education in a disciplined environment, preparing students for leadership roles in the Armed Forces and other areas of national life. More than 500 alumni have been commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces, while many others have distinguished themselves in civil services, education, medicine, engineering, business, and various other professions.
Rashtriya Military School Dholpur continues to uphold its mission of preparing young men and women for leadership positions, combining academic instruction with military values, physical training, sports, cultural activities, and community engagement.
The school places equal emphasis on discipline and creativity, tradition and innovation, individual achievement, and collective responsibility. Through its evolving curriculum and modern infrastructure, it aims to remain relevant to the 21st century's demands while maintaining its foundational principles.
The 64th Raising Day celebrations concluded with a renewed commitment to preserve the values and traditions that have defined Rashtriya Military School Dholpur for more than six decades. The occasion served as a reminder of the school's distinguished past, its ongoing achievements, and its duty to prepare future generations for national service.
As cadets, teachers, and alumni celebrated the milestone together, the institution reaffirmed its dedication to developing disciplined, competent, and compassionate leaders. The Raising Day was not only a celebration of the school's history but also a reflection of its continuing mission to shape young minds, strengthen character, and inspire service to the nation.
