South Gujarat’s First Sainik School to Open Near Surat from June 2026

Surat | Gujarat — In a landmark development for education and defence-oriented training in Western India, South Gujarat is set to get its first greenfield, co-educational residential Sainik School at Ubhrat near Surat, with operations scheduled to begin from June 2026. The initiative marks a significant step towards nurturing future leaders with a blend of academic excellence and military discipline.

The SRK Sainik School has been established by a trust led by Govind Dholakia, a BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Surat,  and is formally affiliated with the Sainik School Society under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model of the Government of India. Spread across a sprawling 21-acre campus, the institution aims to set new benchmarks in holistic education.

Designed to go beyond conventional schooling, the institution will offer a ‘CBSE Plus’ curriculum focusing on leadership, character development, and professional skills alongside academic learning. The school seeks to integrate military-style discipline with modern pedagogy and technological advancements.

Representing the leadership vision, Shreyans Dholakia said, “Our mission is to combine modern pedagogy and technology with the timeless knowledge of science and philosophy. We are not just educating students—we are preparing cadets to be physically, mentally, and spiritually strong to serve the nation.”

The first academic session, beginning in June 2026, will welcome an initial batch of 120 cadets in Class 6, including 100 boys and 20 girls. These students have been selected through the All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE), ensuring merit-based admission from across the country.

Sharing his vision, Govind Dholakia said, “For decades, we have polished the finest diamonds in the world. Now, through SRK Sainik School, we aim to shape the future leaders of the nation. Our goal is to create an environment driven by discipline, excellence, and a ‘Nation First’ mindset.”

Founder Principal Hitesh Joshi highlighted the student-centric infrastructure and lifestyle. “The campus will be fully vegetarian, with scientifically planned nutrition for cadets. We have developed state-of-the-art academic blocks, sports facilities, and dedicated spaces for extracurricular growth,” he said.

With its launch, SRK Sainik School joins India’s prestigious network of institutions dedicated to preparing youth for careers in the armed forces and leadership roles in civil society.