The Delhi government has officially announced the opening of applications for admission to the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, for the academic session starting in July 2026. The notification, issued by the Directorate of Education, invites both boys and girls to apply for one of the country’s most prestigious institutions that prepares young minds for careers in the Indian Armed Forces. Located in the scenic Doon Valley, RIMC has long been seen as a cradle for future leaders in uniform, shaping generations of officers who have served the nation with distinction.

The entrance examination for applicants from Delhi will take place on December 7, 2025. The deadline for submitting completed application forms and the required documents is October 15, 2025. The government has made it clear that applications received after this date will not be accepted under any circumstances. Candidates are urged to start the process early to avoid last-minute delays.

The eligibility criteria are straightforward. Applicants must be between the ages of 11 and a half years to 13 years as of July 1, 2026. This means that only those born between July 2, 2013, and January 1, 2015, can take the examination. In addition to the age requirement, students should be enrolled in Class VII or have passed Class VII from a recognized school at the time of admission. This ensures that only those who are academically ready can face the demanding training and curriculum offered by RIMC.

The application process aims to preserve the integrity of admissions. Candidates must obtain the official application form, which must have the RIMC hologram or seal; photocopies or locally printed versions will not be accepted. The form is available by sending a demand draft of ₹600, while students from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories can get it for a reduced fee of ₹555, as long as they include a valid caste certificate. The demand draft must accompany a written request addressed to the Examination Cell of the Directorate of Education. For convenience, candidates may also request the application form and a booklet of previous years’ question papers in the same way.

Once completed, candidates must submit the form and necessary enclosures to the Examination Cell, either in person or by post. Officials have emphasized the importance of ensuring that all documents are in order before submission. Failure to follow the guidelines or sending incomplete applications may result in rejection without any possibility of appeal.

In recognition of the service rendered by defense personnel and central government employees with transferable jobs, the rules provide a special concession. Children of such employees can apply either from their home state or the state where their parent is currently assigned. However, their candidacy will ultimately be considered only from their home state. In these cases, applicants need to submit a service certificate issued by the parent’s office to confirm the posting in Delhi. This clause promotes fairness in the admission process while accommodating families that frequently relocate for work.

RIMC’s reputation as an institution is unrivaled in the field of military education at the school level. Established in 1922, the college was originally designed to train young boys for entry into the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and subsequently into the Indian Army. Over the years, it has become a leading feeder institution for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA). Its alumni have excelled not only in the armed forces but also in public life, politics, and civil administration, making it one of the most respected institutions in the country.

Students admitted to RIMC experience a structured curriculum that combines academic excellence with physical training, leadership development, and character building. The college environment encourages discipline, camaraderie, and a spirit of service to the nation. With the Delhi government now inviting applications for the 2026 session, young aspirants in the capital have another chance to take the first step toward a career in the armed forces.

The upcoming entrance test in December is expected to be highly competitive, as the number of available seats is limited and demand remains high. Parents and guardians are already preparing to support their children through the rigorous study needed for the examination. The inclusion of both boys and girls in the admission process highlights the increasing focus on gender equality in the defense forces, where more opportunities are being created for women to serve in frontline roles.

The Directorate of Education has advised applicants and parents to rely only on the official circular for accurate information. All relevant details, including demand draft information and updates on the process, can be found on the official website link provided in the notification. With the application process now officially open, the race to secure a spot in one of India’s most prestigious military institutions has begun. For many young students in Delhi, the dream of wearing the uniform could be one step closer to reality.