All about the Armed Forces Preparatory School that the Delhi Government is setting up

There are many kids who dream of joining the armed forces. However, they lack the clarity or focus to pursue a career in the defence sector on their own. To bridge this gap, the Delhi Government in its ‘Deshbhakti (Patriotism) Budget 2021-22’ had announced the establishment of a fully residential Armed Forces Preparatory School in Delhi last year. Here is everything about this school.  

Where will the Armed Forces Preparatory School be set up? 

It will be the Delhi government's first fully residential school with two separate blocks for boys and girls. A 14-acre campus is being created in Jharoda Kalan in Southwest Delhi, with admissions limited to Delhi residents only. If this model proves to be successful, it will be replicated in other preparatory schools. 

What is the admission criteria for AFPS students? 

In the first round of admissions, 100 students from grades IX and XI will be accepted, with 60 boys and 40 girls in each grade. Fifty per cent of admissions to the school will be reserved for students of government and government-aided schools. Students will have to qualify for an aptitude test comprising Mathematics, English and General Ability before appearing for the physical fitness test during the admission process.  

What curriculum will be followed at Armed Forces Preparatory School? 

The school's curriculum will be divided into two parts: Basic foundational study component that will focus on the fundamental learning, and a specialisation component. It will include test preparation for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Services Selection Board (SSB), as well as classes on physical readiness and fitness.  

The basic foundational study component will focus on basic courses such as Math, English, Hindi, General Sciences, and Social Sciences in classes IX and X. On the other hand, the specialised study component will help students prepare for the National Defence Academy and other examinations. Private partners will be in charge of the specialisation aspect, which will include management and curriculum development. Selection board training cycles, personality development capsules, and spoken English and verbal expression training sessions are among the services that the school is expected to deliver to the students.