Sainik School Kalikiri in Annamayya district has achieved its best-ever performance in the UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) written examination, with 50 cadets qualifying for Course No. 158, including three girls from its first-ever batch of female cadets.
Of the 79 students in the current Class XII batch, 41 cleared the examination, registering a success rate of nearly 52%. Another nine cadets from the previous batch also qualified, taking the school’s overall tally to 50%.
The success of the three girls is a significant milestone for the institution, reflecting growing opportunities for young women aspiring to serve as officers in the Armed Forces. The qualified cadets will now face the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which assesses leadership, mental aptitude, personality and suitability for military service.
Principal Group Captain C.S. Pardesi congratulated the successful cadets and praised the teaching and training staff for their systematic preparation and mentoring. He expressed confidence that they would perform well in the next stage.
Since its first batch graduated in 2021, 34 former cadets have joined the NDA and other defence academies. Five were commissioned as officers earlier this year.
Published - October 11, 2026 07:31 pm IST