The RIMC entrance exam has three written papers: English (125 marks), Mathematics (200 marks) and General Knowledge (75 marks), set at the level of Classes VI and VII of CBSE and NCERT. English and Mathematics are answered in writing, while General Knowledge is multiple choice. A candidate must score at least 50 per cent in each subject to qualify for the viva voce.
Everything below comes from the information bulletin for the RIMC Entrance Examination (RIMCEE-2026), issued by the National Testing Agency for the December 2026 exam, and from the notices on rimc.edu.in. We checked them on 12 October 2026. The Rashtriya Indian Military College admits students to Class VIII only, so there is no separate syllabus for Class 6, 7 or 9.
What is the RIMC exam pattern?
Stage I is a pen-and-paper test of 400 marks and 150 questions, to be finished in four and a half hours. The bulletin lists the papers like this.
| Subject | Type of paper | Marks | Questions | Time | To qualify |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Descriptive (written answers) | 125 | 45 | 2 hours | 50% of 125 |
| General Knowledge | Multiple choice | 75 | 75 | 1 hour | 50% of 75 |
| Mathematics | Descriptive (written answers) | 200 | 30 | 1 hour 30 minutes | 50% of 200 |
| Total | 400 | 150 | 4 hours 30 minutes | Each subject separately |
There is no negative marking. The question papers are bilingual, in English and Hindi, except the English language questions. RIMC’s own notification for the June 2026 exam added that Mathematics and General Knowledge may be answered in either Hindi or English. Candidates who clear Stage I are called for a 50-mark viva voce, which has no syllabus. The same June 2026 notification shows a combined total of 450 marks with the viva included.
What is in the RIMC Mathematics syllabus?
Mathematics carries half of the written marks, so it deserves the largest share of study time. The bulletin names 48 topics under four heads: arithmetic, basic algebra, geometry and mensuration. It does not weight individual topics, which is why steady coverage of every head matters more than guessing favourites.
| Head | Topics named in the bulletin |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Natural and whole numbers, integers, rational and real numbers (basic operations), LCM and HCF, prime and composite numbers, divisibility tests, fractions and decimals, unitary method, ratio and proportion, percentage, profit and loss, simple interest, average, simplification, speed and time, simple time and distance problems, time and work, Roman numerals, Indian and international systems of numerals, conversion of measuring units, temperature |
| Basic algebra | Simple linear equation in one variable and its applications, exponents and indices, factors and simple problems on standard algebraic formulas, brackets and their removal |
| Geometry | Points, lines, rays, segments, parallel and intersecting lines, curves, polygons, types of angles, complementary and supplementary angles, classification of triangles, circle, plane figures, patterns |
| Mensuration and data | Perimeter and area of square, rectangle, parallelogram and triangle, circumference and arc length, area of figures that split into simpler shapes, volume and surface area of cube and cuboid, pictographs and their interpretation |
Two hundred marks over 30 questions works out to just under seven marks a question on average, so the paper rewards neat, stepwise working and not only the final answer. Practise writing the method in full.
What is in the RIMC English syllabus?
The English paper tests reading, writing and grammar in a single sitting of two hours. The bulletin lists an unseen passage, a poem, a composition, picture writing, formal and informal letters, and grammar such as nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, synonyms, antonyms, direct and indirect speech, phrases, idioms, articles, types of sentences, spellings and homophones.
Its 35-topic grid adds comprehension passages, prepositions, vocabulary, confusing words, question tags, tense forms, kinds of nouns and pronouns, ordering of words in a sentence, sentence formation, interjections, collective nouns, number and gender, rhyming words, subject and predicate, and conjunctions. Because 125 marks sit on 45 questions, expect a mix of short grammar items and longer written tasks.
What is in the RIMC General Knowledge syllabus?
General Knowledge is the shortest paper, 75 multiple-choice questions in one hour, and it is open to any child who reads widely. The bulletin gives the heads as current affairs, sciences, social sciences and logical questions, then lists 37 topics. Grouped for revision, they fall into five areas.
- India and its people: national symbols and icons, states with their capitals, languages, climate and culture, historical monuments, major religions at an elementary level, renowned personalities in art, music, dance, sport and literature, literary and cultural awards, tribal communities and forest produce.
- Defence awareness: equivalent ranks in the three services, weapons, aircraft, missiles and warships, all at elementary level.
- Science in daily life: application of science, scientific devices, major inventions and Nobel prizes, taste and digestion, cooking and preserving, germination and seed dispersal, functions of body parts of plants and animals, names of the young ones of animals.
- Earth and environment: the solar system, shape of the earth and gravitation, conservation of nature, ozone depletion and pollution, natural calamities, traditional water harvesting, the water cycle, water pollution and microbial diseases, fossil fuels, mountain terrain and lifestyle.
- The wider world: the United Nations and the World Bank, current affairs in India and abroad, famous books and authors, sports and games, food, culture and languages of different regions, and the life of farmers.
Which NCERT classes map to the RIMC syllabus?
The bulletin says the syllabus is aligned with Classes VI and VII, so a child in Class VII already holds most of it. Chapter titles differ between older and newer NCERT editions, so match by topic and not by chapter number.
| Paper | Where to study it | Habit that helps |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | NCERT Mathematics for Classes VI and VII: numbers, fractions and decimals, ratio, percentage, simple equations, lines and angles, triangles, perimeter and area | Solve a timed set of written problems and write every step |
| English | NCERT English readers for Classes VI and VII for passages and poems, plus a grammar workbook for the topic grid above | One composition or letter a week, corrected by an adult |
| General Knowledge | NCERT Science, Geography, History and Civics for Classes VI and VII, plus a daily newspaper or children’s current-affairs magazine | Ten minutes of reading and a five-question quiz each day |
If you would like a teacher to map your child’s current gaps against this grid, call or WhatsApp us on +91 70170 31757 for free counselling. A month-by-month plan is in our guide on how to prepare for the RIMC entrance exam.
Is there a syllabus for the viva voce and medical test?
No. The viva voce, worth 50 marks, is designed mainly to test intelligence, personality and communication skills, and the medical examination is a fit or unfit decision. Both are explained in our guide to the RIMC viva voce and medical test. For the full sequence of stages and dates, see RIMC admission: process, seats and fees.
Is there a RIMC syllabus for Class 6, Class 7 or Class 9?
Searches such as RIMC syllabus for Class 6 or Class 9 usually come from confusion with other schools. RIMC enrols students only into Class VIII, and the child must be studying in Class VII or have passed it. Entry to Class 6 and Class 9 exists at Sainik Schools and Rashtriya Military Schools instead; see RIMC vs RMS vs Sainik School and the RMS CET guide.
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Ask on WhatsAppWhat is RIMCEE?
RIMCEE is the Rashtriya Indian Military College Entrance Examination. From the December 2026 cycle the National Testing Agency conducts Stage I, the written exam, while RIMC runs the viva voce, the medical examination, the final merit list and admission.
How many marks are needed to qualify the RIMC written exam?
A candidate needs at least 50 per cent of the marks in each subject: 62.5 in English, 100 in Mathematics and 37.5 in General Knowledge. Total marks alone do not decide qualification.
Is there negative marking in the RIMC exam?
No. The bulletin states that there is no negative marking in Stage I.
Can the RIMC paper be answered in Hindi?
The papers are bilingual in English and Hindi, except the English language questions. RIMC's June 2026 notification also said Mathematics and General Knowledge may be answered in either language.
Is the RIMC syllabus the same as the NCERT syllabus?
It is aligned with the learning standards of Classes VI and VII of CBSE and NCERT, but the bulletin lists its own topics, including defence awareness and current affairs, so the NCERT books alone are not enough.
Where can I read the official RIMC syllabus?
Chapter 8 of the NTA's RIMCEE-2026 information bulletin lists the broader syllabus for each paper. The links are in the sources below.
Sources
Preparing for RIMC from Dehradun? GS India Defence Academy runs classroom RIMC coaching in Dehradun with separate boys’ and girls’ hostels and a mess. Call or WhatsApp +91 70170 31757 to ask about batches.
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