Sainik school scheme was launched in 1961, in different parts of the country at the initiative of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr. VK Krishna Menon, the then Prime Minister and Defence Minister respectively. Sainik Schools are residential schools for boys established with the primary aim of preparing them academically, physically & mentally for providing a career in the Armed Forces through entry into the NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY AND INDIAN NAVAL ACADEMY.  These schools are affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi. Sainik School Kodagu is located at Kudige village approximately 6 Kms from Kushalnagar in Kodagu district. The Kodagu district is popularly known as the Scotland of India because of its evergreen rain forest, hill stations which produce coffee, cardamom, pepper, oranges etc. It is also the birth place of the river Cauvery. The people of Kodagu are special in many ways and have stood apart in their beauty, bravery and hospitality. Apart from tourism and commercial crop plantations in a significant and proud contribution in its distinguished martial tradition, it has given the highest numbers of warriors, including several Generals, Brigadiers to the Indian Army. Field Marshal KM Cariappa and Gen KS Thimmaiah, DSO are legendary sons who hail from this district.