Sainik School Admission – Eligibility Criteria
To appear for the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) 2026, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements-
For Class 6 Admission:
- Candidates should be between 10 to 12 years of age as on 31 March 2026
For Class 9 Admission:
- Candidates should be between 13 to 15 years of age as on 31 March 2026
- Candidates must have passed Class 8 from a recognized school at the time of admission
Sainik School Admission – Important Dates
Important Dates for Sainik School Admission 2026 (AISSEE 2026):
| Event | Date |
| Release of Official Notification | October/November 2025 |
| Online Applications Begin | October/November 2025 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | November 2025 |
| Release of Admit Cards | January 2026 |
| Date of Examination | January 2026 (2nd or 3rd Sunday) |
Exam Timings:
| Class | Time |
| Class 6 | 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Class 9 | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Event | Date |
| Release of Provisional Answer Key | February 2026 |
| Challenge Answer Key Window | February 2026 |
| Declaration of Final Result | March 2026 |
| Medical Examination Dates | March 2026 |
| Final Merit List | April 2026 |
Note: These dates are tentative and subject to change based on official notifications by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Sainik School Application Process
The application for AISSEE 2026 will be available online through the official NTA website. Students must complete the process carefully to avoid rejection. Here’s how to apply:
Step 1: Visit the official website of All India Sainik School Entrance Examination.
Step 2: Register as a new user by entering your basic details such as name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
Step 4: Upload the required documents in the correct format and size
- Passportsize photograph
- Signature
- Left-hand thumb impression
- Domicile certificate
- Date of birth certificate
- Category/service certificate (if applicable)
Step 5: Pay the application fee online:
- ₹800 for General/OBC/Defence category
- ₹650 for SC/ST category
(The fee may change based on the official notification)
Step 6: Review all details before submitting the form. Use the correction window (if available) to make changes.
Step 7: Submit the form and download/print the confirmation page for future reference.
Sainik School Admission – AISSEE Syllabus
The syllabus for the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) is based on the curriculum followed in the previous class and is designed to assess students’ academic knowledge and aptitude for a structured, disciplined learning environment.
AISSEE Syllabus Breakdown – Class VI:
| Subject | Topics |
| Mathematics
(25 marks) |
– Number system and basic operations
– Fractions and decimals – Percentage and ratio – Simple interest – Time and work problems – Geometry basics (perimeter, area) – Data interpretation (simple charts and tables) |
| General Knowledge (25 marks) | – Indian history and freedom struggle
– Geography of India – Indian polity and governance – Science and technology – Sports and games – Current affairs – Arts and culture |
| Intelligence
(25 marks) |
– Pattern recognition
– Series completion – Analogies – Classification – Blood relations – Direction sense – Coding and decoding |
| English
(25 marks) |
– Reading comprehension
– Grammar (tenses, articles, prepositions) – Vocabulary – Sentence formation – Synonyms and antonyms |
AISSEE Syllabus Breakdown – Class IX:
| Subject | Topics |
| Mathematics
(25 marks) |
– Algebra (linear equations, polynomials)
– Geometry (triangles, circles, mensuration) – Statistics and probability – Coordinate geometry – Trigonometry basics – Number theory |
| General Science
(25 marks) |
– Physics (motion, force, energy, light, sound)
– Chemistry (atoms, molecules, acids, bases) – Biology (life processes, heredity, environment) |
| Social Studies
(25 marks) |
– History (ancient, medieval, modern India)
– Geography (physical and human geography) – Civics (constitution, democracy, governance) |
| English
(25 marks) |
– Advanced reading comprehension
– Grammar and usage – Vocabulary and idioms – Essay writing skills |
Sainik School Admission – Examination Pattern
Understanding the examination pattern is essential for students to structure their preparation effectively and maximize their scores in each section. Given below is the examination pattern of the Sainik School Admissions.
Class 6 Examination Pattern:
| Subject | Questions | Marks for each correct answer | Total marks |
| Language | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 50 | 3 | 150 |
| Intelligence | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| General Knowledge | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Total | 125 | 300 |
Class 9 Examination Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks for each correct answer | Total marks |
| Mathematics | 50 | 4 | 200 |
| Intelligence | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| English | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| General Science | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Social Science | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Total | 150 | 400 |
Note: There will be no negative marking for wrong response.
Sanik School Examinations – Sample Question Papers
Prepare effectively for the AISSEE with these sample question papers designed for Class 6 and Class 9 aspirants. These papers are based on the latest exam pattern and syllabus, helping students familiarize themselves with the types of questions and time management strategies.
AISSEE 2026 Sample Papers:
| Title | Academic Year | Sample Paper |
| Sample Paper – Class 6 | 2024–25 | Click Here |
| Sample Paper – Class 9 | 2024–25 | Click Here |
| Sample Paper – Class 6 | 2023–24 | Click Here |
| Sample Paper – Class 9 | 2023–24 | Click Here |
How to prepare for Sainik School Admission – Preparation Tips
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
- Focus on Mathematics and English as they carry higher marks.
- Revise NCERT books for Science and Social Science.
- Practice reasoning and GK daily.
- Solve mock tests and previous year papers under timed conditions.
- Make a study timetable with daily targets and regular revision.
- Improve health and fitness for the medical test.
- Stay consistent with preparation and focus on weak areas.
Sainik School – Answer Key
After the examination, the National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the provisional answer key on the AISSEE portal, usually in February 2026. This answer key allows candidates to compare their responses with the official solutions and estimate their scores before the results are declared.
- Provisional answer key: Released first, open to feedback.
- Challenge window: Candidates can raise objections to specific questions/answers by paying a small processing fee. These objections are reviewed by experts.
- Final answer key: Published after evaluation of challenges. The result is prepared strictly based on this final key.
Having access to the answer key gives students transparency in the evaluation process and helps them understand where they performed well or made mistakes.
Sainik School Exam Result
The AISSEE 2026 results are expected in March 2026, and will be available online on the NTA website. Candidates must log in using their application number and password/date of birth to download their scorecards. The result will display:
- Candidate’s personal details
- Section-wise scores
- Total marks obtained
- Qualification status (whether eligible for the next round)
In addition to the scorecard, NTA will also publish the merit list school-wise, category-wise, and class-wise. Shortlisted candidates will be called for the medical examination. Students and parents should regularly check the portal for updates to ensure they do not miss any important step after results.
Sainik School Admission – Selection Process
Admission to Sainik Schools is mainly based on performance in the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
For traditional Sainik Schools: Candidates who qualify in AISSEE are invited for a medical examination. The final merit list is prepared by considering both the written exam scores and medical fitness.
For New Sainik Schools (NSS) the admission process follows two routes:
- 40% Route (Category A): At least 40% of seats are reserved for candidates who appear in AISSEE, qualify in the exam, and opt for admission to New Sainik Schools through the NTA merit list.
- 60% Route (Category B): Up to 60% of seats are reserved for students already studying in the same school. These students are admitted based on a qualifying test conducted either by NTA or another approved testing body, as prescribed by the Sainik Schools Society.
If seats under Category B remain vacant, they will be filled by candidates from Category A who have qualified in AISSEE.
Sainik School Admission – Counselling
After the results and medical examination, candidates who qualify must participate in the online e-counselling process. This stage is crucial, as it decides which Sainik School a student will be allotted.
- Choice filling: Candidates are required to log in to the e-counselling portal and select their preferred Sainik Schools in order of priority.
- Seat allocation: Based on the candidate’s rank, category, reservation rules, and available seats, the system allots a school.
- Document verification: Candidates must upload and present their documents (such as domicile certificate, birth certificate, category certificate, etc.) during counselling.
- Reporting: After confirmation, students must report to the allotted Sainik School within the given timeframe.
Sainik School Admission – Seat allotment
Seat allotment is carried out through the centralized e-counselling system. It ensures transparency and fairness in the admission process. The seat distribution depends on:
- Performance in AISSEE
- Category-based reservations (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, Defence, Girls, etc.)
- Domicile quota (Home State/Other State)
For traditional Sainik Schools:
- 67% seats are reserved for students from the state/UT where the school is located.
- 33% are open to students from other states/UTs.
- Within these quotas, specific percentages are reserved for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, Defence personnel wards, and girls.
For New Sainik Schools:
- Seat allotment depends on the 40% AISSEE merit route and the 60% internal school route, as explained earlier.
Sainik School Admission – Reservation criteria
Sainik School admissions follow a well-defined reservation system to ensure fair opportunities for candidates from different states, categories, and backgrounds. Seats are distributed based on state quota as well as category quota, with additional reservations for defence personnel wards and girl students.
Sainik School Admission 2026 – Reservation Criteria:
| Type of Reservation | Percentage/Seats Reserved | Details |
| Home state quota | 67% | Seats reserved for candidates from the state or Union Territory where the Sainik School is located. |
| Other state quota | 33% | Seats reserved for candidates from other states and Union Territories. |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% | Reservation applies within both home state and other state quota. |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% | Reservation applies within both home state and other state quota. |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 27% | Reserved for candidates belonging to the non-creamy layer category. |
| Defence category | 25% | For children of serving/retired defence personnel including ex-servicemen. |
| Girls’ reservation | Minimum 10% | At least 10% of seats are reserved for girl candidates in each Sainik School. |
Sainik School Admission – Cutoff
The cut-off for Sainik School admission refers to the minimum marks required to qualify in the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) and proceed to medical examination. It varies by class, category, state, and year depending on exam difficulty and competition.
Sainik School Admission 2026 Cutoff
| Cut-off Category | Criteria / Marks | Details |
| Minimum qualifying marks (set by NTA) | General, OBC-NCL, Defence – 25% in each subject & 40% overall | Candidates must achieve these marks to be considered. |
| SC/ST – No minimum qualifying marks | Admission depends on merit ranking within the category. | |
| Merit list cut-off | Varies yearly | Actual admission cut-off is higher than qualifying marks and depends on seat availability. |
| Factors influencing cut-off | Difficulty level of AISSEE, number of applicants, total seats, school-specific demand | These factors lead to variation across states and categories. |
| Past year trends (Class 6) | General: 210–250 marks, OBC-NCL: 200–240 marks, SC/ST: 180–210 marks | Approximate range based on recent admission cycles. |
| Past year trends (Class 9) | General: 280–300+ marks | Reflects higher competition compared to Class 6. |
| Final admission criteria | Above category cut-off + Medical fitness + Place in merit list | Admission is confirmed only after all three stages are cleared. |
Sainik School Admission – Documents Required
Identity proof – School ID card or PAN Card or Aadhaar Number or Passport Number or any other Photo Identity Card issued by Government.
Passport size photograph (size: 10kb to 200kb) in JPG format.
- The photographs must be taken on or after 1st July 2025 preferably indicating clearly the name of the candidate along with the date of taking the photograph.
- Photographs should not be with cap or goggles. The focus needs to be on face (80% face coverage, ears clearly visible, on white background)
- Spectacles are allowed only if being used regularly.
- Polaroid and Computer-generated photos are not acceptable.
- Applications not complying with these instructions or with unclear photographs are liable to be rejected.
- The photographs need not be attested. Candidates are advised to keep 6 to 8 passport size and colour photographs with white background.
Candidate’s signature
- The candidate should put his/her full signature in running hand writing not in capital letter on white paper with Black Ink pen and scan for uploading.
- File size must be between 4kb to 30kb in JPG format.
- Online Application Forms without uploaded signatures will be rejected.
- In case someone else’s signature has been uploaded, the candidature shall be cancelled and the case will be considered as using UFM. Criminal action as per laws of the country shall also be initiated.
Candidate’s left hand thumb impression
- A candidate should affix his/her left-hand thumb impression on white paper with blue ink and scan for uploading.
- File size must be between 10kb and 50kb in JPG format.
- Unclear left hand thumb impression in online application forms will be rejected.
Domicile certificate
- File size must be between 50kb to 300kb in PDF format.
- If the domicile certificate of the candidate is not available, the domicile certificate of the parent may be uploaded in the relevant field. Proof of domicile of successful candidates are to be furnished during admission.
Category certificate or service certificate (if applicable)
- File size must be between 50kb to 300kb in PDF format.
Date of birth certificate
- File size must be between 50kb to 300kb in PDF format.
Sainik School Admission FAQs
What is the Sainik School Admission Test?
The Sainik School Admission Test,officially called the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE),is a national-level exam for students seeking admission to Class 6 and Class 9 in Sainik Schools across India.
Who conducts the AISSEE?
The AISSEE is conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Sainik Schools Society,Ministry of Defence,Government of India.
How can I apply for AISSEE 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the official NTA AISSEE website once the application window opens.The process includes registration,filling the application form,uploading required documents,paying the fee,and submitting the form.
What is the mode of examination?
The AISSEE is an offline,pen-and-paper-based test where candidates mark answers on an OMR sheet.
Are there any reservation policies in Sainik School admissions?
Yes.Seats are reserved based on domicile,category,and gender,including quotas for SC,ST,OBC (NCL),defence personnel wards,and girls,as per the official reservation rules.
Is there negative marking in AISSEE?
No,there is no negative marking in the AISSEE.Marks are awarded only for correct answers.
What happens after qualifying the AISSEE?
Qualified candidates must undergo a medical examination and document verification before the final merit list is prepared.