What is a Sainik School?
The Sainik Schools scheme dates to 1961. Sainik Schools Society operates under the Ministry of Defence. Its schools are CBSE-affiliated English-medium residential schools that combine academics, physical training, discipline and preparation for careers including the National Defence Academy. AISSEE is conducted by NTA for entry to Classes 6 and 9. Admission does not guarantee selection into the armed forces. Approved New Sainik Schools have their own admission categories and school arrangements; check the school-specific seat matrix.
Exam dates and current session
The latest bulletin verified on 1 October 2026 is AISSEE 2026, for admission in 2026–27. The examination was held on 18 January 2026. Results and counselling notices are available on the NTA portal. This examination is over. A verified AISSEE 2027 schedule was not found in the checked official sources: do not treat 2026 dates or age limits as the next admission cycle. Read the latest registration/extension notice before applying.
Who can apply?
For 2026–27: Class 6 age is 10–12 years on 31 March 2026: birth between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2016, inclusive. Class 9 age is 13–15 years: birth between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2013, inclusive; the candidate must pass Class 8 before admission. Boys and girls apply according to the available class/school vacancies. Domicile, category, age and educational documents must match the form. New Sainik School routes have additional conditions in the bulletin.
AISSEE exam pattern
Class 6: 125 questions, 300 marks, 150 minutes. Mathematics: 50 questions/150 marks; Language: 25/50; Intelligence: 25/50; General Knowledge: 25/50. The paper is available in 13 languages.
Class 9: 150 questions, 400 marks, 180 minutes. Mathematics: 50/200; Intelligence, English, General Science and Social Science: 25 questions/50 marks each. The Class 9 paper is in English. Both use objective questions and have no negative marking.
Syllabus and preparation
Use the class-specific official topic list. Class 6 covers school mathematics, language comprehension/grammar, reasoning and general knowledge. Class 9 adds separate science and social science sections. Practise the correct marks distribution and OMR responses; Class 6 and Class 9 are different papers.
Application, selection and fees
Apply only through the link announced by NTA: register, enter the correct class and personal details, upload the required photograph/signature/certificates, pay the notified fee and save the confirmation page. Download the admit card when released. After the result, follow AISSAC counselling registration, choice filling, allotment, medical examination and document verification. Qualifying the test alone does not secure a seat. Tuition, boarding, deposits and scholarships depend on the school and category; obtain the current school fee notice before accepting a seat.
Official sources
- NTA AISSEE portal ↗
- AISSEE 2026 information bulletin ↗
- Sainik Schools history — official school source ↗
Checked on 1 October 2026. This is an independent All Rounder BSS guide. The school’s current prospectus and later notices take precedence.