Sainik School Admission 2025-26: Complete Guide for Parents

Sainik School admission process for the academic year 2025-26 has been announced for both Class 6 and Class 9. The admission will be conducted through the All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE) for 33 Sainik Schools and approved New Sainik Schools across India. This comprehensive guide covers everything parents need to know about the admission process, eligibility criteria, entrance exam, and important dates.

Key Takeaways

• Admissions are open for both boys and girls in Class 6 and Class 9 through AISSEE 2025.
• The entrance exam will be conducted in offline mode with multiple choice questions.
• Candidates must secure minimum 25% marks in each subject and 40% in aggregate to qualify (except SC/ST categories for regular Sainik Schools).
• E-counselling process will be conducted for school allocation based on merit.
• Medical fitness and document verification are mandatory parts of the admission process.
• Two types of schools available: Regular Sainik Schools and New Sainik Schools (NSS).
• Different reservation policies apply for regular Sainik Schools and New Sainik Schools.

About Sainik Schools

The Sainik Schools Society manages two types of schools: regular Sainik Schools and New Sainik Schools (NSS). These schools focus on providing quality education while preparing students for careers in defense services.

Types of Sainik Schools

Parents can choose between two categories of schools for their children:

• Regular Sainik Schools: These are 33 established schools directly under the Sainik Schools Society, offering CBSE curriculum in English medium with residential facilities. These schools have a proven track record of preparing students for defense services.
• New Sainik Schools (NSS): These are partnership schools with NGOs, private institutions, or state governments. They follow their respective board curriculum along with special Sainik School pattern education. The fee structure and medium of instruction may vary in these schools.

Educational Pattern and Curriculum

All Sainik Schools follow a comprehensive educational approach:

• Academic Excellence: Focus on CBSE curriculum with special emphasis on mathematics, science, and English
• Physical Training: Regular sports activities and physical fitness programs
• Military Training: Basic military training, NCC activities, and leadership development
• Character Building: Focus on discipline, values, and personality development

Sainik School Admission Process 2025-26

The admission process for Sainik Schools follows a systematic approach designed to select capable candidates. Understanding this process is crucial for parents planning to enroll their children. Visit the online application portal to start the process.

Important Dates

Age Eligibility Criteria

The age requirements are strictly enforced for admission. Check the detailed eligibility criteria before applying:

• For Class 6: Candidates should be between 10-12 years as on March 31, 2025 (born between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2015)
• For Class 9: Candidates should be between 13-15 years as on March 31, 2025 (born between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2012)

Available Seats and Categories

Seat distribution varies across schools and categories. Parents should check the detailed vacancy position before applying:

• Regular Sainik Schools:
  • 67% seats for Home State candidates
  • 33% seats for Other States/UTs
  • Minimum 10% seats reserved for girls
• New Sainik Schools (NSS):
  • 40% seats through All-India merit (Category A)
  • 60% seats for existing school students (Category B)

All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE) 2025

The entrance examination (AISSEE) is conducted nationwide in offline mode. Understanding the exam pattern helps in better preparation.

Exam Pattern for Class 6

Important Notes:

• Total duration: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
• All questions are multiple choice
• No negative marking
• Check detailed syllabus for preparation

Exam Pattern for Class 9

Parent Tip: The Class 9 exam is conducted only in English medium, unlike Class 6 which offers multiple language options.

Exam Centers and Languages

The examination is conducted across multiple centers nationwide. Parents should consider these key points:

• Language Options for Class 6: English, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Gujarati, Assamese, Odiya, Punjabi, and Urdu
• Center Selection: Choose four preferred exam centers during application
• Center Allotment: Final center allotment is computerized and no change requests are entertained

Important Instructions for AISSEE

For smooth examination experience, parents and candidates should note:

• Download admit card well in advance
• Reach exam center at least 90 minutes before exam start time
• Carry original ID proof along with admit card
• Practice with previous year papers for better preparation
• Check OMR sheet sample to understand marking pattern

Reservation Policy in Sainik Schools

Understanding the reservation policy is crucial for admission planning:

State-wise Reservation

• Home State Quota: 67% seats reserved for candidates from the state where school is located
• Other States Quota: 33% seats for candidates from other states/UTs
• Important Note: Maximum 25% seats from any single state in Other States category

Category-wise Reservation

Parent Tip: SC/ST candidates don’t need minimum qualifying marks in regular Sainik Schools, but need to qualify in New Sainik Schools.

Special Provisions for Girls

As part of the initiative to promote girl education, special provisions for girls have been implemented:

• Minimum Seats: 10% of total Class 6 strength or 10 seats (whichever is higher) reserved for girls
• Category Distribution: One seat per category allocated for girls in respective quotas
• Age Criteria: Same age requirements as boys for both Class 6 and Class 9
• School Options: Check school-wise vacancy details as all schools may not offer girl admission

Medical Fitness and Document Verification

After qualifying the entrance exam, candidates must complete these crucial steps. Visit documents required page for detailed information.

Required Documents

• Personal Documents:
  • Birth Certificate
  • Domicile Certificate
  • Aadhar Card
  • Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Academic Documents:
  • Previous Class Marksheet
  • School Transfer Certificate (at the time of admission)
  • Character Certificate

Medical Standards

Medical fitness is mandatory for admission. Key points include:

• Medical Examination: Conducted at designated military/government hospitals
• Physical Standards: Height, weight, and vision requirements as per age
• General Health: Free from major ailments and physical disabilities
• Validity: Medical certificate must be recent and in prescribed format

E-Counselling Process

The e-counselling process is conducted online for seat allocation:

Merit List Preparation

• Regular Sainik Schools:
  • Separate merit lists for Home State and Other States
  • Category-wise listing within each state category
  • Minimum qualifying marks criteria applied (except SC/ST)
• New Sainik Schools:
  • All-India merit list for 40% seats
  • School-wise merit list for 60% seats
  • Minimum qualifying marks applicable for all categories

School Allocation Process

The allocation of schools follows a systematic process based on:

• Merit Position: Rank in respective category lists
• School Preference: Choice of schools during counseling
• Seat Availability: Vacancies in chosen schools and categories
• Document Verification: Successful verification of all required documents

Important Guidelines for E-counselling

Parents should note these crucial points:

• Register on the e-counseling portal using AISSEE application number
• Fill school preferences carefully as they cannot be changed later
• Keep checking cut-off marks of previous rounds
• Complete admission formalities within given timeframe
• Keep all original documents ready for verification

New Sainik Schools (NSS) Admission

The admission process for New Sainik Schools has some unique features. Check complete list of New Sainik Schools before applying.

40% Route Admission (Category A)

• Eligibility: Open to all candidates through All-India merit
• Selection Process: Based on AISSEE performance
• School Choice: Can opt for any NSS during counseling
• Important Note: Domicile/category restrictions don’t apply (except specific schools)

60% Route Admission (Category B)

• Eligibility: Only for existing students of respective NSS
• Qualifying Criteria: Must appear in AISSEE
• School Specific: Admission only in current school
• Merit Based: School-wise merit list followed

Important Resources for Parents

Preparation Tips

To help your child prepare effectively:

• Follow preparation guidelines systematically
• Use recommended study materials and books
• Practice with previous year papers regularly
• Consider coaching options if needed
• Focus on both academic and physical fitness

Common Queries

Parents frequently ask about:

• Fee Structure: Check detailed fee information of respective schools
• School Selection: Consider location, facilities, and past performance
• Scholarship Options: Various government scholarships available
• Academic Standards: CBSE curriculum with additional military training
• Boarding Facilities: Completely residential with modern amenities

Contact Information

• Visit official school websites for specific queries
• Contact examination authority (NTA) for exam-related issues
• Reach out to respective schools for admission details
• Use official helpline numbers only
• Avoid third-party agents or middlemen