Sainik Schools are a network of residential schools in India that aims to provide quality education along with military training to prepare students for a career in the armed forces. These schools were established to nurture young students’ physical, mental, and intellectual capabilities while instilling in them a sense of discipline, leadership, and patriotism.

The education system in Sainik Schools emphasizes discipline, physical fitness, leadership skills, and a strong sense of national identity. Cadets (students) follow a disciplined daily routine and are referred to as “cadet officers.” They receive rigorous academic instruction, participate in regular physical training, engage in outdoor activities such as sports and adventure camps, and learn drill exercises.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE) in January every year for admission to classes 6th and 9th in the prestigious Sainik Schools across India. The NTA releases the official notification in October for the January examination. For more details, download the official notification, apply online, visit the official website of the National Testing Agency https://aissee.nta.nic.in/

Sainik School Scheme of Examination for Class IX

The Sainik School entrance exam for class IX comprises five sections, namely, Mathematics, Intelligence, English, General Science, and Social Science. Students need to pass each section individually in order to clear the written examination. They should score a minimum of 25% in each subject and a minimum aggregate of 40%. The detailed pattern is as follows:

No negative marking

Note: For class 9, the time of examination is 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

The written examination is followed by a medical test and document verification.

Eligibility Criteria FOR AISSEE 2026 for Admission to Class IX

Age: A candidate should be between 13 and 15 years as on 31 March 2026, for admission to Class IX, i.e. he/she should have been born between 01 April 2011 and 31 March 2013 (both dates inclusive) for admission to the academic year 2026-27. Admission is open for boys and girls both.

Educational Qualification: He/She should have passed the Class VIII exam from a recognized school at the time of admission.

Exam Date: The tentative date for the conduct of the All India Sainik School Entrance Exam 2026 is 14 January 2026. (Subject to release of official notification)