If your dream is to see your child wear the proud olive-green uniform and join the National Defence Academy (NDA), the first step often begins with admission to a Sainik School.
The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE 2026) is the golden gateway for boys and girls to enter these prestigious institutions. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this exam opens doors to 33 established Sainik Schools and over 80 New Sainik Schools across India.
In this complete guide by Rashtra Defence Academy, Jaipur, we’ll cover every important detail about AISSEE 2026 — including eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, important dates, reservation, application process, and preparation strategy.
What Is AISSEE 2026?
The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) is a national-level entrance test conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) under the guidance of the Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence.
It facilitates admission to:
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Class VI and IX in 33 existing Sainik Schools
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Class VI in 69 approved New Sainik Schools
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Class IX in 19 New Sainik Schools that have progressed to that level in the 2026–27 academic year
The AISSEE exam tests a student’s knowledge, reasoning, and aptitude to prepare them for life in a disciplined, military-style environment.
Key Dates for AISSEE 2026:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 10th October 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th October 2025 (up to 5 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 31st October 2025 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | 2nd – 4th November 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced on NTA website |
| Exam Date | January 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Within 6 weeks after exam |
📍 Official Websites:
AISSEE 2026 Eligibility Criteria:
For Class VI Admission
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Age: 10 to 12 years as on 31st March 2026
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Born between 01 April 2014 and 31 March 2016 (both days inclusive)
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Gender: Both boys and girls are eligible
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Qualification: Must have passed or be appearing in Class V from a recognized school
For Class IX Admission
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Age: 13 to 15 years as on 31st March 2026
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Born between 01 April 2011 and 31 March 2013
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Gender: Boys and girls (subject to seat availability)
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Qualification: Must have passed Class VIII from a recognized school at the time of admission
For Approved New Sainik Schools (NSS)
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40% Route (Category A): Open for all students based on AISSEE merit
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60% Route (Category B): For students already studying in that particular New Sainik School
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Note: Domicile and category reservations do not apply (except for Belagavi’s Kranthiveera Sangolli Rayanna School)
Examination Fee:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / Defence / OBC (NCL) | ₹850 |
| SC / ST | ₹700 |
💡 Note: The fee is non-refundable and exclusive of bank charges.
AISSEE 2026 Exam Pattern:
The AISSEE exam is conducted offline (OMR-based) with multiple-choice questions.
For Class VI
| Section | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Language | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| B | Mathematics | 50 | 3 | 150 |
| C | Intelligence | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| D | General Knowledge | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Total | 125 | 300 |
For Class IX
| Section | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Mathematics | 50 | 4 | 200 |
| B | Intelligence | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| C | English | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| D | General Science | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| E | Social Science | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Total | 150 | 400 |
✅ No negative marking for wrong answers.
Medium of Examination:
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Class VI: Available in 13 languages – English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odiya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu
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Class IX: English only
Candidates choosing English or Hindi get a bilingual paper; others get English + regional language.
AISSEE 2026 Syllabus:
The syllabus is prescribed by the Sainik Schools Society (SSS) and based on NCERT curriculum for Classes V & VIII.
Class VI Topics
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Mathematics: Basic arithmetic, geometry, fractions, mensuration
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Language: Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary
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Intelligence: Logical reasoning, series, pattern recognition
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GK: Science, social studies, current affairs, sports
Class IX Topics
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Mathematics: Algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration
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English: Grammar, comprehension, essay writing
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General Science: Physics, chemistry, biology (Class VIII level)
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Social Science: History, civics, geography, economics
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Intelligence: Analytical reasoning, series, problem-solving
Students can download previous question papers from www.nta.ac.in for practice.
Reservation of Seats:
In the 33 existing Sainik Schools, reservations are as follows:
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67% seats for candidates of Home State/UT
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33% for Other States/UTs
Within each group: -
15% for SC
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7.5% for ST
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27% for OBC (NCL)
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25% of the remaining seats for children of Defence personnel (serving & ex-servicemen)
🟢 For New Sainik Schools, reservation & domicile categories do not apply (except Belagavi).
How to Apply for AISSEE 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide):
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Visit Official Website:
Go to https://exams.nta.nic.in/sainik-school-society/ -
Register Online:
Enter a valid email ID and mobile number for OTP verification. -
Fill Application Form:
Enter personal, educational, and school choice details carefully. -
Upload Documents:
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Photograph (10–200 KB)
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Signature (10–50 KB)
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Left thumb impression
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Date of Birth Certificate
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Domicile & Caste Certificates (if applicable)
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Service Certificate (for Defence category)
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Pay Fee:
Use Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI via SBI Payment Gateway. -
Download Confirmation Page:
Keep it safely for future reference. -
Correction Window (2–4 Nov 2025):
Edit details if needed within this period.
AISSEE 2026 Admit Card & Exam Centers:
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Admit cards will be available online only on NTA’s website.
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Candidates must carry:
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Admit card printout
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Photo ID proof
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Blue/black pen
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Exam centers are allotted via computer in 180+ Indian cities.
AISSEE 2026 Result and Counselling:
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Results will be announced within 6 weeks of the exam.
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E-Counselling will be conducted through:
🔗 https://pesa.ncog.gov.in/sainikschoolecounselling/ -
Admission is finalized after:
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Medical examination by authorized doctors
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Verification of original documents
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Payment of school fees
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Medical Standards:
Candidates must be medically fit as per standards prescribed by the Sainik Schools Society.
Common disqualifications include:
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Color blindness or squint
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Flat feet or knock knees
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Hearing/speech impairment
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Poor eyesight not correctable to 6/6
Why Choose Sainik Schools?
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Grooming for NDA, INA & other defence academies
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Strong focus on discipline and leadership
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Excellent sports and NCC facilities
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CBSE-affiliated curriculum with academic excellence
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Scholarships for deserving students
AISSEE 2026 Preparation Tips by Rashtra Defence Academy:
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Start early – Begin preparation 6–8 months in advance.
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Focus on Mathematics and English – High-weightage sections.
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Practice previous year papers – Understand question trends.
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Take mock tests regularly to improve time management.
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Revise GK and current affairs daily.
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Maintain discipline, sleep, and nutrition – physical fitness matters for medical round.
💪 Rashtra Defence Academy, Jaipur offers specialized AISSEE coaching for Class VI and IX aspirants with mock tests, e-content, and interview guidance.
FAQ:
Q1. Who conducts the AISSEE exam?
A: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts it under the Ministry of Defence.
Q2. Can girls apply for AISSEE 2026?
A: Yes, girls can apply for both Class VI and Class IX (subject to seat availability).
Q3. Is there negative marking in the exam?
A: No, there is no negative marking.
Q4. What is the minimum qualifying mark?
A: 25% in each subject and 40% in total (except SC/ST candidates in Sainik Schools).
Q5. Can I change my exam center after submission?
A: No, once selected, exam centers cannot be changed.
Final Words:
The AISSEE 2026 is not just an entrance test — it’s the first step toward a career of honor, courage, and patriotism. With the right preparation and guidance, your child can join the proud legacy of Sainik School cadets who go on to serve the nation in the armed forces.
For expert mentorship, mock tests, and one-on-one guidance, join Rashtra Defence Academy, Jaipur — Rajasthan’s leading institute for Sainik School, RMS, and RIMC preparation.
🔗 Visit: www.rashtradefenceacademy.com
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +91-8448446620
📍 Address: Rashtra Defence Academy, MGEC Campus, Bada Padampura Road, Shivdaspura, Jaipur (Raj.)- 303903