All About AISSEE 2026 (All India Sainik School Entrance Exam)
A complete guide for parents and aspirants. Understand the exam pattern, eligibility, and the path to joining India’s premier military feeder schools. This exam is the gateway to the National Defence Academy (NDA).
What is AISSEE?
The All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE) is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It serves as the sole gateway for admission into Class 6 and Class 9 across the 33 Sainik Schools in India.
The primary objective of Sainik Schools is to prepare students academically, physically, and mentally for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA). The exam is held once a year, typically in January, and is an OMR-based written test.
Key Exam Details
| Exam Name | AISSEE (All India Sainik School Entrance Exam) |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Frequency | Once a Year (Usually January) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper / OMR Based) |
| Selection Ratio | Approx 1:30 (Highly Competitive) |
| Official Website | exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE/ |
Eligibility Criteria (2026 Session)
Before applying, ensure the candidate meets the strict age and academic requirements.
🎓 For Class 6 Admission
- Gender: Boys & Girls both eligible.
- Age Limit: 10 to 12 years as on 31st March 2026.
- DOB Range: Born between 01 April 2014 and 31 March 2016.
- Education: Should have passed or appearing in Class 05.
🎓 For Class 9 Admission
- Gender: Boys & Girls both eligible (Subject to vacancy).
- Age Limit: 13 to 15 years as on 31st March 2026.
- DOB Range: Born between 01 April 2011 and 31 March 2013.
- Education: Should have passed or appearing in Class 08 from a recognized school.
How to Apply
The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps:
Registration
Visit NTA website & create login ID.
Fill Application
Upload photo, sign & documents.
Fee Payment
Pay exam fees via Net Banking/UPI.
Confirmation
Download the Confirmation Page.
Application Fees
Exam Syllabus & Pattern
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). There is no negative marking.
Class 6 Syllabus Breakdown
Mathematics (150 Marks)
50 Questions × 3 Marks.
Topics: Fractions, LCM/HCF, Average, Percentage, Area & Perimeter, Simple Interest, Geometry.Intelligence (50 Marks)
25 Questions × 2 Marks.
Topics: Analogies, Patterns, Classification, Visual Logic.Language (50 Marks)
25 Questions × 2 Marks.
Topics: Comprehension, Grammar, Antonyms/Synonyms, Sentence Structure.General Knowledge (50 Marks)
25 Questions × 2 Marks.
Topics: Scientific Facts, History, Geography, Sports, Awards.Exam FAQs
Is there any negative marking in AISSEE?
No, there is no negative marking for wrong answers in the Sainik School Entrance Exam for both Class 6 and 9.
Can a student from Arts background apply for Class 9?
No. For Class 9 admission, the entrance exam is based on Class 8 syllabus (Maths, Science, English, SS, Intelligence). You must be studying in a recognized school.
Is the interview compulsory?
Unlike RIMC or UP Sainik School, the standard AISSEE (NTA) usually admits based on Medical + Written Merit. However, UP Sainik School (conducted separately) has an Interview round.
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