Uttar Pradesh Sainik School Entrance Examination (UPSS) 2026-27
The definitive guide to joining India’s first Sainik School. A state-level selection process for the Lucknow and Gorakhpur campuses.
What is UPSS?
The Uttar Pradesh Sainik School Entrance Examination (UPSS) is a state-level competitive process managed independently by the UP Sainik Schools Society, chaired by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Unlike the national AISSEE (conducted by NTA for 33 legacy schools), this exam specifically targets residents of Uttar Pradesh. Its primary aim is to prepare cadets academically, physically, and mentally for commissioning into the Armed Forces via the National Defence Academy (NDA).
2. UP Sainik School, Gorakhpur (Operational since 2024-25)
Key Exam Details
| Exam Name | UPSS (UP Sainik School Entrance Exam) |
|---|---|
| Admin Body | UP Sainik Schools Society (Govt. of UP) |
| Exam Date | 28 December 2025 (Sunday) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR Based Written Test) |
| Domicile Rule | Strictly UP Domicile Only (Father & Applicant) |
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
Important Dates (2026-27 Session)
| Official Notification | 15 September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Application Window | 15 Sep – 20 Oct 2025 |
| Late Fee Window (₹2000) | 21 Oct – 07 Nov 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | 05 December 2025 |
| Written Exam | 28 December 2025 |
| Interview/Medical | 10 Feb – 28 Feb 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
Domicile Mandate: Both the applicant and the father must be residents/domiciles of Uttar Pradesh.
🎓 Class 6 Entry
- Age: 10–12 years (Born 02 July 2014 – 01 Jan 2017).
- Academic: Must pass Class V by 20 May 2026.
- Gender (Lucknow): Boys Only.
- Gender (Gorakhpur): Boys & Girls.
🎓 Class 9 Entry
- Age: 13–15 years (Born 02 July 2011 – 01 Jan 2014).
- Academic: Must pass Class VIII by 20 May 2026.
- Gender (Lucknow): Boys & Girls.
- Gender (Gorakhpur): Boys & Girls.
Selection Procedure
Admission is based strictly on merit across three stages:
Written Exam
OMR Test (200 Marks).
Medical Test
Shortlist (3x vacancies) fitness check.
Interview
Before selection board at campus.
Final Merit
Based on Exam + Interview + Reservation.
Exam Pattern & Fees
📝 Exam Architecture
Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes.
Marks: 200 Marks (Single Paper).
Negative Marking: None.
📚 Subjects
1. Mathematics
2. Intelligence
3. English
4. General Knowledge
💰 Fee Structure
App Fee: ₹1,000 (All Categories).
School Fee: ₹50,000 / Year.
Payment Seats: Available (Double Fee).
Reservation Policy
Required Documents for Interview
- Original Domicile Certificate (Candidate).
- Original Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS-GEN).
- Birth Certificate (Competent Authority).
- Aadhaar Card (Applicant & Parents).
- Agreement Bonds (On ₹100, ₹50, and ₹10 stamps).
Common Questions
Can students from other states apply?
No. The UP Sainik School Entrance Examination is strictly for residents of Uttar Pradesh only.
Is there an interview round?
Yes. Unlike the NTA AISSEE, the UPSS process includes an Interview round which is added to the final merit list.
What is a Payment Seat?
These are self-financed seats available for meritorious students who missed the main cutoff. The fee for these seats is double the normal school fee.
Coaching Programs
