In January 2026, the entrance test will be administered in English for Class 9 and in 13 other languages for Class 6. The number of Sainik schools across the nation has increased by three. The following three schools have been added in accordance with the government’s official notice:
3 New Sainik Schools to Be Set Up in India – Check Complete List & Benefits
| S.No. | School Name | State | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Srri SPK Public Senior Secondary School | Tamil Nadu | Namakkal | Residential |
| 2 | Vadem Nagar Higher Secondary School | Goa | Vasco-Goa | Residential |
| 3 | Yogeshwari Sainik School | Maharashtra | Beed (Ambajogai) | Day Boarding |
In the meanwhile, 69 new Sainik schools for Class 6 and 19 authorized new Sainik schools for Class 9 are accepting applications for admission. On the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) official website, nta.nic.in, students or their parents may apply for the entrance exam till October 30 at 5 p.m.
In January 2026, the entrance test will be administered in English for Class 9 and in 13 other languages for Class 6.
Sainik School Admission 2026: Check Entrance Exam Date, Eligibility & Process
The Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) format of the All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE) 2026 would be administered using pen and paper (OMR sheet). The entrance test for Class 6 will last 150 minutes and be administered in 13 different languages, including Hindi and English, for a total of 300 marks. There will be 25 questions totaling 50 marks for language, 50 questions totaling three marks for mathematics, and 25 questions totaling 50 points for intelligence. The entrance test for Class 9 will last 180 minutes.
The examination fee is Rs. 700 for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Rs. 850 for General, Other Backward Classes (OBC), Defense, and Ex-Servicemen. February 2026 is when the results are anticipated to be made public.
AISSEE is administered for admission to classes 6 and 9, allowing pupils to enroll in CBSE-affiliated English-medium residential schools that train cadets for the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla (Pune), Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, and other officer training academies. There are now 33 Sainik schools throughout the nation.
As of March 31, 2023, students must be between the ages of 10 and 12 to be admitted to Sainik schools for Class 6. The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has approved the opening of 35 new Sainik schools, which will work with state governments, private institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
FAQs on Sainik School Society Admission 2026
Q1. When will the AISSEE 2026 entrance exam be conducted?
The All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE) 2026 will be held in January 2026 for admission to Classes 6 and 9.
Q2. In how many languages will the entrance exam be available?
The exam for Class 6 will be conducted in 13 languages including Hindi and English, while the Class 9 exam will be available only in English.
Q3. How many new Sainik schools have been added in 2025?
Three new Sainik schools have been added as per the government’s official notice:
Srri SPK Public Senior Secondary School, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu (Residential)
Vadem Nagar Higher Secondary School, Vasco-Goa, Goa (Residential)
Yogeshwari Sainik School, Ambajogai, Beed, Maharashtra (Day Boarding)
Q4. What is the total number of Sainik schools in India now?
There are currently 33 existing Sainik schools, with 69 new schools for Class 6 and 19 authorized new Sainik schools for Class 9 accepting applications under the new initiative.
Q5. Where can students apply for the Sainik School entrance exam 2026?
Applications can be submitted online through the National Testing Agency (NTA) website — nta.nic.in — until October 30, 2025, at 5 PM.
Q6. What is the format and duration of the AISSEE 2026 exam?
The AISSEE 2026 will be a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) test conducted in pen-and-paper (OMR) mode.
Class 6: 150 minutes, 300 marks
Class 9: 180 minutes
Q7. What is the subject-wise marking scheme for Class 6?
Language – 25 questions (50 marks)
Mathematics – 50 questions (150 marks)
Intelligence – 25 questions (50 marks)
Total: 300 marks
Q8. What is the application fee for AISSEE 2026?
SC/ST candidates: ₹700
General, OBC, Defence & Ex-Servicemen candidates: ₹850
Q9. When will the AISSEE 2026 results be declared?
The results are expected in February 2026.
Q10. What is the age limit for admission?
As of March 31, 2023, students must be:
10 to 12 years old for Class 6 admission.
(The age criteria for Class 9 will be updated by the NTA in the detailed notification.)
Q11. What is the purpose of Sainik Schools?
Sainik Schools are CBSE-affiliated English-medium residential schools that prepare students for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and other defence training institutes.
Q12. Who manages the Sainik Schools in India?
All Sainik Schools are administered by the Sainik Schools Society under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India.
Q13. What is AISSEE 2026 and who conducts it?
AISSEE stands for All India Sainik School Entrance Examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
Q14. What are the eligibility criteria for AISSEE 2026 Class 6 and Class 9?
For Class 6: Students should be between 10 and 12 years of age as of March 31, 2026, and should have passed Class 5 from a recognized school.
For Class 9: Students should be between 13 and 15 years of age as of March 31, 2026, and should have passed Class 8 from a recognized institution.
Q15. What is the exam pattern for Class 9 AISSEE 2026?
The Class 9 exam will be conducted in English and will last for 180 minutes. The paper will include subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, Social Studies, and Intelligence. The total marks are 400.
Q16. Are there any negative marks in the AISSEE exam?
No, there is no negative marking in the AISSEE 2026 exam. Candidates are encouraged to attempt all questions.
Q17. How many seats are available in the newly approved Sainik Schools?
The newly approved 3 Sainik Schools — located in Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Maharashtra — are expected to admit students primarily to Class 6, as part of the expansion plan to accommodate more cadets across the country.
Q18. What are the benefits of studying in a Sainik School?
Sainik Schools provide:
Quality CBSE education with an emphasis on discipline and leadership.
Training that helps students prepare for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Armed Forces.
Focus on sports, physical fitness, and personality development.
Subsidized education under government supervision.
Q19. Can girls apply for AISSEE 2026?
Yes, girls are eligible for admission to Class 6 in all Sainik Schools. Many Sainik Schools across India have already started enrolling female cadets.
Q20. What is the official website for Sainik School admission updates?
Students and parents can check details, notifications, and updates on:
NTA official website: https://nta.nic.in
Sainik Schools official portal: https://sainikschool.ncog.gov.in
Q21. When will the admit cards for AISSEE 2026 be released?
The AISSEE 2026 admit cards are expected to be released in December 2025, a few weeks before the examination.
Q22. What documents are required during the AISSEE 2026 application process?
Applicants will need to upload:
Passport-size photograph and signature
Birth certificate or Age proof
Caste certificate (if applicable)
Domicile certificate
Previous class mark sheet
Q23. Can students choose their preferred Sainik School during registration?
Yes, students can select their preferred Sainik School(s) from the list provided on the NTA portal during the online registration process.
Q24. What is the syllabus for AISSEE 2026 Class 6 and 9?
The syllabus is based on NCERT curriculum:
Class 6: Mathematics, Language, Intelligence, and General Knowledge.
Class 9: Mathematics, Science, English, Social Studies, and Intelligence.
Q25. How many total Sainik Schools are expected after the new approvals?
After including the 3 new schools, India will have over 100 approved Sainik Schools, including 33 traditional schools and newly affiliated institutions under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Q26. When will classes for the 2026 session begin?
The academic session for the newly admitted students is expected to commence from April 2026, following the result declaration and counselling process.
Q27. Is there any reservation policy in Sainik School admissions?
Yes, Sainik Schools follow the Government of India’s reservation policy:
67% of seats reserved for candidates from the home state.
33% seats for other states and UTs.
Additional reservations for SC/ST/OBC-NCL and Defence category candidates as per norms.
Q28. What is the mode of counselling after AISSEE 2026 results?
After results are declared, shortlisted candidates will go through:
E-counselling registration
Document verification
Medical examination
Final merit list declaration
Q29. What is the last date to apply for AISSEE 2026?
The last date to apply online is October 30, 2025 (5:00 PM).
Q30. What makes Sainik Schools different from regular schools?
Sainik Schools combine academic excellence, discipline, and defence-oriented training, nurturing students for future leadership roles in the Indian Armed Forces and other professions.
