What is Sainik School? Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Admission Guide 2026 | Lakshya Academy

Learn everything about Sainik Schools—history, eligibility, AISSE Eexam pattern, syllabus, important dates, and admission process. Get expert guidance for Sainik School coaching at Lakshya Academy and prepare for the 2026 entrance exam with confidence.

What is Sainik School

Introduction

Sainik Schools are governed by the Sainik School Society (SSS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. These are English-medium, fully residential CBSE schools. Their primary focus is to prepare the cadets academically, physically and mentally so that they can get into NDA, Naval Academy and other officer training institutes.

History

The first was founded in 1961. The philosophy behind establishing these schools was to offer regimented, high-grade education and leadership preparation to students seeking to become part of the Indian Armed Forces.

Importance of Sainik Schools

These schools instil confidence, physical prowess, discipline and leadership skills in students required for a defence career.

List of Sainik Schools

There are 33 Sainik Schools in India, all operating under the Ministry of Defence.

Admission Process

Eligibility

Admissions are available for Class 6 and 9.

For Class 6: Age has to be 10–12 years

For Class 9: Age should be 13–15 years

Admission Steps

In order to secure admission, students have to first pass the AISSEE (All India Sainik School Entrance Exam), which is objective. Once you clear the exam, you go through a medical exam. The final selection is through merit list.

 

Seats are reserved for State Quota, Defence Category, General, OBC, SC and ST candidates as per government rules.

Important Dates

AISSEE is held annually in January.

October-November applications.

Next exam: 18 January 2026

Scores typically come out in February or March.

Exam Pattern

AISSEE is an offline OMR-based test.

Class 6 – 125 objective questions, 300 marks

Class 9: 150 MCQs, aggregate 400 marks

There is no negative marking.

Exam held by NTA

Syllabus

6th Class: Language, Math, IQ and GK

Class 9: English, Maths, Intelligence, General Science and Social Science

Each topic has varying weightage as per the paper.

Exam Duration

Class 6: 150 minutes

Class 9: 180 minutes

Qualifying Criteria

A candidate should obtain at least 25% marks in each subject and 40% marks in overall to be eligible for admission.

Selection Process

OMR-Based Exam

Candidates will appear for the offline objective exam (Each question has four options and one correct answer.)

Medical Examination

Shortlisted students also receive a full medical check. There are also height, weight and vision standards that need to be maintained. Things like flat feet or bad eyes could get you rejected.

Final Merit List

Post test, the final merit list is published and aspirants are given admission according to their rank.

Career / Future Opportunities

Sainik Schools students join NDA, Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy, Civil Services and more.

Lakshya Academy

Call: +91 9636961534

Website: https://www.sainikexamcoaching.com

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