AISSEE: The Complete Guide to Sainik School Entrance

What is AISSEE?

The All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE) is the single entrance test for admission to Sainik Schools across India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is the only route into Class VI and Class IX at these schools.

Who can appear

Class VI applicants must be between 10 and 12 years of age as on 31 March of the year of admission. Class IX applicants must be between 13 and 15 years as on the same date and must have passed Class VIII from a recognised school.

How the paper is structured

The Class VI paper carries 300 marks across Language, Mathematics, Intelligence and General Knowledge. The Class IX paper carries 400 marks across Mathematics, English, Intelligence, General Science and Social Science. Both are objective, OMR-based papers.

Planning preparation

Most families who do well start about a year ahead. Mathematics carries the largest share of marks in both papers, so it deserves the largest share of study time. Regular practice with previous years' papers under timed conditions matters more than covering extra material.

After the written exam

Candidates who qualify are called for a medical examination. Final admission depends on merit, medical fitness and the reservation categories applicable in each school.