
AISSEE Exam 2026: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Application Form, Exam Pattern, Admit Card, Syllabus, Result, Counselling
ALL INDIA SAINIK SCHOOLS ENTRANCE EXAM
AISSEE Exam 2026 Overview
Latest Updates
- The official notification for the AISSEE exam will be released between October–November 2025
- The online application for the exam starts from December 2025
- The Last Date to apply for the exam is January 2026.
Overview
The All India Sainik School Entrance Exam 2026 is a national-level test by the National Testing Agency (NTA). AISSEE 2026 is scheduled to be held most probably in the first week of January 2026, with notification expected in September 2025, application starting in October 2025, and result announcement in February 2026. Admission to Class 6 and Class 9 in Sainik Schools spread all over India, governed by the Ministry of Defence, is given through the exam.
Around 3.5 lakh students appeared in 2025, and therefore, more or less the same is expected in 2026 too. It is an offline exam covering subjects like Maths, Intelligence, Language, and General Knowledge (Class 6) and Maths, Science, English, and Social Science (Class 9). The difficulty level for Class 6 ranges from Easy to Moderate, whereas for Class 9 it ranges from Moderate to Tough. The AISSEE 2026 score would be considered by 33 existing Sainik Schools and 18 new ones under the government-approved model for admissions.
AISSEE: Quick Highlights
The quick highlights of AISSEE 2026 are mentioned below.
Feature | Details |
Exam Name | All India Sainik Schools Entrance Exam (AISSEE) |
Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Purpose | Admission to Class VI and IX in Sainik Schools |
Schools Covered | 33 Existing Sainik Schools + Approved New Sainik Schools |
Admission Mode | Through a merit list followed by e-counselling |
Exam Level | National-level entrance exam |
Frequency | Conducted once a year |
Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper, OMR-based) |
Eligibility (Class VI) | 10–12 years as on 31st March of the admission year |
Eligibility (Class IX) | 13–15 years as on 31st March of the admission year |
Gender Eligibility | Boys and Girls (in all schools, as per seat availability) |
Reservation | SC (15%), ST (7.5%), OBC-NCL (27%), Defence (25%), Girls (10% of intake) |
Medium of Exam | English, Hindi & regional languages (only English for Class IX) |
Subjects Covered | Maths, Intelligence, Language, General Knowledge/Science/Social Science |
Marking Scheme | No negative marking; different sections carry different marks |
Result Declaration | Within 6 weeks after the exam |
Admission Process | Includes written exam, medical test, and e-counselling |
Official Website |
AISSEE Application/Registration Process 2026
The AISSEE 2026 application/registration procedure is conducted online through the official NTA portal and involves several stages such as registration, upload of documents, selection of schools, and finally, fee payment. Below is a simple step-by-step guide to help you complete the registration smoothly.
- Apply Online
Apply only on the NTA official website: https://exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE - Read Instructions Carefully
Go through the Information Bulletin to check eligibility, school-wise vacancies (Appendix VI), and reservation rules. - Prepare Required Documents
- Scanned passport-size photo
- Signature and left thumb impression
- Birth certificate
- School and domicile certificate
- Caste or service certificate (if applicable)
- Valid ID proof
- Online payment method (Debit/Credit/UPI/Net Banking)
- Steps
Step I: Registration
- Enter name, parent names, and date of birth as per records
- Provide valid ID (last 4 digits of Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/School ID)
- Use a valid mobile number and email for OTP verification
- Enter the complete address with PIN code
Step II: Fill Application Form - Fill in all details carefully and edit before final submission
- Note: Mobile number and email cannot be changed after payment
- Select the correct category (as per Central OBC-NCL list, if applicable)
Step III: School & Exam City Selection - Choose preferred Sainik Schools (see Chapter 2 of the bulletin)
- Select 4 exam cities (see Appendix IV) – can be outside the school’s state
- Upload Documents
- Photo: JPG, 10–200 KB, recent with white background, 80% face visible
- Signature: JPG, 4–30 KB, in black ink (not capital letters)
- Left Thumb Impression: JPG, 10–50 KB, in blue ink
- Certificates: PDF, 50–300 KB
- Pay Examination Fee
- Pay via Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI using the SBI gateway
- Payment must show "OK" status and generate a Confirmation Page
- If no confirmation page appears, the application is incomplete
- Keep Records
- Save and print the confirmation page and payment receipt
- Do not send any hard copies to NTA
- Correction Window
- Limited fields can be edited during the official correction period announced by NTA.
Application Fees 2026
The aspiring candidates must pay a non-refundable application fee, which varies according to their category, for the completion of the application procedure for AISSEE 2026. The fees will be collected through online mode on the Official NTA portal. Category-wise fee details are given below.
Category | Application Fee |
For General/ Defence Category | ₹800 |
For SC/ST Category | ₹650 |
AISSEE Admit Card 2026
The AISSEE 2026 admit card is required to enter the exam hall. NTA will issue it only to candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and have completed the application process correctly. Below are some important instructions and guidelines for the admit card.
Download Method
Candidates must download it using their Application Number and Date of Birth.
Examination Instructions
Candidates must appear only at the exam centre, date, and time mentioned on the Admit Card.
Help for Download Issues
If unable to download, contact the NTA Help Line (10:00 AM–5:00 PM).
Discrepancy in Admit Card
- If errors exist in photo/signature/details, report to Help Line.
- You can still appear with the existing admit card while NTA processes corrections.
Important Notes
- Must carry the Admit Card to the exam centre.
- No duplicate Admit Card will be issued at the centre.
- Do not mutilate or alter any entry on the Admit Card.
- Preserve it carefully for future reference.
- Admit card will not be issued for incomplete or ineligible applications.
ALL INDIA SAINIK SCHOOLS ENTRANCE EXAM
AISSEE Syllabus 2026
The AISSEE 2026 syllabus checks what students learned in their previous class—Class 5 for Class 6 admission and Class 8 for Class 9. It includes subjects like Maths, Language, Intelligence, and GK for Class 6, and Maths, English, Science, and Social Science for Class 9. Understanding the syllabus helps in better preparation.
Class | Subject | Key Topics |
Class VI | Mathematics | Basic arithmetic, geometry, measurement, and word problems |
Language | Comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and sentence formation | |
Intelligence | Logical reasoning, pattern recognition, classification | |
General Knowledge | Current affairs, basic science, Indian culture, geography | |
Class IX | Mathematics | NCERT Class VIII–IX: algebra, geometry, statistics |
English | Comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, usage | |
Intelligence | Logical & spatial reasoning, analogies | |
General Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics (Class VIII–IX NCERT) | |
Social Science | History, Geography, Civics, Economics (Class VIII–IX NCERT) |
ALL INDIA SAINIK SCHOOLS ENTRANCE EXAM
AISSEE Exam Details
AISSEE Eligibility Criteria 2026
For admission through the AISSEE 2026 application, candidates have to satisfy certain age, class, and academic requirements that vary in the case of admission into the existing Sainik Schools or the newly approved ones. The table then goes on to explain in detail the age limits, date of birth ranges, and the requisite qualifying academic class for each category and level of class.
Category | Class | Age (as on 31 March 2025) | Date of Birth Range | Academic Qualification |
Existing Sainik Schools | Class VI | 10 – 12 years | 01 April 2013 – 31 March 2015 | Studying in Class V |
Class IX | 13 – 15 years | 01 April 2010 – 31 March 2012 | Passed Class VIII | |
New Sainik Schools (39 Schools) 40% Route (Category A) | Class VI | 10 – 12 years | 01 April 2013 – 31 March 2015 | Studying in Class V |
New Sainik Schools (39 Schools) 60% Route (Category B) | Class VI | 10 – 12 years | 01 April 2013 – 31 March 2015 | Studying in the same New Sainik School (Class V) |
New Sainik Schools (17 Schools) 40% Route (Category A) | Class IX | 13 – 15 years | 01 April 2010 – 31 March 2012 | Passed Class VIII |
New Sainik Schools (17 Schools) 60% Route (Category B) | Class IX | 13 – 15 years | 01 April 2010 – 31 March 2012 | Studying in same New Sainik School (Class VIII) |
AISSEE Exam Pattern 2026
AISSEE Exam Pattern 2026 is different for Class VI and Class IX students. The test is held offline (OMR-based), and all questions are in a multiple-choice format. There is no negative marking, and a candidate must score at least 25% marks in each subject and 40% overall to qualify. The tables below describe the subject-wise question distribution, marking systems, and durations for both classes.
Class VI
The exam pattern for Class VI is mentioned in the table below:
Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
Mathematics | 50 | 3 | 150 |
Language (Any) | 25 | 2 | 50 |
Intelligence | 25 | 2 | 50 |
General Knowledge (GK) | 25 | 2 | 50 |
Total | 125 | 300 |
Class IX
The exam pattern for Class IX is mentioned in the table below:
Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
Mathematics | 50 | 4 | 200 |
English | 25 | 2 | 50 |
Intelligence | 25 | 2 | 50 |
General Science | 25 | 2 | 50 |
Social Studies | 25 | 2 | 50 |
Total | 150 | 400 |
AISSEE Preparation Tips 2026
To do well in the AISSEE 2026 exam, students need to prepare with focus and discipline. It’s important to understand the exam pattern and plan studies smartly. As competition is growing every year, students should follow a proper study plan, use the right books, and practice past papers. Staying healthy and confident also helps. The tips below will guide Class 6 and Class 9 students to prepare better.
- Know the Exam Pattern: Understand the syllabus, marking scheme, and paper format.
- Follow a Daily Study Schedule: Stick to a regular timetable for all subjects.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Practice old papers to improve speed and understand question types.
- Take Weekly Mock Tests: Helps in time management and tracking your progress.
- Revise Weekly: Regular revision helps remember concepts better.
- Use NCERT Books: Rely on NCERT for strong basics in Maths and English.
- Improve General Knowledge: Read newspapers and GK books daily.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify tough topics and keep improving on them.
Guidelines for the Exam Day and Dress Code
To make the AISSEE 2026 exam experience easy and stress-free, certain rules and instructions have been made to be followed by candidates appearing for the test on the exam day. Below are the key guidelines for the candidate before he or she enters the exam hall.
- Reach the Centre Early: Arrive in the centre at least 30-60 minutes before reporting time.
- Carry Admit Card: Carry the printout copy of the AISSEE admit card and a valid ID proof.
- Dress code to be followed:
- Wear very comfortable and simple clothes (preferably school uniform, if prescribed).
- Do not wear jackets or caps, and certainly no digital watches or metallic accessories.
- Stationery to Carry:
- Black/Blue Ballpoint Pen
- Water Bottle - Transparent
- Pouch - Transparent with only permitted items
- Listen to the Invigilators: Follow the instructions given by exam staff thoroughly.
- COVID Guidelines (if applicable): Carry face masks, use sanitisers, and maintain social distancing.
Things to Avoid During the Exam
To maintain examination integrity and prevent any disqualification, candidates must be aware of actions that have been strictly prohibited during AISSEE 2026. Below is a list of major things candidates should strictly avoid for their smooth and fair examination experience.
- Carry no mobile phones, calculators, or any kind of electronic gadgets.
- Avoid the practice of borrowing any kind of stationery from fellow aspirants during the exam.
- Never Panic! If you do not know the answer at first, simply leave the question and come back to it later.
- Never waste too much time on a particular question.
- Avoid marking multiple answers, where clarity in answers matters the most, though there is no negative marking.
- Absolutely no talking or signalling may cause disqualification.
- Do not exit the examination hall until your time is over unless you are allowed to.
- Avoid suspicious/prohibited clothes/accessories.
AISSEE Previous Years' Question Papers
Solving AISSEE previous years' question papers helps candidates understand the exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level. You can check the past papers in the table given below.
Particulars | Question Papers |
AISSEE Class VI Question Paper 2024 English (SET-A) | |
AISSEE Class VI Question Paper 2024 English (SET-B) | |
AISSEE Class VI Question Paper 2024 English (SET-C) | |
AISSEE Class VI Question Paper 2024 English (SET-D) | |
AISSEE Class IX Question Paper 2024 English (SET-E) | |
AISSEE Class IX Question Paper 2024 English (SET-F) | |
AISSEE Class IX Question Paper 2024 English (SET-G) | |
AISSEE Class IX Question Paper 2024 English (SET-H) |
AISSEE Answer Key 2026
The provisional answer key for AISSEE 2026 will be released on the NTA official website, likely in May 2026, shortly after the exam. It helps candidates check their answers, calculate estimated scores, and raise objections if needed. This step ensures fairness and accuracy before the final result is declared. Important details about the answer key, challenges, and final release are given below.
- Release Schedule: The answer key of the AISSEE shall be released after the conclusion of the examination, falling in between months of March to April, 2026.
- Where to Check: It may be found on the official NTA AISSEE website.
- Purpose: It is used for comparing answers, estimating scores, and weighing exam performance.
- Objection Facility: A candidate shall be allowed to object to any answer by depositing a non-refundable fee of ₹200 per question.
- The Final Answer Key: Once the objections are reviewed, the final answer key will be compiled, and the results shall be announced.
AISSEE Result 2026
The AISSEE 2026 result process happens in steps. First, NTA will release the OMR sheets and answer keys. About 6 weeks after the exam, the final scores will be declared on the official NTA website. Then, the merit list and cut-offs for schools will be announced. Qualified students must take part in e-counselling through the AISSAC portal for admission. All important result details and next steps are given below.
- OMR & Answer Key Display: The NTA will upload OMR sheets and provisional answer keys online. Candidates can raise challenges on these by paying ₹100 for each OMR question and ₹200 for each answer key question.
- Challenge Review: All objections are considered by experts, and if found to be valid, corrections are made, and the final answer key is prepared, which is then taken forward for the preparation of results.
- Result Declaration: AISSEE 2025 Results declared on the NTA website 6 weeks after the exam. Candidates can download their scorecards from the Candidate Login.
- Qualifying Marks: General/OBC/Defence: A candidate must obtain at least 25% marks in each subject and 40% marks overall.
- SC/ST: No minimum marks.
- New Sainik Schools: For all categories, candidates must secure 25% marks per subject and 40% marks overall.
- Merit Lists: NTA prepares and releases merit lists, School-wise, Category-wise, and all-India for both regular and new Sainik and New Sainik Schools (40% & 60% Routes).
- E-Counselling Process: The qualified candidate has to register himself/herself on the AISSAC portal for allotment to a particular school. Admissions shall be made on a merit basis, choices, and availability of seats.
- Conditions for Admissions: Admission shall be subject to merit rank, medical fitness, document verification, and acceptance by the candidate of an allotted school. Merely being placed on the merit list will not entitle one to admission.
AISSEE Counselling 2026
After the AISSEE 2026 results are declared, selected candidates must take part in e-counselling through the AISSAC portal for seat allotment. Seats are given based on merit rank, reservation category, domicile, and school preferences. The counselling process happens in multiple rounds, where candidates can choose to accept, reconsider, or withdraw their options. Below are the key points about the procedure, reservation, and other important details for successful participation.
Aspect | Details |
Seat Allotment Basis | Based on AISSEE rank, category reservation, domicile, and school preferences |
Old Sainik Schools Reservation | - 67% for Home State - 33% for Other States - SC: 15% - ST: 7.5% - OBC-NCL: 27% - Defence: 25% (of 50.5%) - Girls: 10% or a minimum of 10 seats |
New Sainik Schools Reservation | No fixed rules; varies by school |
Home vs Outside State | - Home: Domicile same as the school state - Outside: Domicile different from the school state |
Seat Matrix | Released before counselling, shows seat count by category and gender for each school |
Same Rank Situation | Extra (supernumerary) seats may be created if more candidates have the same rank |
Options After Seat Allotment | - Accept: Confirm seat - Reconsider: Wait for a better seat - Exit: Leave counselling |
Multiple Rounds | Held to fill vacant seats; candidates can update preferences; fresh registrations allowed |
Final Choice Round | Last round, where candidates choose one final school, waiting lists are created |
Colleges Accepting AISSEE Score 2026
All Sainik Schools in India accept AISSEE scores for admission to Class 6 and Class 9. These schools are run by the Ministry of Defence and focus on good education, discipline, and preparing students for a career in the Armed Forces. A full state-wise list of these schools is given below with links for more details.
State | Name of Sainik School | Website |
Andhra Pradesh | Sainik School, Korukonda | |
Andhra Pradesh | Sainik School, Kalikiri | |
Arunachal Pradesh | Sainik School, East Siang | |
Assam | Sainik School, Goalpara | |
Bihar | Sainik School, Nalanda | |
Bihar | Sainik School, Gopalganj | |
Chhattisgarh | Sainik School, Ambikapur | |
Gujarat | Sainik School, Balachadi | |
Haryana | Sainik School, Kunjpura | |
Haryana | Sainik School, Rewari | |
Himachal Pradesh | Sainik School, Sujanpur Tira | |
Jammu & Kashmir | Sainik School, Nagrota | |
Jharkhand | Sainik School, Tilaiya | |
Karnataka | Sainik School, Bijapur | |
Karnataka | Sainik School, Kodagu | |
Kerala | Sainik School, Kazhakootam | |
Madhya Pradesh | Sainik School, Rewa | |
Maharashtra | Sainik School, Satara | |
Maharashtra | Sainik School, Chandrapur | |
Manipur | Sainik School, Imphal | |
Mizoram | Sainik School, Chhingchhip | |
Nagaland | Sainik School, Punglwa | |
Odisha | Sainik School, Bhubaneswar | |
Odisha | Sainik School, Sambalpur | |
Punjab | Sainik School, Kapurthala | |
Rajasthan | Sainik School, Chittorgarh | |
Rajasthan | Sainik School, Jhunjhunu | |
Tamil Nadu | Sainik School, Amaravathinagar | |
Uttar Pradesh | Sainik School, Mainpuri | |
Uttar Pradesh | Sainik School, Jhansi | |
Uttar Pradesh | Sainik School, Amethi | |
Uttarakhand | Sainik School, Ghorakhal | |
West Bengal | Sainik School, Purulia |
ALL INDIA SAINIK SCHOOLS ENTRANCE EXAM
AISSEE Exam Dates
The AISSEE 2026 follows a structured timeline beginning with registration in December 2025 and concluding with final admissions by June 2026. Candidates must stay updated with each phase, right from the application, correction window, and admit card release to the exam date, result announcement, and medical verification. Below is the complete tentative schedule for AISSEE 2026 to help students and parents plan accordingly.
Upcoming Events | Tentative Dates |
Registration for 2026 | December 2025 |
Last date to apply for the exam | January 2026 |
Last date to pay AISSEE registration fees | January 2026 |
Correction of details filled in the application form on the website only | January 2026 |
AISSEE city intimation slip | March 2026 |
Release date of AISSEE 2026 Admit Card | March 2026 |
Sainik School Exam Date 2026 | April 2026 |
Provisional Answer Key Release Date | May 2026 |
Release of written results | May 2026 |
Date of medical exam | June 2026 |
Final Sainik School admission 2026 merit list | June 2026 |
Overall admission to wards based on the common merit list | June 2026 |
ALL INDIA SAINIK SCHOOLS ENTRANCE EXAM
AISSEE 2026 Cutoff
The AISSEE 2026 cutoff is the minimum score required to qualify for admission to Sainik Schools. Admission depends on merit, category-wise cutoff marks, and state-wise reservation rules. Out of the total seats, 67% are reserved for students from the home state or UT, while 33% are open to students from other states/UTs. Additional reservations apply for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and Defence categories. Below is an example of previous year cutoffs to help understand the expected range for AISSEE 2026.
School | Category | Boys Marks | Girls Marks |
Gopalganj (Home UN) | General | 277 | 288 |
Kodagu (Home OBC) | OBC-NCL | 256 | 270 |
Sujanpur Tira (Home SC) | SC | 218 | 258 |
Kapurthala (Home UN) | General | 222 | 246 |
Bhubaneswar (Home UN) | General | 247 | 254 |
Jhansi (Home UN) | General | 271 | 275 |
Purulia (Home UN) | General | 253 | 280 |
AISSEE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is AISSEE?
AISSEE stands for All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination. The exam is held for admission into Class 6 and Class 9 across various Sainik Schools in India.
2. Who conducts AISSEE and when?
The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency usually in the month of January every year.
3. What is the eligibility for Class 6 admission?
Candidates must be between 10 and 12 years old as of 31st March of the admission year and must be studying in Class 5 in any recognised school.
4. Are girls allowed for AISSEE?
Yes, girls are eligible to apply and are encouraged to apply for admission in Class 6 and Class 9 in designated Sainik Schools.
5. What is the procedure to apply for AISSEE?
Applications can be made online using the official NTA AISSEE website. First, the candidate must register, fill out the application form, upload the specified documents, and lastly, make payment of the exam fee.

ALL INDIA SAINIK SCHOOLS ENTRANCE EXAM

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