The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially kicked off the application process for the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) 2026. This exam is your gateway to securing a spot in Class VI or IX at Sainik Schools and New Sainik Schools across India for the academic year 2026-27. Managed by the Sainik School Society (SSS) under the Ministry of Defence, these institutions are renowned for their disciplined environment, focus on holistic development, and preparation for careers in the armed forces.
If you’re a parent or guardian eyeing a prestigious education for your child, this is the time to act. The notice, dated October 10, 2025, outlines everything from application deadlines to exam patterns. Let’s break it down step by step.
Who Can Apply?
AISSEE 2026 is open to students seeking admission to:
- Class VI: For those completing Class V.
- Class IX: For those completing Class VIII.
Eligibility details, including age criteria, reservation policies, and a list of participating schools, are available on the official website. Important: Seats are reserved for various categories, including defence personnel, ex-servicemen, and others. Make sure to check the scheme of examination, syllabus, and intake reservations in the information bulletin.
Application Process and Key Dates
Applications are strictly online, and the process is straightforward. Visit the dedicated portal at https://exams.nta.ac.in/sainik-school-society/ to get started. Here’s the complete schedule in a handy table:
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Submission of Application Form | 10th October 2025 to 30th October 2025 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| Exam Fee | General/OBC/NCL/Defence/Ex-servicemen: Rs. 850/- SC/ST: Rs. 700/- |
| Last Date of Successful Fee Transaction | 31st October 2025 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Correction of Particulars in Application | 2nd November 2025 to 4th November 2025 |
| Exam Date | In the month of January 2026 (exact date to be announced later on the website) |
| Downloading of Admit Cards | From the NTA website (announced later) |
| Declaration of Results | Within 4 to 6 weeks after the exam |
Payments can be made through the payment gateway using debit/credit cards, internet banking, or UPI between October 10, 2025, and October 30/31, 2025. Candidates should apply only online—no offline submissions will be accepted.
Exam Pattern and Medium
The AISSEE is a pen-and-paper test using OMR sheets, designed to assess students’ aptitude through multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Here’s a quick overview:
- For Class VI: 150 minutes duration.
- For Class IX: 180 minutes duration.
- Medium: English only.
The syllabus covers topics relevant to the respective class levels, emphasizing core subjects. For full details on the scheme, duration, and syllabus, refer to the information bulletin on the NTA website.
Important Reminders for Candidates and Parents
- Stay Updated: Keep checking the NTA website for the latest announcements, including the exam date in January 2026.
- Helpline Support: For queries or clarifications, contact the NTA Help Desk at 011-40759000 or email aissee@nta.ac.in.
- Preparation Tips: Start preparing early! Focus on the prescribed syllabus, practice MCQs, and consider coaching if needed. Sainik Schools emphasize not just academics but also physical fitness and discipline.
- Why Sainik Schools? These schools offer a unique blend of education, sports, and extracurricular activities in a residential setup, fostering leadership and patriotism. With over 100 schools nationwide, there’s likely one near you.
Don’t miss the deadline—applications close on October 30, 2025. Apply now and give your child a shot at an exceptional future. For the full public notice and more resources, visit the official site today!