AISSEE
Education
Updated on 2025
The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) is a National-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Sainik Schools Society for admission into Class VI and Class IX across the prestigious Sainik Schools in India. Held annually, typically in January, the exam tests candidates in areas such as Mathematics, Intelligence, Language/English, General Science, Social Science, and General Knowledge, serving as a gateway to these unique residential institutions. Appearing for the AISSEE is often the first major step for students aspiring to pursue quality education with a defence-oriented curriculum at India’s most reputed Sainik Schools. With a single exam score, aspirants can apply to multiple Sainik Schools across the country — making it a centralised, merit-based selection tool for a distinctive educational journey. The AISSEE stands as a crucial examination for young aspirants seeking a holistic educational experience that blends academics with military training and character development. The National Testing Agency, known for its expertise in conducting major national-level examinations, ensures a standardized and fair testing environment for thousands of students across India. The examination is conducted offline, utilizing an OMR-based format, ensuring accessibility across diverse geographical locations. For admission to Class VI, candidates face 125 multiple-choice questions across four subjects: Mathematics, Intelligence, Language, and General Knowledge, totaling 300 marks and requiring 150 minutes to complete. Aspirants for Class IX tackle 150 multiple-choice questions spanning five subjects: Mathematics, Intelligence, English, General Science, and Social Science, amounting to 400 marks and a duration of 180 minutes. The examination is remarkably inclusive, offering question papers in English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages including Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu, catering to the linguistic diversity of India. The syllabus for AISSEE is meticulously crafted, largely based on the NCERT and CBSE curricula. For Class VI admission, the questions are aligned with Class V standards, while for Class IX admission, the syllabus covers Class VIII level topics. This ensures that candidates are tested on foundational knowledge pertinent to their age group. Major topics include fundamental mathematical concepts, logical reasoning, basic language proficiency, general awareness of history, geography, and science. The selection process extends beyond the written test; successful candidates proceed to a medical examination and document verification, followed by a centralized e-counselling process managed by the Sainik Schools Society. Sainik Schools are renowned for preparing students to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other defence academies, instilling discipline, leadership, and a sense of patriotism. The exam trends show a consistent level of competition, with a significant number of students appearing each year for a limited number of seats. While specific cut-off marks vary annually based on school and category, the emphasis remains on a strong performance across all sections. The unique aspects of AISSEE lie in its commitment to identify and nurture young talent for future leadership roles, particularly in the armed forces. Successfully clearing the AISSEE marks the beginning of a transformative educational journey, laying a strong foundation for both academic excellence and character building, preparing students for a disciplined and purposeful future.
Full Name | All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination |
Short Name | AISSEE |
Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of Sainik Schools Society |
Domain | Education |
Academic Level | School Level (Admission to Class VI and Class IX) |
Acceptance Level | National |
Exam Type | National Level Entrance Exam |
Exam Mode | Offline (OMR-based) |
Exam Frequency | Annual |
Application Period | September to December (based on previous academic year's trend) |
General Category Fee | INR 650 |
Reserved Category Fee | INR 500 |
Typical Exam Months | January |
Result Declaration | February/March (based on previous academic year's trend) |
Score Validity | Valid For The Current Academic Year's Admission Process Only |
Component | Details |
---|---|
Total Papers | 1 |
Duration per Session | Class VI: 150 minutes, Class IX: 180 minutes |
Total Questions | Class VI: 125 questions, Class IX: 150 questions |
Total Marks | Class VI: 300 marks, Class IX: 400 marks |
Question Types |
|
Syllabus Based On | NCERT/CBSE curriculum |
Class Level Syllabus | Class V for Class VI admission, Class VIII for Class IX admission |
Residential schooling, prepares students for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA), emphasizes discipline, character building, and leadership qualities.
Centralized e-counselling based on AISSEE merit, followed by medical examination and document verification.
Counselling Body | Sainik Schools Society (SSS) |
Domain of Acceptance | Sainik Schools |
Qualifying the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) opens up admission opportunities at India’s prestigious Sainik Schools—renowned for their academic excellence, robust training, and unparalleled focus on preparing cadets for the National Defence Academy (NDA). These institutions are not 'colleges' in the traditional sense, but rather premier residential schools that mould young minds into future leaders and officers of the Indian Armed Forces. The 33 established Sainik Schools across India, such as Sainik School Kunjpura, Sainik School Amaravathinagar, Sainik School Ghorakhal, Sainik School Rewa, and Sainik School Satara, stand as beacons of disciplined learning. Beyond these, the government's initiative to establish 100 new Sainik Schools in collaboration with private entities and NGOs is rapidly expanding the landscape of institutions offering this specialized education, increasing accessibility for thousands of aspirants. While these schools do not offer average placement packages in monetary terms, their profound return on investment lies in the comprehensive character development, leadership training, and a strong academic foundation that directly prepares students for entry into the NDA. Graduates from Sainik Schools consistently form a significant portion of NDA cadets, subsequently becoming officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The aspirational value stems from a life of honour, service, and leadership, with career progression determined by merit within the armed forces, ensuring a highly respected and secure path for those who excel through these institutions.
Qualifying the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) opens doors to some of the most prestigious and unique educational institutions in India, unlocking access to a distinguished career path, primarily in the armed forces. Sainik Schools are renowned for their holistic development approach, rigorous academic curriculum, and focus on inculcating discipline, leadership qualities, and a sense of national pride. These schools, established across India, serve as a preparatory ground for aspirants dreaming of joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) and, subsequently, becoming officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. While not offering traditional placement packages, the return on investment from a Sainik School education is invaluable, measured in terms of a highly respectable and secure career in national service, comprehensive personal growth, and a strong foundation for any future endeavor. The environment fosters academic excellence, physical fitness, and mental fortitude, essential traits for leadership roles. Graduates from these schools often excel in various walks of life, including civil services, engineering, and medicine, leveraging the strong foundation received. The AISSEE is more than just an entrance test; it is the strategic first step for young aspirants to embark on a journey of academic rigor and character building, leading to lifelong opportunities for national contribution and personal success.
AISSEE continues to evolve each year to stay aligned with modern academic frameworks and career readiness expectations, particularly in fostering future leaders for the nation. The most significant and transformative development in recent years has been the expansion and modernization of the Sainik School system. Notably, the government has embarked on a new scheme to establish 100 new Sainik Schools in partnership with NGOs, private schools, and State Governments. This initiative substantially increases the number of institutions offering Sainik School-like education, thereby significantly expanding access and opportunities for aspiring students across the country. Additionally, the admission of girls into Sainik Schools, initially on a pilot basis, has now been fully implemented across all existing Sainik Schools, promoting gender inclusivity and opening doors for female cadets to pursue careers in the armed forces. While the core exam pattern and syllabus for Class VI and IX generally remain consistent, candidates should always refer to the latest information bulletin released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for any minor updates concerning application process, exam schedule, or specific eligibility criteria for the upcoming academic year. These ongoing developments reflect the commitment to making quality military-oriented education more widespread and accessible, benefiting a larger pool of talented young individuals and strengthening the nation's future leadership.
Official Website | https://exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE/ |
Official Email | aissee@nta.ac.in |
Helpline Numbers | 011-40759000 |
Information Brochure | https://exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE/Info-Bulletin-AISSEE-2024.pdf |
Year | Applicants (in lacs) |
---|---|
2023 | 2.4 |
2022 | 2.2 |
2021 | 1.8 |
The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) is a pivotal national-level test for admissions into Class VI and IX in Sainik Schools across India. Conducted annually by the National Testing Agency, the application process for the upcoming session typically opens from September to December of the preceding year, with the examination usually held in January. Aspiring candidates must ensure they meet the specific age criteria and academic qualifications for their desired class. For instance, to apply for Class VI, a candidate must be between 10 and 12 years of age as of March 31 of the admission year, and for Class IX, between 13 and 15 years, with the requirement of having passed Class VIII. The application process is entirely online, requiring candidates to fill out the form accurately on the official NTA AISSEE portal. Essential documents include scanned copies of the candidate’s photograph and signature, birth certificate, domicile certificate, and caste certificate if applicable. The application fee is INR 650 for General, OBC, Defence, and Ex-servicemen categories, while it is INR 500 for SC/ST candidates. Payments are processed online through various digital modes. It is crucial for applicants to adhere strictly to the stipulated deadlines and instructions to avoid common errors such as incorrect personal details or improper document uploads. There is no provision for a late fee, and the correction window, if provided, typically allows changes without additional charges. The offline, OMR-based exam comprises Multiple Choice Questions. For Class VI, there are 125 questions across four subjects for a total of 300 marks, while Class IX has 150 questions across five subjects for 400 marks. The score obtained in the AISSEE is valid only for the current academic year's admission cycle. Post-examination, results are generally declared in February or March. The admission process culminates in a centralized e-counselling conducted by the Sainik Schools Society, followed by a mandatory medical examination and thorough document verification. Timely submission of the application and accurate information are paramount for a smooth admission journey into these esteemed institutions.
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