The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) 2026 serves as the gateway for students aspiring to join Sainik Schools across India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam assesses candidates for admission into Class 6 and Class 9. Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for prospective applicants to ensure they meet all requirements before applying.
Class 6 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit:
- Candidates must be between 10 to 12 years old as of March 31, 2026. This means students should have been born between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2015.
Educational Qualification:
- Applicants should have passed Class V or be studying in Class V at the time of applying.
Nationality:
- Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
Gender:
- Both boys and girls can apply for admission to Class 6.
Class 9 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit:
- Candidates must be between 13 to 15 years old as of March 31, 2026, i.e., born between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2012.
Educational Qualification:
- Applicants should have passed Class VIII or be studying in Class VIII at the time of applying.
Nationality:
- Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
Gender:
- Admission for boys and girls is available, subject to the availability of seats in the respective Sainik Schools.
Additional Eligibility Details
Medical Fitness:
- Candidates must meet the medical standards prescribed by the Sainik Schools Society. A medical examination will be conducted after the written exam to assess physical fitness.
Parental Consent:
- Since Sainik Schools are residential institutions, parents or guardians must provide consent for the candidate's stay in the school.
Reservation Policy:
- Sainik Schools follow the Government of India’s reservation policy. This includes reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and defence personnel.
Important Points to Remember
Application Process:
- The application process for AISSEE 2026 is conducted online. Candidates must visit the official NTA AISSEE website to fill out the application form.
Admit Card:
- Admit cards will be issued to eligible candidates after the application process. It is mandatory to carry the admit card to the examination center.
Examination Centers:
- The AISSEE will be conducted at various centers across India. Candidates can choose their preferred center during the application process.
Result Declaration:
- Results will be declared on the official NTA AISSEE website. Shortlisted candidates will be called for medical examination and subsequent counseling.Key Takeaways
Ensuring that a candidate meets the eligibility criteria is the first step toward securing admission to a Sainik School. Prospective students must check age, educational qualifications, nationality, and gender requirements before applying. Regularly monitoring the official NTA AISSEE website will help candidates stay updated on application dates, exam schedules, and other important notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the age limit for Class 6 and Class 9 in AISSEE 2026–27?
- Class 6: 10–12 years (born between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2015)
- Class 9: 13–15 years (born between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2012)
2. What educational qualifications are required for AISSEE 2026–27?
- Class 6: Must have passed or be studying in Class V
- Class 9: Must have passed or be studying in Class VIII
3. Can girls apply for admission to Sainik Schools?
- Yes, both boys and girls can apply, depending on the availability of seats in each school.
4. Is medical fitness mandatory for admission?
- Yes, candidates must meet the medical standards prescribed by the Sainik Schools Society.
5. Where can I apply for AISSEE 2026–27?
- The application is available online on the official NTA AISSEE website.