AISSEE-2025 Admission Guidelines for Sainik Schools and Approved New Sainik Schools (2025-26)

AISSEE-2025: Your Gateway to Sainik Schools & Approved New Sainik Schools

Embark on a journey of academic excellence and character development with the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE)-2025!

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct AISSEE-2025 on 19 January 2025 (Sunday) for admission to:

• Class VI and IX in 33 prestigious Sainik Schools across India.
• Class VI in all approved New Sainik Schools (NSS).
• Class IX in 17 approved NSS (commenced in 2022-23).

Important Dates:

• Online application submission: 24 December 2024 to 13 January 2025 (5:00 PM).
• Fee payment: Last date 14 January 2025 (11:50 PM).
• Exam date: 19 January 2025 (Sunday).

For detailed information, refer to the Information Bulletin available on the NTA website.

Tentative Seat Availability for Class VI and IX Admissions at Sainik and New Sainik Schools (2025-26)

Here is a table outlining the tentative number of seats available by category for Class VI and IX at Sainik Schools and Approved New Sainik Schools for the Academic Year 2025-26.

Important Note: These numbers are tentative and subject to change, as the final number of vacancies will depend on factors such as student withdrawals and legal proceedings regarding seat reservations. It’s recommended to refer to the source document for the most up-to-date information and to contact the individual schools for clarification.

Please note the tables below are truncated. The full tables can be found in the source document.

This information is drawn from Appendices VI-A and VI-B of the provided source document.

Essential Academic Qualifications

To be eligible for admission to Sainik Schools and Approved New Sainik Schools (NSS), candidates must meet specific academic qualifications based on the class they are seeking admission to:

For admission to Class VI in Sainik Schools and Approved New Sainik Schools:

• Candidates should be between 10 and 12 years old as of March 31, 2025. This means their birth date should fall between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2015 (inclusive)

For admission to Class IX in Sainik Schools:

• Candidates should be between 13 and 15 years old as of March 31, 2025. This means their birth date should fall between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2012 (inclusive).
• They should have passed the Class VIII examination from a recognized school at the time of admission.

For admission to Class IX in Approved New Sainik Schools:

• Candidates should be between 13 and 15 years old as of March 31, 2025. This means their birth date should fall between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2012 (inclusive).
• They should have passed the Class VIII examination from a recognized school at the time of admission.
• Admission is only open for the initial 17 NSS that have completed Class VIII in the Sainik School vertical.
• Admission is restricted to leftover vacancies from the initial 40% route intake and subsequent withdrawals.

For candidates seeking admission under the 60% route (Category ‘B’) in Approved New Sainik Schools:

• Candidates applying for Class VI should be studying in the respective Approved New Sainik School and must have passed or be appearing in Class V as of March 31, 20256.
• Candidates applying for Class IX should be studying in the respective Approved New Sainik School and must have passed or be appearing in Class VIII as of March 31, 20257.

Note: Admission to an Approved New Sainik School does not automatically qualify a student for admission or transfer to any of the existing 33 Sainik Schools.

Selection Procedure:

The selection procedure for admission to Sainik Schools and Approved New Sainik Schools (NSS) involves multiple stages:

1. All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE-2025):

• The first step is to appear for and qualify in the AISSEE-2025, conducted by the NTA.
• The exam is common for admission to both Sainik Schools and approved NSS.
• Candidates need to score a minimum of 25% marks in each subject and 40% in aggregate to be eligible for admission to Sainik Schools (except for SC/ST candidates).
• For admission to approved NSS, all candidates, including SC/ST candidates, need to score a minimum of 25% in each subject and 40% in aggregate.

2. Merit List:

• NTA will prepare and publish various merit lists based on AISSEE-2025 performance:
• School-wise and category-wise merit list (separately for boys and girls and for Class VI and Class IX).
• All India Merit List for admission to approved NSS under the 40% route.
• School-wise Merit List for admission to approved NSS under the 60% route.

3. E-Counselling:

• Admission to Sainik Schools and approved NSS will be through e-counselling based on the merit in AISSEE-2025.
• Candidates need to re-register on the AISSAC portal (https://pesa.ncog.gov.in/sainikschoolecounselling/) after the declaration of results.

4. Medical Fitness:

• Candidates must clear a medical fitness test conducted by competent medical authorities.

5. Verification of Documents:

• Original documents will be verified at the time of admission to ensure the authenticity of the information provided by the candidate.

6. Final Merit List:

• The Sainik School will publish a final merit list after the medical examination and document verification. This list will include the main list (equal to the total number of seats in each category) and a waiting list.

7. Admission:

• Candidates on the final merit list will be offered admission to the respective Sainik School or NSS based on their merit, category, and chosen preferences.

Note:

• Merely appearing and passing AISSEE-2025 does not guarantee admission.
• Final selection depends on fulfilling the admission criteria, merit rank, medical fitness, document verification, and other criteria prescribed by the Sainik Schools Society.
• The reservation of seats in Sainik Schools is subject to legal proceedings at the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Sainik and New Sainik Schools Admission (2025-26)

To apply for admission to Sainik Schools and Approved New Sainik Schools for the Academic Year 2025-26, candidates must follow these steps:

1. Ensure Eligibility:

• Carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined in the Information Bulletin, paying close attention to the age requirements and academic qualifications for the desired class (VI or IX).
• Refer to Appendix VI-A and VI-B for tentative vacancy details in Sainik Schools and Approved New Sainik Schools.

2. Online Application:

• All applications must be submitted online through the NTA website: Apply Now.
• Keep necessary documents ready, including scanned copies of photographs, signature, left-hand thumb impression, birth certificate, school certificate, domicile certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), service certificate (if applicable), and a valid photo ID proof.
• Registration and Application Form Completion:
  • Provide accurate personal details, including name, date of birth, contact information, and address.
  • Select the desired Sainik School/NSS and exam cities based on your preferences and convenience.
  • Carefully choose the medium of examination (English, Hindi, or a regional language).
  • Upload the required scanned documents as per specifications.
• Review and Submit:
  • Thoroughly review the application form for any errors or omissions before final submission.
  • Once submitted, certain details can only be modified during a specific correction window.

3. Fee Payment:

• Pay the prescribed application fee through the available online payment options (Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI).
• Ensure successful fee payment and generate a Confirmation Page, which confirms the submission of the application form.

4. Download Admit Card:

• Download the Admit Card from the NTA website using the application number and date of birth. The Admit Card will be available approximately three weeks before the exam date.
• Carefully review the exam center details, date, and timings mentioned on the Admit Card.

Candidates are advised to regularly visit the NTA website and check their registered email/SMS for updates and announcements.

Application Fee

The application fee for the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE)-2025 varies based on the candidate’s category:

Candidates:*

• The fee is ₹ 800/- (Rs. Eight Hundred Only).

For Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes candidates:

• The fee is ₹ 650/- (Rs. Six Hundred Fifty Only).

Important Notes:

• This fee does not include any taxes or service charges payable to banks or payment organizations.
• The application fee is non-refundable and will not be refunded under any circumstances.
• The fee is the same regardless of whether a candidate applies for Sainik Schools, approved New Sainik Schools, or both.