AISSEE 2025-26 Key Changes by NTA: Application Fees, Process & Exam Details

Changes in Sainik School Application Dates

The National Testing Agency (NTA) commenced the online application process for the AISSEE 2025 on December 24, 2024, a significant shift from last year's commencement date of November 7, 2023. The AISSEE 2025 application window will remain open until January 13, 2025, whereas last year it concluded on December 16, 2023. This Sainik School examination is conducted to secure admission to classes 6 and 9 in Sainik Schools located throughout India for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year.

Delayed Application Dates of AISSEE 2025

Sainik School Application Fees Increased

The AISSEE 2025 application fee has increased compared to the previous year. In 2024, the fee was Rs. 650 for general/wards of defence personnel and ex-servicemen/ OBC (NCL)*as per the central list and Rs 500 for scheduled castes/ scheduled tribes. For AISSEE 2025, the fee has been revised to Rs. 800 for General category candidates and Rs. 650 for candidates belonging to other categories (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/Defence/Ex-servicemen).

AISSEE 2025 New Application Fees

Who is eligible for Sainik School 2025?

The AISSEE 2025 eligibility criteria remain largely unchanged from the previous year. Both boys and girls are eligible to apply for admission to both Class 6 and Class 9. However, it is crucial to adhere to the specific age limits for each class:

• Class 6: Candidates must be between 10 and 12 years of age as of March 31, 2025.

• Class 9: Candidates must be between 13 and 15 years of age as of March 31, 2025 and should have passed Class VIII from a recognized school at the time of admission

Expected Sainik School Exam Dates

The AISSEE exam is expected to be delayed by approximately two months this year. Last year, the exam was conducted on January 21, 2024, while this year the application window remains open until January 13, 2025. This significant shift in the timeline suggests that the exam is likely to be held in March 2025, marking the first instance of such a substantial delay in the exam's schedule.

Sainik School Other Updates this Year

The AISSEE 2025 for the academic year 2025-26 conduct admissions to Classes VI and IX in existing Sainik Schools. Also, it includes admissions to Class VI in all New Sainik Schools and Class IX in 17 approved New Sainik Schools that commenced their academic sessions in 2022-23.

Admission to Sainik Schools is determined by a candidate's performance in the All-India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE). The admission process involves Sainik School e-counseling based on the AISSEE-2025 merit list, medical fitness clearance from authorized medical authorities, and verification of original documents.

Importantly, AISSEE-2025 serves as the common entrance examination for both those seeking admission to existing Sainik Schools and those aspiring to join approved New Sainik Schools. All candidates, regardless of their desired school, must appear for and qualify in AISSEE-2025 to secure admission.

Number of Seats in Sainik School Doubled Compared to Last Year

In 2024, 33 old Sainik Schools offered 2970 seats for Class 6, while 17 new Sainik Schools provided 2255 seats. For Class 9, 33 old Sainik Schools offered 697 seats. In 2025, the number of seats has increased to 3066 for Class 6 in 33 old Sainik Schools, and a significant rise to 5621 seats in 17 new Sainik Schools. For Class 9 in 33 old Sainik Schools, 656 seats are available in 2025.

More Sainik School Seats Now Available