Sainik School Admission 2025-26 Guidelines by NTA : Age Limit, Number of Attempts

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE) for admissions to Sainik Schools across India. The National Testing Agency releases an annual information bulletin outlining the guidelines and instructions for Sainik School admissions. While the bulletin for this year hasn't been released yet, we've provided information based on last year's guidelines. NTA conducts exams for admission to classes 6 and 9 in Sainik Schools. This article provides the candidate with detailed information about Sainik School Admission 2025-26.

This Story also Contains

1. Sainik School Admission Guidelines on Age Limit
2. Sainik School Admission Guidelines on Number of Attempts
3. Guidelines on Applying for AISSEE 2025
4. Sainik School Admission Guidelines: Passing Criteria
5. Guidelines for Admission to New Sainik Schools
6. Guidelines for Girls Candidates on Sainik School Admission
7. Query Redressal System (QRS)
8. Sainik School Admission: Common Services Centres

Last year, The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the Sainik School Entrance Exam 2024 on January 28th. The Sainik School exam was held in a paper-pen format at 450 centers across 185 cities in India for admissions to Class VI and Class IX of Sainik Schools and New Sainik Schools.

Sainik School Admission Guidelines on Age Limit

NTA has specified the age limit for Sainik School Class 6 and 9 admission as provided below:

• Sainik School Class VI: Candidates must be between 10 and 12 years old as of March 31, 2025.

• Sainik School Class IX: Candidates must be between 13 and 15 years old as of March 31, 2025.

Sainik School Admission Guidelines on Number of Attempts

Candidates can attempt the AISSEE exam multiple times. However, they will have to fulfil the Sainik School eligibility criteria.

As per age eligibility, there are three attempts to appear in the AISSEE Class 6 exam. If anyone appears at the age of 10, he/she can appear again at 11 years and then again next year when he/she attains the age of 12 years as of March 31 of the admission year.

Guidelines on Applying for AISSEE 2025

• Sainik School admission applications are strictly online through the NTA website (https://exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE/). Paper applications are not accepted.

• Only one Sainik School application per candidate is allowed. This single application form covers admissions to both Sainik Schools and approved New Sainik Schools.

• The application fee applies regardless of whether students apply for Sainik Schools, approved New Sainik Schools, or both.

• Submitting multiple Sainik School applications for the same level (Class VI or IX) will lead to disqualification.

• Candidates must provide their own or their parent's email addresses and mobile numbers in the online Sainik School application form. All important information and communications from the NTA will be sent to this email address or mobile number.

• Read the process to apply here. Apply online for the Sainik School admission in Classes 6 and 9, upload the documents, and finally pay the fees.

• Once the exam centre, date, and time are mentioned on the Sainik School admit card, no changes can be made under any circumstances. Additionally, fees once paid to the NTA are non-refundable.

• The entire AISSEE 2024 application process is online. This includes uploading documents, paying fees, and printing the confirmation page. There's no need to send any physical documents, including the confirmation page, to the NTA by post, fax, or in person.

Sainik School Admission Guidelines: Passing Criteria

To be eligible for admission to a Sainik School, a candidate must score a minimum of 25% in each subject and 40% overall in the AISSEE 2024. However, final admission will depend on factors such as e-counselling, merit rank, medical fitness, and document verification.

For SC/ST candidates, there is no minimum marks requirement. They will be admitted based on their rank within their respective categories, provided they meet eligibility criteria, medical standards, and document verification requirements.

If an SC/ST/OBC(NCL) candidate qualifies for a general seat based on their merit rank, they will be admitted to a general seat and not be considered for a reserved seat.

Guidelines for Admission to New Sainik Schools

To be eligible for admission to an approved New Sainik School, a candidate must score a minimum of 25% in each subject and 40% overall in the AISSEE 2024. This criterion applies to all candidates, including those from SC/ST categories. Unlike traditional Sainik Schools, domicile or category criteria do not apply for admissions to approved New Sainik Schools.

Guidelines for Girls Candidates on Sainik School Admission

One seat per category will be allotted for girls' admissions. To ensure representation across categories, 10% of the Class VI seats (or a minimum of 10 seats, whichever is higher) will be reserved for girls in each school. Students can check the official website for more details.

Query Redressal System (QRS)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has set up a helpful online system called the Query Redressal System (QRS). This web-based platform allows registered candidates for the AISSEE 2024 exam to submit any questions or concerns they might have. It's operational 24/7, offering a fast and convenient way to get help.

Sainik School Admission: Common Services Centres

Candidates who might find the online application process difficult due to various reasons can seek assistance from Common Service Centers (CSCs). These centers, part of the Digital India initiative, are located at the village panchayat level and are managed by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). They can help with the online application process, including uploading documents, fee payment, and printing the confirmation page.