Sainik School Admission FAQs: Most Asked Questions by Parents Answered

In this article, we tackle most frequently asked questions by parents about the Sainik School Admission Process through AISSEE (All India Sainik School Entrance Exam). Let’s clear the fog step-by-step.

General Information About AISSEE and Sainik Schools

1. What does AISSEE stand for and what is its purpose?
   AISSEE stands for All India Sainik School Entrance Examination. It is the national-level test used for admission into Sainik Schools across India.

2. At which grade levels can students apply for admission through AISSEE?
   Admissions are available for Class VI and Class IX in traditional Sainik Schools, and for Class VI only in newly approved Sainik Schools (NSS).

3. Is there a single exam for both traditional Sainik Schools and newly approved ones?
   Yes, AISSEE is the common entrance exam for both traditional and new Sainik Schools.

4. What exactly are these newly approved New Sainik Schools (NSS)?
   They are schools approved by the Ministry of Defence that follow the Sainik School curriculum and offer admission under a different management stream.

5. How does the entire Sainik School admission process work?
   It includes clearing AISSEE, participating in e-counselling, undergoing a medical test, and final document verification.

Eligibility Criteria

6. What is the age and educational eligibility for Class VI admission?
   Students must be 10 to 12 years old as of March 31 of the admission year and must have passed or be studying in Class V.

7. What is the eligibility criteria for Class IX admissions?
   Students must be 13 to 15 years old as of March 31 of the admission year and must have passed Class VIII.

8. Can girls also apply to Sainik Schools?
   Yes, girls are eligible to apply for both Class VI and IX where the school offers admission to girls.

9. What are the eligibility requirements for admission under the 40% route in approved NSS?
   Same as traditional schools: the student must meet the age and class requirement for Class VI.

10. What extra conditions apply for students seeking admission under the 60% route in NSS?
    They must be studying in the NSS school and be appearing/passed in Class V.

Application Process and Documents

11. How much is the application fee for different categories?
    General/OBC/Defence: Rs 650; SC/ST: Rs 500.

12. What is the official date of the AISSEE examination?
    It was conducted on January 21, 2024.

13. What are the timings for the entrance exam for Class VI and IX?
    Class VI: 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM; Class IX: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

14. In what format or mode will the AISSEE be conducted?
    AISSEE is conducted in offline pen-and-paper mode.

15. Where can I find the detailed syllabus for AISSEE?
    In the AISSEE information bulletin available on the NTA official website.

16. Is there a unified application form for both traditional and New Sainik Schools?
    Yes, one form covers all types of schools.

17. If my child is already studying in a New Sainik School, can they apply for both types of schools?
    Yes, they can apply for traditional, NSS (40%), or NSS (60%) depending on eligibility.

18. If my child is not in a Sainik School yet, can they still apply for both traditional and New ones?
    Yes, they can apply for traditional schools and NSS under the 40% route.

19. Do I need to select the specific Sainik School during the application or later in counselling?
    You must choose the school during the application stage.

20. Will the application fee differ if I apply for both types of schools?
    No, the application fee is the same regardless of your choice.

21. Can I withdraw my application later and get a refund?
    No, applications cannot be withdrawn and fees are non-refundable.

22. Is it possible to apply for more than one Sainik School?
    No, you can only apply to one school.

23. What documents do I need to upload while filling out the application form?
    Photograph, signature, thumb impression, domicile, birth certificate, caste certificate, and service certificate if applicable.

24. What if I made a mistake in the online form? How can I fix it?
    Use the correction window provided by NTA during the announced period.

25. Which specific fields can I edit during the correction period?
    Most fields including uploaded documents can be edited during this window.

26. If I paid the application fee more than once, when will I get my refund?
    Excess payments are refunded after the correction window closes.

27. I forgot my application number—how can I retrieve it?
    Use the ‘Forgot Application Number’ option on the NTA AISSEE portal.

Exam Pattern and Language Medium

28. What is the complete exam pattern for Class VI candidates?
    125 questions across Language, Math, GK, and Intelligence totaling 300 marks.

29. What is the exam structure for Class IX students?
    150 questions in Math, English, Science, Social Studies, and Intelligence totaling 400 marks.

30. What languages can I choose for the Class VI question paper?
    There are 13 options including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, and more.

31. In what language is the Class IX entrance exam conducted?
    Only in English.

32. Is the medium of exam linked to the choice of exam city in Class VI?
    No, exam city and exam medium are independent of each other.

33. Does the language medium affect which Sainik School we can select?
    No, you can choose any school regardless of language medium.

34. Can I choose any city in India as the exam centre or is it restricted?
    You can select any four cities from the official list, regardless of your school choice.

35. What’s the pattern for Class VI exam?
    

    Subject	Questions	Marks per Qn	Total
    Language	25	2	50
    Mathematics	50	3	150
    GK	25	2	50
    Intelligence	25	2	50
    Total	125		300

     

36. What’s the pattern for Class IX exam?
    

    Subject	Questions	Marks per Qn	Total
    Mathematics	50	4	200
    English	25	2	50
    Science	25	2	50
    Social Studies	25	2	50
    Intelligence	25	2	50
    Total	150		400

Admit Card and Exam Day Guidelines

35. How do I download the admit card for the AISSEE exam?
    From the NTA website using your login credentials.

36. What should I do if I don’t receive my admit card?
    Contact NTA via email or helpline numbers.

37. Who should I contact if there’s an error on my admit card?
    Reach out to the NTA helpdesk by email or phone.

38. Where can I find out which exam centre has been allotted to me?
    Details are mentioned on your admit card.

39. Can I change my exam city after the admit card is issued?
    No, exam city changes are not permitted after issuance.

40. Do I need to paste a photograph on the admit card before the exam?
    Yes, a recent photo must be affixed along with thumb impression and parent’s signature.

41. What time should I report to the exam centre on the day of the test?
    Refer to your admit card for the reporting time.

42. What is the latest reporting time allowed for entering the exam centre?
    You must enter before 1:30 PM on exam day.

43. Can I leave the exam hall before the test ends if I finish early?
    No, early exits are not allowed.

44. What items am I allowed to carry inside the examination hall?
    Only pen, admit card, photo ID, water bottle, sanitizer, and one photo.

45. Will the exam centre provide a face mask for candidates?
    Yes, fresh masks are distributed at the centre.

46. Am I allowed to bring blank sheets for rough work?
    No, rough work must be done in the test booklet.

47. Can I use a calculator or any digital device during the exam?
    No, electronic devices are prohibited.

48. What should I do if I make a mistake on the OMR sheet during the test?
    Inform the invigilator immediately; the OMR sheet will not be replaced.

49. Will the Class VI question paper be bilingual?
    Yes, it will be bilingual based on the selected language and English.

50. Is the Class IX question paper available in multiple languages?
    No, it is available only in English.

51. Do I need to hand over the admit card to the invigilator after the exam?
    Yes, it must be submitted at the end of the test.

52. Can I take the question paper booklet home after the test is over?
    Yes, you may keep the question paper.

53. Do I need to carry an extra photograph for the attendance register?
    Yes, one photo must be affixed during attendance.

After the Exam: Result and Admission Process

54. Is there negative marking for wrong answers in AISSEE?
    No, there is no negative marking.

55. Can I take my OMR sheet back with me after the exam?
    No, it must be submitted to the invigilator.

56. Will I be able to view my answers, question paper, and responses after the exam?
    Yes, scanned OMR and answer keys will be uploaded online.

57. How will the final result be evaluated and compiled?
    Based on the final answer key after resolving challenges.

58. What are the minimum qualifying marks for selection into a Sainik School?
    25% per subject and 40% overall, except for SC/ST candidates.

59. How is the merit list prepared for admissions in different categories?
    Merit lists are prepared by school, category, gender, and home state.

60. What is e-counselling and what happens after the exam?
    E-counselling is the process where qualified candidates register online, followed by medical examination and document verification.

61. What if my child belongs to the OBC category?
    A valid certificate as per central/state government norms must be presented at the time of application and admission.

62. Whom should I contact if I need help with the admission or exam process?
    Email aissee@nta.ac.in or call 011-40759000 / 011-69227700.