Sainik school Exam Pattern 2026 – For thousands of young aspirants across India, Sainik Schools (AISSEE) are the first step toward a disciplined, defense-oriented education. These schools not only prepare students for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other military careers but also shape them into confident, responsible citizens.
Every year, the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) becomes the gateway to these prestigious institutions. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this exam tests a student’s academic strength, logical ability, and mental sharpness.
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As we approach AISSEE 2026, understanding the Sainik School Exam Pattern 2026 for both Class 6 and Class 9 is crucial for effective preparation. Whether you’re a parent guiding your child or a student gearing up for the challenge, this in-depth guide will help you master every detail — from the exam structure to subject-wise marks distribution, syllabus, and strategy for success.
About Sainik School Admission 2026
What is AISSEE?
The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) is the national-level admission test conducted annually for entry into 33 Sainik Schools across India. From 2022 onwards, NTA has been the conducting authority, ensuring transparency and uniformity in the admission process.
Conducting Body
- Organized by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Official website: https://exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE
- Mode of Exam: Pen-paper (OMR-based)
- Exam Date: January 2026 (tentative)
Eligibility Criteria (as of 31 March 2026)
| Class | Age Limit | Gender | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 6 | 10 to 12 years | Boys & Girls | Passed Class 5 |
| Class 9 | 13 to 15 years | Boys only (in most schools) | Passed Class 8 |
Application Fees
- General / OBC / Defence / Ex-servicemen: ₹850
- SC / ST: ₹700
Reservation Policy
- 67% seats for candidates from the home state
- 33% seats for candidates from other states
- Category-wise reservations:
- SC – 15%
- ST – 7.5%
- OBC-NCL – 27%
- Defence category – 25%
AISSEE 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
The AISSEE 2026 exam pattern is designed to evaluate both conceptual knowledge and analytical skills. It’s an objective-type test conducted in offline mode using an OMR sheet.
Common Highlights
- Mode: Offline (OMR sheet)
- Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Medium: English / Hindi / Regional languages (for Class 6); English only (for Class 9)
- Negative marking: None
- Qualifying criteria: 25% marks in each subject & 40% aggregate
Comparison Table — Sainik School Exam Pattern 2026 (Class 6 vs Class 9)
| Parameter | Class 6 | Class 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 125 | 150 |
| Total Marks | 300 | 400 |
| Duration | 150 minutes (2.5 hours) | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Subjects | Mathematics, Language, Intelligence, GK | Mathematics, English, Intelligence, Science, Social Studies |
| Medium of Exam | Multiple (English / Hindi / Regional) | English only |
| Marks per Math Question | 3 marks | 4 marks |
| Marks per Other Section | 2 marks each | 2 marks each |
| Age Eligibility | 10-12 years | 13-15 years |
| Application Fee (General) | ₹850 | ₹850 |
| Passing Criteria | 25% in each section & 40% overall | Same as Class 6 |
Sainik School Exam Pattern 2026 for Class 6
Structure and Format
The Class 6 paper aims to test a student’s overall aptitude and academic understanding from Classes 4 and 5.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 | 3 | 150 |
| Intelligence | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Language (English or Hindi) | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| General Knowledge | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Total | 125 | — | 300 |
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Maximum Marks: 300
Negative Marking: None
Subject-Wise Breakdown
Mathematics
- Weightage: 150 marks (most important section)
- Topics:
- Basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
- Fractions, decimals, LCM & HCF
- Time & distance, geometry basics, perimeter, area, simple interest
- Preparation Tip: Practice NCERT Class 5 questions and attempt 10-15 sums daily.
Intelligence
- Tests logical reasoning and mental ability.
- Topics:
- Patterns, coding-decoding, series, analogies, puzzles, visual reasoning
- Tip: Solve reasoning workbooks and previous year AISSEE reasoning sets.
Language (English/Hindi)
- Focus on grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, antonyms, synonyms, sentence correction.
- Tip: Read daily for 30 minutes and write one comprehension paragraph daily.
General Knowledge
- Includes questions from science, social studies, sports, and current events.
- Tip: Read GK books like Lucent’s General Knowledge for Kids or Manorama Yearbook Junior Edition.
Marking Scheme
- No negative marking
- Each section has fixed marks — focus on high-weightage areas like Math & Intelligence.
- Time Tip: Finish Math in 60 min, GK + Language in 50 min, Intelligence in 30 min, and keep 10 min for review.
Preparation Tips for Class 6
- Focus on NCERT Class 5 books for concepts.
- Attempt mock tests every week.
- Keep a formula diary for Mathematics.
- Practice previous 3 years’ papers.
- Enroll in a reliable coaching institute like Abhyasam Defence Group, or use online apps (e.g., Oliveboard, Vedantu AISSEE).
Sainik School Exam Pattern 2026 for Class 9
Structure and Format
The Class 9 exam evaluates understanding from Classes 7 and 8 and includes five subjects.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 | 4 | 200 |
| Intelligence | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| English | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| General Science | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Social Studies | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Total | 150 | — | 400 |
Duration: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 400
Negative Marking: None
Subject-Wise Breakdown
Mathematics
- Weightage: 200 marks
- Topics: Algebra, Mensuration, Linear Equations, Geometry, Trigonometry basics, Statistics.
- Tip: Focus on NCERT Class 8 Mathematics chapters and solve HOTS questions.
Intelligence
- Focus: logical, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
- Tip: Practice daily puzzles & previous year’s NTA reasoning sets.
✍️ English
- Grammar, comprehension, essay writing, vocabulary.
- Tip: Practice paragraph writing and unseen passages.
🔬 General Science
- Physics: Force, Work, Sound, Electricity
- Chemistry: Atoms, Elements, Compounds
- Biology: Human body, Plants, Environment
- Tip: Revise NCERT Class 7–8 books.
Social Studies
- Topics: History, Geography, Civics, Economics
- Tip: Make flashcards for key dates, events, and definitions.
Marking Scheme
- Each question carries either 2 or 4 marks.
- No negative marking.
- Maintain at least 40% aggregate and 25% in each subject for qualification.
Preparation Tips for Class 9
- Revise NCERT 7-8 thoroughly.
- Solve past 5 years’ AISSEE papers.
- Take full-length mock tests every Sunday.
- Focus on high-weightage subjects — Math & Science.
- Improve writing skills for English comprehension.
AISSEE 2026 Syllabus Overview
Class 6 Syllabus
- Mathematics (NCERT 4–5)
- Intelligence (Reasoning & Mental Ability)
- Language (Grammar, Reading, Vocabulary)
- GK (Science, Social Studies, Current Affairs)
Class 9 Syllabus
- Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration)
- Intelligence (Reasoning)
- English (Grammar, Essay, Comprehension)
- Science (NCERT 7–8)
- Social Studies (History, Civics, Geography)
Recommended Books
- Arihant AISSEE Class 6 & 9 Guide
- MTG AISSEE Practice Papers
- Lucent’s General Knowledge
- RS Aggarwal Mathematics Series
Previous Year Paper Analysis
| Year | Class 6 Difficulty | Class 9 Difficulty | Notable Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Moderate | Moderate | Reasoning pattern change |
| 2024 | Easy-Moderate | Tough Math section | Increased GK weightage |
| 2025 | Moderate | Moderate | No change in structure |
| 2026 | Expected: Similar | Expected: Similar | Consistency in pattern |
Trend Insight
- Mathematics dominates both levels.
- GK becoming more analytical.
- Reasoning questions often repeated in new formats.
How to Prepare Strategically for AISSEE 2026
Step-by-Step Strategy
- Understand the pattern & syllabus completely.
- Make a 3-month plan: 45 days for study, 45 days for practice & revision.
- Weekly mock test analysis — identify weak topics.
- Revise formulas daily and read one current affairs topic daily.
Coaching vs Self-Study
- Coaching: Provides expert guidance, doubt sessions, and test series.
- Self-Study: Great for disciplined learners using NCERT & online content.
- Hybrid: Combine both for best results.
Digital Tools
- NTA mock tests portal
- YouTube channels like “Sainik School Online Coaching by Abhyasam”
- Mobile apps: Abhyasam Defence Group App
Exam Centres, Admit Card & Schedule
- Exam Date: January 2026
- Admit Card Release: 1st week of January 2026
- Exam Mode: Offline (OMR)
- Exam Centres: Across all major Indian cities
- Result Declaration: February 2026 (NTA website)
Important Links:
Result, Medical & Selection Process
- Written Result – declared online by NTA.
- Medical Examination – physical health, eyesight, height-weight standards.
- Final Merit List – based on written + medical.
- Admission Confirmation – document verification at Sainik School campus.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring NCERT basics.
- Not timing practice papers.
- Over-focusing on one subject.
- Leaving reasoning for last.
- Ignoring exam instructions on OMR filling.
Recommended Books for AISSEE 2026
- Arihant AISSEE Class 6 / 9 Entrance Exam Guide
- MTG AISSEE 10 Mock Tests
- RS Aggarwal Mathematics for Competitive Exams
- Lucent’s General Knowledge 2025 Edition
- Abhyasam Defence Group Study Material (if enrolled)
Conclusion
The Sainik School Exam Pattern 2026 is straightforward but demands consistent practice. Success in AISSEE 2026 depends on clarity of concepts, regular practice, and disciplined time management.
Start early, stay focused, and remember — the exam isn’t just about marks, but about beginning your journey towards serving the nation.
