| Acronym | AISSEE |
|---|---|
| Type | Entrance Examination |
| Administrator | National Testing Agency [1] |
| Purpose | Admission to Sainik Schools and New Sainik Schools |
| Year started | 1961 [2] |
| Duration | 2.5 hours (Class 6), 3 hours (Class 9) |
| Offered | Annually |
| Regions | India |
| Languages | English, Hindi, and regional languages |
| Prerequisites | Age 10–12 (Class 6), 13–15 (Class 9) |
| Fee | Varies by category (General/OBC: ₹800, SC/ST: ₹650) [3] |
| Website | exams |
The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to Sainik Schools and New Sainik Schools across India. [4] These CBSE-affiliated English-medium residential schools prepare students for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Naval Academy, and other officer training academies. [5]
Established in 1961 under the Ministry of Defence, Sainik Schools were created to promote discipline, academic excellence, and military training among young students aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. [6] Since 2021, girls have been eligible for admission to Class 6 across all Sainik Schools, marking a significant step toward gender inclusivity. [7]
Eligibility criteria for AISSEE vary by class:
The AISSEE is conducted in a pen-and-paper format across multiple sessions, with scores normalized to ensure fairness. [10] The exam is offered in English, Hindi, and select regional languages. [11]
The AISSEE facilitates admission to 33 traditional Sainik Schools and 56 New Sainik Schools across India, operating under the Ministry of Defence and in collaboration with private entities and state governments. [14] [15] Notable Sainik Schools include: