Sainik Schools: Grooming Future Leaders
Sainik Schools are premier residential institutions established under the Ministry of Defence, designed to instill discipline and a military ethos among students while preparing them for leadership roles. Affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), these schools follow a standardized curriculum, selection process, and examination system to ensure academic and personal excellence.
The administration of Sainik Schools is managed by the Sainik Schools Society, an autonomous body operating under the Ministry of Defence. This society is overseen by a Board of Governors, chaired by the Raksha Rajya Mantri (Minister of State for Defence). Additionally, the Chief Ministers or Education Ministers of the states where these schools are located play an integral role as members of the Board.
Sainik Schools not only focus on academics but also nurture qualities like discipline, leadership, and patriotism, making them ideal institutions for shaping India’s future leaders.
Sainik Schools: Your Gateway to Excellence
Admission Policy
Sainik Schools offer admission based on a comprehensive entrance process designed to identify young talent. Sainik Schools instill essential Officer-like Qualities (OLQ) in students from an early age, preparing them for leadership and service. Established in 1961 by V.K. Krishna Menon, these schools operate under the Sainik Schools Society (SSS), directly governed by the Ministry of Defence. Currently, 33 Sainik Schools are spread across India, with more planned and some under construction. These schools play a crucial role in shaping disciplined, responsible citizens. As the network expands, the vision remains strong—to nurture young minds with nationalism, integrity, and excellence, ensuring they contribute effectively to the nation’s defense and beyond. Admission is open for girls also. Admission to Class IX is not open for girls.
Entrance Examination and Criteria
- For Class VI: The entrance test includes Mathematics, GK (Science & Social Studies), Language, and Intelligence.
- For Class IX: The test covers Mathematics, English, Intelligence, General Science, and Social Science.
This is followed by an interview and a medical examination.
Age Criteria
- Class VI: Applicants must be aged 10–12 years as of July 1 in the admission year.
- Class IX: Applicants must be aged 13–15 years as of July 1.
Reservation Policy
1. 67% of the seats are reserved for candidates domiciled in the State/ UT where the Sainik School is located.
2. 33% of the seats are reserved for candidates from Other States and Union Territories (UT).
Note: Within each Category of Home State/ UT and Other States/ UT quota, seats will be reserved on the following lines:
- 15% of the seats are reserved for the category Scheduled Caste (SC),
- 7.5% for the category Scheduled Tribe (ST) and
- 27% for the category Other Backward Classes belonging to the Non Creamy layer (OBC-NCL) as per the central list.
3. Thus, 49.50% of the seats in Sainik School are reserved on the above mentioned lines.
4. Out of the balance 50.50% of the seats in the Home State/ UT and Other States/ UT quota, 25% of the seats are reserved for the wards of Defence personnel and ex-servicemen. The unfilled vacancies in the 25% quota will be allocated to the children of Coast Guard and Assam Rifles personnel. The Scholarships for the wards of Coast Guard and Assam Rifiels personnel to be provided by the Coast Guard and Assam Rifies out of its own funds.
5. In “Other States/ UT” quota, seats will be allotted in each category as per merit, subject to a maximum limit of 25% of vacancies in the category for any State or Union Territory.
6. 10% of the strength of Class VI or 10 number seats (Whichever is higher) will be reserved for Girl candidates under respective category.
Syllabus
Sainik School conducts entrance exams for admissions to Class VI and Class IX, aimed at identifying young talent and preparing them for future leadership roles.
Mode of Examination: Paper pencil on OMR answer sheets for admission to both Class VI
and Class IX.
Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions
Scheme of Examination is as follows:
Class VI Exam Structure
Class VI Exam Structure
| Subject | Marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Test I: Mathematical Knowledge Test (50 Ques. x 3 Marks each) | 150 | 150 Minutes |
| Test II: Language Ability Test (25 Ques. x 2 Marks each) | 50 | |
| Test III: Intelligence Test (25 Ques. x 2 Marks each) | 50 | |
| Test IV: General Knowledge (25 Ques. x 2 Marks each) | 50 | |
| Total Marks | 300 |
Class IX Exam Structure
| Subject | Marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Test I: Mathematical Knowledge Test (50 Ques. x 4 Marks each) | 200 | 180 Minutes |
| Test II: Language Ability Test (25 Ques. x 2 Marks each) | 50 | |
| Test III: Intelligence Test (25 Ques. x 2 Marks each) | 50 | |
| Test IV: General Knowledge (25 Ques. x 2 Marks each) | 50 | |
| Test V: Social Studies (25 Ques. x 2 Marks each) | 50 | |
| Total Marks | 400 |
Selection Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Interview | Conducted by the school’s Interview Board. |
| Medical Exam | Conducted at a Government Civil Hospital. |
| Final Selection | Based on the total marks scored in the written test and interview. |
Candidates who qualify for the written test will undergo an interview conducted by the school’s Interview Board, followed by a medical examination at a Government Civil Hospital. The final merit list will be compiled based on the combined marks obtained in the written test and the interview.
Selection Process
- Application for Entrance Examination for admission to class VI/IX in are released every year in the month of Sep/Oct. Candidates can apply only through online mode from the official website of the Sainik Schools.
- The selection process comprises two primary stages: a written examination and a medical evaluation. Candidates who successfully pass the written test are invited for a comprehensive medical examination. The final merit list is prepared based on the combined scores of the written test and the medical assessment. Upon selection, candidates are granted admission to Class VI or IX after the verification of all required documents.
BATCH 1 (Sainik School Entrance Exam) :
Starting : 01 April, 2025
Duration
Complete Course
Class
5th Onwards
Academic Fee
₹50,000/-Per Annum
Hostel Fee
No Hostel Facility
Duration
Complete Course
Class
8th Onwards
Academic Fee
₹58,000/-Per Annum
Hostel Fee
No Hostel Facility