NTA AISSEE 2026: Complete Guide
Admit Card, Exam Pattern, and Important Dates
National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the Admit Card for All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) 2026. This examination serves as the gateway for admission to Class VI and Class IX in Sainik Schools across India for the academic year 2026-27. The exam is scheduled to be conducted on 18th January 2026, and candidates can now download their hall tickets from the official NTA website.
📅 Complete Timeline: AISSEE 2026 Important Dates
The AISSEE 2026 examination follows a well-structured timeline that candidates must be aware of:
| Event | Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 10th October 2025 | Applications opened through NTA portal |
| Online Application Last Date | 9th November 2025 | Extended from original deadline |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 10th November 2025 | Until 11:50 PM |
| Correction Window | 12th-14th November 2025 | For rectification in application details |
| Exam City Details Release | 6th January 2026 | Information about examination center city |
| Admit Card Release | 12th January 2026 | Available for download now |
| Examination Date | 18th January 2026 | Across various centers in India |
| Result Declaration | 4-6 weeks after exam | Expected in February/March 2026 |
🏫 About AISSEE: Gateway to Sainik Schools
The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) is conducted by the National Testing Agency on behalf of the Sainik School Society (SSS), an autonomous organization under the Department of Defence, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Sainik Schools were established with the primary objective of preparing students for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other defense services.
These schools follow the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum while incorporating additional training in physical fitness, leadership, and character building. The AISSEE serves as the single-window entrance examination for admission to all Sainik Schools across the country, ensuring a standardized and transparent selection process.
💰 Application Fee Structure
The application fee for AISSEE 2026 varies based on category:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC(NCL)/EWS | ₹ 850 |
| SC/ST | ₹ 700 |
| Defence/Ex-servicemen | ₹ 850 |
Payment Methods Available:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Internet Banking
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
- Mobile Wallets
- IMPS (Immediate Payment Service)
👦 Age Eligibility Criteria
The age limit for AISSEE 2026 is strictly defined and must be calculated as on 31st March 2026:
For Class VI Admission:
- Minimum Age: 10 years
- Maximum Age: 12 years
- Date of Birth Range: Born between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2016
For Class IX Admission:
- Minimum Age: 13 years
- Maximum Age: 15 years
- Date of Birth Range: Born between 1st April 2011 and 31st March 2013
📝 Educational Qualification Requirements
For Class VI Admission:
- Must have passed Class V or equivalent examination from a recognized board/school
- Must be studying in Class V at the time of application
- Should be promoted to Class VI in the academic year 2026-27
For Class IX Admission:
- Must have passed Class VIII or equivalent examination from a recognized board/school
- Must be studying in Class VIII at the time of application
- Should be promoted to Class IX in the academic year 2026-27
🧾 Detailed Exam Pattern
The AISSEE 2026 follows a comprehensive examination pattern designed to assess multiple dimensions of a candidate’s aptitude:
For Class VI:
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 | 50 | 150 minutes total |
| General Knowledge | 25 | 25 | |
| Language (English/Hindi) | 25 | 25 | |
| Intelligence | 50 | 50 | |
| Total | 150 | 150 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
For Class IX:
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 | 50 | 180 minutes total |
| English | 25 | 25 | |
| General Science | 25 | 25 | |
| Social Studies | 25 | 25 | |
| Intelligence | 75 | 75 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 3 hours |
- Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper based with OMR sheet)
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer
- Negative Marking: No negative marking
- Medium: Class VI – 13 languages available; Class IX – English only
📚 Syllabus Overview
Class VI Syllabus:
Mathematics: Number System, Basic Arithmetic Operations, Fractions, Decimals, Basic Geometry, Measurement, Data Handling
General Knowledge: Current Affairs (basic level), Famous Personalities, Sports, Important Days, Basic Science, Indian History and Geography
Language (English/Hindi): Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Basic Writing Skills
Intelligence: Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning, Pattern Recognition, Analytical Ability, Logical Deduction
Class IX Syllabus:
Mathematics: Number Systems, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics and Probability
English: Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Grammar, Literature
General Science: Physics: Motion, Force, Energy; Chemistry: Matter, Elements, Compounds; Biology: Living Organisms, Human Body
Social Studies: History: Modern India; Geography: Resources, Climate; Civics: Indian Constitution; Economics: Basic Concepts
Intelligence: Advanced Reasoning, Logical Analysis, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking
🖨️ How to Download Admit Card: Step-by-Step Guide
🏢 Examination Day Guidelines
Candidates must strictly adhere to the following guidelines on the examination day:
Documents to Carry:
- Printed Admit Card
- One passport-size photograph (same as uploaded)
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhar Card, School ID, etc.)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
Reporting Time:
Reach the examination center at least 2 hours before the commencement of the exam
Prohibited Items:
Mobile phones, calculators, electronic devices, bags, and study material are strictly prohibited
🏆 Selection Process and Merit List
The selection process for AISSEE 2026 consists of:
- Written Examination: The AISSEE written test as described above
- Merit List Preparation: Based on the marks obtained in the entrance examination
- Medical Examination: Shortlisted candidates must undergo a medical fitness test at designated military hospitals
- Final Admission: Based on combined performance in written test and medical examination
Reservation Policy:
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 15%
- Scheduled Tribe (ST): 7.5%
- Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL): 27%
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10%
- Defence Category: 25% (15% for wards of serving defence personnel, 10% for ex-servicemen wards)
📞 Contact Information and Support
NTA Helpline: 011-40759000
Email Support: aissee@nta.ac.in
Official Website: https://nta.ac.in/
AISSEE Portal: https://exams.nta.nic.in/sainik-school-society/
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (excluding public holidays)
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
💡 Preparation Tips for AISSEE 2026
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the prescribed syllabus for your class
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the pattern
- Time Management: Practice completing papers within the stipulated time
- Focus on Intelligence Section: This section carries significant weightage
- Regular Revision: Consistent revision is key to retention
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level
- Stay Updated: For GK section, read newspapers and current affairs magazines
📱 Stay Updated
Candidates and parents are advised to:
- Regularly check the official NTA website for updates
- Download the SarkariResult app for notifications
- Follow NTA’s official social media channels
- Subscribe to email alerts if available