Sainik School Entrance Exam (AISSEE)

AISSEE: Complete Guide for Parents

The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) is a national-level entrance test conducted for admission to Sainik Schools across India. This examination serves as the gateway for students seeking admission to Class VI and Class IX in existing Sainik Schools and approved New Sainik Schools. AISSEE evaluates students on various subjects including Mathematics, Intelligence, Language, General Knowledge, and more depending on the class level. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts this examination annually in the middle of January, and admissions are based on merit, medical fitness, and verification of documents. This comprehensive guide covers everything parents need to know about AISSEE to help their children prepare effectively for this competitive examination.

Key Takeaways

• AISSEE is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) once a year typically in mid-January for admission to Sainik Schools.
• The exam is for admission to Class VI and Class IX in both existing Sainik Schools and approved New Sainik Schools.
• For Class VI, children should be between 10-12 years as of March-end of the admission year.
• For Class IX, students should be between 13-15 years as of March-end of the admission year.
• Class VI exam comprises Language, Mathematics, Intelligence, and General Knowledge sections.
• Class IX exam includes Mathematics, Intelligence, English, General Science, and Social Science.
• To qualify, students need 25% marks in each subject and 40% aggregate (except SC/ST for regular Sainik Schools).
• Admission is based on e-counselling according to the merit list, medical fitness, and document verification.
• The final selection depends on the availability of seats in the preferred schools and category-wise vacancies.
• Results are valid only for the current academic year and cannot be carried forward.

What is AISSEE?

The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) is the official entrance test for admission to Sainik Schools across India. These schools aim to prepare students for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other defense services. The examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is responsible for organizing the test, processing applications, and declaring results. AISSEE serves as a common platform for students seeking admission to both traditional Sainik Schools and the newly approved Sainik Schools.

• It's a competitive examination conducted once annually
• Available for both boys and girls (subject to seat availability)
• Tests academic knowledge and intelligence
• Serves as the sole criterion for initial shortlisting of candidates
• Success in AISSEE is the first step toward admission to these prestigious institutions

Parent Tip: Sainik Schools provide quality education with military discipline and values. Beyond academic excellence, these schools focus on character building, leadership qualities, and physical fitness, making them an excellent choice for holistic development of your child.

Important Dates and Websites

The AISSEE is typically conducted in mid-January each year. The application process usually begins a few months before the examination date. Parents should keep track of the important timelines to ensure timely submission of applications and proper preparation for the exam.

• Application submission: Opens approximately 3-4 months before the exam
• Last date for application: Usually 1-2 months before the exam
• Admit card download: Available 2-3 weeks before the exam
• Examination date: Typically held on a Sunday in mid-January
• Result declaration: Within 4-6 weeks after the examination
• E-counselling process: Begins after the result declaration

The official website for AISSEE is updated annually by the National Testing Agency. Parents should regularly check the official website for any updates regarding the examination. Additionally, each Sainik School maintains its own website where school-specific information is available.

Parent Tip: Create calendar reminders for all important dates related to the AISSEE process. Check both the NTA website and the specific Sainik School websites at least once a week during the application period to ensure you don't miss any updates or notifications.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for AISSEE, parents must ensure their children meet the eligibility criteria for admission. The eligibility requirements differ for Class VI and Class IX admissions and may have specific conditions for different categories of schools.

Age Criteria for Class VI Admission

For admission to Class VI, students must be within a specific age range as of March-end of the admission year. This applies to both existing Sainik Schools and approved New Sainik Schools.

• Age requirement: Between 10 and 12 years as of March-end of the admission year
• This criterion applies to both boys and girls
• For New Sainik Schools, the age criteria remain the same for both 40% route (Category 'A') and 60% route (Category 'B')

Example: If a student wishes to gain admission for an academic year, they should have been born between early April (approximately 12 years before) and late March (approximately 10 years before) of that academic year.

Age Criteria for Class IX Admission

For Class IX admission, the age criteria are different, and students need to have completed Class VIII from a recognized school.

• Age requirement: Between 13 and 15 years as of March-end of the admission year
• Must have passed Class VIII from a recognized school at the time of admission
• Admission for girls is subject to availability of vacancies
• For New Sainik Schools, Class IX admission is available only in specific schools that have completed Class VIII in the Sainik School vertical

Parent Tip: Before applying, check the specific Sainik School's website to confirm the availability of seats, especially for girl candidates, as not all schools may have vacancies in all categories.

Additional Eligibility Criteria

Apart from age requirements, there are some additional criteria for admission to approved New Sainik Schools, particularly regarding the 40% and 60% routes.

• 40% Route (Category 'A'): Open to all eligible candidates who appear and qualify in AISSEE
• 60% Route (Category 'B'): Reserved for students already enrolled in the approved New Sainik School where they are seeking admission
• For Category 'B' in Class VI: Students must be studying in Class V in the same approved New Sainik School
• For Category 'B' in Class IX: Students must be studying in Class VIII in the same approved New Sainik School

Note: If a school is unable to fill seats under Category 'B', the vacant seats will be filled by drawing candidates from Category 'A' through the AISSEE merit list.

Exam Pattern and Scheme

Understanding the exam pattern and scheme is crucial for effective preparation. The AISSEE has different formats for Class VI and Class IX, with variations in subjects, number of questions, and time duration.

Exam Format for Class VI

The examination for Class VI admission is conducted in paper-pencil mode using OMR answer sheets. It consists of multiple-choice questions across various subjects.

The Class VI examination has a duration of 150 minutes (2½ hours) and is typically conducted in the afternoon session.

Exam Format for Class IX

The Class IX admission test is more comprehensive with five subjects and a longer duration.

The Class IX examination has a duration of 180 minutes (3 hours) and is conducted in the afternoon session.

Parent Tip: Notice that Mathematics carries the highest weightage in both exams (150 marks for Class VI and 200 marks for Class IX). Focus your child's preparation proportionally based on subject weightage.

Medium of Examination

The AISSEE offers flexibility in the medium of examination, particularly for Class VI applicants.

• For Class VI: Available in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Marathi, Odiya, Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, Tamil, Gujarati, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Urdu
• For Class IX: Available in English only
• Candidates opting for English or Hindi receive bilingual question papers (English and Hindi)
• Candidates opting for regional languages receive bilingual question papers (the chosen regional language and English)

Once the medium of examination is selected during application, it cannot be changed later.

Syllabus Overview

The AISSEE syllabus is comprehensive and based on the topics typically covered up to Class V for Class VI admission and up to Class VIII for Class IX admission.

• Mathematics: Includes number system, arithmetic operations, factors and multiples, fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, and data handling
• Language/English: Covers reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills
• Intelligence: Focuses on analytical reasoning, pattern recognition, coding-decoding, and logical problems
• General Knowledge: Includes current affairs, history, geography, science, and general awareness
• General Science (Class IX): Covers physics, chemistry, and biology concepts from classes VI-VIII
• Social Science (Class IX): Includes history, geography, civics, and economics from classes VI-VIII

Parent Tip: Previous years' question papers are available on the NTA website. These are invaluable resources for understanding the exact pattern and difficulty level of questions.

Application Process

The application process for AISSEE is completely online through the NTA portal. Parents need to follow a specific procedure to ensure successful registration for the examination.

Online Application Procedure

The application process involves several steps that must be completed carefully to avoid rejection.

• Visit the official NTA AISSEE website during the application period
• Register by creating a user ID and password
• Fill in the online application form with accurate personal and academic details
• Select preferred Sainik Schools (up to 10 choices in order of preference)
• Choose four exam centers in order of preference
• Select the medium of examination (important for Class VI applicants)
• Upload scanned documents in the specified format and size
• Pay the application fee online using available payment methods
• Submit the application and take a printout of the confirmation page

Parent Tip: Don't wait until the last day to submit the application. Server issues or payment gateway problems could cause delays. Complete the process at least a week before the deadline to address any potential issues.

Required Documents

Several documents need to be scanned and uploaded during the application process:

• Recent passport-sized photograph of the candidate (with white background)
• Candidate's signature
• Parent's/Guardian's signature
• Birth certificate or proof of date of birth
• Category certificate (for SC/ST/OBC/Defence category applicants)
• Domicile certificate (if applicable)

All documents should be scanned in the specified format (usually JPEG/JPG) and should not exceed the maximum file size mentioned in the instructions.

Application Fees

The application fee varies based on the category and gender of the candidate.

The fee can be paid online through various payment methods including credit card, debit card, net banking, and UPI.

Note: Application fees once paid are non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances.

Exam Centers

AISSEE is conducted at various centers across the country. The allocation of centers depends on the preferences indicated by the candidates and the availability of seats.

Selection of Exam Centers

During the application process, candidates need to select four preferred cities for the examination center.

• Select cities in order of preference (1st to 4th choice)
• The selection should be made carefully considering travel convenience
• Availability of centers for regional language papers may be limited
• Center once allotted cannot be changed under normal circumstances

Parent Tip: Choose exam centers that are easily accessible, especially if your child is appearing in a regional language, as not all centers may offer all language options.

Guidelines for Center Allocation

The NTA follows certain guidelines while allocating examination centers:

• Centers are allotted based on the preferences indicated by candidates
• If the number of candidates opting for a particular city is less than the minimum threshold, no center may be allocated in that city
• For regional language papers, candidates may be allotted centers in cities where such arrangements are available
• The final decision on center allocation rests with the NTA, and no requests for change of center are entertained after allocation

Note: The examination schedule remains unchanged even if the exam date falls on a public holiday.

Selection Process

The selection process for admission to Sainik Schools involves multiple stages starting from qualifying in the entrance examination to final admission through e-counselling.

Passing Criteria

To be eligible for admission, candidates need to meet certain minimum qualifying marks:

• For Existing Sainik Schools:
  • General/OBC/Defence categories: Minimum 25% marks in each subject and 40% aggregate
  • SC/ST categories: No minimum marks prescribed; selection based on inter-se merit within the category
• For Approved New Sainik Schools:
  • All categories including SC/ST: Minimum 25% marks in each subject and 40% aggregate

Parent Tip: Even if your child belongs to SC/ST category applying for regular Sainik Schools, aim for the general category qualifying marks to improve chances in the merit list.

Merit List Preparation

The merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the entrance examination, subject to meeting the qualifying criteria.

• Separate merit lists are prepared for different schools, classes, and categories
• If an SC/ST/OBC candidate qualifies in the general merit list, they are considered against general seats
• Scoring passing marks or being on the waiting list does not guarantee admission
• Final admission depends on school-wise, class-wise, and category-wise vacancies

The validity of the AISSEE result is only for the current academic year and cannot be carried forward to the next session.

Tie-Breaking Rules

In case two or more candidates score the same total marks, the inter-se merit is determined based on subject-wise marks in a specific order of priority:

Example: If two students score the same total marks for Class VI, the one with higher marks in Mathematics will be ranked higher. If they have the same marks in Mathematics, the comparison moves to Intelligence scores, and so on.

Medical Fitness Requirements

Medical fitness is an essential criterion for admission to Sainik Schools. After qualifying in the entrance examination, candidates need to undergo a medical examination at designated medical centers.

• The medical examination assesses physical and mental fitness as per prescribed standards
• Medical tests include vision, hearing, physical parameters, and overall health assessment
• Candidates with specified medical conditions may be declared unfit for admission
• The medical standards are similar to those required for entry into the National Defence Academy
• The decision of the medical board is final regarding fitness for admission

Parent Tip: Ensure your child has a balanced diet and regular physical activity well before the medical examination. Address any existing health issues through proper medical consultation before the exam.

E-Counselling Process

The admission process in Sainik Schools is conducted through an online e-counselling system. This system allows candidates to choose their preferred schools based on their rank in the merit list.

• E-counselling portal opens after the declaration of results
• Qualified candidates need to register on the All India Sainik Schools Admission Counselling (AISSAC) portal
• Candidates can select multiple schools in order of preference
• Seat allocation is done based on merit rank, category, and availability of seats
• Multiple rounds of counselling may be conducted to fill vacant seats
• Once a school is allotted and not accepted by the candidate, they will not be considered for that school in future counselling sessions

Parent Tip: Research all available Sainik Schools thoroughly before the counselling process. Consider factors like location, infrastructure, academic record, and extracurricular activities before finalizing your preferences.

Important Guidelines for Candidates

Following the exam guidelines is crucial to avoid disqualification or other issues during the examination process. Here are some important guidelines that candidates should follow.

Guidelines Before the Exam

Proper preparation before the examination day helps ensure a smooth experience.

• Download and print the admit card well in advance
• Check all details on the admit card for accuracy
• Visit the examination center a day before the exam if possible
• Prepare all required items like pens, pencils, erasers, and sharpeners
• Carry a physical copy of the admit card and a valid ID proof
• Reach the examination center at least one hour before the scheduled time

Parent Tip: Help your child practice filling OMR sheets before the exam, as this is a crucial skill that can save time and prevent errors during the actual test.

Rules During the Exam

Strict discipline is maintained during the examination to ensure fair conduct.

• Follow all instructions given by the invigilators
• Do not carry electronic devices, calculators, or any unauthorized materials
• Do not engage in any form of malpractice or unfair means
• Fill the OMR sheet carefully as per instructions
• Do not damage the exam booklet or OMR sheet
• Do not leave the examination hall before the permitted time

Note: There is no negative marking in AISSEE, so attempt all questions even if you're not completely sure of the answer.

Unfair Means and Consequences

The use of unfair means during the examination can lead to serious consequences.

• Candidates found using unfair means may be debarred for up to three years
• Legal action may be initiated against candidates involved in severe malpractices
• Impersonation, carrying prohibited items, or disrupting the exam environment are considered serious offenses
• Manipulation of online documents or uploading wrong photographs can lead to disqualification
• The result of candidates using unfair means will be cancelled and not declared

Parent Tip: Educate your child about the importance of honesty and integrity during examinations. Explain the severe consequences of using unfair means which can affect their future educational prospects.

Tips for AISSEE Preparation

Effective preparation is key to success in AISSEE. Here are some strategies and resources that can help candidates prepare better for the examination.

Study Resources

Having the right study materials enhances preparation quality and efficiency.

• NCERT textbooks for the corresponding classes (Class I-V for Class VI exam; Class VI-VIII for Class IX exam)
• Previous years' question papers available on the NTA website
• Subject-specific workbooks and practice papers
• Online learning platforms with AISSEE-specific content
• Mental ability and logical reasoning books for the Intelligence section
• Current affairs magazines and yearbooks for General Knowledge

Parent Tip: Invest in good quality reference books but don't overwhelm your child with too many resources. Focus on thorough understanding rather than covering excessive material.

Practice Tips

Regular practice improves speed, accuracy, and confidence.

• Solve at least one practice paper every week under timed conditions
• Focus more on weaker subjects while maintaining strength in others
• Practice OMR sheet filling to avoid mistakes during the exam
• Review mistakes and understand the correct approach
• Form study groups with peers preparing for the same exam
• Take regular mock tests to assess progress

Parent Tip: Create a quiet, distraction-free study environment at home. Ensure your child takes short breaks between study sessions to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Time Management Strategies

Effective time management during preparation and in the exam is crucial for success.

• Create a study timetable allocating more time to high-weightage subjects
• Divide the syllabus into smaller, manageable parts
• Set realistic daily and weekly goals
• During the exam, allocate time proportionally to each section based on marks and complexity
• Start with the sections you are most comfortable with to build confidence
• Leave 10-15 minutes at the end for reviewing answers

Example Strategy: In the Class VI exam, allocate approximately 75 minutes for Mathematics (50 questions, 150 marks), 25 minutes each for Language, Intelligence, and General Knowledge sections (25 questions each, 50 marks each). This distribution ensures that you spend time proportional to the weightage of each section.

Final Note: AISSEE is a competitive examination that tests not just academic knowledge but also mental ability and general awareness. A balanced preparation approach covering all subjects, combined with regular practice and good time management, can significantly improve chances of success. Parents should provide emotional support and ensure proper physical and mental well-being of their children during the preparation phase. Remember that the goal is not just to clear the examination but to prepare your child for the disciplined and comprehensive education system of Sainik Schools.