AISSEE Application Form: Complete Guide
The Sainik School Online Application Form is the first step for parents who wish to enroll their children in prestigious Sainik Schools across India. These military schools offer quality education with a focus on preparing students for careers in the armed forces. The application process for the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Exam (AISSEE) is conducted completely online through the National Testing Agency (NTA). This comprehensive guide will help parents understand and navigate the application process efficiently.
| Activity | General Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Online Application Submission | Mid-December to mid-January |
| Last Date for Fee Transaction | One day after application deadline |
| Application Form Correction Window | 3-4 days after application deadline |
| Admit Card Download | Approximately 1-2 weeks before exam |
| Examination Date | Usually in January-February |
| Result Declaration | Within 4-6 weeks after examination |
| Duration for Class VI Exam | 150 minutes (2.5 hours) |
| Duration for Class IX Exam | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
Key Takeaways
- Applications for AISSEE can only be submitted online through the official NTA website.
- A single application form works for both traditional and new Sainik Schools.
- Submitting multiple application forms leads to automatic disqualification.
- Registration is incomplete without successful fee payment.
- Document specifications must be strictly followed for successful application.
- Parents must ensure the email and mobile number provided belong to them as all communication happens through these channels.
- Age eligibility and category-specific details must be verified before applying.
- Application correction facility is available only for a short period after the application deadline.
Fee Details and Eligibility Criteria
Before starting the application process, parents should check the fee structure and eligibility criteria to ensure their child qualifies for admission to Sainik Schools.
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General/OBC(NCL)/Wards of Defence Personnel and Ex-servicemen | ₹ 800/- (Rs. Eight Hundred Only) |
| Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes | ₹ 650/- (Rs. Six Hundred Fifty Only) |
Note that the application fee is non-refundable, and processing charges or GST may be applicable as per the payment gateway used. The fee remains the same whether applying for traditional Sainik Schools, new Sainik Schools, or both.
Age Eligibility Criteria
Age eligibility is a crucial factor for admission to Sainik Schools. Parents must ensure their child falls within the specified age range:
- For Class 6 admission: Children should be between 10-12 years of age as on March 31 of the admission year
- For Class 9 admission: Children should be between 13-15 years of age as on March 31 of the admission year
The eligibility is calculated based on the birth date of the child. Parents should verify the birth certificate and ensure it matches with school records before applying.
Steps for Online Registration
The online application process for Sainik School admission consists of three main steps: Registration, Application Form Filling, and Fee Payment. These steps can be completed together or separately as per the convenience of the applicant.
Registration Phase
This is the first step where the applicant creates their credential for the application process:
- Visit the official AISSEE website operated by NTA
- Click on the registration link for new users
- Provide basic information including candidate's name, parents' names, and date of birth as per records
- Enter a valid mobile number and email address (preferably of parents) for OTP verification
- Create a password following the security guidelines
- Choose a security question and answer for password recovery if needed
- After successful registration, note down the system-generated Application Number
This Application Number is crucial and will be used for all future correspondence including fee payment and admit card download. Keep it safely along with the password created.
Application Form Filling
After registration, the next step is to fill in the complete application form with necessary details:
- Log in using the Application Number and password created during registration
- Fill in personal details, category information, and current educational status
- Select the preferred Sainik School(s) for admission
- Choose four examination cities as per preference (these can be from any state regardless of the school choice)
- Review all information carefully before proceeding to the document upload section
Remember that some fields like mobile number and email address cannot be changed after submission, so double-check all information for accuracy.
Document Upload Process
The application requires uploading several documents and images as per specifications:
- Recent passport-sized photograph of the candidate
- Candidate's signature
- Candidate's left-hand thumb impression
- Birth certificate issued by the competent authority
- Domicile certificate
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Service certificate for Defence category (if applicable)
- Certificate from Principal (for candidates currently studying in approved New Sainik Schools)
Each document must meet the specified format and size requirements to be successfully uploaded. Incorrect uploads may lead to application rejection.
Documents Required for Application
Having all necessary documents ready before starting the application process can save time and prevent last-minute complications. Here's a comprehensive list of documents needed:
Identification Documents
These documents verify the identity and personal details of the candidate:
- Birth certificate issued by Municipal Committee/Board/Corporation or Registrar of Births and Deaths
- School ID card, PAN Card, Aadhaar Number (last 4 digits), Passport, or any government-issued photo identity card
The date of birth on the certificate must match with school records to avoid discrepancies during the admission process.
Educational Certificates
These documents verify the current educational status of the candidate:
- Certificate from current school with class information
- For students of New Sainik Schools: Special certificate from the Principal (in the format provided in the information bulletin)
Domicile and Category Certificates
These certificates are required for state quota and category-based reservations:
- Domicile certificate issued by the concerned authority of State Government/Union Territory
- Caste certificate for SC/ST candidates from the appropriate authority
- OBC-NCL certificate as per the central list (State list OBC candidates who are not in the Central List must choose "General" category)
- For Defence category: Service certificate for serving personnel or PPO for ex-servicemen
If the candidate's domicile certificate is not available, parents' domicile certificate can be uploaded temporarily, but the candidate's certificate must be furnished during admission.
Uploading Specifications for Documents and Images
The NTA has strict specifications for document uploads to ensure clarity and authenticity. Following these specifications is essential for a successful application.
Photo Specifications
The candidate's photograph must meet these requirements:
- Recent passport size photograph taken after July 1 of the application year
- File format: JPG/JPEG only
- File size: 10 KB to 200 KB
- Resolution: The photograph should clearly show the face (80% face coverage)
- Background: White
- Features: Ears should be clearly visible
- No caps or goggles allowed (spectacles are permitted if regularly used)
Poor quality, computer-generated, or polaroid photos are not acceptable and may lead to application rejection. Parents are advised to keep 6-8 extra copies of the same photograph for future use.
Signature Specifications
The candidate's signature should meet these requirements:
- Signature in running hand (not capital letters)
- On white paper with black ink pen
- File format: JPG/JPEG only
- File size: 4 KB to 30 KB
The signature should be clear and legible. Using someone else's signature can lead to cancellation of candidature and may be treated as unfair means practice.
Thumb Impression Requirements
The left-hand thumb impression should follow these specifications:
- Clear impression of the left-hand thumb on white paper with blue ink
- File format: JPG/JPEG only
- File size: 10 KB to 50 KB
In case the left-hand thumb is unavailable due to any reason, the right-hand thumb impression may be used.
Certificate Image Guidelines
All certificates (birth, domicile, caste, service, etc.) should follow these guidelines:
- File format: PDF only
- File size: 50 KB to 300 KB
- Resolution: Must be clearly legible
Blurred or unclear certificate images may lead to rejection of the application. Parents must ensure all text is readable after scanning.
Fee Payment Process
The final step in the application process is fee payment, which confirms the submission of the application.
Payment Methods
The application fee can only be paid online through the following methods:
- Net Banking
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- UPI
Cash, check, or any offline payment methods are not accepted for AISSEE application.
Transaction Guidelines
To ensure successful payment, follow these guidelines:
- Keep your bank account/card details ready before initiating payment
- Ensure sufficient balance in the account/card
- Do not refresh the page or close the browser during transaction
- After payment, wait for the confirmation page to generate
- Download and print the confirmation page for future reference
The generation of a confirmation page is proof of successful application submission. If no confirmation page appears, the application is considered incomplete.
Handling Payment Failures
In case of payment failures or issues, follow these steps:
- If the status shows "Not OK" after payment, the transaction might have been cancelled
- In such cases, make another payment attempt
- For duplicate payments, refunds are automatically processed to the source account
- Contact the bank/payment gateway helpline for transaction-related issues
Keep all payment receipts and transaction references until the admission process is complete.
Application Form Submission Guidelines
Once all the steps are completed, review your application before final submission.
- Verify all personal details including name, date of birth, category, and domicile
- Confirm the selection of school(s) and examination cities
- Check all uploaded documents for clarity and correctness
- Ensure the fee payment status shows as "OK"
After final submission, take a printout of the confirmation page for your records. This page contains your application number and other important details that will be required for future reference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Parents often make certain mistakes during the application process that can lead to rejection or complications. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Uploading blurred or unclear photographs/documents
- Using someone else's photograph or signature
- Providing incorrect personal details like date of birth
- Selecting wrong category or domicile state
- Submitting multiple application forms
- Missing the fee payment deadline
- Using temporary email addresses or mobile numbers that might change
Double-checking all information before submission can help avoid these common pitfalls. Remember that once submitted, major changes to the application are not permitted except during the brief correction window.
Post-Application Process
After successful submission of the application form, there are several stages in the admission process:
Confirmation Page
The confirmation page is generated immediately after successful payment and serves as proof of application. It contains:
- Application number (crucial for all future correspondence)
- Personal details of the candidate
- Selected schools and exam centers
- Payment details
Keep this confirmation page safe until the entire admission process is complete.
Admit Card Download
Admit cards are usually made available for download a few weeks before the examination date. To download:
- Visit the official AISSEE website
- Log in using your application number and password
- Download and print the admit card in color
Check all details on the admit card carefully, especially the examination center, date, and time. Any discrepancies should be reported immediately to the NTA helpdesk.
Examination Schedule
The examination details are printed on the admit card, including:
- Examination center address
- Reporting time (usually 1 hour before exam start)
- Exam duration and timings
- Items allowed and prohibited inside the examination hall
No changes in examination center, date, or time are entertained under any circumstances, so plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the AISSEE application process:
General Application Questions
Q: Can I submit multiple applications for my child?
A: No, only one application should be submitted per candidate. Multiple applications will lead to disqualification.
Q: Is there an offline mode of application available?
A: No, applications can only be submitted online through the official NTA website.
Q: Can I apply for both traditional Sainik Schools and New Sainik Schools in the same form?
A: Yes, the application form is common for both traditional and New Sainik Schools. You can select your preferences accordingly.
Document Related Questions
Q: What if I don't have my child's domicile certificate?
A: You can temporarily upload the parent's domicile certificate, but the candidate's certificate must be furnished during admission.
Q: Can I use a black and white photograph?
A: Yes, both color and good quality black and white photographs are acceptable, provided they meet all other specifications.
Q: What if my child is left-handed and cannot provide a left-thumb impression?
A: In such cases, you can provide the right-hand thumb impression instead.
Fee and Payment Questions
Q: Is the application fee refundable in case my child cannot appear for the exam?
A: No, the application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Q: What happens if my payment is deducted but the confirmation page is not generated?
A: In such cases, the payment might have failed at the gateway level. You need to make another payment, and any duplicate payment will be automatically refunded.
Q: Can I pay the fee in cash at any bank or center?
A: No, payment can only be made online through the specified payment methods.
Post-Application Questions
Q: Can I change my examination center after submission of the application?
A: No, examination center changes are not permitted after the application is submitted.
Q: How will I know if my application is successfully submitted?
A: A confirmation page is generated after successful payment, which serves as proof of successful submission.
Q: When will I receive the admit card?
A: Admit cards are typically made available 1-2 weeks before the examination date. You need to download it from the official website using your login credentials.
For any other queries or assistance related to the application process, candidates can contact the NTA helpdesk numbers provided in the information bulletin or write to the designated email address for AISSEE.
