Last updated: 24 October 2026. After the AISSEE exam, parents usually ask the same questions: when is the result, how do I check the answer key, what are the qualifying marks, and what cut-off is needed for a seat? This guide explains the full post-exam process for Sainik School Class 6 and Class 9 admission, based on recent AISSEE cycles conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
NTA publishes the exact dates and fees for each year on its official page, exams.nta.nic.in/sainik-school-society. For the AISSEE 2026 exam held on 18 January 2026, NTA released the OMR sheets and provisional answer keys, final answer keys, results and qualified lists, followed by the All India Sainik Schools Admission Counselling (AISSAC). Expect the same sequence for AISSEE 2027.
AISSEE Post-Exam Timeline at a Glance
Step | What happens | Usual timing |
|---|---|---|
1. OMR sheet and provisional answer key | Scanned OMR sheets, machine-read responses and provisional keys are shown on the NTA website | A few weeks after the exam |
2. Challenge window | Candidates can challenge answer keys and OMR grading online for a fee | A short window of a few days |
3. Final answer key | Keys revised by subject experts after challenges | Before the result |
4. Result and score card | Marks available in each candidate's login; qualified and not-qualified lists published | Recent cycles: around February |
5. Counselling (AISSAC) | Online registration, choice filling and seat allotment, then medical and document verification at the school | After the result |
AISSEE Answer Key and OMR Sheet
How to check your OMR sheet and responses
After the exam, NTA displays the scanned image of each candidate's OMR answer sheet and the responses recorded by the machine on its website. Log in with the application number and date of birth to view and download them. Compare the bubbles you filled with the recorded responses. This is the only way to catch a scanning error.
How to calculate your expected marks
Use the provisional answer key to count correct answers subject by subject. In recent cycles there has been no negative marking. For Class 6, the paper has 125 questions for 300 marks: Mathematics carries 3 marks per question, while Intelligence, Language and General Knowledge carry 2 marks each. Our AISSEE question paper explanation shows how to check answers.
How to challenge the answer key or OMR grading
Answer key challenge: if you believe an answer in the provisional key is wrong, you can challenge it online during the window. In recent cycles the fee was ₹200 per question, non-refundable.
OMR grading challenge: if the machine recorded a response differently from what you marked, you can submit a representation. In recent cycles the fee was ₹100 per question.
NTA's subject experts review the challenges. If a challenge is accepted, the key or data is corrected for everyone. Individual candidates are not told whether their challenge was accepted; the final answer key is the decision.
How marks are awarded when a question has a problem
If more than one option is found correct, marks go to everyone who marked any of the correct options.
If all options are found correct, everyone who attempted the question gets full marks.
If a question is dropped, the bulletin explains how marks are given. Read that section carefully.
There is no re-checking or re-evaluation after the result. The challenge window is the only chance to raise an issue, so do not miss it.
AISSEE Result
When is the AISSEE result declared?
In recent cycles, NTA declared AISSEE results around February, a few weeks after the January exam. The exact date is announced on the NTA website. There is no need to call the helpline or the school to ask for the date.
How to check the AISSEE result
Visit the official NTA AISSEE page and open the result or score card link.
Log in with the application number and date of birth.
Download the score card and keep a printout. You will need it for counselling.
NTA also publishes qualified and not-qualified lists for Class 6 and Class 9, and sends updates by email or SMS to the registered contact details. Keep the phone number and email from the application active.
Is the result valid for next year?
No. An AISSEE result is valid only for admission in that academic year. It cannot be carried forward. A candidate who does not get a seat must apply again in the next cycle, if still within the age limit.
NTA keeps AISSEE records for a limited time after the result (90 days in recent bulletins), so download everything you need early.
AISSEE Qualifying Marks
Passing AISSEE and getting a seat are two different things. First the candidate must qualify; then seats are given in merit order through counselling.
School type | Qualifying rule in recent bulletins |
|---|---|
Existing Sainik Schools | At least 25% marks in each subject and 40% in aggregate. Recent bulletins have relaxed this for SC/ST candidates; check the current bulletin. |
Approved New Sainik Schools (NSS) | At least 25% in each subject and 40% in aggregate for all candidates, including SC/ST |
Qualifying only makes the child eligible. Admission also depends on rank in the merit list, choices filled in counselling, medical fitness and document verification.
AISSEE Cut-off Marks
There is no single AISSEE cut-off. The closing marks are different for every school, and within a school they differ by:
Home state vs other state quota
Category: SC, ST, OBC (NCL), defence and general
Boys vs girls
Class 6 vs Class 9
Number of seats that year
Because of this, a score that gets a seat in one school may not be enough in another. Popular schools and the general category of the home-state quota usually close at higher marks. Look at the school-wise data that NTA and the schools publish after counselling, and read our guide on home state and outside state quota to understand which list your child competes in.
For parents in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the home-state quota at Sainik School Korukonda and Sainik School Kalikiri is where most local candidates compete, so aim well above the qualifying mark rather than for the minimum.
AISSEE Merit List and Tie-Breaking
Types of merit lists
Existing Sainik Schools: school-wise and category-wise merit lists, separately for boys and girls, and for Class 6 and Class 9.
Approved New Sainik Schools: an All India merit list for the 40% open seats, and school-wise merit lists for the 60% seats reserved for the school's own students.
What happens if two candidates have the same marks?
Ties are broken by comparing marks subject by subject in a fixed order. Recent bulletins used this order:
Class 6 | Class 9 |
|---|---|
1. Mathematics | 1. Mathematics |
Mathematics comes first in both classes, which is why maths practice decides many close ranks. See our AISSEE preparation guide.
After the Result: Counselling
Qualified candidates must register for the online All India Sainik Schools Admission Counselling, fill school choices, and accept the allotted seat in time. Choosing schools carelessly can mean losing a seat even with good marks. After allotment, the child goes through a medical examination and document verification at the school. Our complete AISSEE guide explains counselling and seat distribution.
For disputes, recent bulletins state that legal cases about AISSEE fall under Delhi jurisdiction and must be raised within 30 days of the result.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks are needed to pass AISSEE?
In recent bulletins, 25% in each subject and 40% in total. Passing does not guarantee a seat; admission depends on merit, school choices and quota.
What is a safe score for a Sainik School seat?
There is no fixed safe score, because cut-offs vary by school, category, quota and gender each year. Aim well above the qualifying mark, especially for home-state general seats in popular schools.
Is there negative marking in AISSEE?
Recent AISSEE papers have had no negative marking, so attempt every question. Confirm this in the AISSEE 2027 bulletin.
Can I get my AISSEE answer sheet re-evaluated?
No. The only option is to challenge the provisional answer key or OMR grading during the official window.
Will NTA tell me if my answer key challenge was accepted?
No. NTA does not reply individually. Check the final answer key: if your challenge was accepted, the key will reflect it.
Can I use this year's AISSEE result next year?
No. The result is valid only for that year's admission.
