📢 AISSEE 2027 notification is out (3 November 2026). Apply at exams.nta.nic.in/sainik-school-society by 2 December 2026 (late window 3–6 December with ₹500 extra). Exam: Sunday, 31 January 2027. Fee ₹850 (₹700 for SC/ST). Class VI: born 1 April 2015 – 31 March 2017. Class IX: born 1 April 2012 – 31 March 2014. Free help with the form and a free mock test: WhatsApp 94924 44498.
Last updated: 24 October 2026. Short answer: the existing Sainik Schools follow the CBSE board and teach in English. The newer "Approved New Sainik Schools" keep their own board, which may be CBSE or a state board. Here is what that means for your child.
Board and Medium in Sainik Schools
School type | Board | Medium | Examples in AP/Telangana |
|---|---|---|---|
Existing Sainik Schools (33 across India) | CBSE | English | Sainik School Korukonda, Sainik School Kalikiri |
Approved New Sainik Schools | The school's existing board (CBSE or state board) | Varies by school | Check each school's website and the AISSEE bulletin |
What This Means for Your Child
NCERT books: classes follow the CBSE/NCERT syllabus, the same base used for NDA, JEE and NEET preparation.
English medium: a Telugu-medium child can still join. The Class 6 entrance paper can be written in Telugu, but in school all subjects are taught in English, so start building English reading now.
Board exams: cadets write the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board exams.
Beyond academics: physical training, sports, NCC, horse riding and leadership activities are part of daily life, preparing cadets for the NDA and SSB.
Switching From State Board to Sainik School
Children from AP or Telangana state-board schools join Sainik Schools every year. The entrance exam for Class 6 tests Class 5-level maths, reasoning, language and general knowledge, not a specific board's textbook. For Class 9, the Science and Social Science questions follow NCERT Classes 6 to 8, so state-board students should revise NCERT books for those subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sainik School CBSE or ICSE?
Existing Sainik Schools are CBSE schools, not ICSE.
Is Sainik School a state government school?
No. Existing Sainik Schools are run by the Sainik Schools Society under the Ministry of Defence, in partnership with state governments. They follow CBSE, not the state board.
Can a Telugu-medium student join a Sainik School?
Yes. The Class 6 entrance exam can be written in Telugu. After admission, teaching is in English, so the child will need extra English support in the first year.
Do New Sainik Schools follow CBSE?
Not always. They keep their existing affiliation, which can be CBSE or a state board.
