Last updated: 24 October 2026. Sainik Schools and Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) are both CBSE schools backed by the Government of India, but they serve very different purposes. A Sainik School is a residential school that prepares children for the NDA and officer careers; a Kendriya Vidyalaya is a day school mainly for children of transferable central government employees. Here is a clear comparison for parents.
Sainik School vs Kendriya Vidyalaya at a Glance
Sainik School | Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) | |
|---|---|---|
Run by | Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence | Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Ministry of Education |
Purpose | Prepare cadets for the NDA, naval academy and officer careers | Uniform education for children of transferable central government employees (and others where seats allow) |
Type | Fully residential (boarding) | Day school |
Admission | Entrance exam: AISSEE for Class 6 and Class 9 | No entrance exam for most classes; priority categories and lottery for Class 1, vacancy-based later |
Board | CBSE, English medium | CBSE, English and Hindi |
Fees | Higher, because boarding and food are included (for example about ₹2.06 lakh a year at Sainik School Korukonda for 2026-27 new admissions), reduced by scholarships | Low, nominal school fees |
Girls | Admitted in Class 6 at all Sainik Schools; Class 9 at specific schools | Co-educational |
Number of schools | 33 existing Sainik Schools, plus Approved New Sainik Schools | More than 1,200 KVs across India and abroad |
Life at school | Military-style routine, physical training, NCC, horse riding, leadership | Regular school day; sports and activities |
Transfers | No transfer between schools | Easy transfer between KVs when parents are posted |
Which Is Right for Your Child?
Choose a Sainik School if
Your child wants to become an officer in the Army, Navy or Air Force.
You want a disciplined residential environment that builds independence and fitness.
Your child can prepare for and clear the AISSEE entrance exam.
Choose a Kendriya Vidyalaya if
You are a central government employee with transferable postings.
You prefer your child to live at home and attend a day school.
You want low-cost CBSE schooling without an entrance exam.
Some families keep a child in a KV and prepare for AISSEE Class 9 in Class 8; others try for Class 6 directly. Both work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sainik School better than Kendriya Vidyalaya?
For a child aiming at the NDA and an armed-forces career, a Sainik School usually offers better preparation. For low-cost day schooling, especially for transferable central government families, a KV is more practical.
Do Kendriya Vidyalayas have an entrance exam?
Not for most classes. Admission is by priority category, lottery for Class 1 and available vacancies in later classes. Sainik Schools require AISSEE.
Are both CBSE schools?
Yes. Existing Sainik Schools and Kendriya Vidyalayas are both affiliated to CBSE.
Can a KV student join a Sainik School?
Yes. A KV student can write AISSEE for Class 6 or Class 9 if within the age limit.
