Last updated: 7 November 2026. Is your child eligible for Sainik School admission? This guide explains the AISSEE eligibility rules for Class 6 and Class 9: age limit with exact birth-date ranges for 2027, class requirements, rules for girls, New Sainik School categories, number of attempts and other conditions.
The rules below are from the official AISSEE-2027 Information Bulletin released by NTA on 3 November 2026. Applications are open from 3 November to 2 December 2026, and the exam is on Sunday, 31 January 2027. Confirm everything in the official bulletin at exams.nta.nic.in/sainik-school-society.
AISSEE 2027 Eligibility at a Glance
Rule | Class 6 | Class 9 |
|---|---|---|
Age on 31 March 2027 | 10 to 12 years | 13 to 15 years |
Date of birth (official) | 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2017 | 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2014 |
Class requirement | Studying in Class 5 when applying | Passed Class 8 from a recognised school at the time of admission |
Who can apply | Boys and girls, all Sainik Schools | Boys; girls only where the bulletin lists Class 9 seats for girls |
Schools covered | Existing Sainik Schools and Approved New Sainik Schools | Existing Sainik Schools and certain New Sainik Schools with vacancies |
Both dates in each range are included. The 2027 ranges follow the rule used every year (age counted on 31 March of the admission year). For AISSEE 2026, for example, Class 6 candidates had to be born between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2016.
Age Limit Explained
Age is counted on 31 March of the year of admission. A child who is younger than 10 or older than 12 on 31 March 2027 cannot apply for Class 6 in AISSEE 2027. The date of birth must match the birth certificate and school records, because it is checked during admission.
Quick check: if your child was born in 2015 (from April) or 2016, or in January–March 2017, they fall within the official Class 6 range for AISSEE 2027.
Class and School Requirement
Class 6: the child should be studying in Class 5 in a recognised school at the time of applying.
Class 9: the child must have passed Class 8 from a recognised school by the time of admission.
Any board is fine (state board, CBSE, ICSE), and Telugu-medium students can apply. Class 6 candidates can even choose Telugu as the medium of the question paper; see exam pattern and syllabus.
Girls: What Is Allowed
Class 6: girls can apply to all Sainik Schools, with the same age rules as boys and a separate quota of seats. See reservation and seats.
Class 9: admission for girls has been limited. In the AISSEE 2026 cycle, Class 9 seats for girls were available only in specific New Sainik Schools, against vacancies. Check the seat appendix of the AISSEE 2027 bulletin before applying for a girl in Class 9.
Approved New Sainik Schools: Two Routes
Route | Share of seats | Who is eligible |
|---|---|---|
Category A (open) | 40% | Any eligible candidate, through the All India AISSEE merit list |
Category B (own students) | 60% | Students already studying in that New Sainik School (in Class 5 for Class 6 admission) who qualify AISSEE |
Age rules are the same as for existing Sainik Schools. Each New Sainik School decides its own policy for girls, so check the school's website.
Other Eligibility Points
Nationality: only Indian citizens can apply.
Civilian children are welcome: you do not need a defence background. Most cadets are from civilian families; children of defence personnel simply have a reserved quota.
Number of attempts: there is no fixed limit. A child can write AISSEE again next year as long as they are still within the age limit for that class.
Qualifying marks: to be considered for admission, candidates must meet the qualifying marks (in recent bulletins, 25% in each subject and 40% overall, with relaxation for SC/ST in existing Sainik Schools). See qualifying marks and cut-offs.
Medical fitness: admission is confirmed only after the child passes a medical examination at the school.
Documents: eligibility claims (age, domicile, category, defence service) are verified from certificates during admission.
For Parents in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Children domiciled in Andhra Pradesh or Telangana are treated as home-state candidates for Sainik School Korukonda and Sainik School Kalikiri, as per recent bulletins. Get the domicile and caste certificates from MeeSeva well in advance; see how to apply for AISSEE 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for Sainik School Class 6 in 2027?
10 to 12 years on 31 March 2027, which means born between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2017 (as per the official AISSEE-2027 bulletin).
What is the maximum age for Sainik School?
12 years on 31 March of the admission year for Class 6, and 15 years for Class 9.
Can a child in Class 4 apply for Sainik School?
No. For Class 6 admission, the child must be studying in Class 5 when applying.
Can my daughter join Sainik School?
Yes, in Class 6 at all Sainik Schools. Class 9 seats for girls have been limited to specific schools; check the bulletin.
How many times can my child write AISSEE?
There is no attempt limit. Your child can write again in later years while within the age limit.
Can non-defence (civilian) children join Sainik School?
Yes. Sainik Schools admit children from all backgrounds through AISSEE merit.
