1. What is different about approved New Sainik Schools?
The AISSEE-2027 bulletin covers admission to Classes VI and IX in the 33 existing Sainik Schools. It separately lists approved New Sainik Schools operating under the Sainik School pattern: Class VI admission is listed for 80 New Sainik Schools, while Class IX admission is listed for 40 New Sainik Schools that have progressed to Class IX in the 2027–28 academic year.
These approved New Sainik Schools work with partner organisations, private schools or State Governments. Their education-board affiliation, fees and language of instruction may differ from school to school. The NTA bulletin says the New Sainik School list is tentative and may change, so parents should verify the current Appendix I-B list and the vacancy appendices before making a choice.
2. Understand the two admission routes
The 40% and 60% figures describe the two channels for filling seats in the Sainik School stream of approved New Sainik Schools. They are not a promise that a candidate will receive a seat simply by selecting a route.
All India Merit List route
At least 40% of the seats under the Sainik School stream in an approved New Sainik School are to be filled using the All India Merit List of AISSEE-2027.
- Open to candidates who meet the applicable eligibility rules.
- The candidate must appear in and qualify AISSEE-2027.
- Qualified candidates must apply for e-counselling.
- For Class IX, Category A is available only in New Sainik Schools that have completed Class VIII in the Sainik School vertical, and only for leftover vacancies not filled from the initial Category A allocation and subsequent withdrawals.
Same-school student route
Up to 60% of seats may be filled by students already enrolled in that approved New Sainik School, using the school-wise merit list prepared from AISSEE-2027 results.
- The student must already study in the same New Sainik School where admission is sought.
- The student must appear in and qualify AISSEE-2027.
- Class VI: passed or appearing in Class V as on 31 March 2027.
- Class IX: passed or appearing in Class VIII as on 31 March 2027.
If a school cannot fill its Category B seats with eligible students already enrolled there, the bulletin allows the unfilled vacancies to be filled from Category A candidates. The actual seat position must still be checked in the current school-wise vacancy information.
Quick comparison for parents
| Question | Category A · 40% route | Category B · up to 60% route |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it? | Any candidate meeting the applicable eligibility rules | Only a student already enrolled in the same approved New Sainik School |
| Merit list | All India Merit List | School-wise Merit List |
| Must the student take AISSEE? | Yes | Yes |
| Can a student from another school use Category B? | Not applicable | No |
| What decides final admission? | Merit, counselling, vacancies and applicable checks | School-wise merit, vacancies and applicable checks |
3. Check age and class eligibility before choosing a route
The age bands below are for the 2027–28 admission year and are stated in the AISSEE-2027 bulletin. Check the child's date of birth against the exact inclusive dates, not just the age shown on a school record.
| Entry class | Age on 31 March 2027 | Permitted date-of-birth range | Schooling condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class VI | 10–12 years | 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2017 | For Category B, the child must be studying in the same approved New Sainik School and have passed/appear in Class V as on 31 March 2027. |
| Class IX | 13–15 years | 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2014 | For Category A in an existing or approved New Sainik School, Class VIII must be passed by the time of admission. Category B in a New Sainik School also requires current enrolment in that same school and passed/appearing in Class VIII as on 31 March 2027. |
Girls' admission: the bulletin permits girls to apply to existing Sainik Schools in Class VI and, subject to vacancies, Class IX. For approved New Sainik Schools, parents should check the admission policy and seat availability published by the individual school before applying.
For New Sainik School Category A and B routes, the bulletin says domicile, category and reservation requirements are to be as prescribed by the respective school management and shown in the notified vacancies. Do not assume the same rules apply to every school.
4. AISSEE 2027 dates parents should note
On examination day, Class VI is scheduled from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM (150 minutes). Class IX is scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (180 minutes). The examination is paper-and-pencil, OMR-based and uses multiple-choice questions.
5. Exam pattern and syllabus overview
The official 2027 bulletin gives the following structure. Mathematics carries half of the total marks in both entry classes, but students should prepare every section listed for their class.
| Class VI section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Language | 25 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 50 | 150 |
| Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| General Knowledge | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 125 | 300 |
| Class IX section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 | 200 |
| Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| English | 25 | 50 |
| General Science | 25 | 50 |
| Social Science | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 150 | 400 |
- Class VI syllabus: Mathematics includes number operations, fractions, decimals, ratio, percentage, profit and loss, average, simple interest, measurement, geometry, area, perimeter, volume, speed and time. Intelligence includes analogies, patterns, classification, visual and logical reasoning, sequences, problem-solving and family relations. Language and General Knowledge topics are detailed in Appendix II.
- Class IX syllabus: Appendix III lists Mathematics, Intelligence, English, General Science and Social Science topics. Mathematics includes rational numbers, equations, geometry, algebra, commercial arithmetic, mensuration, data handling and statistics. Use the complete appendix rather than relying on a short online summary.
There is no negative marking for a wrong response. Class VI candidates can choose from 13 listed mediums, including Telugu; Class IX is conducted in English only. The selected Class VI medium should be checked carefully during application because the bulletin says it cannot be changed after the option is exercised.
6. How should parents choose the route and school?
Find it in Appendix I-B of the 2027 bulletin. Do not rely only on a school using the words “Sainik School” in its name or on an old directory.
If not, Category B is not available. Review Category A eligibility and the relevant school-wise vacancies instead.
The bulletin lists 40 New Sainik Schools for Class IX. Category A availability is limited to the applicable remaining vacancies; confirm the school's current notice.
Check gender eligibility, domicile/category rules, language of instruction, board affiliation, fees, residential/day-school arrangements and any school-specific conditions.
For New Sainik Schools, consult the relevant Class VI or Class IX vacancy appendix and complete e-counselling as instructed after the result.
7. A practical preparation checklist for students and parents
Make a tick-list of topics for the child's entry class. Keep the Class VI and Class IX lists separate.
Practise concepts and word problems daily. Review calculation errors instead of memorising shortcuts without understanding.
Use timed reasoning sets and regular language practice. Class VI students should revise GK; Class IX students should rotate English, General Science and Social Science.
Attempt OMR-style mock papers, follow the class-specific time limit and review whether question numbers match the marked responses.
- Keep an error notebook with the question, the reason for the mistake and the correct method.
- Because the bulletin states there is no negative marking, teach students to manage time and attempt every question they can; do not sacrifice accuracy by rushing the OMR sheet.
- Parents should keep the date-of-birth proof, domicile and applicable category documents ready, and follow the file specifications in the current bulletin.
- Never pay an agent who promises a guaranteed seat or a special merit position. Apply and check notices through the official NTA portal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 40% and 60% routes in an approved New Sainik School?
The 40% Category A route uses the All India Merit List of AISSEE-2027 and is open to eligible applicants. The up-to-60% Category B route is for eligible students already enrolled in the same approved New Sainik School where they seek the Sainik School vertical, with a school-wise merit list.
Can a student from an ordinary school apply through the 60% route?
No. The 60% Category B route is limited to students already studying in the same approved New Sainik School where they are seeking admission. An otherwise eligible student not enrolled there should review the Category A route and the school's published vacancies.
How many approved New Sainik Schools are listed for AISSEE 2027?
The AISSEE-2027 bulletin lists admission at Class VI for 80 approved New Sainik Schools and Class IX for 40 approved New Sainik Schools that have progressed to Class IX for the 2027-28 academic year. The list is tentative and may change.
What is the age eligibility for AISSEE 2027 Class VI?
For the 2027-28 admission year, the candidate should be 10 to 12 years old as on 31 March 2027, with date of birth from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2017, both dates inclusive.
When is AISSEE 2027 and how long is the examination?
The examination is scheduled for Sunday, 31 January 2027. Class VI is 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM (150 minutes), and Class IX is 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (180 minutes).
Does qualifying AISSEE guarantee a seat in a New Sainik School?
No. Admission is subject to the applicable merit list and counselling, school-wise vacancies, the school's eligibility and admission rules, medical fitness where required, and verification of original documents.
Need help planning AISSEE preparation in Nizamabad?
Talk to TASVIA Academy about Class VI or Class IX preparation, subject practice and a realistic study routine. TASVIA is an independent coaching centre, not an NTA application or admission agent. Official applications and notices are available only through NTA.
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