AISSEE 2027: Sainik School forms open till December 2, exam January 31

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened applications for the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination 2027 (AISSEE 2027), the test for admission to Class 6 and Class 9 in Sainik Schools for the 2027-28 session. The online form opened on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, and closes on Wednesday, 2 December 2026. The exam will be held on Sunday, 31 January 2027. Applications are made on NTA's AISSEE portal.

Sainik Schools are residential schools run under the Sainik Schools Society of the Ministry of Defence. They prepare students for careers in the armed forces, including entry to the National Defence Academy, alongside the regular school curriculum. Admission is competitive, and AISSEE is the single entrance test for all of them, so for families aiming at a Sainik School, this window is the one chance in the year.

The scheme of new Sainik Schools has widened the choice. Besides the 33 original Sainik Schools, a number of private and state-run schools have been approved to run as new Sainik Schools in partnership with the Society, and they also admit students through AISSEE. Parents should check which schools near them take students in Class 6, Class 9 or both before they fill the form.

The timing also matters for students. The exam falls at the end of January, in the middle of the school year, so Class 5 and Class 8 students who apply will be preparing alongside their regular school exams. The form must be filled carefully: a mistake in details such as the class applied for, category or the school choices can affect allotment later.

What students should do next: read the information bulletin on NTA's AISSEE page, check the age rules and seat details for the class you want, keep a photograph, signature and category certificate ready, and submit the form and fee before 2 December 2026. Use only the official NTA portal to apply.

Peepals calculation: The application window runs for 30 days, from 3 November to 2 December 2026, and the exam comes 60 days after the window closes. The fee for SC and ST candidates is Rs 150 lower than for others (850 − 700 = 150), about 18% less (150 ÷ 850 ≈ 0.18). Our calculation from the reported figures.

Short-term: Parents of children now in Class 5 and Class 8 who want a Sainik School seat have until 2 December 2026 to apply. Coaching and preparation for the January exam begin in earnest.

Long-term: Students admitted in 2027-28 will study in a residential, defence-oriented setting that many families see as a path towards the armed forces. The growth of new Sainik Schools means more students in more districts can try for these seats.

Who is affected: Students in Class 5 and Class 8 and their parents, Sainik Schools and new Sainik Schools across India, and teachers and coaching centres preparing students for the entrance test.

What to watch next: NTA's release of the admit cards ahead of the 31 January 2027 exam, and any change to the application dates announced on its portal.

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