Sainik Schools

Residential schools run under the Ministry of Defence, preparing students for the armed forces and now admitting girls as well as boys.

Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence · India

Open now, no closing date announced

Admission is through the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination, held for Class 6 and Class 9 entry. Notifications generally appear in the last quarter of the calendar year.

Why this one matters

A structured residential education at subsidised cost, with an established route toward the National Defence Academy. Fee concessions are available on a means basis, so the sticker price is not always what a family pays.

What it covers

tuition, boarding. Levels funded: higher secondary.

Who can apply

You must be a citizen of India

Where applications fail

Most rejected applications are not ineligible students. They are eligible students who missed a step.

Fees are subsidised but not free, and vary by state and category. Ask about the state government fee concession, which many families never apply for.
There is a medical examination after the written test, and candidates clear the paper and then fail the medical every year. Check the medical standards before investing in coaching.
Class 6 and Class 9 are separate entries with different age bands. A child too old for one may still be eligible for the other.

If this one is not for you

Being ruled out of a scheme is not the same as having no options. Here is what is still open.

Too old or too young? Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas admit at Class 6, 9 and 11 on a different age basis.
Want the defence route without the school? The NDA examination after Class 12 is open regardless of which school you attended.
Cost still out of reach? JNV is free from Class 6 to 8, and Eklavya schools are free for eligible tribal students.

Record status: needs_verification. Last checked: not yet. Deadlines and amounts appear only once confirmed. Source: https://sainikschool.ncog.gov.in/

Check whether you qualify