Sainik Schools Entrance Examination 2026

All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination 2026: Age Limit as on 23/10/2025

Sainik School Type

Class 6^th

Class 9^th

Sainik Schools

10-12 Years
Should be born between 01.04.2014 and 31.03.2016 (Both days inclusive)

13-15 Years
Should be born between 01.04.2014 and 31.03.2016 (Both days inclusive)

Approved New Sainik Schools 40% route

Approved New Sainik Schools 60% route

• Crucial Date for Age Eligibility: 31/03/2026
• Crucial Date for Educational Qualification: 31/03/2026 (or Must pass 5^th or 8^th class at the time of admission in Sainik School)
• Age Relaxation Applicable Not Applicable based on Category

All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination 2026: Vacancy Details of 13932 Seats

Class

School Type

Vacancy

Total

6th

Sainik School

3,110

12,527

New Approved Schools

9,417

9th

Sainik School

534

1,405

New Approved Schools

871

Tentative Vacancy Grand Total

13,932

All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Post Name

No of Posts

Educational Qualification

6^th

Sainik School

• A candidate for Class VI must be between 10 and 12 years old as of March 31, 2026, meaning they were born between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2016 (inclusive).
• The same age criteria apply to girls, who can also apply for Class VI admission, but candidates should check the seat availability in Appendix ‘VI-A’.

New Approved Schools

For the 40% route (Category ‘A’)

• Age criteria: The candidate must be between 10 and 12 years old as of March 31, 2026. This includes those born between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2016.
• Girls’ admission: Girls are eligible for admission to Class VI. However, candidates must check the specific seat availability on the concerned school’s website.

For the 60% route (Category ‘B’)

• Age criteria: Same as the 40% route. The candidate must be between 10 and 12 years old as of March 31, 2026, with a birth date between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2016.
• Education: The candidate must already be studying in the approved New Sainik School they are applying to and must have passed or be appearing for their Class V exam as of March 31, 2026.
• Girls’ admission: Girls are eligible under this category as well, and candidates should confirm seat availability on the school’s website.

9^th

Sainik School

• Age: Candidates must be between 13 and 15 years old as of March 31, 2026. This means the applicant’s date of birth must fall between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2013, inclusive.
• For Girls: Admission for girls is possible but depends on the availability of vacancies. The age criteria are the same as for boys.
• Education: All applicants must have passed the Class VIII examination from a recognized school by the time of admission.

New Approved Schools

The admission process has two separate routes:

40% Route (Category ‘A’):

• Open to boys and girls.
• Limited to vacant seats that were not filled at the Class VI level.
• Candidates must be between 13 and 15 years old as of March 31, 2026. This means they must have been born between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2013 (inclusive).
• Applicants must have passed the Class VIII exam from a recognized school.
• Candidates should check the specific school’s website for seat availability.

60% Route (Category ‘B’):

• Open to boys and girls.
• Limited to students already enrolled in that particular approved New Sainik School.
• Candidates must be between 13 and 15 years old as of March 31, 2026, with a birth date between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2013 (inclusive).
• Applicants must be studying in the specific school they are applying to and must have passed or be appearing for their Class VIII exam as of March 31, 2026.
• Candidates must check the specific school’s website for seat availability.