Sainik School Path to Defence Forces

The Ministry of Education, has recently opened applications for Sainik Schools from 27th September, 2021 and many students wish to know more about the process of joining Sainik Schools and if it really helps while joining the defence forces.

WHAT ARE SAINIK SCHOOLS?

Sainik Schools are English medium residential schools affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education(CBSE) that operate under the Ministry of Defence. At present there are a total of 33 Sainik Schools across the country. Sainik Schools offer admission at the level of Class VI and Class IX.

WHY SAINIK SCHOOLS?

Sainik Schools prepare the students to develop Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) in students so that they are well-equipped when they are planning to join the National Defence Academy (NDA),  (Pune), Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala and other Training Academies to become officers. These schools focus on not only academics but only on the overall development of students. Activities like sports, trekking, mountaineering, swimming etc. are part of life at Sainik Schools. Discipline is the most important aspect of these schools. You can consider that your cadet life actually starts from class 6th itself. The trainers/ teachers would train you to face the difficulties in life. Ultimately, after graduating from the school, you would surely be well prepared to appear in the Defence Services Entrance Exams with more confidence. 

The selection board of NDA also realises the importance of Sainik Schools as many of them had graduated from the same schools or have colleagues who are from such schools.

SAINIK SCHOOLS NOW OPEN FOR GIRLS (FOR CLASS 6TH ADMISSIONS)

WHAT IS THE ADMISSION PROCESS?

Admission is based on the performance of candidates in the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE).

The AISSEE tests the students based on different parameters like:

·      English Language

·      Mathematics

·      Science

·      Social Science

·      Intelligence (Reasoning)

After the written test, the shortlisted candidates are called for a medical fitness test and then the final list of selected candidates is declared.

WHAT IS THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA?

·       A candidate should be between 10 and 12 years as on 31 March 2022 for admission to Class VI. Admission for Girls is open for Class VI. Age criteria is same as boys. Students should have completed Class 5 from a recognized school.

·       A candidate should be between 13 and 15 years as on 31 March 2022, for admission to Class IX. Admission to class IX is not open for girls. He/ she should have passed Class VIII exam from a recognized school at the time of admission. 

A candidate is eligible for admission to the Sainik Schools, if he/ she secures a minimum of 25% marks in each subject of the exam and 40% marks in aggregate of all the subjects of AISSEE. However, admission will be based on relative merit (in AISSEE) of candidate in his/ her category in the school opted by him/ her, medical fitness and verification of requisite documents. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

·      67% of the seats are reserved for candidates domiciled in the State/ UT where the Sainik School is located. 

·      33% of the seats are reserved for candidates from Other States and Union Territories(UT). 

·      The candidate shall be allowed to select only one Sainik School. 

·      Girls are now eligible appear for Sainik Schools Entrance Exam, but only for class 6th category.

IMPORTANT DATES:

·      Online Submission of Application Forms: 27.09.2021 to 26.10.2021( Upto 05.00 PM) 

·      Date of Examination: 9th January, 2022

PREPARATION STRATEGY:

As the number of seats is limited, there is stiff competition for Sainik School admissions. Thus, it requires immense training to clear the Entrance Exam. Students should ideally start their preparation one year prior to the Examination. Crash Courses etc. can help them to understand the type of questions and how to solve them using different techniques. A determined mind, hard work and perseverance, can surely help one succeed in clearing the Entrance Examination.