The National Testing Agency (NTA) has unveiled the exam schedule for the All-India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE)-2024 for class 6 and 9. Admissions are now available for 33 Sainik Schools throughout the country. Interested and eligible candidates seeking admission can complete their application forms by December 16, 2023.

The examination is scheduled to take place on January 21, 2024. The exam pattern will consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) conducted in pen-paper mode. The examination fee for general category candidates, wards of defense personnel and ex-servicemen, and OBC candidates is ₹650. For students belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, the exam fee is ₹500. The last date for fee payment through debit/credit card, internet banking, or UPI is December 16, 2023.

For admission to class 6 at Sainik schools, students should fall within the age group of 10-12 years as of March 31, 2023. Admission for girls is available for class 6, subject to the availability of vacancies, with the same age criteria as for boys. To seek admission in class 9, candidates should be between the ages of 13-15 as of March 31, 2024, and should have passed class 8 from a recognized school. Admission for girls is also open for class 9, subject to vacancy availability, with the same age criteria as for boys.

Sainik schools are English-medium residential institutions affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). They prepare cadets for entry into the National Defence Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and other officer training academies. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved 19 new Sainik Schools, which operate in partnership with NGOs, private schools, and state governments. These new Sainik Schools function under the Sainik Schools Society. Admission to the Sainik School stream of class 6 in the new Sainik Schools for the academic year 2024-25 will also be through AISSEE-2024.