1. What is AISSEE?
The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) is a national-level entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It serves as the gateway for admission into Class 6 and Class 9 in 33 existing Sainik Schools and 19 new Sainik Schools across India.
Established under the aegis of the Sainik Schools Society (Ministry of Defence), these residential schools aim to prepare students academically, physically, and mentally for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA).
The exam is highly competitive. Every year, lakhs of students appear for a limited number of seats. It tests a candidate’s potential in Mathematics, General Knowledge, Language, and Intelligence. Clearing AISSEE is not just about academic brilliance; it requires discipline, time management, and strategic preparation.
2. Full Exam Pattern Breakdown
Understanding the exam pattern is half the battle won. The AISSEE is an OMR-based written examination consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
For Class 6 Admission
The total marks for Class 6 are 300. The exam duration is 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes).
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A: Mathematics | 50 | 3 | 150 |
| Section B: Intelligence | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Section C: Language | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Section D: General Knowledge | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Total | 125 | - | 300 |
For Class 9 Admission
The total marks for Class 9 are 400. The exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours).
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 | 4 | 200 |
| Intelligence | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| English | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| General Science | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Social Science | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Total | 150 | - | 400 |
3. Detailed Syllabus Structure
The syllabus for AISSEE is generally based on the CBSE curriculum of the preceding class (Class 5 syllabus for Class 6 entry, and Class 8 syllabus for Class 9 entry).
Mathematics (The Game Changer)
Maths holds 50% weightage in the exam. Mastering this section is crucial.
- Number System: Natural numbers, LCM & HCF, Fractions, Decimals.
- Arithmetic: Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple Interest, Ratio & Proportion, Unitary Method.
- Geometry & Mensuration: Lines and Angles, Triangles, Circle, Area and Perimeter of Plane Figures, Volume of Cubes and Cuboids.
- Data Handling: Bar graphs, Pictographs.
Intelligence (Reasoning)
This section tests logical thinking and visual reasoning.
- Analogies (Verbal & Non-Verbal)
- Pattern Completion
- Coding-Decoding
- Mathematical Operations
- Direction Sense
English Language
Focuses on grammar and comprehension.
- Comprehension Passage
- Prepositions, Articles, Adjectives
- Tenses & Forms of Verbs
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Jumbled Words/Sentences
4. How to Score 150/150 in Mathematics
Scoring full marks in Maths is possible and is often the differentiator between selection and rejection. Here is a strategy:
- Concept Clarity: Do not rote learn logic. Understand 'why' a formula works. For example, understand that Profit = SP - CP is just common sense, not just a text to memorize.
- Speed Calculation: Learn tables up to 20, squares up to 30, and cubes up to 15. Practice Vedic Maths tricks for faster multiplication.
- Practice Routine: Solve 20 Maths problems daily. Gradually increase the difficulty level.
- Work on Weak Areas: If you struggle with 'Time & Work', spend a whole week solving just those problems until you master them.
- Avoid Silly Mistakes: Read the question twice. Check if units are different (e.g., meters vs centimeters).
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many bright students fail not because of lack of knowledge, but because of poor exam strategy.
- Getting Stuck on Hard Questions: If a question takes more than 2 minutes, skip it and come back later. Don’t let one question ruin your time management.
- Ignoring OMR Practice: Many students solve correctly but mark the wrong bubble in the OMR sheet. Practice filling actual OMR sheets at home.
- Neglecting GK: Students often ignore GK thinking it's easy. However, GK syllabus is vast. Read a newspaper or a yearbook tailored for kids regularly.
- Last Minute Panic: Ensure you reach the center early and have all documents. Panic reduces IQ temporarily.
6. Sample Questions (Mini Mock)
Test your preparation with these sample questions.
A) 5 hrs B) 6 hrs C) 10 hrs D) 60 hrs
A) Happy B) Pessimist C) Sad D) Angry
A) Oxygen B) Carbon Dioxide C) Nitrogen D) Hydrogen
A) 9 B) 11 C) 3 D) 7
7. Success Tips from Toppers
We interviewed Top Rankers from AISSEE 2024. Here is what they had to say:
"I solved the last 10 years' question papers 3 times. It helped me understand the exact pattern of questions." - Aarav, AIR 4
"Consistency is key. I studied for 4 hours every day without fail, even on Sundays. My mentors at Zenchers helped me clear my doubts instantly." - Sneha, AIR 12
8. Important Dates (Tentative for 2026-27)
| Notification Release | Sep/Oct 2026 |
| Application Window | Oct - Nov 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Dec 2026 / Jan 2027 |
| Exam Date | January 2027 (Usually first or second Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | Feb 2027 |
*Check the official NTA website (aissee.nta.nic.in) for confirmed dates.