Complete List of Sainik Schools in India (State-Wise Directory)

Sainik Schools are premier residential institutions established under the Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Their primary purpose is to prepare students academically and physically for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other defence services.

For parents and students across India, finding the right Sainik School — one that's close to home, fits the budget, and offers a strong defence-focused environment — is an important first step. This page serves as a complete state-wise directory of all Sainik Schools in India, covering school names, locations, establishment years, and girls admission status.

Admission to all Sainik Schools is through a single national entrance exam called the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE), conducted by NTA. For detailed information on the admission process, visit our comprehensive Sainik School guide.

How Many Sainik Schools Are There in India?

As of 2024–25, there are over 100 Sainik Schools across India — a combination of long-established traditional schools and a large batch of new Sainik Schools approved under the government's 2021 expansion initiative.

• Traditional Sainik Schools: 33 schools established from 1961 onwards, directly under the Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence.
• New Sainik Schools (Phase 1 & 2): Over 100 additional schools approved since 2021, including schools run by state governments, private trusts, and NGOs in partnership with the Ministry of Defence.

All these schools follow a common admission process through AISSEE, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The official exam portal is exams.nta.nic.in/sainik-school-society/.

Sainik Schools typically admit students at the Class 6 level, with some schools also offering Class 9 lateral entry. Most are fully residential (hostel compulsory), with a structured military-style daily routine that builds discipline alongside academics.

State-Wise List of Sainik Schools in India

Below is a structured, state-wise directory of the major Sainik Schools in India. This covers the traditional schools under Sainik Schools Society. New Sainik Schools continue to be added state-by-state; check the official portal for the most current additions.

Punjab

Punjab has one of the most well-known Sainik Schools in the country. Students from across North India aspire to get a seat here due to its strong NDA record and disciplined campus culture. Our coaching centre in Amritsar specifically prepares students for Sainik School Kapurthala admission.

Best Known For: One of India's oldest Sainik Schools with an exceptional NDA selection record and strong discipline culture.

Himachal Pradesh

Best Known For: Scenic Himalayan campus, strong sports culture, and consistent NDA entries from the hill region of North India.

Uttarakhand

Best Known For: Nestled in the Kumaon hills, this school has produced a remarkable number of NDA-selected officers and is known for its tough academic and physical training.

Haryana

Uttar Pradesh

Best Known For (Sainik School Jhansi): One of the notable new-generation Sainik Schools in the Bundelkhand region, gaining recognition for student discipline and early NDA pathway focus.

Rajasthan

Madhya Pradesh

Best Known For: One of the most respected Sainik Schools in Central India, known for high NDA conversion rates and a strong academic tradition.

Maharashtra

Best Known For: Considered one of the finest Sainik Schools in Western India, Sainik School Satara has produced a large number of defence officers and has an outstanding sports programme.

Bihar

West Bengal

Best Known For: One of the oldest and most decorated Sainik Schools in eastern India, known for its fierce sports rivalry and strong NDA selection numbers.

Odisha

Karnataka

Tamil Nadu

Kerala

Assam

Jammu & Kashmir

Gujarat

Chhattisgarh

Note: The list of new Sainik Schools is updated periodically. Always verify the latest additions with the official Sainik Schools Society website or the NTA AISSEE portal.

Best Sainik Schools in India

While every Sainik School follows the same broad curriculum, certain schools stand out for their NDA selection history, campus infrastructure, and all-round student development. Below is a quick comparison of the most well-regarded ones.

• Sainik School Kapurthala – India's first Sainik School (1961), consistently producing NDA officers across generations. One of the most sought-after schools for families in North India.
• Sainik School Rewa – Known for strong academics and a calm, focused environment. Popular choice for students from UP, MP, and Chhattisgarh.
• Sainik School Satara – Often cited as one of the top three Sainik Schools nationally, with a large and proud alumni base in the armed forces.
• Sainik School Ghorakhal – The altitude and rigour of this school build exceptional physical and mental toughness in cadets.
• Sainik School Purulia – Highly competitive in national sports meets; a preferred destination for parents in eastern India.

Sainik Schools for Girls in India

Sainik Schools were traditionally boys-only institutions. However, following a landmark policy shift, girls were officially admitted to all Sainik Schools starting from the academic year 2021–22 at the Class 6 level.

This is a significant development for families with daughters who aspire to defence careers. Today, girls can appear for AISSEE, secure admission in any Sainik School, and build their pathway toward NDA (which opened for women in 2022), the Indian Military Academy, or Officer Training Academy.

Key points regarding girls' admission:

• Girls are admitted through the same AISSEE exam as boys.
• Separate hostel facilities are available at most schools.
• The same academic curriculum and physical training schedule applies.
• Seats for girls are limited; competition is high.

For complete details on eligibility, seat availability, and application steps for girl students, visit our dedicated page on Sainik School admission for girls.

How to Choose the Right Sainik School

With over 100 Sainik Schools now spread across the country, choosing the right one requires thought. Here are the key factors to evaluate:

1. Location & State Domicile: Most Sainik Schools allocate a significant number of seats to students from their home state. Applying to a school in your own state generally improves your chances.
2. Distance from Home: Since hostel is compulsory, parents should consider travel time and accessibility for visits and emergencies.
3. Academic Environment: Research each school's CBSE board result trends and NDA selection numbers from alumni.
4. Sports & Extra-curricular Facilities: Sainik Schools are evaluated partly by inter-school sports meets. Schools with strong sports infrastructure add significant value to a cadet's profile.
5. Fee Structure: Fees vary across schools and categories. Understand the total cost including tuition, hostel, and uniform before applying. See our Sainik School fee structure guide for a detailed breakdown.
6. NDA Preparation Environment: Look for schools with a track record of NDA selections. A strong peer group and experienced faculty make a real difference over six years.
7. New vs Traditional School: Traditional schools have established infrastructure and alumni networks. New Sainik Schools are developing rapidly but may still be building their facilities and academic culture.

AISSEE Admission Overview

All Sainik Schools admit students through the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE), a centrally conducted exam managed by NTA on behalf of the Sainik Schools Society.

• Classes: Admission at Class 6 (primary) and Class 9 (lateral entry)
• Eligibility: Age between 10–12 years for Class 6; 13–15 years for Class 9
• Exam Pattern: Objective type; covers Mathematics, Language, General Knowledge, and Intelligence
• Medical Test: Shortlisted students appear before a medical board
• e-Counselling: Final seat allotment is done through centralised counselling

This section is intentionally brief. For everything you need to know about preparing for and clearing AISSEE, visit:

• Complete Sainik School Guide
• AISSEE Eligibility Criteria
• AISSEE Syllabus
• Free AISSEE Mock Tests
• Medical Standards for Sainik Schools

Frequently Asked Questions About Sainik Schools in India

1. How many Sainik Schools are there in India?

As of 2024–25, there are over 100 Sainik Schools in India — 33 traditional schools under the Sainik Schools Society and a growing number of new Sainik Schools approved since 2021 under the government's expansion drive.

2. Which is the best Sainik School in India?

Schools like Sainik School Kapurthala, Sainik School Rewa, Sainik School Satara, and Sainik School Ghorakhal are widely considered among the best based on NDA selection rates, infrastructure, and academic quality. The "best" school also depends on your home state, budget, and long-term goals.

3. Which Sainik Schools allow girls admission?

All Sainik Schools in India now admit girls from Class 6 onwards, following a policy change effective from the 2021–22 academic year. Girls apply through the same AISSEE process as boys.

4. What is AISSEE?

AISSEE stands for All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination. It is the single national entrance test conducted by NTA for admission to all Sainik Schools across India.

5. Are Sainik Schools good for NDA preparation?

Yes — Sainik Schools are specifically designed to prepare students for the NDA and other defence academies. The academic curriculum, physical training, and overall school culture align closely with NDA requirements. Many top NDA officers are Sainik School alumni.

6. What are the fees of Sainik Schools?

Fees vary by school and student category (general, SC/ST, defence). Traditional Sainik Schools typically charge between ₹60,000 to ₹1,20,000 per year. Visit our fee structure page for detailed school-wise information.

7. Is hostel compulsory in Sainik Schools?

Yes. Sainik Schools are fully residential institutions. Hostel accommodation is compulsory for all admitted students as part of the structured regimental lifestyle that these schools follow.

8. Which state has the most Sainik Schools?

Under the new Sainik Schools scheme, multiple schools have been sanctioned across most Indian states. States like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra have seen the highest number of new school approvals. Check the official portal for the latest state-wise count.

9. Are Sainik Schools under the Ministry of Defence?

Yes. All traditional Sainik Schools are administered by the Sainik Schools Society, which operates under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. New Sainik Schools operate under a partnership model with state governments, NGOs, or private trusts.

10. Is coaching required for AISSEE?

The AISSEE is a competitive exam with lakhs of applicants and limited seats. While self-study is possible, structured coaching significantly improves a student's preparation quality and exam readiness — especially for Class 6 students who may not be familiar with the exam format. Learn more about our Sainik School coaching programme.

11. What documents are required for Sainik School admission?

Documents typically include birth certificate, domicile/residency proof, caste certificate (if applicable), school transfer certificate, and medical fitness certificate. See our full documents checklist for Sainik School admission.

12. How many seats are available in each Sainik School?

Total intake varies by school and class. Most traditional Sainik Schools admit around 80–100 students in Class 6. A large share of seats is reserved for home-state students. Visit our Sainik School seats and vacancies page for detailed numbers.

13. What is the age limit for Class 6 admission?

For Class 6 AISSEE admission, students must be between 10 and 12 years of age as of 31st March of the relevant academic year. Check our AISSEE eligibility page for the complete criteria.

14. What are new Sainik Schools?

New Sainik Schools are institutions approved under the government's New Sainik School Scheme (2021), which aims to dramatically expand the number of Sainik Schools across India by partnering with state governments, NGOs, and private bodies. These schools follow the Sainik Schools curriculum but may be co-educational or purely day-scholar institutions depending on their setup.

15. Can I also prepare for RMS and RIMC from a Sainik School coaching programme?

Yes. The preparation foundation for AISSEE, RIMC, and RMS overlaps significantly. Many coaching programmes cover all three exams together. Explore our dedicated RIMC coaching and RMS coaching pages for more information.

Conclusion

Choosing a Sainik School is one of the most important decisions a family can make for a child with a defence career in mind. With over 100 schools now available across nearly every state in India, the opportunity has never been greater — but so has the competition.

Take the time to research schools that match your child's home state, your family's budget, and your long-term goals. Understand the AISSEE process thoroughly, prepare early, and invest in proper coaching if needed. The six years a child spends in a Sainik School will shape not just their career, but their entire character.

For everything from AISSEE preparation to choosing the right school and understanding admission norms, the team at Young Star Defence Academy is here to help. Start your research today — the sooner you begin, the better prepared your child will be.

Explore more resources:

• Complete Sainik School Guide
• Sainik School Coaching in Amritsar
• Free AISSEE Mock Tests
• Sainik School for Girls