Sainik Schools and Approved New Sainik Schools: Key Differences

Choosing the right Sainik Schools in India is an important decision for parents whose children aspire to receive a disciplined education and prepare for a future in the Armed Forces. With the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) opening admissions to both existing Sainik Schools and Approved New Sainik Schools, parents often wonder whether these two institutions offer the same education, facilities and opportunities.

Scroll down to learn the difference between Sainik Schools in India and Approved New Sainik Schools, their admission processes, the 40% and 60% admission routes, and the important factors parents should consider before applying.

What Are Sainik Schools in India?

Sainik Schools in India are English-medium residential schools established to prepare students academically, physically and mentally for a disciplined educational environment and future leadership opportunities, particularly in the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Naval Academy and other officer-training institutions.

These schools are managed by the Sainik Schools Society (SSS), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

The existing Sainik Schools in India follow the CBSE curriculum and provide a structured residential education system that combines classroom learning with physical training, sports, extracurricular activities and character development.

At present, there are 33 existing Sainik Schools in India. Admission to these schools is offered through the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE), conducted by the National Testing Agency.

What Are Approved New Sainik Schools?

Approved New Sainik Schools are educational institutions established through a partnership between the Ministry of Defence and private schools, NGOs, trusts, state governments and other eligible organisations.

Under this initiative, existing government and private school infrastructure is utilised to expand access to Sainik School-pattern education across India.

Unlike traditional Sainik Schools in India, Approved New Sainik Schools are not necessarily established as independent CBSE residential institutions. They continue to function under their respective educational boards while operating under the aegis of the Sainik Schools Society.

These Sainik schools in India follow the prescribed rules and regulations of the Sainik Schools Society and provide an additional Academic PLUS curriculum designed around the Sainik School pattern, alongside their regular board curriculum.

The educational board, language of instruction, fee structure and residential facilities may differ from one approved New Sainik School to another.

For the AISSEE 2027–28 academic session, the official notification includes:

• Class 6 admission in 80 Approved New Sainik Schools in India.
• Class 9 admission in 40 Approved New Sainik Schools in India that have progressed to Class 9.

Admission to these schools is also conducted through AISSEE and the prescribed e-counselling process.

Sainik Schools in India vs Approved New Sainik Schools: Key Differences

Although both Sainik Schools in India and Approved New Sainik Schools follow the Sainik School education framework, their institutional structure and facilities are different.

Here is a comparison to help parents understand the differences.

Note that the details of approved New Sainik Schools in India are not uniform. Parents should check the individual school's official website for its board affiliation, medium of instruction, hostel facilities, fees, gender-wise vacancies and admission policy.

Difference Between Sainik Schools in India and Approved New Sainik Schools

Difference Between Sainik Schools in India and Approved New Sainik Schools are specified below in detail.

1. Difference in Administration and Management

One of the major differences between the Sainik Schools in India and Approved New Sainik Schools is their management structure.

Existing Sainik Schools in India:

The 33 existing Sainik Schools in India are run by the Sainik Schools Society under the Ministry of Defence. They operate within the established Sainik Schools administrative framework.

Approved New Sainik Schools:

These Approved New Sainik Schools are established through partnerships with eligible government and private educational institutions, NGOs, trusts and other organisations.

Although they function under the aegis of the Sainik Schools Society and follow its prescribed rules, their day-to-day institutional management may remain with their respective partner organisations.

Therefore, an Approved New Sainik School is not simply another traditional Sainik School. It is a recognised institution participating in the New Sainik Schools initiative.

2. Difference in Educational Board and Curriculum

Parents should pay particular attention to this difference when comparing schools.

Existing Sainik Schools:

• Affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
• Follow the CBSE curriculum.
• Provide English-medium education.
• Combine academic education with the established Sainik School training environment.

Approved New Sainik Schools:

• May be affiliated with CBSE or another recognised education board.
• Continue their regular affiliated board curriculum.
• Additionally provide the prescribed Academic PLUS curriculum.
• The medium of instruction may vary between institutions.

The Academic PLUS curriculum is an additional educational component designed to introduce students to the Sainik School pattern of education alongside their regular academic studies.

Parents should check the school's board affiliation and understand how the Academic PLUS curriculum is implemented before selecting it.

3. Difference in Residential Facilities

Residential arrangements of Sainik Schools in India are another important factor to consider.

Existing Sainik Schools in India:

Existing Sainik Schools follow a residential education system. Students generally stay on campus and participate in structured academic, physical and extracurricular activities.

Approved New Sainik Schools:

Residential facilities vary from one approved New Sainik School to another. Parents should not assume that all approved schools provide the same hostel arrangements as traditional Sainik Schools.

Before applying, check:

• Whether the school offers residential or day-school facilities.
• Whether separate hostel facilities are available for boys and girls.
• Whether meals and daily supervision are provided.
• What sports and physical training facilities are available.
• Whether the school follows a structured daily routine.

These details can help parents determine whether the institution suits their child's needs and family circumstances.

4. Difference in Fee Structure

The fee structure of Sainik Schools in India is not uniform across the two categories. Existing Sainik Schools have their respective fee schedules, whereas Approved New Sainik Schools may charge different fees depending on their management, educational board, infrastructure and facilities.

For approved New Sainik Schools, the fee structure can vary significantly from one institution to another.

Parents should check the following before making a decision:

• Admission fee
• Annual tuition fee
• Hostel and boarding charges
• Mess charges
• Uniform and study material expenses
• Other additional fees

It is important to remember that the AISSEE application fee is separate from the admission and annual fees charged by individual schools.

5. Difference in Admission Process

Both existing Sainik Schools in India and Approved New Sainik Schools use AISSEE for entrance-based admission.

However, their AISSEE admission arrangements and merit-list structures are different.

Existing Sainik Schools:

• Eligible students apply for AISSEE.
• Candidates appear for the entrance examination.
• Merit lists are prepared school-wise, gender-wise and category-wise, including Home State and Outside State classifications.
• Admission is conducted through e-counselling.
• Medical fitness and original document verification are required.

Approved New Sainik Schools:

Sainik School Admission takes place through AISSEE 2027 under two different routes:

1. 40% All-India merit route.
2. Up to 60% existing-school student route.

The candidate's eligibility for these routes depends on whether they are already studying in the concerned approved New Sainik School.

List of Existing Sainik Schools in India 

Kerala has one existing Sainik School: Sainik School Kazhakootam, Thiruvananthapuram.

List of Approved New Sainik Schools in India

The following table lists all 80 Approved New Sainik Schools mentioned in Appendix I-B of the official AISSEE 2027 Information Bulletin (pages 40–44). School names and state details are retained from the bulletin.

Can Students Apply for Both Sainik Schools in India and Approved New Sainik Schools?

Yes. Candidates can apply for admission to existing Sainik Schools in India, approved New Sainik Schools or both, subject to the available application options and admission-route eligibility.

NTA provides a common AISSEE application form 2027 for both categories. Students do not need to submit separate AISSEE application forms for existing and approved New Sainik Schools at the same admission level.

However, parents should carefully select the applicable admission combinations and school preferences while filling out the form.

Candidates opting for the 60% route must already be studying in the respective approved New Sainik School. After the results are declared, qualified candidates must participate in the prescribed e-counselling process.

Read More at:

• What is Sainik School? Benefits and Why It’s Best for Kids
• AISSEE Sainik School Class 6 Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2027
• Sainik School Class 9 Syllabus 2027 - Exam Pattern, Weightage & Topics
• Navodaya vs Sainik School: Which is Better for Your Child in 2027? 
• AISSEE 2027 Notification: Expected Exam Date, Application and Eligibility for Classes 6 & 9
• How to Apply for AISSEE 2027 Online: Step-by-Step Application Guide and Documents Required
• AISSEE 2027 Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit, Qualification and Admission Requirements for Class 6 & 9

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AISSEE 2027 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Sainik Schools in India and Approved New Sainik Schools?

Existing Sainik Schools in India are managed by the Sainik Schools Society under the Ministry of Defence and follow the CBSE curriculum with a residential education system. Approved New Sainik Schools are established through partnerships with eligible government and private institutions. They follow their respective board curriculum along with the prescribed Academic PLUS curriculum. Their fees, educational boards, medium of instruction and residential facilities may vary.

Are Approved New Sainik Schools government schools?

Not necessarily. Approved New Sainik Schools are established through partnerships involving private schools, NGOs, trusts, state governments and other eligible organisations. They operate under the aegis of the Sainik Schools Society but may be managed by their respective partner institutions.

How many Approved New Sainik Schools are there in India?

For AISSEE 2027, the official Information Bulletin provides for Class 6 admission in 80 Approved New Sainik Schools and Class 9 admission in 40 Approved New Sainik Schools that have progressed to Class 9.

Are Approved New Sainik Schools affiliated with CBSE?

Not all of them. Approved New Sainik Schools may be affiliated with CBSE or other recognised education boards. Their board affiliation depends on the individual institution.

Do Approved New Sainik Schools provide hostel facilities?

Residential facilities vary from school to school. Parents should visit the official website of the concerned school or contact its administration to confirm hostel availability, boarding arrangements and related facilities.

Can I apply for both Sainik Schools and Approved New Sainik Schools through AISSEE 2027?

Yes. Candidates can apply for existing Sainik Schools, approved New Sainik Schools or both through the common AISSEE application form, subject to the available admission combinations and eligibility conditions.

Is AISSEE compulsory for admission to Approved New Sainik Schools?

Yes. Candidates seeking admission through the prescribed 40% and 60% routes must appear for and qualify in AISSEE 2027, subject to the applicable rules.

Can students transfer from an Approved New Sainik School to an existing Sainik School in India?

Admission to an approved New Sainik School does not give a student an automatic right to claim admission or transfer to any of the 33 existing Sainik Schools.

Can girls get admission to Approved New Sainik Schools?

Girls are eligible subject to the admission policy and available vacancies of the concerned school. Parents should verify gender-wise eligibility and seat availability before applying.