The Sainik School Scholarship 2025 refers to a range of financial aid programs offered by the Government of India, state governments, and the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) to support meritorious students at Sainik Schools. These schools, managed by the Sainik Schools Society under the Ministry of Defence, prepare students (both boys and girls) for careers in the armed forces through the National Defence Academy (NDA). Scholarships help cover tuition, boarding, and other fees for students from economically weaker or defense-related backgrounds. For the 2025-26 academic year, admissions are based on the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) 2025, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam occurred on April 5, 2025, with results released on May 22, 2025. Scholarships are awarded post-admission based on category and need.
Note: As of October 21, 2025, the AISSEE 2025 admission cycle is complete, but scholarship applications for ongoing students or renewals may still be open via state portals or NSP. For new admissions/scholarships in 2026-27, expect AISSEE registration to start in October 2025. Always check official sites for updates.
Key Details
Types of Scholarships:
Central Sector Scholarship (Ministry of Defence): For defence personnel wards; up to INR 30,000–60,000 per annum.
State Government Scholarships: Vary by state (e.g., Meghalaya: Full fees for income < INR 5,000/month; Maharashtra: INR 20,150 for misc expenses).
Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) Schemes: Includes PM's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for professional courses post-Class 12; INR 2,500/month (boys), INR 3,000/month (girls).
Deen Dayal Sparsh Yojana: For Classes VI-IX; merit-based for talented students.
SSP Pre-Matric Scholarship: For government quota students; covers pre-matric fees.
Special Assistance Scholarship: Approx. INR 15,000 for all cadets in select schools.
Eligibility Criteria (General; Varies by Type):
Admission-Based: Must qualify AISSEE 2025 for Classes VI/IX entry.
Class VI: Age 10–12 years as of March 31, 2025 (born April 1, 2013–March 31, 2015); passed Class V; both boys/girls eligible.
Class IX: Age 13–15 years as of March 31, 2025 (born April 2, 2010–March 31, 2012); passed Class VIII; minimum 25% marks in English/overall.
Financial Need: Family income < INR 2–8 lakh/annum (state-specific; e.g., Meghalaya: < INR 8,000/month).
Category: Priority for wards of ex-servicemen, martyrs, SC/ST/OBC, girls, and economically weaker sections.
Academic Merit: Minimum 50–60% in qualifying exams; no foreign study for KSB schemes.
Other: Indian citizen; enrolled in Sainik School; not availing duplicate scholarships.
Benefits:
Tuition fee waiver (full/partial up to INR 60,000/year).
Boarding/mess charges covered (e.g., INR 15,000–20,000 in some schools).
Monthly stipends under PMSS (INR 2,500–3,000 for higher studies).
Miscellaneous support (uniforms, books, excursions; e.g., INR 20,150 in Maharashtra Sainik Schools).
Renewal: Annual, based on 50%+ academic performance and good conduct.
Total Coverage: Up to 100% fees for low-income families; benefits ~4,000 students yearly via KSB.
Number of Scholarships:
Not fixed; ~3,000 AISSEE seats across 38 Sainik Schools, with scholarships for 70–80% of students based on quotas.
Application Process:
For Admission (AISSEE 2025): Closed; was online via exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE from Dec 2024–Jan 2025. Fee: INR 650 (general), INR 500 (girls/SC/ST).
For Scholarships (Post-Admission/Renewal):
Visit NSP (scholarships.gov.in) for central schemes like PMSS/SSP (open Aug–Oct 2025).
Or state portals (e.g., Meghalaya: megeducation.gov.in; Maharashtra: mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in).
Register/login, fill form with AISSEE roll number/admission proof.
Upload documents; submit by deadline (e.g., PMSS: Oct 31, 2025 tentative).
E-verification by school principal; funds disbursed via DBT.
Deadline: Varies; PMSS/SSP: Oct 31, 2025; state schemes: July–Dec 2025.
Mode: Online; offline for select states (e.g., submit to school principal).
Helpline: KSB: 011-26717987; NTA: 011-40759000; Email: sainikschooladmission@nta.ac.in.
Required Documents:
AISSEE admit card/result/rank letter.
Income certificate (Tehsildar-issued).
Domicile/PRC certificate.
Caste/category certificate (if applicable).
Bank details (Aadhaar-linked passbook).
Marksheets (Class V/VIII).
Ex-servicemen ID (for defence wards).
Passport photos; affidavit for no duplicate aid.
Selection Process:
Merit via AISSEE score (300 marks: Maths, English, GK, Intelligence for Class VI; adds Science/Social Studies for IX).
Financial verification and category quota (15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC).
E-counselling for seat allotment (May–June 2025); medical fitness required.
Scholarship approval by KSB/state committee post-admission.
Additional Information
Covered Schools: 38 Sainik Schools (e.g., Kapurthala, Satara, Goalpara); new ones in UP, MP.
Exclusions: Does not cover private coaching, travel beyond school hikes, or post-Class XII unless under PMSS.
Tips: Prepare for AISSEE 2026 early (syllabus: NCERT-based). Girls get 30% seat reservation. Beware of fraud—apply only via official portals.
Contact: KSB Secretariat, West Block-IV, RK Puram, New Delhi-110066; Phone: 011-25694244.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Sainik School Scholarship 2025?
The Sainik School Scholarship 2025 includes various central and state government schemes, like those from the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) and Ministry of Defence, to support students at Sainik Schools. It covers tuition, boarding, and other fees for meritorious cadets from low-income or defense families, helping them prepare for NDA entry.
2. Who is eligible for the Sainik School Scholarship?
Age and Admission: Must qualify AISSEE 2025 for Class VI (age 10-12) or IX (13-15); passed previous class with 50-60% marks.
Financial: Family income < INR 2-8 lakh/year (state-specific).
Category: Priority for ex-servicemen wards, SC/ST/OBC, girls, and economically weaker sections.
Other: Indian citizen; enrolled in Sainik School; no duplicate scholarships.
3. What benefits does the scholarship offer?
Full/partial tuition waiver (up to INR 60,000/year).
Boarding/mess fees covered (INR 15,000-20,000 in some cases).
Monthly stipends under PMSS (INR 2,500 for boys, INR 3,000 for girls post-Class 12).
Support for uniforms, books, and excursions.
Renewal based on 50%+ academic performance.
4. How can I apply for the Sainik School Scholarship 2025?
Admission First: Apply via AISSEE on exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE (closed for 2025; next in Oct 2025).
Scholarship: Post-admission, apply on scholarships.gov.in (NSP) for PMSS/SSP or state portals (e.g., mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in).
Steps: Register, fill form with AISSEE details, upload docs, submit by deadline (e.g., Oct 31, 2025 for PMSS).
Mode: Online; funds via DBT.
5. What documents are needed for the application?
AISSEE admit card/result.
Income certificate.
Domicile/PRC.
Caste certificate (if applicable).
Bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked).
Marksheets and ex-servicemen ID (if relevant).
Passport photos and affidavit.
6. When is the deadline for scholarships in 2025?
AISSEE Admission: Closed (results May 22, 2025).
PMSS/SSP: Oct 31, 2025 (tentative).
State Schemes: July-Dec 2025. For 2026-27, AISSEE registration starts Oct 2025.
7. How is selection done for scholarships?
Merit via AISSEE score and academics.
Financial and category verification.
E-counselling for seats; medical check.
Approval by KSB/state committee.
8. Can girls apply for Sainik School Scholarships?
Yes! Girls have 30% seat reservation in AISSEE and equal eligibility for scholarships.
9. Does the scholarship cover all fees?
Mostly tuition and boarding; excludes private coaching, extra travel, or post-Class XII unless under PMSS.
10. How do I contact for queries?
KSB: 011-26717987 or 011-25694244.
NTA: 011-40759000; Email: sainikschooladmission@nta.ac.in.
NSP Helpline: 0120-6619540.
11. Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes, annually for good conduct and 50%+ marks.
12. How many scholarships are available?
Not fixed; covers ~70-80% of ~3,000 AISSEE seats across 38 schools.
13. What if I miss the AISSEE 2025?
Prepare for 2026; registration in Oct 2025.
14. Are there scholarships for higher studies after Sainik School?
Yes, PMSS for professional courses post-Class 12 (INR 2,500-3,000/month).
Conclusion
Your journey to becoming a future leader in the armed forces starts with a single step—seizing the Sainik School Scholarship 2025! Don't let financial hurdles dim your dreams; with dedication and the right support, you can soar to new heights. At School Dekho, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Visit School Dekho now to explore more, get application tips, and unlock your potential—apply today and march towards a proud tomorrow!
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