Sainik School Entrance (AISSEE) & RIMC
Sainik Schools and RIMC are the traditional pipeline into NDA — a large share of NDA cadets come from these 33+ schools.
| Age limit | 10 – 13 years |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boys & Girls |
| Qualification | Class 5 (for Class 6 entry) / Class 8 (for Class 9 entry) |
| Selection process | Written (Maths, Intelligence, Language, GK) → e-counselling → Medical |
| Notification | October / November |
| Pay / stipend | — |
| Official website | exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE |
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Preparation tips
- Class 6 entry: age 10-12 as on 31 March of admission year.
- Girls admitted in Class 6 across all Sainik Schools since 2021-22.
- RIMC has a separate exam (June & December) with state quotas.
Frequently asked
What is the age limit for AISSEE / RIMC?
10 to 13 years, calculated as on the date specified in the notification (usually the first day of the month the course commences).
Is there negative marking?
Most UPSC and service-conducted objective papers carry one-third negative marking; check the specific notification.
How many attempts are allowed?
There is no attempt limit — only the age band applies.
Dates shown are indicative based on past cycles. Always confirm with the official notification before applying.