Sainik Schools admit boys in Classes VI & IX and girls in class VI. Their age should be 10 to 12 years for Class VI and 13 to 15 for Class IX as on 31 March of the year in which the admission is sought. Admissions are made strictly in the order of the merit on the basis of an Entrance Examination held once a year. In case the Entrance Examination cannot be conducted in any State/Union Territory on account of administrative reasons, a separate entrance examination will be ordered and held on a date fixed by the Honorary Secretary.
The scheme of entrance examination envisages an OMR based written examination. The candidates who qualify in the written examination according to prescribed standards will be required to pass Medical Fitness Test. Admission will be subject to the candidates being found medically fit according to medical standards prescribed for entry to National Defence Academy, however, factors like height and weight, which are variable with age, are ignored.