If you’re a parent preparing your child for the Sainik School Entrance Exam (AISSEE), you’ve probably noticed two categories while researching schools:
- the older / existing Sainik Schools, and
- the New Sainik Schools (approved under the “New Sainik School” initiative).
Both are connected to AISSEE, but they are not exactly the same. This blog explains the differences in a simple, practical way—so you can choose confidently.
1) What do people mean by “Old” (Existing) Sainik Schools?
When parents say “old Sainik Schools”, they usually mean the traditional Sainik Schools run by the Sainik Schools Society (Ministry of Defence). These schools have been around for decades, follow a well-established system, and are known for:
- a disciplined residential environment
- strong focus on academics + physical fitness
- structured routine, uniforms, drills, sports, and leadership development
- preparation mindset for defence-related careers
These schools generally follow a consistent model across India.
2) What are “New Sainik Schools”?
New Sainik Schools are schools approved to follow the Sainik School pattern through a partnership model (with State Governments / NGOs / private schools). The goal is simple:
✅ Increase the number of Sainik School-style seats across India
✅ Allow more students to access a disciplined, defence-oriented school environment closer to their location
These new schools follow their normal academic curriculum plus an additional “Sainik School pattern / Academic Plus” component.
3) Admission: Is the exam the same for both?
Yes. AISSEE is the entrance exam route used for admissions.
But the number of schools and seats under each category may change year to year.
Important parent point:
Even though the exam is common, the school experience can vary (especially for New Sainik Schools).
4) Old vs New: Practical differences parents should understand
Here’s the real difference—what changes for you as a parent.
A) Management & how “standardised” the system is
Old Sainik Schools
- Run directly under the Sainik Schools Society framework
- Usually more uniform in rules, routine, and structure
- Predictable systems that are similar across most schools
New Sainik Schools
- Partner institutions approved to follow the Sainik School pattern
- They may still carry some policies of the original institution
- Standards can be excellent, but not always identical across schools
✅ Parent takeaway:
Old schools feel more “uniform”. New schools can be great too, but you must check school-specific details.
B) Fee, board and language may differ in New schools
This is one of the biggest differences.
Old Sainik Schools
- Usually have a well-known and stable fee structure
- Follow a consistent academic setup
New Sainik Schools
- Fee structure can vary widely
- The education board and medium of instruction can differ between schools
✅ Parent takeaway:
Before selecting a New Sainik School, confirm:
- board (CBSE / state board / others)
- language of instruction
- annual fee + hostel charges + extra fees
- what is included (uniform, books, activities, etc.)
C) “Sainik School training / Academic Plus”
Old Sainik Schools
- have a long-running discipline + leadership culture
- structured physical training, routine, sports, and grooming
New Sainik Schools
- follow the Sainik School pattern through an “Academic Plus” component
- quality depends on how well the partner school implements it
✅ Parent takeaway:
Ask these questions for New Sainik Schools:
- What is included in “Academic Plus”?
- Is training daily or weekly?
- Who conducts it?
- What is the daily routine like?
D) Class 9 availability in New schools
Not all New Sainik Schools offer Class 9 entry immediately (some are still building up grade levels).
✅ Parent takeaway:
If your target is Class 9, confirm that the school is actually admitting Class 9 through AISSEE that year.
5) So… which one should parents choose?
Instead of “Old is best” or “New is best”, a better approach is:
Choose an old (existing) Sainik School if you want:
- a time-tested Sainik School ecosystem
- predictable and consistent discipline-based routines
- strong residential culture built over many years
Choose a New Sainik School if:
- you find a strong partner school with good academics + discipline
- it is closer to home and more feasible for your family
- fees, board, and language suit your comfort
- infrastructure and safety systems are clearly solid
6) Parent Checklist (Before finalising preferences)
Whether you pick Old or New, do this checklist:
✅ 1. Confirm class admission (Class 6 / Class 9) for that year
✅ 2. Check the school’s official website for the latest notices
✅ 3. Verify fees clearly (annual + hostel + extra charges)
✅ 4. Confirm board + medium of instruction
✅ 5. Ask about hostel facilities and safety policies
✅ 6. Check sports facilities, medical support, and staff profile
✅ 7. Look for routine transparency: timetable, rules, photos, prospectus
✅ 8. Prefer schools that communicate clearly and update regularly
Final note (AceJoule parent advice)
AISSEE is the common gateway—but schools are not identical. The best strategy is:
✅ shortlist 3–5 schools (mix old + new if needed)
✅ compare them using the checklist above
✅ then focus on preparation early with a weekly plan