By the Education Karnataka Editorial Team · Last updated: November 2026

Quick answer: In Karnataka:

• Sainik Schools are at Kodagu and Vijayapura, with admission through the AISSEE, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), for Classes 6 and 9.
• Rashtriya Military Schools are at Bengaluru and Belagavi, with admission through the RMS Common Entrance Test, also for Classes 6 and 9.

For the 2026–27 AISSEE, the age limit was 10–12 years for Class 6 and 13–15 years for Class 9 (as on 31 March of the admission year). Girls are eligible for Class 6.

Key takeaways

• AISSEE (Sainik Schools) and RMS CET are separate exams with separate applications.
• Both admit at Classes 6 and 9.
• Girls can apply for Class 6 in Sainik Schools, and for Class 9 subject to vacancies.
• Dates and rules change every year, so always read the latest official notification.

Defence-oriented schools in Karnataka

School	Location	Entrance
Sainik School Kodagu	Kodagu	AISSEE
Sainik School Vijayapura	Vijayapura	AISSEE
Rashtriya Military School Bengaluru	Bengaluru	RMS CET
Rashtriya Military School Belagavi	Belagavi	RMS CET
Kittur Rani Channamma Residential Sainik School for Girls	Kittur, Belagavi district	The school’s own admission process

AISSEE at a glance (2026–27 cycle)

• Conducted by: NTA
• Classes: 6 and 9
• Age: Class 6: 10–12 years; Class 9: 13–15 years (as on 31 March 2026)
• Class 9 requirement: Must have passed Class 8 from a recognised school by the time of admission
• Timeline for 2026–27: Applications from October to November 2025; exam in January 2026

RMS CET at a glance

• Classes: 6 and 9
• Selection: Written test, followed by an interview and a medical examination
• Latest cycle: For the 2027–28 session, NTA opened applications in September 2026, with the written exam scheduled for December 2026
• Eligibility: Class 6 applicants must be studying in or have passed Class 5. Class 9 applicants must have passed Class 8 before admission. Check age and girls’ eligibility in the current notification.

How to prepare

1. Know the syllabus and exam pattern from the official bulletin.
2. Strengthen maths, English and reasoning.
3. Practise past papers under timed conditions.
4. Prepare for the interview and medical tests (RMS).
5. Build physical fitness steadily.

Frequently asked questions

Can girls join Sainik Schools in Karnataka? Yes. Girls are eligible for Class 6 admission through AISSEE, and for Class 9 where vacancies exist.

Is AISSEE the same as RMS CET? No. They are separate exams for different groups of schools. You can apply for both if eligible.

What is the age limit for Sainik School Class 6? For 2026–27, it was 10–12 years as on 31 March 2026. Check the latest bulletin for later years.

Are these schools CBSE-affiliated? Sainik Schools and Rashtriya Military Schools follow the CBSE curriculum.

Where do I apply? Through the official NTA exam portals. Avoid unofficial websites when submitting forms or fees.

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