This free, independent guide explains how Ernakulam and Kochi families can apply to Sainik Schools nationwide through AISSEE, including two genuine Sainik Schools within Kerala itself.
AISSEE is a written, classroom-based entrance exam — the same format at every centre nationwide, including Ernakulam.
The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) is the single entrance test used by every Sainik School in the country — both the 33 original, fully government-run schools and the newer Sainik Schools set up under the Ministry of Defence's partnership (PPP) initiative, including Kerala's own Vidyadhiraja Vidyapeetom Sainik School. It is conducted once a year by the National Testing Agency for admission to Class VI and Class IX. An Ernakulam-based student sits the exam at the Ernakulam centre and, on the strength of their AISSEE result, can be offered a seat at any participating Sainik School nationwide — including, but not limited to, Kerala's own schools.
Broad eligibility rules that apply to every Sainik School in India, including for Ernakulam-based applicants.
The application process is the same nationwide — an Ernakulam-based family follows exactly these steps.
Applications typically open in the winter months on the National Testing Agency's AISSEE portal, fully online regardless of where you live.
During registration, applicants list Sainik Schools in order of preference. A Kerala family might list Kazhakootam or Mavelikara first, without being restricted to Kerala.
Ernakulam is one of Kerala's five official AISSEE exam centres, so most Kochi-area students can sit the exam without travelling far.
Shortlisted candidates, based on merit and their listed preferences, undergo a medical fitness check at an empanelled hospital before final selection.
Final offers are made by merit, category, and preference order. The academic session at most Sainik Schools begins in April.
Two of these are located within Kerala itself. The rest are established, verifiable Sainik Schools in nearby states, all accepting applicants from anywhere in India through the all-India AISSEE quota. This is informational — none of these schools are affiliated with this guide.
Kerala's original, longest-established Sainik School, in the state capital — CBSE-affiliated and fully residential under the Ministry of Defence.
A New Sainik School at Mavelikara, inaugurated by the Defence Minister in January 2025 — Kerala's second, and newest, Sainik School.
Two Karnataka options within reasonable travelling distance of Kochi — Kodagu is one of the original 33, Bidar a newer Sainik-affiliated school.
An established Sainik School in Tamil Nadu, well connected by rail to Kochi and Ernakulam.
A CBSE Sainik School in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, in the Horsley Hills country — a further South India option.
The AISSEE preference list includes every participating Sainik School nationwide — Ernakulam students are not limited to South India options.
General illustrative photography of Sainik School life nationwide — classrooms, hostels, sport and assembly — not photographs of any single named campus.
Photographs are general, illustrative stock imagery of Sainik-school-style residential education — not photos of any specific campus in Kerala.
Annual fees at Sainik Schools nationwide are set by each school's own Board of Governors within norms laid down by the Sainik Schools Society, and typically cover tuition, boarding, mess and clothing charges. Concessions exist for defence dependents and economically weaker sections, and the New Sainik School (PPP) initiative — which includes Kerala's Mavelikara school — offers government fee support of up to 50% for eligible families, subject to an upper limit. Because fees vary by school and change year to year, always confirm the current figure directly with the school you plan to apply to.
Ask About a Specific SchoolThe largest component, covering academics and full residential stay.
Ongoing charges for meals and issued uniform kit.
Up to 50% support available at New Sainik Schools, subject to an upper limit.
Reduced fees for eligible defence dependents and economically weaker sections.
Maintained by volunteers to help Ernakulam and Kochi families navigate Sainik School admission, in Kerala and beyond.
