Team8 · August 7, 2026 
Introduction
Sainik School Merit List 2026 was released by the National Testing Agency on February 27, 2026, alongside individual scorecards for both Class 6 and Class 9 candidates who appeared in the AISSEE exam. This guide explains exactly how to download the correct merit list PDF for your target school, what it actually shows, and the steps that follow once your name appears on it.
Sainik School Merit List 2026: What Was Released
The Sainik School Merit List 2026 was published in two parts — a Class 6 selection list and a separate Class 9 selection list — each listing candidates in order of rank based on total marks secured. The counselling authority releases these lists school-wise and category-wise. Therefore, your name may appear on the merit list for one Sainik School but not on every school’s list because each school selects candidates based on its seat availability and the number of applicants.
How to Download the AISSEE Selection List Download
Follow these steps to access the correct AISSEE selection list download for your target school:
- Visit the official website at exams.nta.nic.in/sainik-school-society/ or nta.ac.in
- Look for the “AISSEE 2026 Class 6 List of Qualified and Non-Qualified Candidates” or the corresponding Class 9 link
- Select your specific target school from the dropdown or list provided
- The PDF will open, listing selected candidates’ names, roll numbers, marks, gender, and category
- Download and save the PDF, cross-checking your name and roll number carefully against your own records
Have Any Doubts?
What Details Appear on the Merit List
Your school-specific merit list PDF typically includes the candidate’s name, roll number, total marks secured, gender, class (6 or 9), and category (General, OBC, SC, ST, or Defence). It does not include subject-wise marks breakdown — for that level of detail, you’ll need to separately check your individual scorecard using your application number and date of birth.
Sainik School Category Wise Cutoff: Why the Numbers Differ
Understanding Sainik School category wise cutoff patterns is essential context for interpreting the merit list correctly. The written exam score determines the admission merit out of 300 marks for Class 6 and 400 marks for Class 9. The counselling authority also prepares separate cutoffs for the General, OBC, SC, ST, and Defence categories at each Sainik School. A score that comfortably clears the cutoff at one school might fall short at a more sought-after institution, so always check the specific cutoff for your target school and category rather than comparing against a generic national figure.
Comparing Qualifying Marks by Category:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Requirement |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (General), OBC (NCL), Defence | Minimum 25% Marks in Each Subject/Section and 40% Aggregate Marks |
| SC/ST | No Minimum Qualifying Marks Prescribed; Candidates Are Ranked on Merit Within Their Category |
(Source: NTA AISSEE 2026 official qualifying criteria)
What Happens After Your Name Appears on the Merit List
Featuring on the merit list is not the final step toward admission — it only makes you eligible to proceed to the next stage. As per NTA’s official notification, the eligibility criteria, self-declaration, and other supporting documents of shortlisted candidates will be verified according to prescribed norms during subsequent stages of the admission process.
AISSAC Counselling Registration: Your Immediate Next Step
Once you’ve confirmed your name on the merit list, AISSAC counselling registration — through the All India Sainik Schools Admission Counselling portal at pesa.ncog.gov.in/sainikschoolecounselling — becomes your immediate priority. Keep your AISSEE scorecard, admit card, and category certificates ready for verification during the counselling rounds, and complete registration well within the specified deadline window rather than assuming ample time remains.
Sainik School Waiting List: What Happens If You’re Not Selected Initially
If your name doesn’t appear on the initial merit list for your preferred school, it’s worth monitoring for a Sainik School waiting list release, since seats frequently open up through the counselling process as higher-ranked candidates who qualify for multiple schools ultimately choose one over the others. This waiting list movement is a genuine, common part of the admission cycle, not an exception.
What Comes After Counselling: Medical Examination and Final Merit List
After accepting a seat through AISSAC counselling, candidates must clear a mandatory medical fitness examination. Candidates must successfully complete the written exam, counselling, and medical clearance stages before the counselling authority prepares the final merit list, confirms admission, and conducts document verification.
How Career Plan B Helps
Interpreting your position on the Sainik School merit list correctly — and understanding what specific action to take next given your school and category — helps families move through this admission cycle with clarity rather than confusion. Career Plan B’s Admission and Academic Profile Guidance team helps parents understand merit list positioning and plan the counselling and medical examination timeline effectively. Our Personalised Career Counselling can help you decide between multiple schools if your child qualifies at more than one. And our Career Roadmapping service ensures this decision fits sensibly within your child’s longer-term academic direction.
Get In Touch With Us
Frequently asked questions
Q1. When was the Sainik School Merit List 2026 released?
The counselling authority prepares school-wise and category-wise cutoffs by considering each school’s seat availability and applicant volume instead of using a single national cutoff.
Q2. Does the merit list PDF show subject-wise marks?
No — the merit list shows name, roll number, total marks, gender, and category; subject-wise marks are available separately on your individual scorecard.
Q3. Why do cutoffs differ across Sainik Schools?
The counselling authority prepares school-wise and category-wise cutoffs based on each school’s seat availability and applicant volume rather than using a single national cutoff.
Q4. What should I do if my name isn’t on the initial merit list for my preferred school?
Monitor for a subsequent waiting list release, since seats often open up through the counselling process as candidates who qualify for multiple schools choose one.
Q5.What comes after my name appears on the merit list?
You must register for AISSAC counselling and clear the mandatory medical examination before the counselling authority confirms your admission.
Have Any Doubts?
Conclusion
The Sainik School Merit List 2026 is an important milestone, but it is only the first step in the admission process. Check your school-specific cutoff carefully. Register for AISSAC counselling on time. Prepare for the mandatory medical examination. These steps are just as important as your merit list position. Download the correct PDF for your target school and verify all details carefully. Complete every admission stage before the deadline. If you need guidance throughout the admission process, Career Plan B’s counsellors can help you at every step.
