Sainik Schools are fully residential CBSE schools that prepare students for the National Defence Academy and other careers. Because they are boarding schools, the fee covers food, hostel and uniforms as well as teaching. Here is what parents should budget for in 2026-27, based on official fee sheets published by the schools.
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Sainik School fee breakdown 2026-27 (example: Sainik School Imphal)
| Item | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Tuition fee | 1,28,615 |
| Dietary charges (₹185 × 300 days) | 55,500 |
| Clothing (readymade items) | 20,000 |
| Advance for incidentals (medicine, newspaper, insurance) | 16,000 |
| Development fee | 7,320 |
| Electricity and generator | 5,500 |
| Washing | 5,500 |
| Utensils (one time, new admission) | 3,500 |
| Caution money (₹1,500 for SC/ST) | 3,000 |
| Table money, water, phone/e-mail, ID card, postal, entertainment | 3,500 |
| Total | 2,48,435 |
The incidentals advance is adjusted against actual spending and the balance is refunded when the student leaves. At Imphal, parents can pay in two instalments (about 70% first, with the rest due by October) or in one go.
Tuition is similar across Sainik Schools
Tuition is set under Sainik Schools Society rules, so it is close across the traditional schools: ₹1,28,625 at Sainik School Korukonda and about ₹1,28,616 in Sainik School Punglwa’s proposed sheet. Dietary, clothing and other charges vary by school, so the total can differ by tens of thousands of rupees. Always download the fee sheet from your allotted school’s website.
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Scholarships and concessions
- State scholarships: many state governments give income-based or merit scholarships to their domiciled students in Sainik Schools located in that state.
- Category concessions: some charges, such as caution money, are lower for SC/ST students.
- Defence wards: children of serving and ex-servicemen may be eligible for separate concessions or fee rates in some schools.
Scholarship rules differ by state and school. Ask the school office for the current scholarship list before you accept a seat in e-counselling.
Old Sainik Schools vs new partnership-mode schools
There are 33 traditional Sainik Schools run under the Sainik Schools Society. Since 2021–22 the government has also approved new Sainik Schools in partnership mode with states, NGOs and private schools, under a plan for 100 such schools. These partner schools follow Sainik School guidelines for the reserved seats but have their own fee structures, which can be higher or lower than the traditional schools. Compare the full annual cost, not just tuition, before choosing.
Admission route: AISSEE 2027
Admission to Class 6 and Class 9 is through the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination, scheduled for 31 January 2027 in NTA’s calendar. Start with our Sainik School question papers, syllabus and eligibility guides.
Is a Sainik School good value?
At about ₹2.5 lakh a year including food, hostel and uniforms, a traditional Sainik School costs far less than most private boarding schools, which commonly charge ₹4–10 lakh a year or more. Compare options in our boarding school fees guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fee of a Sainik School per year?
Tuition at traditional Sainik Schools is about ₹1.29 lakh a year in 2026-27. Including diet, clothing and other charges, the first-year total at Sainik School Imphal is ₹2,48,435.
Is hostel and food included in Sainik School fees?
Yes. The fee sheet includes dietary charges, washing, electricity and clothing, because all students live on campus.
Do Sainik Schools give scholarships?
Many state governments offer income-based or merit scholarships to their domiciled students, and some charges are lower for SC/ST students. Rules vary, so ask the school.
Are new Sainik Schools cheaper?
Not necessarily. New partnership-mode Sainik Schools set their own fees, which can be higher or lower than the traditional schools.
When is AISSEE 2027?
The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination is scheduled for 31 January 2027 in NTA’s calendar.
