Preparing for the Sainik School entrance exam (AISSEE) is a big step for many students and their families. One of the most common questions parents ask is:
“Does my child need coaching for this exam, or can we manage through self-study at home?”
This article aims to give you a detailed, realistic answer – based on the structure of the exam, how students generally perform, and how coaching truly fits into the bigger picture. If you’re a parent of a child in Class 5 or 6 and are trying to decide the right path, this guide is made for you.
Understanding the Sainik School Entrance Exam (AISSEE)
The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Exam (AISSEE) is conducted annually for admission to Class 6 and 9 in Sainik Schools across India. It tests your child’s academic understanding as well as readiness for a disciplined and competitive school life.
For Class 6, the exam covers:
- Mathematics
- Language (English/Hindi/regional)
- Intelligence (IQ)
- General Knowledge
This may sound simple at first, but the questions are application-based and designed to assess depth of understanding – not just memory. The level is aligned with NCERT but demands strong basics, good speed, and clear concepts.
What Coaching Offers?
Coaching, especially from a reliable institute or experienced mentor, often goes beyond just sharing notes or question papers. One of the biggest benefits is a structured study plan.
Children under 12 usually struggle with managing time on their own. Coaching gives them a fixed daily or weekly routine, which helps reduce distractions and keeps them focused. Another advantage is consistent practice – students regularly attend tests, revision sessions, and doubt-clearing classes, which helps build a natural rhythm of preparation. In addition, coaching provides exposure to competition.
Since the Sainik School entrance exam is conducted nationally, it’s useful for children to experience how their performance compares with others. Mock tests in coaching centres often simulate the real exam setting, which helps reduce fear and anxiety. Lastly, expert feedback from trained teachers plays a key role. They can quickly identify where a student is going wrong and guide them with the right approach, which can be hard to get when preparing alone at home.
Coaching, especially from a good institute or mentor, does more than just provide notes or practice tests. Here’s what it typically includes:
1. Structured Study Plans: Children under 12 often find it difficult to maintain a routine. A coaching class gives them a daily or weekly structure. This reduces wasted time and improves focus.
2. Consistent Practice: Regular tests, doubt-clearing sessions, and revision cycles are usually built into coaching plans. This creates a rhythm of learning that may be hard to maintain at home alone.
3. Exposure to Competition: Since AISSEE is a national-level exam, it’s important for your child to understand the competition. Coaching classes simulate the real exam environment with mock tests and comparisons.
4. Expert Feedback: Trained teachers can quickly point out common mistakes your child may be making and offer faster correction.
When Coaching May Not Be Necessary
Despite all the benefits, coaching is not always essential. Several students crack the exam through focused self-study, particularly when:
- Parents are actively involved in their preparation
- The child is disciplined and self-motivated
- The family uses good-quality books and online resources effectively
In fact, self-study may be better than poor or commercialized coaching that doesn’t adapt to your child’s needs.
Here are signs that your child can succeed without coaching:
- Reads and understands NCERT books with little help
- Shows curiosity and problem-solving ability
- Follows a timetable (with some parental support)
- Is scoring well in mock papers at home or in school
Hidden Cost of Coaching (Time, Pressure, and Money)
Not all coaching is affordable or helpful. Here are a few things parents should watch out for:
1. Financial Pressure: Some coaching centres charge high fees, promising guaranteed results. But no coaching can truly guarantee success—it depends heavily on the child’s pace and mindset.
2. Stress on Young Children: Some 10 or 11-year-olds face burnout because of too many classes. This can reduce their natural interest in studies.
3. Mismatched Curriculum: Some coaching institutes use shortcuts, tricks, or high-level content that confuse rather than clarify. If the child cannot connect what they learn in class with what’s taught in coaching, it creates a gap.
What Really Matters More Than Coaching
Whether or not you choose coaching, the following things have a stronger impact on your child’s performance:
Parental Support: Children of this age need encouragement, not pressure. If you sit with them for even 30 minutes daily to review their progress, the results can be more powerful than coaching.
Regular Practice: Make sure your child solves at least 10 – 15 questions from past papers daily. Use NCERT books, AISSEE sample papers, and mock tests (available online and offline).
Weekly Targets: Break topics down into weekly goals – e.g., finish “Geometry basics” in Week 1, “Synonyms and Antonyms” in Week 2. Use visual calendars to help your child track.
Discipline, Not Force: Wake-up and study routines should be fixed, but flexible enough to adjust when your child is tired or needs a break.
Coaching vs. Self-Study: A Side-by-Side View
| Factor | Coaching | Self-Study |
|---|---|---|
| Time management | Handled by classes | Needs parental involvement |
| Concept clarity | Depends on faculty quality | Slower, but solid with effort |
| Cost | Can be high | Mostly free |
| Stress | Often higher | Controlled at home |
| Resources | Structured, ready-made | Needs effort to collect |
| Suitability | Good for less-disciplined kids | Good for focused and curious learners |
What’s the Best Choice for Your Child?
Instead of asking “Is coaching necessary?”, ask:
What kind of support does my child need to succeed in AISSEE?
Here’s a quick checklist:
- If your child gets bored easily, coaching may help with discipline.
- If your child is already doing well in school, self-study may be enough.
- If you live in remote areas (like parts of North East India or interior Maharashtra) where good coaching isn’t available, online self-study tools are useful.
- If you’re based in cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, or Bhopal, where coaching centres are common, you may have more choices—but quality still matters.
Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds
One increasingly popular model is combining light coaching + focused home study. This may include:
- Weekend coaching only
- Online coaching 2–3 days/week
- Self-study with parent tracking progress
- Joining WhatsApp or Telegram groups for peer learning
This keeps the child grounded at home while getting expert input without overload.
Red Flags in Coaching Institutes
If you do choose coaching, avoid places that:
- Focus only on memorizing tricks, not concepts
- Enroll too many students in one batch
- Claim 100% results
- Do not share regular progress reports
- Pressure students into too many tests without feedback
Your child’s emotional and mental wellbeing is just as important as their academic score.
Final Thoughts: Your Role as a Parent
At the end of the day, no coaching class can replace what you provide as a parent. You are your child’s biggest support system. Whether or not you choose coaching, your involvement is key. Be there to cheer them up when scores are low, and check in daily to see how they’re doing. Gently remind them to balance study with play, and help them stay calm during stressful times. More than anything, your child is still growing – not just academically, but in habits, confidence, and how they handle pressure. Choose a study plan, a well-structured coaching plan needs your:
- Encouragement on low-score days
- Daily check-ins
- Reminders to balance study and play
- Support to build resilience for future challenges
Your child is still growing – not just in academics, but in habits, confidence, and independence. Choose a path that supports that growth above all.