Sainik Schools are among the most disciplined and structured educational institutions in India, blending academic excellence with military training. While they are government-supported, they still require families to plan for annual educational costs. This article explains the Sainik School fees and scholarships with full cost breakdown, available scholarships, and hidden expenses that come with Sainik School education.
Whether you’re applying from Jhansi, East Siang, Pune, or Patna, understanding these details will help you prepare financially and avoid surprises during the academic year.
Disclaimer: The fee details and policies mentioned are for reference purposes only. Parents are advised to verify the latest information directly with the respective Sainik Schools or official authorities before making any financial or admission-related decisions.
Application Fee for AISSEE Exam
Before admission, students appear for the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Exam (AISSEE) conducted by the National Testing Agency. As of 2025, the application fee is approximately ₹650 for general and defence category students and ₹500 for SC/ST candidates. This fee is non-refundable and paid during online application submission.
Full Fee Structure (With 2025–26 Data)
Each Sainik School follows a similar structure, but the total annual cost may vary slightly by location. Below is a sample breakdown using current data from Sainik School East Siang (Arunachal Pradesh) and Sainik School Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) for Class 6 new admissions.
Sample 1: Sainik School East Siang – AY 2025–26 (Class 6)
| Fee Component | Amount (All Categories) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹1,16,925 |
| Clothing & Stationery | ₹9,000 |
| Diet Charges (Messing) | ₹68,000 |
| Miscellaneous Charges | ₹8,100 |
| Subtotal | ₹2,02,025 |
| Security Deposit (New Adm.) | ₹3,000 (Gen/Def) / ₹1,500 (SC/ST/OBC) |
Note: Diet charges and uniform costs may vary depending on actual consumption and school policies. [Source]
Sample 2: Sainik School Jhansi – AY 2025–26 (Class 6)
| Fee Component | General/OBC/Defence | SC/ST Category |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹1,16,923 | ₹1,16,923 |
| Dietary Charges | ₹48,970 | ₹48,970 |
| Laundry Charges | ₹4,460 | ₹4,460 |
| Pocket Money | ₹1,500 | ₹1,500 |
| Incidental Charges | ₹1,500 | ₹1,500 |
| Miscellaneous Charges | ₹3,500 | ₹3,500 |
| Security Deposit (New Adm.) | ₹3,000 | ₹1,500 |
| Total Estimated Fee | ₹1,79,853 | ₹1,78,353 |
[Source]
This structure is similar across many Sainik Schools, with slight variations depending on location, facilities, and local contract rates for food and services.
What the Fees Cover
- Tuition: Classroom education and academic activities
- Dietary: Daily meals, snacks, and mess facility
- Uniform and Stationery: Standard sets, accessories, and classroom materials
- Laundry & Pocket Money: Routine needs of residential cadets
- Miscellaneous: Medical, haircut, telephone, and minor repairs
Hidden Costs Parents Should Expect
While schools are transparent about their core fee structure, several additional costs may arise:
Medical Expenditures
Cadets may need check-ups, dental treatments, or specialist care. These are not always covered and can cost ₹2,000–₹5,000 annually.
Travel Expenses
At least two to four round trips are expected yearly—during vacations, emergencies, or parent-teacher meetings. For students from far states like Kerala or West Bengal attending schools in Haryana or Rajasthan, costs may be ₹5,000–₹10,000 or more.
Exam & Coaching Support
Many students take part-time coaching for Mathematics, English, or Intelligence subjects. This can cost ₹1,000–₹3,000 per month depending on the city.
Optional Activities
Trekking, equestrian training, and national-level sports may carry fees ranging from ₹2,000–₹10,000 per year.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Options
Central Government Scholarships
The Ministry of Defence provides tuition fee assistance for:
- Children of serving or retired defence personnel
- SC/ST candidates (subject to income limits)
Awards may range from ₹32,000 to ₹50,000 depending on eligibility.
State Government Scholarships
Each state supports students enrolled in Sainik Schools within their jurisdiction. For example:
- Uttar Pradesh: Offers partial fee reimbursement for rural and low-income families
- Rajasthan and Odisha: Provide merit-cum-means scholarships
- North Eastern States: Often offer additional hostel support
One-Time Support for Uniforms
Some state departments offer a one-time reimbursement or direct provision of uniform kits. This varies yearly and by budget approval.
Private and Trust-Based Sponsorships
In some regions, alumni associations and local educational trusts may sponsor talented or financially needy students. Parents should check with their school office about such opportunities.
Fee Increase Policy
According to Sainik Schools Society regulations, tuition fees increase by 10% annually. Parents planning for multiple years should account for this increment, especially for younger students entering at Class 6.
Location-Based Comparison
| Location | Approx. Annual Fee | Scholarship Availability | Cost Variability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jhansi (UP) | ₹1,79,000 | Moderate to High (State) | Low |
| East Siang (AP) | ₹2,02,000 | Moderate (Central) | Medium |
| Satara (MH) | ₹1,85,000 | High (State + Central) | Medium |
| Amaravathi (AP) | ₹1,88,000 | High (State & Local) | Low |
Conclusion
Studying in a Sainik School offers long-term value in discipline, academics, and leadership—but it does involve a yearly financial commitment. On average, the total fee ranges from ₹1,75,000 to ₹2,10,000 depending on the school and state.
However, with the support of state and central scholarships, and by planning for travel, health, and activity-related costs, families can manage this investment effectively. Whether you are based in Jhansi, East Siang, or elsewhere, staying informed about annual updates and applying for concessions on time will ease the financial burden and allow your child to thrive.
References
National Testing Agency (NTA) – Verified as official AISSEE site https://exams.nta.ac.in/AISSEE/
Sainik Schools Society (Ministry of Defence) – Confirmed as the main portal for Sainik Schools https://sainikschoolsociety.in/
Sainik School East Siang – Official school website https://sainikschooleastsiang.com/
Sainik School Jhansi – Official Jhansi campus site https://www.sainikschooljhansi.com/