Are you a candidate who appeared for the AISSEE 2026 exam? If yes, you’re probably eager to check your performance, download the answer key, and understand your chances of securing admission in one of the prestigious Sainik Schools across India. This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information about the AISSEE 2026 answer key, how to access it, challenge it if needed, and what steps follow after the answer key release. Keep reading to ensure you don’t miss out on any critical updates or deadlines.
Overview of AISSEE 2026 and Key Dates
The All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) serves as the qualifying examination for admission into Class 6 and Class 9 at 33 Sainik Schools nationwide. Organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the 2026 edition saw over 464 centers across India hosting the pen-and-paper (OMR) based exam on January 18, 2026.
Important Dates Summary
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Exam Date | January 18, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | February 11, 2026 |
| Last Date to Raise Objections | February 14, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Final Answer Key & Result Announcement | Expected in March 2026 |
| Official Website | Click Here |
The answer key provides a way to verify your responses and estimate your score before the official results are declared. It is essential to review the provisional answer key thoroughly and raise any objections within the stipulated deadline.
How to Download AISSEE 2026 Answer Key and OMR Response Sheets
Accessing your answer key and response sheets is a straightforward process. Follow these steps carefully to retrieve your documents for review and calculation of tentative scores.
Step-by-Step Download Procedure
- Visit the official NTA portal dedicated to Sainik School examinations:
https://exams.nta.nic.in/sainik-school-society - On the homepage, locate and click on **”AISSEE 2026 Provisional Answer Key”** or **”View/Challenge Answer Key”.**
- Log in with your Application Number and Password (the same credentials used during registration).
- Enter the security PIN displayed on the screen and submit the login details.
- Post login, you will find options to:
- Download the provisional answer key (all sets in PDF format)
- Download your OMR answer sheet
- Check your recorded responses
Pro Tip:
Immediately save and store your downloaded PDFs. Use them to compare your responses with the provisional answer key and calculate an estimated score before the final results are announced.
Challenging the AISSEE 2026 Answer Key
If you believe there are errors, ambiguities, or discrepancies in the provisional answer key, you have the opportunity to challenge it online within the deadline. This process ensures transparency and fairness in the evaluation process.
Steps to Submit an Objection
- Log back into the NTA portal using your credentials.
- Click on **”Challenge Answer Key”** or **”View and Challenge OMR”.**
- Select the specific question(s) you want to contest.
- Provide supporting evidence or documents in a single PDF format that justify your objection.
- Pay the required fee for each challenged question or response:
- ₹200 per question for answer key challenges
- ₹100 per recorded response for OMR sheet disputes
- Submit your challenge and keep the payment receipt for future reference.
Important: The challenge window closes on February 14, 2026, at 11:50 PM. Offline challenges are not accepted, and the final decision lies with the NTA experts. The outcome of your challenge will be reflected in the final answer key, which will be published after review.
Understanding the AISSEE 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
To accurately estimate your score and understand the exam structure, familiarize yourself with the pattern and marking scheme for both classes.
Class 6 Exam Pattern (Total: 300 Marks)
| Section | Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 | 3 | 150 |
| General Knowledge (Science + Social Studies) | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Language (English/Hindi/Regional) | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Intelligence Test | 25 | 2 | 50 |
Class 9 Exam Pattern (Total: 400 Marks)
| Section | Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 | 4 | 200 |
| English | 25 | 4 | 100 |
| General Science | 25 | 4 | 100 |
| Social Studies | 25 | 4 | 100 |
Score Calculation Method
To estimate your score, tally the marks for each correct response based on the provisional answer key. Remember, there is no negative marking, so guesswork can be beneficial if you’re unsure of some answers.
What Comes After the Answer Key?
Post the objection window, NTA will evaluate all challenges and release the final answer key. Based on this, the authority will prepare and publish the results.
Result and Admission Process
- Result Announcement: Expected in March 2026.
- Scorecard Download: Use your Application Number and Date of Birth/Password to access and download your scorecard from the official NTA portal.
- Merit List: School-wise and category-wise merit lists will be published, highlighting top performers.
- Counseling and Seat Allocation: Conducted via the [AISSAC Portal](https://pesa.ncog.gov.in). Registration for counseling is already active for eligible candidates.
Important Notes on Admission
Top-ranked students are given priority during seat allotment, and the entire process aims to select the most deserving candidates based on merit and other criteria.
Additional Resources and Support
For further help, candidates can access sample papers, mock tests, and detailed syllabus outlines through various online platforms. Staying prepared with online mock tests is a good strategy to enhance your confidence and performance for future exams.
Trending Government Job Updates & Mock Tests
- Regular updates on government exams and qualifications.
- Free online mock tests to practice and assess your readiness.
Conclusion
The release of the AISSEE 2026 answer key marks a significant milestone in your admission journey. Use this period prudently to verify your responses, challenge any discrepancies, and prepare for the next steps, including result declaration and counseling. Staying informed and proactive will help you maximize your chances of securing admission into one of India’s prestigious Sainik Schools. Best of luck!