KVS vs Sainik: There are various aspects to compare the two national-level schools. Hence, the ones searching for the answer of “KVS vs Sainik Which is best for students” have arrived at a perfect destination. Kendriya Vidyalaya has the largest number of branches all over the country, while Sainik School is the threshold of a defence career. Check if it’s possible to get your child into a KV even if you are not a central government employee. Moreover, we have listed the benefits of the two schools. Compare the fee structure, admission criteria, affiliation and other details in this article on Kendriya Vidyalaya vs Sainik School.

Which one is better for students KVS vs Sainik?
Readers have a lot to consider when dealing with India’s most famous and prestigious schools. Children with big dreams and aspirations are confused about whether to join the renowned KV or get into the Sainik School with a tough curriculum for a better future. KVS vs Sainik is not easy to understand. Therefore, we have discussed each topic with delicacy and detail. Furthermore, we have prepared a summary table of the comparison between the Kendriya Vidyalaya vs Sainik School.
Students must know that they can choose whichever school they like as per their preferences and these points are only to help you out. This collation between the two schools is only to make the parents aware of their choices and what each school offers for the betterment of their child.
Title of the Article | KVS vs Sainik |
Type of Article | Comparison |
Type of comparison | Schools |
Level of Schools | National |
Year | 2023 |
Admission Grade | 1st- 12th- KV 6th, 9th- Sainik Schools |
Affiliation | CBSE & CBSE + |
Basis of comparison | Eligibility, admission, education, campus, etc. |
Official Website | kvsangathan.nic.in & www.sainikschooltvm.nic.in |
Eligibility at KVS vs Sainik School
Before comparing, candidates must match if they fulfil the following eligibility for any of the two schools. We have provided separately the nationality, occupation and age criteria necessary for taking admission at KV vs Sainik School.
FOR KV-

- Wards of transferable and non-transferable central government employees.
- Children and Grandchildren of ex-servicemen.
- Children of Foreign National delegates invited by the government of India.
- Age Criteria are mentioned in the following:
For Sainik School-

- A child applying for Sainik school must be an Indian.
- Boys and Girls taking admission in class 6th of Sainik School must have passed for the 5th in the previous academic session.
- Students must be between 10-12 years old on 31st March of the current year.
KVS vs Sainik Admission Process
Now, that one satisfies the above-mentioned conditions, they may proceed with the application process for the two schools.
Beginning with Kendriya Vidyalaya,
- Candidates seeking admission in class 1st KV must apply online for the need-based and lottery nomination.
- The application forms are available online and must be filled out by the parents within the time frame.
- The results are announced for the selected candidates after the priority and lottery.
- For admissions in classes 2nd- 8th, the lottery and priority-based allotment are done offline.
- Hence, the forms must be collected and submitted at the offices.
- The results are announced offline for the various aspirants.
- If a candidate wants to get into class 9th in KV, they must have passed 8th with valid marks and appear for a merit-based entrance exam.
- Only the candidates passing with at least 33% (25% for SC, ST and Divyang) are allowed to sit in the new academic session.
- For admission to class 11th in various streams: (Relaxations are applicable as per the government norms.)
Streams | Minimum Scores in Class 10th from a government-recognised board |
Science | 60% in all subjects |
Commerce | 55% in all subjects |
Humanities | Passed class 10th |
- Those wanting admission to classes 10th & 12th must check out the following conditions.
- The combination of subjects which the student is opting for must be available.
- One must have passed with at least 55% in the previous standard.
- The students have appeared with the same system of subjects in the previous CBSE-affiliated school.
- Any other norms as the authorities direct.
ADMISSION PROCESS FOR SAINIK SCHOOL
- To get admission into classes 6th in Sainik School, candidates must undergo an entrance exam called the All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE).
- The application forms for the AISSEE can be filled out from the official website.
- Once, the applications are selected, candidates appear for the exam.
- The Pen and Paper mode exam must be passed with the minimum qualifying mask to qualify for the interview.
- Finally, the candidates are merit listed according to their scores in exams and interview.
KVS vs Sainik School
It can get confusing when a child is an all-rounder and the parents are also eligible for both educational academies. Therefore, they may take look at this KVS vs Sainik School overview table to compare them much more easily. This will help the parents understand the benefits and disadvantages of both schools.
S.No | Aspect of comparison | Kendriya Vidyalaya | Sainik School |
1. | Aim | Assisting education to the wards of transferable Central Government employees | Training students for installation into Defence Services Officer Cadre |
2. | Affiliation | CBSE | CBSE+ |
3. | Grades | Class 1st-12th | Class 6th-12th |
4. | Admission Levels | Class 1st-12th | Class 6th & 9th |
5. | Admission Criteria | Lottery, Need-Based, Entrance Exam etc. | All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE) & an interview and documentation round |
6. | Number of Campuses | 1252 (India and abroad) | 33 |
7. | Size of the Campus | 15 acres (Average) | utmost 276 acre |
8. | Fees | up to 12000 rupees per year | 49,000 rupees per year |
9. | Facilities | inter transferable, situated in various locations throughout the country | better in fracture and goal-oriented teaching |
10. | Citizenship | Indians Foreign Delegates invited by the government | Only Indians |
Which one is better for students KVS vs Sainik?
The choice of admitting a child into a KV or a Sanik School mostly depends upon the expectation and background of the parents. If a parent is a government employee it’s best to get your child into a KV as the transfers are easier. While posting to different locations parents won’t find trouble with the school’s admissions. Moreover, if the child is not athletic or enthusiastic about sports, physical fitness and defence-related career, KV is a good choice.
However, if the child is goal-oriented and wants to become a loyal servant of the nation in the future, Sainik School is the perfect preparatory for such a journey. All-rounder development of the child is promised in this reputable school. Sainik Schools help out a child to fetch the leader out of himself or herself.
Check out | Kendriya Vidyalaya Homepage |
Check out | Sainik School Homepage |
Visit for more | BLW Homepage |
KVS vs Sainik: FAQs
Which one is better for students KVS vs Sainik?
Both schools have their own advantages and disadvantages that we have delicately discussed in this article.
Are Sainik School and KVs the same?
No. Kendriya Vidyalaya and Sainik Schools are not the same.
Is Kendriya Vidyalaya a Sainik School?
No. Sainik School are managed by Sainik Schools Society under the Ministry of Defence. Meanwhile, KVs are managed by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sanagathan.
Are Central School and Kendriya Vidyalaya the same?
Yes. Kendriya Vidyalayas were earlier called Central Schools.
Is Kendriya Vidyalaya a good or bad school?
Kendriya Vidyalaya is better than many other private schools. It has an excellent infrastructure and campuses throughout the country and even abroad.