NVS vs Sainik School: If you are a parent deciding which school is better for the overall development of their child for the upcoming academic year, your search ends here. Navodaya Vidyalaya as well as Sainik School both have chains throughout the country. Both schools are renowned in their respective field of the educational sector. So, confused parents and students can check out the list of comparative and common points between the JNV and Sainik School here. Furthermore, we will help out the readers in deciding which educational institute is best according to their expectations and budget with the help of this article about NVS vs Sainik School.

NVS vs Sainik School: Overview
A candidate must be at least a 5th pass to get admission to either Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalaya or Sainik School. Students below the minimum standards are not allowed admission as the first academic level of NVS and Sainik Schools is grade 6th. This is to ensure that the parents and the child are assured of the student’s career in a certain field. JNVs target students belonging to rural areas and lacking financial and educational resources. Meanwhile, Sainik School builds up the “Soldier” inside a child and prepares them for a military career. More elaborate and point-wise information on NVS vs Sainik School is provided in the following section.
Name of the article | NVS vs Sainik School |
Type | Comparison |
Category | Schools |
Admission Levels | Class 6th |
Year | 2023 |
Location | India |
Admission Mode | Entrance Exam |
Comparison based on | Affiliation, fees, campus, admission criteria etc. |
Official Websites | navodaya.gov.in & www.sainikschooltvm.nic.in |
JNVs were established to provide educational assistance to talented students lacking financial, societal and other resources. The students seeking admission into the JNVs must pass a common entrance test called the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST). On average only 2% of the aspirants who appear for the JNVST can pass and get selected for admission. This is a single window, as no student is allowed to appear twice for the JNVST in their lifetime.
JNVs are top-level CBSE-affiliated residential schools with no fees for 6-8th class students. Only class 9th onwards students should pay only a sum of 600 rupees per month. The fees after class 8th are also exempted for certain students such as those belonging to BPL, SC and ST categories and female candidates etc.
Admissions in NVS
- Candidates must visit the official website.
- Go to the Admission in the JNVs section.
- Follow the link stating “Click here to submit the online application form for class VI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test.”
- The form will appear on your screen.
- Check out your eligibility and fill in the details.
- Submit the application form and take a printout.

About Sainik Schools
Established in the 1960s, Sainik Schools aims at preparing students for the officer cadre in the Indian Army, Navy and Airforce. Deserving passed-out students of Sainik schools get admission to the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy after the 12th. There is a total of 33 Sainik Schools in India, which follow the CBSE+ pattern of education. Students of the Sainik Schools undergo rigorous physical and academic training for the future in the National Defence career and any other walk of life.
Students who want admission into the Sainik Schools must pass the All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE). Afterwards, the selected candidates are also called upon for an interview for further shortlisted. The passing students are then merit listed based on their scores in the exam and interview. Candidates seeking admission to the Sainik Schools must be physically fit to serve the defence forces of the country.
Admissions in Sainik Schools
- Visit the official website.
- Go to the admission section and choose new admission.
- Check out the details and apply for the AISSEE- current year.
- Register and fill out the application form.
- Submit the form and pay the online fees.
- Download a copy of the AISSEE application form.

Comparison NVS vs Sainik School
Now, candidates can compare the two based on the different aspects and decide whether NVS or Sainik School is best for them. These are various categories based on which we can compare the two best schools in the nation. Check out the table below.
Category | Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya | Sainik Schools |
Admission | Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) Only one attempt | All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE) Interview |
Minimum Qualification | Class 5th for admission in class 6th Class 8th for admission in class 9th & Class 10th for admission in class 11th | Class 5th for admission in class 6th & Class 8th for admission in class 9th |
Reservation | SC, ST, BPL, Girl etc. 75% of Rural Students | SC, ST, Domicile holders, Wards of Armed Personnel and Ex-servicemen, Girls |
Aim | Education associated with social justice | Threshold into NDA and INA |
Affiliation | CBSE | CBSE + |
Grade | 6th-12th | 6th-12th 9th-12th |
Campus Type | Residential | Residential |
Campus Area | 5–30 acres for each school | the Largest campus- 276 acre |
Number of Schools | 661 | 33 |
Fees | Class 6th-8th– No fees Class 9th- 12th– 600 rupees per month | 49,000 per annum |
Website | JNVS Homepage | Sainik School Homepage |
NVS vs Sainik School Which is Better for Students?
We have provided the candidates with a deep evaluation of the two schools based on their appearance and budget. Now, it is completely up to the students what specialisation they chose for their career. Candidates who are focused on pursuing a profession in the defence field to serve the country should try out for the Sanik School.
Meanwhile, those who have not yet decided on their occupation can try for the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. JNVs are reserved 75% for students belonging to rural areas. Therefore, if you are one of them, you should appear for the JNVST. If a candidate lacks financial assistance from their parent, they should also take admissions in the NVS as it has negligible fees. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and should be used carefully.
Currently on NVS vs Sainik School
Lately, there was an announcement that a few of the NVS shall be transformed into the Sainik schools by changing their infrastructure. Some JNVs situated in MP, Odisha and Chhatisgarh are said to be reconstructed considering the new proposal of the government from 2021 to create 100 new Sainik schools. Yet, there has been a lot of opposition and disagreement regarding this new scheme. However, time will tell if the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya will be turned into a Sainik School or not.
Important Links
Visit for more educational information | BLW homepage |
Frequently Asked Questions Related to NVS vs Sainik School
Which is better NVS vs Sainik School?
Both the schools are best in their respect but those wanting t pursue a career in defence should choose Sainik School. Meanwhile, JNVs are best for students from all backgrounds with affordable fees.
How do I get admission to Sainik School in class 6th?
Sainik school entrance exam 2023-24 for class 6 is called the All India Sainik School Entrance Examination (AISSEE). It was conducted on the 8th of January 2023.
What are the fees at JNVs?
Students in their first 3 years, that is class 6th-8th do not have to pay any amount. Afterwards, students have to pay a monthly sum of 600 rupees. Females, SC, ST and BPL candidates are exempted to pay this fee.
Which is the Best Sainik School in India for girls?
Chhingchhip in Manipur and Bijapur in Karnataka is considered the Best Sainik Schools in India for girls.