Shaping Future
Officers of
the Nation.
Sainik School Sambalpur is a CBSE-affiliated coeducational residential school spread across 105 picturesque acres near Basantpur, Sambalpur — preparing cadets of Classes VI to XII for entry into the National Defence Academy and a life of service to the nation.
A School with
a Difference
Sainik School Sambalpur is the 33rd Sainik School in India and the second in the state of Odisha. It was inaugurated by Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha, on 27th February 2015. The new building and infrastructure were developed within five years.
The school has been established with an aim to prepare cadets for all spheres of Defence Services, while also making each child self-dependent, decisive and full of the best values and practices. Experienced and dedicated staff members provide a platform for overall development — physical, mental and moral.
Set in a picturesque location surrounded by hills and lush green environment, approximately 20 km from Sambalpur city and close to the historic Hirakud Dam, the 105-acre campus is ideal for both academic and physical training. The school operates under the purview of the State Government of Odisha and the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
“We value individualism, creativity and innovation and strive to nurture them in our cadets.”
Sainik Schools Conceived
The concept of Sainik Schools was conceived by Shri V.K. Krishna Menon, Defence Minister of India, to build an infrastructure for intake into the NDA and to rectify regional imbalance among officer cadres.
Sanction for Sambalpur
Approval granted to establish the 33rd Sainik School at Basantpur, Sambalpur — the second Sainik School in Odisha, under joint management of the State Government and Ministry of Defence.
School Inaugurated
Sainik School Sambalpur was formally inaugurated on 27th February 2015 by Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha. The school received its first batch of 100 cadets.
Infrastructure Completed
New buildings and full campus infrastructure completed within five years of inauguration. The school embraced digital learning with fully online classrooms during the COVID-19 period.
Coeducational & Growing
Sainik School Sambalpur now admits both boys and girls in Classes VI and IX through the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) conducted by NTA.
Life at Sainik School
Education here goes far beyond the classroom — discipline, leadership, sportsmanship and national pride are instilled in every cadet from Class VI onwards.
Academic Excellence
CBSE-affiliated curriculum from Class VI to XII with Science (Maths and non-Maths) streams at senior secondary level. Smart classrooms, dedicated computer and science labs, and a library with 2,500+ books, newspapers and journals.
NCC Training
Compulsory National Cadet Corps (NCC) training imparted to all cadets from Class VI to XII. A Cadet completing Class XII typically holds an NCC B Certificate — a significant advantage for NDA entry.
Sports & Physical Training
Specialised coaching by qualified coaches deputed by SAI. Facilities include a football field, cricket ground, basketball and volleyball courts, badminton, table tennis, chess, carrom, a 200m 6-lane synthetic track and a swimming pool.
Co-Curricular Activities
Active clubs and societies to develop every facet of cadet potential — from cultural programmes, music and dance to trekking, eco-activities and community outreach. Cadets compete in inter-house competitions throughout the year.
Full Boarding
A complete residential school with separate hostels for boys and girls, comfortable well-ventilated rooms, recreational areas, study spaces and structured routine. Nutritious meals in a common dining hall with fixed meal schedules throughout the day.
NDA Preparation
The primary aim of Sainik School Sambalpur is to prepare cadets academically, physically and mentally for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Pune and the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.
How to Join
Admission to Sainik School Sambalpur is granted through the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam is conducted in pen-and-paper mode across 190 cities in India.
The school offers admission at Class VI and Class IX level. Currently, approximately 80 seats are available in Class VI (including ~10 seats for girls) and 6 seats in Class IX.
Seats are reserved for children of SC/ST candidates and serving/retired defence personnel. Scholarships are offered to meritorious students based on merit, parental occupation and family income.
Register Online for AISSEE
Fill the online application form released by NTA. Upload required documents to prove identity and eligibility. Age criteria: 10–12 years for Class VI, 13–15 years for Class IX (by 31st March of the exam year).
Appear for AISSEE
The entrance examination tests Maths, English, General Knowledge and Reasoning. Approximately 1.5 lakh students appear for AISSEE each year across India.
Check Merit List
If your name appears on the merit list, proceed to e-counselling. Selection is based entirely on AISSEE performance — there are no interviews for Class VI or IX admissions.
Medical Examination
Qualifying candidates must pass a medical fitness test. Only candidates who clear all steps — AISSEE, merit list and medical — are admitted to Sainik School Sambalpur.
Admission & Fee Payment
Annual fees for Sainik School Sambalpur are approximately ₹1,42,599 (subject to periodic revision). This includes tuition, boarding, meals, laundry and miscellaneous charges.
World-Class Facilities
Spread over 105 acres of lush greenery near Basantpur, the campus is designed to support every aspect of holistic cadet development — academic, physical and recreational.
Set Amid Nature,
Near Hirakud
Sainik School Sambalpur is set in a picturesque location surrounded by hills and lush greenery — spanning 105 acres in the Basantpur region, approximately 20 km from Sambalpur City near Chipilima Road.
The campus is close to the Hirakud Dam, one of India’s longest river dams built across the Mahanadi River — making it an ideal setting for physical training and outdoor activities in a serene natural environment.
Sambalpur is the fifth-largest city in Odisha, one of the most historically rich cities in India with settlements dating back to prehistoric times. The school’s location combines natural beauty with easy access to the city’s infrastructure.
Apply for
Admission 2026.
Admission to Sainik School Sambalpur is through the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE) conducted by NTA. Applications for AISSEE 2026 are now open.