NTSE 2025–26: National Talent Search Examination by NCERT
What is NTSE?
The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE), conducted by NCERT, is a prestigious national scholarship exam for Class 10 students. It selects ~1,000 students annually for scholarships supporting higher secondary and tertiary education.
Eligibility & Stages
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Eligible students: Class 10 (including Open Schooling, D.L.Ed., and Indian students studying abroad) < 18 years old.
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Stages:
- Stage I: Conducted by State/UT (November).
- Stage II: National-level exam by NCERT (June–July).
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About 10% of State-level participants advance; ~2,000 appear in Stage II.
Exam Pattern
Both stages (I & II) follow identical formats:
| Paper | Section | Qs | Duration | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAT | Mental Ability Test | 100 | 120 min | 100 | Stage I: none; Stage II: −⅓ per wrong answer |
| SAT | Scholastic Aptitude Test (Math, Science, Social Science) | 100 | 120 min | 100 | Stage I: none; Stage II: −⅓ per wrong answer |
- Science: 40 Q, Social Science: 40 Q, Math: 20 Q
- Total per stage: 200 questions, 200 marks, 4 hours
Syllabus
MAT (Mental Ability Test)
- Verbal & Non-verbal reasoning: analogies, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, directions, Venn diagrams, puzzles, folded figures
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
- Science: Physics (motion, electricity), Chemistry (elements, reactions), Biology (life processes, environment)
- Mathematics: Number systems, algebra, geometry, mensuration, statistics, probability, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, arithmetic
- Social Science: Indian & world history, geography, civics, economics (Class IX–X NCERT level)
Marking Scheme
- Stage I: +1 mark per correct answer; no negative marking
- Stage II: +1 mark correct, −⅓ mark incorrect in both papers; unattempted = 0
- Qualifying marks Stage II: ≥40% for General/OBC, ≥32% for SC/ST/PwD in each paper
Preparation Cheat Sheet
Mental Ability (MAT)
- Practice verbal reasoning: analogies, syllogisms, coding–decoding
- Non-verbal reasoning: paper-folding, embedded figures, series
- Use previous year NTSE and sample question banks
Mathematics
- Strengthen fundamentals (NCERT Class IX–X topics)
- Focus on problem-solving in arithmetic, algebra, geometry
- Time yourself via mock tests; accuracy is key
Science
- Revise NCERT for Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class IX–X)
- Understand core concepts like laws, reactions, biological functions
- Practice direct application and conceptual questions
Social Science
- Prepare NCERT history, civics, geography lessons (Locale & India-level)
- Include map-based, polity, economy questions
Exam Tips
- Take timed mock tests for both stage patterns
- Analyze errors and work on weak topics
- Keep healthy routine and regular revision
Scholarship Benefits & Rewards
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Stage II qualifiers: ~1,000 scholars selected annually
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Scholarship amount:
- ₹1,250/month (Class XI–XII)
- ₹2,000/month (UG/PG)
- UGC norms for Ph.D.
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Reservation: SC 15%, ST 7.5%, PwD 3%
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Benefits: Monthly financial aid, academic recognition, and strong competitive exam foundation
Quick Facts
- Exam Type: Offline OMR-based
- Total Duration: 4 hours (2 hrs MAT + 2 hrs SAT)
- Total Marks: 200
- Number of Papers: 2 per stage
- Scholarship Continuation: Till Ph.D.