Overview
Overview
NTSE (National Talent Search Examination) is a prestigious national-level scholarship exam for Class X students, conducted by NCERT.
Key Facts
- One of India's oldest and most prestigious scholarship exams (since 1963)
- Two-stage exam: Stage 1 (State) + Stage 2 (National)
- ~1,000 scholarships awarded per year
- Scholarship amount: ₹1,250/month (Class XI–XII), ₹2,000/month (UG), ₹2,000+/month (PG)
- Scholarship continues up to PhD level
- Note: NTSE was discontinued from 2022 onwards. The information is provided for reference as the scheme may be revived or replaced.
Exam Pattern
Exam Pattern
Stage 1 — State Level (conducted by SCERT)
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT (Mental Ability Test) | 100 | 100 | 120 min |
| SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) | 100 | 100 | 120 min |
Stage 2 — National Level (conducted by NCERT)
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT | 100 | 100 | 120 min |
| SAT (Science, Maths, Social Science) | 100 | 100 | 120 min |
No negative marking in most states.
NTSE Status and Practical Alternatives
General Info
NTSE is discontinued in recent cycles. Students should focus on active scholarship and olympiad pathways such as NMMS/INSPIRE and relevant state or national programs.