NTSE

• Educational Qualification: Students studying in Class 10 in recognized schools (both government and private) across India are eligible to appear for the NTSE Stage 1 exam conducted by various States/UTs.
• Age Limit: Generally, there is no strict age limit, but the candidate must be studying in Class 10.
• Nationality: The candidate must be an Indian citizen.

• Mode of Exam: Offline pen-and-paper test.
• Number of Questions: The exam consists of two main tests - Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Each test contains multiple-choice questions.
• Marking Scheme: Each correct answer typically carries one mark; there is no negative marking.
• Subjects Covered:
  • Mental Ability Test (MAT): Analytical and logical reasoning skills.
  • Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): Covers Science, Social Studies (History, Geography, Civics), and Mathematics based on Class 10 syllabus.
• When It Is Held: Stage 1 is usually conducted by respective State/UT education boards in November or December annually. Stage 2 (National Level) is conducted by NCERT around May.
• Notification: State-level notifications are generally released between August and October; NCERT releases the Stage 2 notification after Stage 1 results.

• Mental Ability Test (MAT):
  • Logical reasoning
  • Pattern completion
  • Classification
  • Series completion
  • Analogies
  • Spatial visualization
• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT):
  • Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology topics of Class 10 CBSE/State Boards' syllabus.
  • Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Number Systems, Coordinate Geometry as per Class 10 syllabus.
  • Social Science: History, Geography, Civics, Economics from Class 10 syllabus.

Application Process

1. Visit the official website of your State/UT Education Board or NCERT for Stage 2.
2. Check eligibility and notification details.
3. Fill the application form online if available, or obtain it from your school.
4. Attach necessary documents such as class 10 mark sheet and identity proof.
5. Submit the form within the stipulated deadline.
6. Pay the application fee if applicable (usually nominal or free in many states).

Courses Offered

NTSE scholarship supports students in pursuing higher education in Science, Social Sciences, and Humanities streams, encouraging academic excellence and talent retention.

Facts about NTSE

• It is one of the most prestigious scholarships for Class 10 students in India.
• Over 7,000 scholarships are awarded each year across the country.
• The scholarship amount is provided for Class 11, 12, UG, and PG studies.

Admit Card

• Available through respective State Education Boards or NCERT websites.
• Download instructions usually involve logging in with the application number or credentials.
• Must carry the admit card to the examination center.
• Check all details such as exam date and venue on the admit card.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Stage 1 results declared by State/UT boards; Stage 2 results by NCERT on their official website.
• Cut-offs vary by state and category; merit list is prepared based on marks secured.
• Qualified candidates proceed from Stage 1 to Stage 2 exam.

Preparation Tips

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
• Practice mental ability and reasoning questions regularly.
• Refer to NCERT Class 10 textbooks for Science, Mathematics, and Social Science.
• Use previous years' question papers and sample papers for practice.
• Join test series or coaching if needed for better preparation.

FAQs

• Q: Is NTSE exam only for government school students?
  A: No, students from both government and private schools can apply.
• Q: Is there any fee for applying?
  A: Most states offer the exam free or at nominal fees.
• Q: Can a student from one state appear for another state's NTSE?
  A: Generally, a student should apply only through their resident state/UT.
• Q: Are there negative markings?
  A: No negative marking in the NTSE exam.
• Q: How many stages are there in NTSE?
  A: Two stages—Stage 1 (State level) and Stage 2 (National level).