NTSE

Grade IX and X

What is NTSE?

National Talent Search Examination or commonly known as the NTSE is a National Level Examination conducted by NCERT (National Council of Education Research and Training) to provide scholarships to the deserving candidates.
This exam is conducted for secondary school level to identify and recognize students with high intellect and skills. The examination is conducted every year at 2 levels: Stage 1 (State level) and Stage 2 (National level).
Roughly around 1000 scholarships are awarded to candidates and about 1,200,000 to 1,400,000 students appear for the examination every year.
Scholarship of Rs.1250/- per month for Class-XI to XII. Scholarship of Rs.2000/- per month for Undergraduates and Post-graduates and an amount of Scholarship for Ph.D. is fixed in accordance with the UGC norms.
Below are all other details of the NTSE examination that you need to know.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who wish to appear for this examination must note that there are certain eligibility criteria set out by the CBSE. One should keep this in mind and must fulfill them to appear for the NTSE examination. Remember that the NTSE Eligibility Criteria for each stage differs.

Nationality: Only Indian nationality candidates can appear for the examination.
Qualification: A minimum of 60% marks Class IX is required. SC, ST and PH candidates will need 55% marks in Class IX. Candidate must be studying in a recognized school in their respective State or Union Territory.

NTSE Eligibility Criteria (Stage 2)

Candidates will need 80% marks or above in the State level exam, to be considered eligible.
Every student who secures the minimum required marks in Stage II will be eligible for the scholarship program.

Exam Pattern

The exam is conducted in two stages i.e. Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 examination is conducted at state level by the state authorities. Stage 2 examination is conducted at all other states and union territories.
The paper is available in both the Hindi and English medium. Students need to select any one language from both the languages.
The paper is divided into two sections i.e. Mental Ability Test (MAT), and Scholastic Ability Test (SAT).
The examination is conducted through the offline mode only.
The paper is comprised of Objective type multiple choice questions.
For every correct answer, 1 mark will be given and there is no negative marking at stage 1 and stage 2.

Tips to Prepare for NTSE

Thoroughly go through the NCERT books of 9th and 10th for the NTSE exam.
Choose your reference books prescribed by experts and toppers and stick to them.
Since there is a lot of content available on the NTSE, you are advised to choose your content wisely and follow it till the end.
Practice as many sample papers as you can.
Analyze your performance after each mock test.
Work on individual sections.
You should strengthen your MAT and SAT sections. Give sufficient time for both and also work on your general knowledge skills.
Work Hard and stay healthy.