NTSE 2026 Eligibility Criteria

NTSE 2026 – Eligibility Criteria (Complete Guide)

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) 2026 eligibility criteria are prescribed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Candidates must carefully review and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying for the examination. Failure to meet any criterion will result in disqualification at any stage of the selection process.

This guide covers the complete eligibility criteria for NTSE 2026, including Stage I, Stage II, and special provisions for Indian students studying abroad.

NTSE 2026 – Eligibility Criteria Overview

NTSE 2026 – Stage I Eligibility (State Level)

Stage I of NTSE is conducted by respective States and Union Territories. The following eligibility criteria apply for Stage I:

Who Can Appear for Stage I?

• Class X Students: All students studying in Class X in a recognized school (Government, Government-aided, or Private) are eligible to appear for NTSE Stage I.
• School Types: Students from Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Sainik Schools, CBSE-affiliated schools, ICSE schools, and State Board schools are all eligible.
• First-time Appearances: Candidates must be appearing for their Class X board examination for the first time. Students repeating Class X are not eligible.
• Open and Distance Learning (ODL): Students enrolled in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs (such as NIOS) are also eligible, provided they:
  • Are below 18 years of age as on July 1, 2026.
  • Are not employed anywhere.
  • Are appearing for Class X examination for the first time.

Domicile / Residency Requirement

• No Domicile Restriction: There is no domicile requirement for NTSE. Students can appear for Stage I from the state/UT where their school is located, regardless of their permanent residence or domicile.
• KVS/JNV Students: Students studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas or Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas will appear for Stage I from the state/UT where their school is situated.

Minimum Marks in Class IX (State-specific)

• Some States/UTs may prescribe a minimum qualifying percentage in the Class IX annual examination as an additional eligibility condition for appearing in Stage I. This varies from state to state.
• Typically, many states require a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in Class IX (5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates).
• Note: Candidates must check the specific eligibility criteria published by their respective State/UT Liaison Officer.

NTSE 2026 – Stage II Eligibility (National Level)

Stage II of NTSE is conducted by NCERT for students who qualify Stage I. The following criteria apply for Stage II:

• Stage I Qualification: Only those candidates who qualify Stage I (State Level) examination are eligible to appear for Stage II.
• Minimum Qualifying Marks: Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks (cut-off) prescribed for their category in Stage I to be eligible for Stage II.
• Sectional Cut-off: In addition to the overall cut-off, candidates must also meet the sectional cut-off in each part of the Stage I examination (MAT and SAT). Failure to qualify in any section will result in disqualification, even if the overall score is above the cut-off.
• Category-wise Cut-off: The cut-off marks for Stage II qualification vary by category (General, OBC, SC, ST) and are published by each State/UT along with the Stage I results.

NTSE 2026 – Eligibility for Indian Students Studying Abroad

Indian nationals studying abroad are eligible to appear directly for Stage II of NTSE, without having to appear for Stage I. This is a special provision for overseas Indian students.

Eligibility Conditions for Overseas Indian Students

Important Conditions for Overseas Indian Students

• Scholarship Payment: If selected, the scholarship will be paid only if the student pursues higher studies in India. Scholarship is not payable for studies pursued abroad.
• Direct Stage II Entry: Overseas Indian students do not have to appear for Stage I. They are directly eligible for Stage II, provided they meet all the above conditions.
• Application Process: Overseas Indian students must apply directly to NCERT through the prescribed channel. Details and application forms are available on the official NCERT website.
• Admit Card: Stage II admit cards for overseas candidates are issued by NCERT and can be downloaded from the official portal.

NTSE 2026 – Eligibility Summary Table

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – NTSE 2026 Eligibility

1. What is the age limit for NTSE 2026?
Candidates must be below 18 years of age as on July 1, 2026. For example, candidates born on or after July 2, 2008, are eligible.

2. Can a student from Open School (NIOS) apply for NTSE 2026?
Yes. Students enrolled in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs such as NIOS are eligible, provided they are below 18 years, not employed, and appearing for Class X for the first time.

3. Is there any domicile requirement for NTSE?
No. There is no domicile restriction. Students can appear for Stage I from the state/UT where their school is located, irrespective of their permanent residence.

4. Can a student who failed Class X earlier appear for NTSE?
No. Candidates must be appearing for Class X for the first time. Students repeating Class X are not eligible.

5. What is the minimum marks required in Class IX for NTSE?
This varies by state. Many states require a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in Class IX (with relaxation for SC/ST candidates). Candidates must check their state’s specific eligibility criteria.

6. Are Indian students studying abroad eligible for NTSE?
Yes. Indian nationals studying abroad can appear directly for Stage II provided they are below 18 years, have secured 60% in Class IX, and appear for the exam at a centre in India.

7. Can OCI/PIO candidates apply for NTSE?
No. NTSE is only for Indian nationals. OCI/PIO cardholders are not eligible unless they hold Indian citizenship.

8. Is there any age relaxation for SC/ST candidates?
No. The age limit of below 18 years is applicable to all candidates, irrespective of category. No age relaxation is provided.

9. Can a student studying in Class XI apply for NTSE?
No. NTSE is exclusively for students studying in Class X. Class XI students are not eligible.

10. If an overseas Indian student qualifies NTSE, will the scholarship be paid for studies abroad?
No. The scholarship is payable only for studies pursued in India. If the student chooses to study abroad, the scholarship will not be awarded.

Important Notes and Disclaimers

• This page is updated for NTSE 2026 based on official notifications from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and previous years’ patterns.
• State-wise eligibility criteria may vary slightly. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification issued by their respective State/UT Liaison Officer.
• For the latest updates, circulars, and notifications, candidates must regularly visit the official NCERT website (https://www.ncert.nic.in).
• For specific queries related to eligibility, overseas candidates may contact the Department of Educational Survey Division, NCERT, New Delhi.

This page is for informational purposes only. ALLEN Overseas has verified the information from official sources (ncert.nic.in). However, candidates must refer to official notifications from NCERT and their respective State/UT authorities for final confirmation.