We understand the anticipation. To support your journey to India’s top engineering institutes, ALLEN Overseas has released the unofficial JEE Advanced 2025 Answer Key along with detailed paper solutions for Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Prepared by our expert faculty with years of experience, these answer keys and solutions are meticulously crafted to help you estimate your score, reduce post-exam anxiety, and plan your next steps with confidence.

JEE Advanced 2025 Important Dates

Stay tuned with ALLEN Overseas for the latest updates on results, counselling guidance, and expert advice to help you crack the next steps in your academic journey.

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For Stage I, the release of the hall ticket is managed by the respective State/U.T. education boards. Some states provide the facility to download it online, while others distribute it offline through school principals. For Stage II, the admit card is issued exclusively by NCERT via their official national portal.

The NTSE hall ticket contains vital information, including the exam venue address, candidate’s roll number, and specific reporting times. It is mandatory for students to carry a valid photo ID alongside their admit card for verification at the exam center.

NTSE 2026 Stage I Admit Card: State-Wise Links

The following table provides the official websites for various states and the typical mode of admit card release. Students should visit these portals in October 2026 to check for updates.

NTSE 2026 Stage II Admit Card

Only those students who qualify for the Stage I screening will be eligible for the Stage II National Level examination. NCERT usually uploads the E-Admit Cards for Phase 2 on its official website, ncert.nic.in, four weeks before the exam.

Steps to download the Stage II Admit Card:

• Visit the NCERT official website (ncert.nic.in) and navigate to the ‘National Talent Search Examination’ section.
• Click on the link ‘Download E-Admit Card for NTS Stage-II Examination’.
• Enter your Stage I Roll Number and Date of Birth.
• Download the PDF and print at least two copies.

Details to Verify on Your Hall Ticket

Once you receive your admit card, ensure the following details are correct. If you find any discrepancies, contact your School Principal or the State Liaison Officer immediately:

• Candidate’s Full Name and Date of Birth
• Category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PH)
• Roll Number and Gender
• Complete address of the Exam Centre
• Candidate’s Photograph and Signature

NTSE 2026 Last-Minute Preparation Tips

As the exam day approaches, focus on efficiency rather than new topics:

• Revision of Short Notes: Focus on formulas in Mathematics and key dates in Social Science.
• Mock Tests: Solve at least 3-5 full-length MAT papers to improve speed.
• Health & Rest: Maintain a consistent sleep cycle; exhaustion can lead to silly mistakes in the Mental Ability Test.
• Item Checklist: Keep your admit card, Aadhar card, and black/blue ballpoint pens ready a day in advance.

Special Instructions for Indian Students Studying Abroad

Indian nationals studying Class 10 abroad are exempted from the Stage I exam. They can appear directly for Stage II under these conditions:

• They must have secured at least 60% aggregate marks in their Class IX annual examination.
• They must submit a request through their current Head of Institution along with an attested marksheet to NCERT, New Delhi, by December 31, 2025.
• If selected, the scholarship will only be paid if the student pursues further studies in India.

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Stages of the NTSE 2026 Selection Process

NTSE 2026 remains a prestigious gateway for high school students. The objective is to identify students with superior intelligence and scholastic skills. Successful candidates who navigate both stages are eligible for lifelong benefits, including a monthly scholarship to support their academic journey.

Selected scholars receive the following scholarship amounts:

• Class XI to XII: 1,250 Rupees per month.
• Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses: 2,000 Rupees per month.
• Ph.D. degree: Scholarship amount is provided as per UGC norms.

The final merit list is prepared strictly based on the combined performance in the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) during the Stage II examination. Stage I serves as a qualifying round, and its marks are not added to the final national merit score.

Stage I: State-Level Selection

The NTSE 2026 Stage I is the primary screening phase. This phase is administered by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) or the relevant state education department. Every state has a specific quota of candidates they can recommend for the National level.

Key details of the Stage I Examination:

• The exam consists of two mandatory papers: Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
• Each paper contains 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• The duration for each paper is 120 minutes (2 hours).
• There is no negative marking in the Stage I examination.

Important Note: Any queries, complaints, or requests for re-evaluation regarding Stage I must be directed to the State Liaison Officer. NCERT does not entertain correspondence related to the state-level results.

Stage II: National-Level Selection

Only students who clear the state-level cutoff for Stage I are invited to appear for the NTSE 2026 Stage II. This stage is uniform across India and is conducted by NCERT.

Structure of the Stage II Exam:

• Paper I: Mental Ability Test (MAT) – 100 questions, 100 marks, 120 minutes.
• Paper II: Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – 100 questions (covering Science, Social Science, and Math), 100 marks, 120 minutes.
• The medium of examination is available in 13 languages, including English and Hindi.
• Similar to Stage I, there is no negative marking in Stage II.

Qualifying marks for both Stage I and Stage II are 40% for General, OBC, and EWS categories, and 32% for SC, ST, and PWD categories in each paper independently.

Reservation of Scholarships

In the final selection of 2,000 scholars nationwide, the following reservation criteria are applied:

• 15% for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates.
• 7.5% for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.
• 27% for Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer).
• 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
• 4% for candidates with Benchmark Disabilities (Physically Challenged).

Candidates can check their Stage II results and the final merit list on the official NCERT portal.

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The examination is conducted in two distinct levels. Stage I is a state-level examination conducted by the respective State/U.T. governments (SCERT). Candidates who qualify at the state level are then eligible to appear for the Stage II national-level examination conducted by NCERT.

Important Note for 2026: The NTSE scheme was previously put on hold by the Ministry of Education for a program review. Students and parents are advised to monitor the official NCERT portal at https://ncert.nic.in/ for the latest notification regarding the resumption of the 2025-26 session.

NTSE 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before beginning the application process, students must ensure they meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Candidates must be currently studying in Class 10 from a recognized school (Government, Private, or Kendriya Vidyalaya).
• For Stage I, the student must be studying in a school located within the state or union territory from which they are applying.
• Open Distance Learning (ODL) students are eligible provided they are below 18 years of age and appearing for the Class 10 exam for the first time.
• Indian students studying abroad are eligible to skip Stage I and appear directly for Stage II, provided they scored 60% or above in their previous annual examination.

NTSE 2026 Tentative Dates:

While official dates are subject to the NCERT’s resumption notice, the typical schedule for the 2026 cycle is as follows:

• Release of Stage I Notifications: August – September 2026
• Last Date for Application Submission: October 2026
• Stage I Admit Card Availability: October 2026
• Stage I Examination: November 2026
• Stage I Results Announcement: February – March 2027
• Stage II Examination: June 2027

How to Fill NTSE 2026 Application Form

The registration process is primarily managed by State Liaison Officers. Depending on your state, the process may be fully online or require a physical form submission.

Step 1: Obtain the Application Form

• Download the form from your state’s SCERT website or collect it from the office of the State Liaison Officer.
• Alternatively, many schools distribute forms directly to eligible Class 10 students.

Step 2: Completing the Application

1. Enter the candidate’s name and parents’ names exactly as they appear on school records.
2. Provide accurate details regarding the area of residence (Rural or Urban) and school type.
3. Select your preferred medium of examination (Language).
4. Affix a recent passport-size photograph in the school uniform.
5. Ensure the form is signed by the school Principal and carries the official school stamp.

Step 3: Required Documentation

• Class 9th Marksheet (Attested copy)
• Aadhar Card or valid identification
• Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC-NCL categories)
• Income Certificate (for EWS category)
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)

NTSE Scholarship Rewards

Successful candidates who clear both Stage I and Stage II and fall within the merit list are awarded monthly scholarships. The current scholarship rates are as follows:

• Class 11 to Class 12: 1,250 Rupees per month.
• Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) levels: 2,000 Rupees per month.
• Ph.D. level: Scholarship amount is fixed as per UGC norms.

Reservation Policy

NCERT follows a strict reservation policy for the final award of scholarships:

• 15% for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates.
• 7.5% for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.
• 27% for Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer).
• 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
• 4% for candidates with benchmark disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there an application fee for NTSE 2026?

There is no fee for the Stage II exam conducted by NCERT. However, individual states may charge a small processing fee for the Stage I examination.

2. Can Class 9 students apply for NTSE?

No, the NTSE is strictly for students currently enrolled in Class 10.

3. What is the syllabus for NTSE 2026?

The exam consists of two papers: the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The SAT section generally covers the syllabus of Class 9 and 10 across Science, Social Science, and Mathematics.

4. Do I need to apply separately for Stage II?

No. Once you qualify for Stage I, your data is automatically recommended to NCERT for the Stage II examination. No separate registration is required for Indian residents.

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The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) 2026 is conducted in two stages – Stage I (State Level) and Stage II (National Level). Knowing the exam dates well in advance is crucial for effective preparation and planning. This page provides the complete schedule for NTSE 2026, including exam dates, paper timings, and important notes.

Note for Overseas Indian Students: Indian students studying abroad are exempted from Stage I and can appear directly for Stage II. The exam dates for Stage II apply to them as well, and they must appear at an examination centre in India.

NTSE 2026 – Stage I Exam Dates (State Level)

NTSE Stage I is conducted by respective States and Union Territories. The exam is held on the same day across most states, with exceptions for a few states/UTs.

NTSE Stage I – Paper-wise Timings

Note: The above timings are as per previous years’ pattern. Any changes in the exam pattern or timings for NTSE 2026 Stage I will be communicated through the official NCERT website.

NTSE 2026 – Stage II Exam Dates (National Level)

NTSE Stage II is conducted by NCERT at the national level. Only candidates who qualify Stage I are eligible for Stage II. Overseas Indian students appear directly for Stage II.

NTSE Stage II – Paper-wise Timings

Note: Any changes in the exam pattern or timings for NTSE 2026 Stage II will be communicated through the official NCERT website.

NTSE 2026 – Other Important Dates (Expected)

Important Notes

• The dates mentioned above are tentative and based on previous years’ patterns. The official NTSE 2026 schedule will be announced by NCERT and respective State/UT authorities.
• For Stage I: Application dates and last dates vary from state to state. Candidates must check their respective state’s official website for exact dates.
• For Stage II: The exam is conducted on the same day across all States/UTs by NCERT.
• For PwD Candidates: Visually challenged candidates and candidates with disabilities are provided compensatory time of 30 minutes per paper as per NCERT guidelines.
• For Overseas Indian Students: Indian students studying abroad appear directly for Stage II. They must ensure they apply through the prescribed channel and submit required documents to NCERT by the deadline (typically December 31 of the previous year).
• Any changes in the exam dates or pattern will be communicated through the official NCERT website: www.ncert.nic.in. Candidates are advised to regularly visit the website for the latest updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – NTSE 2026 Exam Dates

1. When will NTSE 2026 Stage I be held?
NTSE 2026 Stage I is expected to be held on the 1st Sunday of November 2026. For Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, it will be held on the 1st Saturday of November 2026.

2. When will NTSE 2026 Stage II be held?
NTSE 2026 Stage II is expected to be held on the 2nd Sunday of May 2027.

3. What are the timings for NTSE Stage I and Stage II?
MAT is held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and SAT is held from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM for general candidates. Visually challenged candidates get extra time – MAT: 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, SAT: 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

4. When will NTSE 2026 application forms be released?
NTSE Stage I application forms are expected to be released in August 2026 onwards, with last dates varying by state (September–October 2026).

5. When will NTSE 2026 Stage I results be declared?
NTSE Stage I results are expected in January–February 2027, varying by state.

6. When will NTSE 2026 Stage II results be declared?
NTSE Stage II results are expected in November 2027.

7. Is there any difference in exam dates for overseas Indian students?
Overseas Indian students appear directly for Stage II. The Stage II exam date (2nd Sunday of May 2027) applies to them as well.

8. Where can I get official updates on NTSE 2026 exam dates?
Official updates are available on the NCERT website (www.ncert.nic.in) and respective State/UT education department websites.

9. Will there be any change in exam pattern for NTSE 2026?
If there are any changes in the exam pattern for Stage I or Stage II, they will be communicated through the official NCERT website. Candidates should keep track of updates.

10. What is the compensatory time for PwD candidates in NTSE?
Visually challenged candidates and candidates with disabilities are given 30 minutes extra per paper (total 2.5 hours per paper instead of 2 hours).

Important Notes and Disclaimers

• This page is updated for NTSE 2026 based on official notifications from NCERT and previous years’ patterns.
• The exact dates for NTSE 2026 Stage I and Stage II will be announced by NCERT and respective State/UT authorities. Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official NCERT website (https://www.ncert.nic.in) for the latest updates.
• State-wise application dates may vary. Candidates must check their respective state’s official website for exact application deadlines.
• For specific queries related to NTSE exam dates, candidates may contact their school authorities or State/UT Liaison Officer.

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.

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