NTSE

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is one of India’s most prestigious scholarship examinations. Conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the objective of NTSE is to identify talented students across the country and award them scholarships to support their higher education.

The examination follows a two-tier structure:

• Stage I (State Level): Conducted by respective States and Union Territories.
• Stage II (National Level): Conducted by NCERT.

Important for Indian students studying abroad: Candidates of Indian nationality studying outside India are exempted from Stage I and can appear directly for the NTSE Stage II examination. This makes NTSE highly accessible for overseas Indian students.

NTSE 2026 – Syllabus

The NTSE syllabus is divided into two broad sections: Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The syllabus remains the same for both Stage I and Stage II. NCERT does not prescribe any official syllabus; however, the questions are based entirely on the NCERT Class X curriculum. Candidates must thoroughly familiarize themselves with the syllabus and exam pattern to prepare effectively.

Mental Ability Test (MAT) – Syllabus

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – Syllabus

Note: The above syllabus is based on the NCERT Class X curriculum and is indicative. Candidates are advised to refer to NCERT textbooks for comprehensive preparation.

NTSE 2026 – Eligibility Criteria

NTSE is open to all Indian nationals studying in Class X, whether in India or abroad.

Stage I Eligibility

• Candidates must be Indian nationals.
• Candidates must be studying in Class X in a recognized school in India or abroad.
• Candidates must have secured at least 60% marks in Class IX (relaxation applicable for reserved categories as per state norms).
• Students enrolled in Open Distance Learning (ODL) are eligible provided they are below 18 years of age as of 1st July 2026 and are not employed.

Stage II Eligibility

• Only candidates who qualify Stage I are eligible for Stage II.
• Indian students studying abroad are directly eligible for Stage II and are exempted from appearing in Stage I. Such candidates must apply directly to NCERT through the designated channel.

NTSE 2026 – Exam Pattern

Both Stage I and Stage II consist of two papers: Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four options and a single correct answer. There is no negative marking.

Stage I Exam Pattern

Mental Ability Test (MAT) – Stage I

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – Stage I

Stage II Exam Pattern

The pattern for Stage II is identical to Stage I:

• MAT: 100 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours.
• SAT: 100 questions (Science – 40, Social Science – 40, Mathematics – 20), 100 marks, 2 hours.
• No negative marking.

NTSE 2026 – Exam Dates

Stage I (State Level) – 2026

Stage II (National Level) – 2026

Note: Dates are subject to change as per official NCERT notifications. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official NCERT website for updates.

NTSE 2026 – Application Procedure

1. Eligibility: The examination is open to all students studying in Class X.
2. Application Form: Students must obtain the NTSE application form from their respective schools or the State Liaison Officer.
3. Submission: The duly filled and signed application form (countersigned by the School Principal) must be submitted to the State Liaison Officer before the prescribed deadline.
4. Accuracy: Candidates must ensure that all information provided in the application form is correct and complete. Incomplete or incorrect forms are liable to be rejected, and no admit card will be issued.
5. Stage II Application: There is no separate application form for Stage II. Candidates who qualify Stage I are automatically eligible for Stage II and will be informed by NCERT directly.
6. Overseas Indian Students: Candidates studying abroad must apply directly to NCERT for Stage II exemption and registration. Detailed instructions are available on the official NCERT website.

NTSE 2026 – Admit Card

Stage I Admit Card

• The release of Stage I admit cards varies from state to state.
• Some states release the admit card online on the official state examination portal, which candidates can download using their application number and date of birth.
• Other states distribute admit cards through respective schools. Candidates should contact their school authorities for the same.
• The admit card contains essential details such as candidate’s name, roll number, exam date, time, and venue.
• Mandatory: Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card to the examination centre. No entry is permitted without a valid admit card.

Stage II Admit Card

• Stage II admit cards are released 2 to 4 weeks before the examination.
• NCERT issues the admit card only to candidates who have qualified Stage I (and to overseas Indian candidates who have registered directly).
• Admit cards are made available for download on the official NCERT website.

NTSE 2026 – Scholarship Amounts

Selected candidates are awarded scholarships at the following rates:

Note: The scholarship is renewable and continues until the completion of the course, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

Important Points for Overseas Indian Students

• Direct Entry to Stage II: Indian nationals studying abroad are exempted from Stage I and can appear directly for the NTSE Stage II examination.
• Eligibility: Candidates must be of Indian nationality and studying in Class X at a recognized institution abroad.
• Application: Overseas candidates 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.
• Exam Centres: Overseas candidates are usually allotted exam centres in India. Candidates should check the official notification for centre details.

This page is updated for NTSE 2026. All information is based on official NCERT notifications and past trends. Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official NCERT website (www.ncert.nic.in) for the latest updates, notifications, and corrigenda.