NTSE 2026 Application Procedure

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) remains one of India’s most prestigious competitive scholarship programs. Administered by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the goal of the NTSE is to identify high-potential students across the country and provide them with financial assistance to support their higher education journey.

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.