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No. NCERT runs the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) under a central sector scheme that the Ministry of Education, Government of India, funds. NCERT has stalled the examination from the 2021-22 cycle onwards, until further orders, because the Ministry has not approved the scheme for continuation in its present form. This guide explains the standard NTSE framework so students and parents know what to expect if the examination resumes. For the latest official position, check the NCERT National Talent Examination notices.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Enrolled in Class X at a recognised school or institution |
| Attempt | First-time appearance in the Class X board examination; one attempt only |
| Employment | Must not be employed in any capacity |
| Nationality | Indian nationals only (overseas Indian students under special provisions) |
| Domicile | No restriction; apply from the state/UT where the school is located |
| Open school (ODL/NIOS) | Eligible if below 18 years, unemployed, and appearing for Class X for the first time |
| Class IX marks | Required by some states (commonly 60% aggregate, with relaxation for SC/ST) |
| Overseas Indian students | Direct Stage II entry with 60% in Class IX; exam centre in India |
The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) 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, including Stage I, Stage II, and special provisions for Indian students studying abroad.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | Candidate must be below 18 years of age as on July 1 of that particular year. |
| Educational Qualification | Candidate must be enrolled in Class X in a recognized school/institution and appearing for the Class X board examination for the first time. |
| Employment Status | Candidate must not be employed in any capacity. |
| Nationality | Indian Nationals only. (Overseas Indian students are eligible under special provisions – see below.) |
| Number of Attempts | Only one attempt in a lifetime (candidates can appear for NTSE only once, as it is conducted for Class X students only). |
Stage I of NTSE is conducted by respective States and Union Territories. The following eligibility criteria apply for Stage I:
Stage II of NTSE is conducted by NCERT for students who qualify Stage I. The following criteria apply for Stage II:
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.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be an Indian national (holding an Indian passport). |
| Age Limit | Must be below 18 years of age as on July 1 of that particular year. |
| Educational Qualification | Must be studying in Class X in a recognized school abroad and appearing for the Class X examination. |
| Minimum Marks in Class IX | Must have secured at least 60% marks (or equivalent grade) in the Class IX annual examination. |
| Examination Centre | Must appear for NTSE Stage II at an examination centre located in India. (No centres abroad for NTSE.) |
| Document Submission | Must send an attested copy of the Class IX mark sheet to the Head, Department of Educational Survey Division, NCERT, New Delhi, by the deadline given in NCERT’s notification. |
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | Below 18 years as on July 1 of that particular year |
| Class | Class X |
| Appearance | First time appearing in the Class X board examination |
| Employment | Not employed in any capacity |
| Nationality | Indian (Overseas Indian students eligible with conditions) |
| Domicile | No restriction – appear from the state where the school is located |
| Open School (ODL/NIOS) | Eligible if below 18 years, first-time appearance, and not employed |
| Minimum Marks in Class IX | 60% aggregate (required by some states; check state-specific criteria) |
| Overseas Indian Students | Direct Stage II entry with 60% in Class IX; must appear in India |
Candidates must be below 18 years of age as of July 1 of that particular year. For example, candidates born on or after July 2, 2008, are eligible.
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.
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.
No. Candidates must be appearing for Class X for the first time. Students repeating Class X are not eligible.
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.
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.
No. NTSE is only for Indian nationals. OCI/PIO cardholders are not eligible unless they hold Indian citizenship.
No. The age limit of below 18 years is applicable to all candidates, irrespective of category. No age relaxation is provided.
No. NTSE is exclusively for students studying in Class X. Class XI students are not eligible.
No. The scholarship is payable only for studies pursued in India. If the student chooses to study abroad, the scholarship will not be awarded.
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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