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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 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.
| Particulars | Details |
| Examination Date |
|
| Official Website | www.ncert.nic.in (for official updates) |
| Paper | Test | Timing (General Candidates) | Timing (Visually Challenged Candidates) | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper I | Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 09:30 AM to 11:30 AM | 09:30 AM to 12:00 Noon | 100 | 100 | 2 hours (2.5 hours for PwD) |
| Paper II | Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 01:30 PM to 03:30 PM | 01:30 PM to 04:00 PM | 100 | 100 | 2 hours (2.5 hours for PwD) |
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 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.
| Particulars | Details |
| Examination Date | 2nd Sunday of May 2027 (for all States/UTs of the country) |
| Official Website | www.ncert.nic.in (for official updates) |
| Paper | Test | Timing (General Candidates) | Timing (Visually Challenged Candidates) | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper I | Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 09:30 AM to 11:30 AM | 09:30 AM to 12:00 Noon | 100 | 100 | 2 hours (2.5 hours for PwD) |
| Paper II | Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 01:30 PM to 03:30 PM | 01:30 PM to 04:00 PM | 100 | 100 | 2 hours (2.5 hours for PwD) |
Note: Any changes in the exam pattern or timings for NTSE 2026 Stage II will be communicated through the official NCERT website.
| Event | Expected Dates |
| NTSE Stage I Application Start | August 2026 onwards (varies by state) |
| NTSE Stage I Application Last Date | September–October 2026 (varies by state) |
| NTSE Stage I Admit Card Release | 1–2 weeks before Stage I exam (October–November 2026) |
| NTSE Stage I Exam | 1st Sunday of November 2026 (1st Saturday for specific states) |
| NTSE Stage I Result | January–February 2027 (varies by state) |
| NTSE Stage II Admit Card Release | March–May 2027 (2–4 weeks before Stage II exam) |
| NTSE Stage II Exam | 2nd Sunday of May 2027 |
| NTSE Stage II Result | November 2027 |
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).
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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