NTSE 2026 Selection Procedure

The selection process for the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) 2026 is designed as a two-tier merit-based system. To identify and nurture young talent, the examination is divided into a state-level screening (Stage I) and a national-level final evaluation (Stage II). While individual States and Union Territories manage Stage I, the second stage is conducted globally for qualified candidates by the NCERT.

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.