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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 |
|---|---|
| Level | State / Union Territory |
| Who can appear | Class X students of recognised schools in India |
| Domicile | No restriction; apply from the state/UT where the school is located |
| Mode | Offline (pen and paper, OMR-based); application online or offline by state |
| Papers | MAT and SAT, 100 questions and 100 marks each |
| Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) per paper |
| Marking | +1 for each correct answer; no negative marking |
| Result | Declared state-wise; each state publishes a merit list of Stage 2 qualifiers |
| Application fee | Varies by state; some states charge a nominal fee |
The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) Stage 1 is the first level of the two-stage scholarship examination conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Stage 1 is conducted by the respective States and Union Territories for students studying in Class X. Candidates who qualify Stage 1 become eligible to appear for Stage 2 (National Level), conducted by NCERT.
This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of NTSE Stage 1, including the application process, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, important dates, and admit card information.
The application process for NTSE Stage 1 varies slightly from state to state. Candidates can apply through offline or online mode as specified by their respective State/UT authorities.
Students studying in schools in India are eligible to appear for the NTSE Stage 1 exam. The detailed eligibility criteria are as follows:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Class | Candidate must be studying in Class X in a recognized school (Government, Government-aided, or Private) in India. |
| Domicile | No domicile restriction. Candidates can appear for Stage 1 from the state/UT where their school is located, regardless of their permanent residence. |
| Open and Distance Learning (ODL) | Students pursuing education from open schools or distance learning (e.g., NIOS) are also eligible, provided they: Are below 18 years of age as on 1st July of that particular year. Are unemployed (not engaged in any job). Are appearing for the Class X board examination for the first time. |
| Minimum Marks in Class IX | Some states may 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. |
The NTSE syllabus is divided into two papers – Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The syllabus is based on topics covered in Classes IX and X as per the NCERT curriculum.
The MAT section tests logical and analytical reasoning abilities through verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions.
| Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Analogy | Puzzle Test | Alphabet Test |
| Classification | Logical Venn Diagrams | Blood Relations |
| Series Completion | Logical Sequence of Words | Verification of Truth of Statement |
| Coding-Decoding | Problems on Clocks | Analytical Reasoning |
| Direction Sense Test | Arithmetical Reasoning Test | Inserting Missing Character |
| Mathematical Operations | – | – |
| Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Classification (Non-Verbal) | Series (Non-Verbal) | Analogy (Non-Verbal) |
| Transparent Paper Folding | Embedded Figures | Dot Fixing Situation |
| Analytical Reasoning | Water Images | Problems on Cubes and Dice |
| Incomplete Figures | Paper Cutting and Folding | Mirror Images |
The SAT section tests knowledge in Science, Mathematics, and Social Science. The subject-wise distribution of questions is:
| Science Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Acids, Bases and Salts | Soil | Heredity and Evolution |
| Air | Sound | Our Environment |
| Carbon and its Compounds | Structure of Atom | Physical and Chemical Changes |
| Cellular Level of Organisation | Water | Reproduction |
| Diversity in Living Organisms | Magnetism and Electricity | Some Common Diseases |
| Fibers and Plastics | Measurements | Sources of Energy |
| Food Production and Management | Metals and Non-Metals | The Universe |
| Microorganisms | Light | Work and Energy |
| Periodic Classification of Elements | Life Processes | |
| Plant and Animal Nutrition | Human Body | |
| Mathematics Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Algebraic Expressions | Simple Interest and Compound Interest | Number System |
| Arithmetic | Statistics | Mensuration |
| Arithmetic Progressions | Triangles | Linear Equations |
| Basic Geometry | Rational Numbers | Square Roots and Cube Roots |
| Circles | Quadratic Equations | Surface Areas and Volumes |
| Coordinate Geometry | Probability | Trigonometry |
| Direct and Inverse Variation | Playing with Numbers | |
| Exponents and Powers | Percentage and Its Applications | |
History Topics:
Civics Topics:
Geography Topics:
| General Knowledge Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviations | Books and Authors | Sports |
| Awards and Recognitions | India (National Symbols, States, Capitals) | World (Countries, Capitals, Currencies) |
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| NTSE Stage 1 Papers |
|
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper – OMR-based) |
| Number of Questions | 100 questions in MAT + 100 questions in SAT = 200 questions |
| Total Marks | 200 marks (100 MAT + 100 SAT) |
| Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) for each paper |
| Marking Scheme |
|
| Paper Language | English and Hindi (candidates can choose either language at the time of application) |
| Subjects in SAT | 3 subjects – Science (40 Q), Mathematics (20 Q), Social Science (40 Q) |
Yes. There is no domicile restriction. You can apply from the state/UT where your school is located, regardless of your permanent residence.
Candidates must be below 18 years.
No. There is no negative marking in NTSE. You get one mark for each correct answer, and you lose no marks for incorrect or unattempted questions.
NTSE Stage 1 consists of two papers: MAT (100 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours) and SAT (100 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours). SAT includes Science (40), Mathematics (20), and Social Science (40).
Yes. Students from open schools (ODL/NIOS) are eligible, provided they are below 18 years, unemployed, and appearing for Class X for the first time.
In states with online application, admit cards are available for download on the official state website. In offline mode, you attach the admit card to the application form, and the State Liaison Officer signs it.
Candidates must secure the minimum cut-off marks prescribed by their state and must qualify separately in both MAT and SAT to be eligible for Stage 2.
The application fee varies by state. Some states charge a nominal fee, while others provide free application. Candidates must check their state’s official notification.
The respective States and Union Territories conduct Stage 1 for students studying in Class X.
You become eligible for NTSE Stage 2 conducted by NCERT. Your State or UT automatically recommends your details to NCERT, and Indian residents don’t need to register separately.
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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