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No. The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is run by NCERT under a central sector scheme funded by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. NCERT has stalled the examination from the 2021-22 cycle onwards, until further orders, because the scheme has not been approved 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 |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) |
| Who can appear | Stage 1 qualifiers; overseas Indian students (direct entry) |
| Papers | MAT and SAT, 100 questions and 100 marks each |
| SAT split | Science 40, Mathematics 20, Social Science 40 |
| Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) per paper |
| Marking | +1 for each correct answer; no negative marking |
| Mode | Offline (pen and paper, OMR-based) |
| Overseas Indian students | 60% in Class IX, centre in India, scholarship payable only for studies in India |
| Scholarship | Rs 1,250 (Class XI-XII), Rs 2,000 (UG and PG), Ph.D. as per UGC norms |
The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) Stage 2 is the second and final level of the two-stage scholarship examination conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Only candidates who qualify Stage 1 (State Level) are eligible to appear for Stage 2. Additionally, Indian students studying abroad (NRI/overseas Indian students) are exempted from Stage 1 and can appear directly for Stage 2.
This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of NTSE Stage 2, including eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, important dates, admit card, and result information.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) |
| Eligibility |
|
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper – OMR based) |
| Number of Papers | 2 papers – Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) |
| Total Questions | 100 in MAT + 100 in SAT = 200 questions |
| Total Marks | 200 marks (100 MAT + 100 SAT) |
| Duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) for each paper |
| Marking Scheme | +1 mark for a correct answer; no negative marking |
| Language | English and Hindi |
Note: If selected, the scholarship will be paid only for studies pursued in India.
The NTSE Stage 2 syllabus is identical to Stage 1. It 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.
Verbal Reasoning Topics:
| 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 | – | – |
Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics:
| 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 |
| Fibres 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 2 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 (conducted separately) |
| 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) |
| Qualification Criteria | Candidates must qualify separately in both MAT and SAT to be considered for merit |
Candidates who qualify for NTSE Stage 1 (State Level) are eligible. Additionally, overseas Indian students (studying abroad) can appear directly for Stage 2 without appearing for Stage 1, subject to eligibility conditions.
NTSE Stage 2 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). There is no negative marking.
No. The syllabus for NTSE Stage 2 is exactly the same as Stage 1. It is based on topics from Classes IX and X as per the NCERT curriculum.
Yes. Indian students studying abroad can apply directly for Stage 2. They must be below 18 years, have 60% in Class IX, and appear for the exam in India.
The NTSE Stage 2 admit card can be downloaded from the official NCERT website using the application number and date of birth, typically 2-4 weeks before the exam.
No. There is no negative marking in NTSE. One mark is awarded for each correct answer, and no marks are deducted for incorrect or unattempted questions.
Candidates must qualify separately in both MAT and SAT to be considered for the final merit list. The final selection is based on aggregate marks.
Selected candidates receive ₹1,250 per month for Classes XI and XII, and ₹2,000 per month for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The scholarship is renewable based on academic performance.
The SAT has 100 questions: Science 40, Mathematics 20, and Social Science 40.
Carry the printed admit card and a valid school ID card. Entry is not permitted without a valid admit card.
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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