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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 |
|---|---|
| Paper I: MAT | Verbal and non-verbal reasoning; 100 questions, 100 marks |
| Paper II: SAT | Science (40), Mathematics (20), Social Science (40); 100 questions, 100 marks |
| Syllabus basis | Class IX and X topics as per the NCERT curriculum |
| Same for | Stage I (state level) and Stage II (national level) |
| Conducted by | National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) |
| Most important resource | NCERT textbooks for Class IX and X |
The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a national-level scholarship examination conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for students studying in Class X. The NTSE syllabus plays a vital role in students’ preparation. Understanding the syllabus thoroughly is one of the most essential components for scoring good marks in the exam.
Eligibility: Only students studying in Class X (below 18 years of age) are eligible to appear for the NTSE examination. The syllabus for both Stage I (State Level) and Stage II (National Level) is the same.
The NTSE exam consists of two papers:
The Mental Ability Test (MAT) evaluates a student’s problem-solving and logical reasoning abilities. It measures mental sharpness through questions on data analytics, shape problems, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning. The MAT section tests a student’s general approach to mapping and problem-solving, as well as their thought process.
| 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 a 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 Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) evaluates students’ knowledge in Science, Mathematics, and Social Science. The syllabus is based on topics covered in Classes IX and X as per the NCERT curriculum.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Science | 40 | 40 |
| Mathematics | 20 | 20 |
| Social Science | 40 | 40 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
| 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) |
| Current Affairs (National and International) | Important Dates and Events | Science and Technology |
| Mental Ability Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Alphabet and Number Test | Direction Sense | Series (Verbal) |
| Analogy (Verbal) | Embedded Figures | Series (Non-Verbal) |
| Analogy (Non-Verbal) | Figure Partition and Dot Situation | Venn Diagrams |
| Blood Relations | Missing Character | Water and Mirror Images |
| Calendar, Time and Clock | Mathematical Operations | Word Problems |
| Coding-Decoding | Ranking and Arrangements | Classification |
Using good preparation books is essential for NTSE success. Since NCERT is the conducting body, NCERT textbooks (Class IX and X) are the most important resources. However, students may also refer to the following popular NTSE preparation books for additional practice:
Students can follow these essential tips to increase the efficiency of their NTSE preparation:
The NTSE has two papers. The MAT covers verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and the SAT covers Science, Mathematics, and Social Science of Classes IX and X as per the NCERT curriculum.
Yes. The syllabus for both stages is the same.
Science 40, Mathematics 20, and Social Science 40, for a total of 100 questions and 100 marks.
Verbal topics include analogy, series completion, coding-decoding, blood relations, and direction sense test, and non-verbal topics such as paper folding, embedded figures, mirror and water images, and cubes and dice.
Since NCERT conducts the NTSE, NCERT textbooks for Class IX and X are the most important resource. Practice books and previous papers help build speed in the Mental Ability Test.
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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