NTSE Detailed Syllabus

S.No. Section Areas Covered*

It covers questions based on –

Analogies
Series
Classification

1. MAT (Mental Ability Test) Pattern perception

Hidden figures
Block assembly
Coding-decoding
Problem-solving

This section of examination covers questions based on –

Science
2. SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) Social Science
Mathematics

NTSE – Exam Pattern

Every year, NTSE is conducted at two different stages, namely state level and national level. The state
level examination (Stage 1) is conducted under the supervision of State/UTs whereas the national level
examination (Stage 2) is conducted by the NCERT. Furthermore, each stage comprises three tests for
students, namely the MAT (Mental Ability Test) and the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). What is an exact
pattern of the examination? What is the medium of the questions asked in the examination? How many
questions do you need to answer? Is there any negative marking? Find the answer to all these questions
in the table given below –

S.No. Particulars Details

1. Mode of examination Offline (OMR sheet)

English, Hindi, Bangla, Asamiya, Gujarati, Kann

2. Medium of examination Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Urdu, Telug
Tamil

3. Number of papers 2 (MAT & SAT)

4. Number of Questions MAT (Mental Ability Test) – 100

 SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) – 100

5. Types of questions Multiple choice questions

6. Marks allotted for each question 1 (One)

7. Time duration for each test 120 minutes

Science – 40 Questions
Social Science – 40 Questions
8. Scholarship Aptitude Test (Pattern)
Mathematics – 20 Questions

9. Negative Marking Not applicable at the national level (Stage -2)

NTSE – Scholarship Details

The rate and number of scholarships rendered under NTSE have undergone several
revisions over the years. As per the current scheme, a total of 1000 scholarships will be
given to students nationwide out of which 15% reservation is given to students
belonging to SC category, 7.5% reservation is available for ST candidates and 27%
reservation is given to OBC candidates. Also, there is a reservation of 4% for students
with benchmark disabilities. The amount of scholarship that you will receive depends on
your current class or level of study. The detailed information about NTSE scholarship
award is given in the table hereunder –

Details of NTSE scholarship awards

S.No. Class/Level of Study Scholarship Amount

1. For class 11th and 12th INR 1250 per month

2. For undergraduate and postgraduate courses INR 2000 per month

3. For students pursuing PhD courses As per the UGC norms

Scholarship Disbursement – Rules and Regulations

The selected students who are pursuing studies in the stream of Social Sciences,
Science, Languages, Humanities, Commerce, Fine Arts and Vocational studies will get
scholarships up to PhD level. However, the students who are currently pursuing studies
in the stream of Engineering, Medicine, Management, Technology and Law will get the
scholarship up to second-degree level. The disbursal of scholarships at different levels
of study is subject to your fulfilment of following conditions –

Detailed Conditions for NTSE Scholarship Disbursal

S.No. Level of Study Eligibility Conditions

The scholarship shall commence the moment you get your subseq
promotion in class 11th.
It is payable for up to two years for your studies in India only.
If you are pursuing a diploma/certificate course, you can also get t
1. Higher Secondary Level scholarship if you are unemployed.
You need to secure an aggregate score of 60% or equivalent to re
scholarship every year. In case, you don’t secure the minimum percentage
consecutive or non-consecutive years, the scholarship will be discontinue
forever.

You must secure a minimum of 60% marks at +2 level or equivalen

examination to ensure the continuation of scholarship at first degree level
stream.
2. First Degree Level The scholarship will continue for subsequent years if the student m
at least 60% marks in aggregate in internal exams or final degree.
In case, the student does not secure 60% marks for two consecuti
non-consecutive years, the scholarship will be discontinued forever.

You need to have obtained an aggregate score of 60% or equivale

receive scholarship every year.
3. Second Degree Level
In case, you fail to secure 60% marks for two consecutive or non-
consecutive years, the scholarship will be discontinued.

To ensure the continuation of studies at pre-doctoral or PhD level,

must pass MA/MSc/MCom/M.Phil. course with minimum 60% marks or eq
in the first attempt.
4. M.Phil./PhD Level
The scholarship will continue during the second and fourth year of
PhD programme if your guide certifies that you have delivered high-quality
during the first and third year respectively.

NTSE – Eligibility Criteria

Who all can participate in the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)? What are
the eligibility conditions that a student must fulfil for the exam? Get the answer to all
your questions in the table given below. It carries the detailed eligibility criteria for NTSE
Stage 1 and NTSE Stage 2 both.

Detailed NTSE Eligibility Criteria

S.No. Stage Eligibility

The students who are currently studying in class 10th at a recognised s

including Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Sainik School can app
state-level examination from the state where their school is located.
Stage -1 (State/UT Students studying under ODL (Open and Distance Learning) can also
1.
Level) for the scholarship provided they are below 18 years of age, unemployed and
appearing for the class 10th examination first time.
Note: The state may levy their own eligibility conditions like qualifying
percentage etc. for Stage-1 examination.

The national level examination is open to students having Indian natio

only.
The students must be studying in class 10th either in India or Abroad.
For students in India
The candidates shortlisted in the Stage -1 (state level examination) wi
qualified to appear for the national level examination.
For students studying abroad
Stage – 2 (National The students, who are Indian nationals but studying abroad in class 10
2. directly apply for the national level examination, only if –
Level)
He/she has obtained at least 60% marks in aggregate in the previous
examination.
He/she takes up the examination at a centre in India and bears the co
himself.
He/she requests through the HOI (Head of the Institution) where he/sh
studying.
Note: The scholarship will be paid to students from abroad only if they
further studies in India.

NTSE – Application Process

How can you apply for the NTSE? What are the steps to be followed for NTSE
application? Where can you get the application form for the examination? The
application process for NTSE is offline and requires you to follow a few simple steps.
Also, you don’t need to fill in a separate application form for both levels of examination.
Only one application is enough to file your candidature. Here is a step-by-step
application guide for both students living in India and abroad.

NTSE – a step-by-step guide for Indian students

Step 1: Look out for state-level notification by respective State/UT
government in the newspapers or circulars in your school.
Step 2: Contact your respective State Liaison Officer to get the
application form.

Step 3: Fill in the application form.

Step 4: Get it signed by your school Principal.

Step 5: Submit the duly filled application along with the examination fee
(if applicable) to the State Liaison Officer.