NTSENational Talent Search Examination
About NTSE
NTSE was the Government of India’s flagship school scholarship examination, run by NCERT since 1963 to identify and fund academically gifted Class 10 students. Its two-stage MCQ format — a mental-ability paper and a scholastic-aptitude paper at each stage — made "NTSE scholar" one of the most recognised titles in Indian school education.
The scheme is currently suspended: its approval lapsed in March 2021 and NCERT formally stalled it "till further orders" in October 2022. Ministry statements since have discussed relaunching it in an expanded form, but as of mid-2026 no new cycle has been notified. Students seeking equivalent recognition currently turn to state talent-search exams and the olympiad cycle.
Accepted by: When operational, awarded roughly 2,000 central scholarships running from Class 11 through doctoral study (₹1,250/month at higher-secondary, higher amounts later); NTSE scholar status remains a respected credential from earlier cycles
Official websiteNTSE eligibility
Class 10 students in recognised Indian schools (when the scheme was operational)
NTSE exam pattern
Sections
- Historical format per stage: Mental Ability Test (MAT) — 100 questions, 100 marks, 120 minutes
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) — 100 questions, 100 marks, 120 minutes (science, mathematics and social science)
Marking scheme: None in the last-held format
NTSE syllabus outline
- MAT: verbal and non-verbal reasoning, series, coding-decoding, spatial ability
- SAT: science, mathematics and social science broadly at Classes 9–10 level
- Two-tier structure: Stage 1 conducted by States/UTs, Stage 2 nationally by NCERT for state-quota qualifiers
Preparing for NTSE?
Olympiads reward deep fundamentals — the same preparation that pays off later in JEE, NEET and other entrance exams. Explore every national and international olympiad, or check the official site for this year's dates and registration.