NATIONAL TALENT SEARCH EXAMINATION
National Talent Search Scheme is one of the most venerated examination in the nation. It is a flagship activity of the NCERT started in the year 1963. Though the exam provides scholarship on successful qualification, it is actually a matter of great pride and honour to crack it. It recognizes a student’s talent at national level. The scheme was aimed at identifying talent in students and nurture their talent.
It also refers to the potentiality that manifests itself in a high level of performance in one or more specialized areas. The scheme, therefore, covers areas like Sciences, Social Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Management and Law. It honours and helps talented students by providing financial assistance in the form of a monthly scholarship. For the courses in Basic Sciences, Social Sciences and Commerce, this assistance is provided up to Ph.D level. For professional courses like Engineering, Medicine, Management and Law this assistance is given only up to Post Graduation. The exam is conducted every year at two levels.
1) Stage one- State Level (Conducted by States)
2) Stage two- National Level (Conducted by NCERT)
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Open for all students of Indian nationality at class 10. (Screening test for students in India and direct second level for students abroad.)
a) 60 % marks in class IX (For general category) 55% (For SC/ST/PWD)
b) Age less than 18 years as on the first of July of the respective year.
Scholarships:
1. On the basis of the examination conducted, NTSE Scholars are provided with the scholarship of Rs. 1250 per month for XI and XII and Rs. 2000 per month for graduation and higher studies by Indian government.
2. Preference in National Defense Academy (NDA) Exam.
3. 15 seats in renowned engineering colleges like IIIT- Hyderabad.
4. preference in Foreign University Colleges.
5. Preference in Public and Private Sector jobs.
2. Reservation: A) 15% for students belonging to the SC category.
B) 27% for OBC category.
C) 7.5% for students belonging to the ST category.
D) 4 % for Physically Challenged Group of Students each.
Syllabus:
Syllabus is based on 9th and 10th class level. NTSE asks multiple choice questions based on subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, English, General Knowledge and Mental ability.
MAT (Mental Ability Tests) 100 Questions 120 Minutes
SAT (Scholastic Ability Test) 100 Questions 120 Minutes
1 mark is awarded for every correct answer, no negative mark for wrong answers.
The qualification criteria for reserved category candidates is 32%, for general category candidates it is 40%.
Language:
NTSE paper is conducted both in English as well as Hindi. Students have to select any one language.
Contact Address:
NCERT National Council of Educational Research and Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi – 110016
State Quotas:
Each State/Union Territory has been allotted a quota to recommend a specific number of candidates for the Stage I examination, the details of which will be made available on NCERT website. However, there will be no State/Union Territory Quota for the final award of scholarship after the Stage II examination. Reservation for SC, ST and Physically challenged will be as notified above.
Application Forms: Application Forms can be downloaded from NCERT website www.ncert.nic.in. All correspondence relating to Application Forms should be addressed to the State Liaison Officers (LOs) whose addresses are given at the end/Website.
The completed application form duly signed by Principal of the school should be submitted before the last date.
Fees:
States and Union Territories may notify the fee required (refer NCERT website) which will be paid for the Stage-I examination. However, NCERT does not charge any fee for the Stage-Il examination.
Announcement of Results:
Results of the Stage-I examination will be announced by the respective State Governments/Union Territories. Results of Stage-II examination will be announced by NCERT.
