🌟 Prestigious Scholarship — Class 10NTSE — National Talent Search
NTSE — National Talent Search
Examination 2026-27
India's most prestigious scholarship exam conducted by NCERT. 2,000 scholarships awarded annually through a two-stage process for Class 10 students.
🏆2,000Scholarships/Year
🎯2 StagesState + National
📝200 QsPer Stage
🚫NoneNeg. Marking
🏫Any SchoolGovt or Private
About NTSE
Key facts about the examination
| Full Name | National Talent Search Examination |
| Conducted By | NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) |
| Target Students | Class 10 (studying in any recognised school in India) |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹1,250/month for Class 11-12 · ₹2,000/month for UG & PG · As per UGC norms for PhD |
| Total Scholarships | 2,000 scholarships awarded annually at national level |
| Exam Mode | Offline — pen and paper (OMR-based MCQ) |
| Exam Stages | Two stages: Stage 1 (State Level) → Stage 2 (National Level by NCERT) |
| Negative Marking | None in either stage |
| Min. Qualifying | Separate qualifying marks in both MAT and SAT (state-prescribed cut-offs) |
| Official Site | ncert.nic.in |
Stage 1 Dates — State Level (2026-27)
Conducted by state SCERTs — dates vary by state
📅 NTSE Stage 1 — Tentative ScheduleNovember 2026 (Expected)
| Event | Details | Tentative Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notification Released | By state SCERTs / State Liaison Officers | August 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Application Form Opens | Through school or state SCERT portal | August–September 2026 | Upcoming |
| Last Date to Apply | Submit through school principal | September–October 2026 | Upcoming |
| Admit Card — Stage 1 | 1–2 weeks before exam date | October–November 2026 | Upcoming |
| Stage 1 Exam | State-level — MAT + SAT | November 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Stage 1 Result | State-wise merit list for Stage 2 qualification | January–February 2027 | Upcoming |
Stage 2 Dates — National Level (2027)
Conducted by NCERT — only for Stage 1 qualifiers
🏆 NTSE Stage 2 — Tentative ScheduleMay 2027 (Expected)
| Event | Details | Tentative Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 Registration | By NCERT — for Stage 1 qualifiers | February–March 2027 | Upcoming |
| Admit Card — Stage 2 | Available on ncert.nic.in | April 2027 | Upcoming |
| Stage 2 Exam | National level — conducted by NCERT | May 2027 (2nd Sunday) | Upcoming |
| Stage 2 Result | Final merit list — national scholarship | July–August 2027 | Upcoming |
| Scholarship Disbursement | Via DBT to selected candidates | From Class 11 onwards | Upcoming |
ℹ️ Stage 1 scores are NOT used for scholarship. Only Stage 2 determines the final merit list.
Eligibility Criteria
Who can appear for NTSE 2026
| Class | Currently studying in Class 10 |
| School Type | Any recognised school — government or private |
| Nationality | Indian nationals (studying in India or abroad) |
| Age Limit | Below 18 years as on July 1, 2026 |
| Previous Marks | Minimum 60% in Class 9 (relaxation for SC/ST as per state norms) |
| Open School (ODL) | Eligible if below 18 years, unemployed, and appearing for Class 10 first time |
| Overseas Students | Indian students studying abroad are EXEMPT from Stage 1 — directly appear for Stage 2 |
| Gender | Boys and Girls both eligible |
| State Restriction | No domicile restriction — can appear from any state |
Exam Pattern — Both Stages
Same pattern for Stage 1 and Stage 2
Mental Ability Test
Paper 1 — MAT
100Questions
100Marks
2 hoursDuration
Tests reasoning, logical thinking, and analytical ability. No specific syllabus — based on reasoning patterns.
Scholastic Aptitude Test
Paper 2 — SAT
100Questions
100Marks
2 hoursDuration
Science: 40 Qs · Social Science: 40 Qs · Mathematics: 20 Qs. Based on NCERT Class 9 & 10 curriculum.
⚠️ Key Points
• No negative marking in Stage 1 or Stage 2.
• Must qualify separately in both MAT and SAT (state-prescribed cut-offs).
• Stage 1 scores are NOT counted for final scholarship — only Stage 2 matters.
• Total time per stage: 4 hours (MAT + SAT, both papers in one day).
Syllabus — MAT (Mental Ability Test)
100 questions · 100 marks · No specific syllabus — reasoning based
Analogy
Identify relationships between word pairs, number pairs, or figure pairs
Series (Number & Letter)
Find the next term in number or letter sequences — arithmetic, geometric, mixed
Classification (Odd One Out)
Group items by a common property and identify the exception
Coding & Decoding
Decode coded words or numbers based on given patterns
Pattern Perception
Identify and complete visual matrix patterns
Hidden Figures
Identify a given simple figure hidden within a complex one
Blood Relations
Decode family tree relationships through logical deduction
Direction Sense
Solve problems based on direction and distance
Ranking & Arrangement
Arrange people or objects by given conditions
Venn Diagrams
Identify relationships between sets using Venn diagram logic
Mathematical Operations
Perform coded mathematical operations on numbers
Paper Folding & Cutting
Identify the result of folding and cutting paper
Mirror & Water Images
Identify mirror images or water reflections of given figures
Cube & Dice Problems
Problems based on faces of a cube, unfolding cubes
Calendar & Clock
Find days/dates using calendar logic; clock angle problems
Syllabus — SAT: Physics
Based on NCERT Class 9 & 10 Physics
Motion
Distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration, equations of motion, graphs
Force & Laws of Motion
Newton's three laws, inertia, momentum, action-reaction
Gravitation
Universal law of gravitation, g, free fall, mass vs weight, Kepler's laws
Work, Energy & Power
Work done, kinetic & potential energy, conservation of energy, power
Sound
Wave properties, speed of sound, echo, SONAR, human ear
Light — Reflection & Refraction
Laws of reflection, mirror formula, lenses, refractive index, total internal reflection
The Human Eye
Structure of eye, defects of vision, correction using lenses, dispersion of light
Electricity
Electric charge, Ohm's law, resistance, combination of resistors, power
Magnetic Effects of Current
Magnetic field, Fleming's rules, electric motor, electromagnetic induction, generator
Sources of Energy
Conventional vs non-conventional sources, fossil fuels, nuclear energy, solar energy
Syllabus — SAT: Chemistry
Based on NCERT Class 9 & 10 Chemistry
Matter — Its Nature & Behaviour
States of matter, interconversion, evaporation, Brownian motion
Is Matter Around Us Pure?
Mixtures, solutions, colloids, suspensions, separation methods
Atoms & Molecules
Dalton's theory, symbols, formulae, molecular mass, mole concept
Structure of the Atom
Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr models; electrons, protons, neutrons; valence electrons
Chemical Reactions & Equations
Types of reactions: combination, decomposition, displacement, redox
Acids, Bases & Salts
Properties, pH scale, common salts, baking soda, washing soda, bleaching powder
Metals & Non-Metals
Physical and chemical properties, reactivity series, corrosion, alloys
Carbon & Its Compounds
Covalent bonding, organic compounds, saturated vs unsaturated, functional groups, soaps & detergents
Periodic Classification
Dobereiner's triads, Newlands, Mendeleev, Modern periodic table, trends
Syllabus — SAT: Biology
Based on NCERT Class 9 & 10 Biology
The Fundamental Unit of Life
Cell structure, cell organelles, plant vs animal cell, cell division
Tissues
Plant tissues (meristematic, permanent); animal tissues (epithelial, connective, muscular, nervous)
Life Processes
Nutrition, respiration, transportation, excretion in plants and animals
Control & Coordination
Nervous system, reflex arc, brain, endocrine glands, hormones in plants and animals
How Do Organisms Reproduce?
Asexual and sexual reproduction; reproductive health; STDs; contraception
Heredity & Evolution
Mendel's laws, DNA, variation, natural selection, Darwin's theory
Our Environment
Ecosystem, food chains and webs, ozone depletion, waste management
Management of Natural Resources
Conservation of forests, water, coal, petroleum; sustainable development
Syllabus — SAT: Mathematics
20 questions · Based on NCERT Class 9 & 10 Mathematics
Number Systems
Real numbers — irrational numbers, Euclid's division lemma, fundamental theorem of arithmetic
Polynomials
Zeroes of polynomial, relationship between zeroes and coefficients, division algorithm
Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables
Graphical and algebraic methods, cross-multiplication, word problems
Quadratic Equations
Solution by factorisation and quadratic formula, nature of roots, word problems
Arithmetic Progressions (AP)
General term, sum of n terms, applications
Triangles
Similarity criteria, Pythagoras theorem, Basic Proportionality theorem
Coordinate Geometry
Distance formula, section formula, area of triangle, midpoint
Introduction to Trigonometry
Trigonometric ratios, identities, complementary angles
Applications of Trigonometry
Heights and distances — angle of elevation and depression
Circles
Tangent properties, angle subtended, chord properties
Constructions
Division of line segment, tangents to a circle
Areas Related to Circles
Area of circle, sector, segment; combination problems
Surface Areas and Volumes
Sphere, cylinder, cone, frustum — combination and conversion
Statistics
Mean, median, mode for grouped data; cumulative frequency
Probability
Classical definition, simple problems on probability
Syllabus — SAT: Social Science
40 questions · History + Geography + Civics + Economics (NCERT Class 9-10)
History
The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
French Revolution, Romanticism, unification of Germany and Italy
Nationalism in India
Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience, Quit India, Gandhi
The Making of a Global World
Silk routes, trade, colonialism, Great Depression, post-war recovery
The Age of Industrialisation
Proto-industrialisation, factory system, labour in India and Britain
Print Culture and the Modern World
Gutenberg, print revolution, nationalism and print in India
Geography
Resources and Development
Types of resources, resource planning, soil erosion and conservation
Forest and Wildlife Resources
Biodiversity, types of forests, conservation, protected areas
Water Resources
Sources, scarcity, multipurpose river projects, rainwater harvesting
Agriculture
Types of farming, major crops, food security
Minerals and Energy Resources
Types, distribution, non-conventional energy
Manufacturing Industries
Location, types, textiles, iron and steel, chemical industries
Lifelines of National Economy
Transport — road, rail, waterway, airways; communication; trade
Civics (Political Science)
Power Sharing
Forms of power sharing, Belgium vs Sri Lanka models
Federalism
Features of Indian federalism, decentralisation, local self-government
Democracy and Diversity
Social divisions, politics of social divisions
Gender, Religion and Caste
Gender and politics, communalism, caste and politics
Popular Struggles and Movements
Nepal democracy, Bolivia water wars, role of pressure groups
Political Parties
Functions, types, national parties, challenges
Outcomes of Democracy
Quality of democracy, accountability, economic outcomes
Challenges to Democracy
Deepening democracy, political reform
Economics
Development
Different goals of development, national development, HDI
Sectors of the Indian Economy
Primary, secondary, tertiary sectors; organised vs unorganised
Money and Credit
Forms of money, credit, banking system, SHG
Globalisation and the Indian Economy
MNCs, trade liberalisation, WTO, impact of globalisation
Consumer Rights
Consumer rights, RTI, consumer protection act, consumer courts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NTSE 2026
What is NTSE and who should appear for it?
NTSE (National Talent Search Examination) is India's most prestigious scholarship exam conducted by NCERT for Class 10 students. It identifies talented students and awards 2,000 scholarships for higher studies. Any student studying in Class 10 from any recognised school in India can appear for it.
What is the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2?
Stage 1 is conducted at the state/UT level by respective SCERTs in November. Students who qualify Stage 1 appear for Stage 2 conducted by NCERT in May. Only Stage 2 scores determine the final scholarship. Stage 1 scores are NOT counted for the scholarship — they only qualify you for Stage 2.
What is the exam pattern for NTSE?
Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 have two papers: MAT (100 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours) and SAT (100 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours). SAT includes Science (40 Qs), Mathematics (20 Qs), and Social Science (40 Qs). No negative marking in either stage.
Are private school students eligible for NTSE?
Yes. NTSE is open to students from ALL recognised schools — government, private, CBSE, ICSE, or state board. There is no restriction on school type.
How much is the NTSE scholarship amount?
₹1,250/month for Class 11 and 12; ₹2,000/month for undergraduate and postgraduate students; as per UGC norms for PhD students. The scholarship continues throughout higher education if continuation conditions are met.
Can Indian students studying abroad appear for NTSE?
Yes. Indian students studying abroad are EXEMPT from Stage 1 and can directly appear for Stage 2. They must be below 18 years, have 60% in Class 9, and appear for the exam in India. They must also send their Class 9 marksheet to NCERT before December 31 of the previous year.
Is there negative marking in NTSE?
No. There is no negative marking in NTSE — neither in Stage 1 nor Stage 2. Attempt every question.
What is the NTSE syllabus based on?
NTSE syllabus is based on Classes 9 and 10 NCERT curriculum. MAT tests reasoning and logical ability (no specific syllabus). SAT covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and Social Science (History, Geography, Civics, Economics) from NCERT Class 9-10 textbooks.