NTSE or National Talent Search Examination is a scholarship program held in India at the national level to test the Academic and intellect talent of class 10^th students across the country. Conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), it is one of the oldest and the most prestigious examinations in India. It was introduced in the year 1963 and since then is acknowledging the talent of the students at the secondary school level. Said to be one of the toughest exams, it provides 1000 scholarships to meritorious students for pursuing courses in sciences and social sciences up to doctoral level and professional courses in engineering and medicine up to second-degree level.

NTSE Exam Structure

The examination is held in two different stages, the first tier exam is held at state-level. The students who qualify in this paper are allowed to sit in the second paper which is held at the national level.   The pattern for Stage I:  

Paper	No. of Questions	Duration (minutes)	Maximum Marks
MAT- Mental Ability Test	100	120	100
SAT- Scholastic Aptitude Test	100	120	100
Total	200	240	200

      The Pattern for Stage II

Paper	No. of Questions	Duration (minutes)	Maximum Marks
MAT- Mental Ability Test	100	120	100
SAT- Scholastic Aptitude Test	100	120	100
Total	200	240	200

  Please note that both the papers are held in offline mode. There is no negative marking.  

Eligibility Criteria for NTSE

Students who fulfill the following criteria are eligible for sitting in stage I of the Exam:

• He/she should be of Indian Nationality.
• He/she should be studying in class 10^th.
• He/ she must have secured at least 60% marks in class 9^th (55% for SC, ST, and PH).
• He/she must be studying in a recognized school of the state or Union territory.
• Candidates studying in open school and not more than 18 years of age can sit in the exam.

  Out of these students who secure 80% and above in stage I are eligible for the second test out of which 1000 qualify for the scholarship.  

NTSE Registration Process

The application form for the exam can be procured from the Liaison Officer of the particular state and Union Territory or from the education website of the state/UT. The contact details of the liaison officer of every state/UT are available on the official website of NCERT (www.ncert.nic.in). The candidates need to fill in all the details required in the form and get the form duly signed by the Principal of their school. The fee and dates of application submission are notified by the states and Union territories. Candidates must confirm them and also know the payment mode from the Liaison officer. The application forms need to be submitted to the liaison officer. There is no fee for stage II examination.