National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)
Complete guide to India’s prestigious scholarship exam for class 10 students. Learn about eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategies, and get expert assistance for form filling.
300,000+
Students Appear Annually
2,000
Scholarships Awarded Each Year
₹1,250/month
Scholarship Amount
2 Stages
Stage 1 (State) & Stage 2 (National)
NTSE Eligibility Criteria
The National Talent Search Examination is open to students who meet specific criteria. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the eligibility requirements:
Class Requirement
Only students studying in Class 10th in recognized schools are eligible to appear for the Stage 1 examination conducted by States/UTs.
Age Limit
There’s no upper age limit for appearing in the NTSE exam. However, only students who are pursuing Class 10 for the first time are eligible.
Reservation Criteria
Reservation applies as per State Government norms. Generally, 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 27% for OBC (Non-creamy layer), and 10% for EWS categories.
Quota for Specific Groups
4% horizontal reservation is provided for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as defined in RPWD Act 2016.
Important: Eligibility criteria may have slight variations for different states. Always check with your school or state education board for specific requirements.
NTSE Exam Pattern
The NTSE examination is conducted in two stages. Understanding the pattern is crucial for effective preparation.
Stage 1: State/UT Level Examination
Conducted by respective States/UTs in their regional languages and English. Qualifying students proceed to Stage 2.
| Paper | Test | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | MAT (Mental Ability Test) | 100 | 100 | 120 minutes |
| Paper 2 | SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) | 100 | 100 | 120 minutes |
Note: There is no negative marking in either stage of NTSE. The medium of examination may vary from state to state.
Stage 2: National Level Examination
Conducted by NCERT for students who qualify Stage 1. The pattern is similar but at a higher difficulty level.
| Paper | Test | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | MAT (Mental Ability Test) | 100 | 100 | 120 minutes |
| Paper 2 | SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) | 100 | 100 | 120 minutes |
Important: The SAT in Stage 2 includes questions from Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and English language proficiency.
NTSE Syllabus
The NTSE syllabus is based on the curriculum of Classes 9 and 10. Here’s a detailed breakdown of topics covered in both MAT and SAT.
Mental Ability Test (MAT) Syllabus
The MAT section tests logical reasoning and analytical skills. Key topics include:
Verbal Reasoning
- Analogy (Letter, Number, Word)
- Classification (Letter, Number, Word)
- Coding-Decoding
- Series (Letter, Number, Mixed)
- Direction Sense
- Blood Relations
- Logical Venn Diagrams
- Mathematical Operations
- Inserting Missing Characters
Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Pattern Perception
- Figure Formation and Analysis
- Paper Folding and Cutting
- Embedded Figures
- Figure Completion
- Dot Situation
- Mirror and Water Images
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Syllabus
The SAT section tests knowledge of subjects taught in school. Key topics include:
Mathematics
- Number Systems
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics and Probability
- Commercial Mathematics
Science
- Motion, Force and Laws of Motion
- Gravitation
- Work and Energy
- Sound
- Matter – Nature and Behavior
- Organization in Living World
- Biological Diversity
- Food Production & Management
Social Science
- Indian Constitution
- Indian Freedom Struggle
- Indian Economy
- Physical Features of India
- Climate
- Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
- Population
- World History
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Completion
- Rearrangement of Jumbled Words
- One Word Substitution
- Idioms and Phrases
- Synonyms and Antonyms
NTSE Preparation Tips
Effective preparation requires strategy, consistency, and the right approach. Here are expert tips to help you succeed in NTSE.
Understand the Syllabus and Pattern
Thoroughly go through the entire syllabus and exam pattern. Focus on your weak areas while maintaining your strengths.
Create a Study Schedule
Develop a realistic study plan that allocates time for each subject. Include regular revisions and practice tests in your schedule.
Focus on Conceptual Understanding
NTSE tests conceptual understanding rather than rote learning. Ensure you understand the fundamentals of each topic.
Practice Previous Years’ Papers
Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and frequently asked topics.
Take Mock Tests
Regularly take mock tests under exam conditions to improve your speed, accuracy, and time management skills.
Work on Mental Ability
For the MAT section, practice different types of reasoning questions daily to improve your logical thinking skills.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs
For the SAT section, stay updated with current events, especially in science, social science, and general knowledge.
Pro Tip: Maintain a notebook for formulas, important concepts, and common mistakes. Revise from this notebook regularly.
NTSE Cut-off Trends
Understanding cut-off trends helps you set realistic targets. Cut-off marks vary by state and category.
Factors Affecting Cut-off
Cut-off marks depend on various factors including difficulty level of the exam, number of applicants, and reservation category.
General Cut-off Range
For general category students, the cut-off typically ranges between 70-80% for Stage 1 and 65-75% for Stage 2.
Category-wise Variation
Cut-off marks for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) are generally 5-15% lower than the general category cut-off.
State-wise Variation
Cut-off marks vary significantly across states. Some states have higher competition and thus higher cut-offs.
Note: Cut-off marks are not officially predetermined but are calculated based on candidate performance each year. Aim to score as high as possible rather than targeting just the cut-off.
Recommended Books for NTSE
Choosing the right study material is crucial for NTSE preparation. Here are some highly recommended books.
| Subject/Area | Book Title | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Ability | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Mathematics | Mathematics for Class 9 & 10 | R.D. Sharma |
| Science | Science for Class 9 & 10 | Lakhmir Singh & Manjit Kaur |
| Social Science | Social Science for Class 9 & 10 | NCERT |
| Comprehensive Guide | Study Package for NTSE | McGraw Hill |
| Practice Papers | NTSE Explorer | McGraw Hill |
| Previous Years’ Papers | NTSE 20+ Solved Papers | Disha Publications |
Important: NCERT textbooks should be your primary resource for the SAT section. Ensure you thoroughly study all NCERT books for Classes 9 and 10.
Online Platforms for NTSE Preparation
Several online platforms offer quality resources for NTSE preparation. Here are some recommended options.
Official NCERT Resources
The official NCERT website provides sample papers and resources. Always check for updates on the official portal.
Educational YouTube Channels
Channels like “Unacademy”, “BYJU’S”, and “Vedantu” offer free and paid content specifically for NTSE preparation.
Mobile Applications
Apps like “NTSE Exam Prep App”, “Gradeup”, and “Toppr” provide practice questions, mock tests, and study material.
Online Test Series
Platforms like “Olympiad Helper”, “MTG”, and “Career Point” offer specialized NTSE test series for practice.
Pro Tip: While online resources are helpful, ensure they complement rather than replace your standard study materials and textbooks.
NTSE Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for comprehensive preparation. Here’s a suggested study plan for NTSE aspirants.
Long-term Preparation (6-12 months)
Months 1-3: Foundation Building
- Complete NCERT textbooks for Classes 9 and 10
- Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorization
- Start with basic mental ability questions
- Allocate time based on subject difficulty
Months 4-6: Practice and Application
- Solve chapter-end exercises from NCERT books
- Practice mental ability questions regularly
- Start solving previous years’ questions
- Identify and work on weak areas
Months 7-9: Advanced Preparation
- Solve advanced level questions
- Take topic-wise tests
- Focus on time management
- Revise formulas and important concepts
Months 10-12: Revision and Mock Tests
- Take full-length mock tests weekly
- Analyze performance after each test
- Focus on revision of all topics
- Work on speed and accuracy
Short-term Preparation (3-6 months)
Month 1-2: Intensive Study
- Cover entire syllabus quickly but thoroughly
- Focus on important topics with high weightage
- Practice mental ability questions daily
- Make short notes for quick revision
Month 3-4: Practice
- Solve previous years’ question papers
- Take sectional tests
- Work on time management
- Identify and improve weak areas
Month 5-6: Revision and Tests
- Take full-length mock tests regularly
- Revise from short notes
- Focus on accuracy
- Maintain a positive mindset
Revision Strategy
Create Revision Notes
Prepare concise notes with formulas, important concepts, and tricks for mental ability questions.
Regular Revision Schedule
Allocate specific days for revision of each subject. Follow a cycle to ensure all topics are revised multiple times.
Practice with Time Limits
During revision, practice questions with time constraints to improve speed.
Focus on Weak Areas
Identify topics where you make frequent mistakes and devote extra time to them during revision.
Group Study
Discussing concepts with peers can help clarify doubts and reinforce learning.
Need Help with NTSE Form Filling?
Our experts can help you complete the application process correctly and avoid common mistakes that lead to rejection.
Our Process: After payment confirmation, our team will contact you within 24 hours. Keep your documents ready and phone active for a quick process. We recommend applying at least 48 hours before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.