NTSE Eligibility & Exam Pattern for 2025: Who Can Apply & How It Works
FAQs on NTSE Exam 2025 Guide: Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus & Resources
1. What is NTSE?
The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a national-level scholarship test conducted by NCERT for Class 10 students in India to identify and promote academic excellence.
Key points include:
- Held in two stages – State (Stage 1) and National (Stage 2).
- Open to students of all school boards and Indian students studying abroad.
- Rewards top performers with monthly scholarships for higher studies.
2. What is the eligibility for NTSE 2025?
Eligibility for NTSE 2025 is as follows:
- Students studying in Class 10 from any recognized school in India.
- Indian students studying abroad (Class 10 or equivalent) can directly appear for Stage 2, subject to 60%+ in previous class and appearance at their own expense in India.
- Open Distance Learning (ODL) students under 18 years, not employed, and appearing for Class 10 for the first time are eligible.
- Minimum 60% marks in previous class for General category (55% for SC/ST/PwD).
3. What is the NTSE exam pattern?
The NTSE exam consists of two main tests at both stages:
- Papers: Mental Ability Test (MAT) & Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
- Each Paper: 100 questions, 100 marks, 120 minutes
- SAT Subsections: Science (40), Math (20), Social Science (40)
- No negative marking in either stage
- Conducted in multiple languages, including English and Hindi
4. How can students apply for NTSE?
To apply for NTSE 2025, follow these steps:
- Obtain the application form from your state/UT liaison officer or education portal.
- Complete the form, get it attested by your school principal, and attach required documents.
- Submit the form before the application deadline (varies state-wise, usually October–November).
5. What is the NTSE scholarship amount?
The NTSE scholarship provides monthly financial support across educational levels:
- Class 11–12: Rs. 1,250 per month
- Undergraduate/Postgraduate: Rs. 2,000 per month
- PhD: As per UGC norms
6. What is the syllabus for NTSE?
The NTSE syllabus covers Class 10 (and some Class 9) NCERT curriculum for:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT): Analogy, series, classifications, coding-decoding, mirror images, blood relations, direction sense, mathematical operations, etc.
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT):
- Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Arithmetic, Trigonometry
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 9 & 10 concepts)
- Social Science: History, Geography, Political Science, Economics
7. How to prepare for NTSE 2025?
Preparation for NTSE 2025 should include:
- Understanding the latest exam pattern and detailed syllabus
- Regular practice of NTSE previous year question papers with solutions
- Taking online and offline mock tests
- Making concise notes from NCERT books (Class 9 & 10)
- Revising important concepts and practicing time management
8. Where can I download NTSE previous year papers?
You can download NTSE previous year papers with solutions for Stage 1 and 2 from Vedantu and other educational exam portals. These papers are available as free PDFs for practice and revision.
9. Is NTSE only for science stream students?
No, NTSE is open to all Class 10 students from science, humanities, or commerce streams. The exam covers Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Mental Ability—boosting career opportunities across streams.
10. Can Class 9 students apply for NTSE?
No, only Class 10 students are eligible to appear for the current NTSE session as per official eligibility criteria.
11. What is the national level of NTSE exam?
The national level of NTSE exam refers to Stage 2, conducted by NCERT for students who qualify Stage 1 from their respective states/UTs. It finalizes the national merit list and scholarship selection.
12. Does NTSE have negative marking?
No, NTSE does not have negative marking in any section of Stage 1 or Stage 2. All questions carry equal marks for correct answers only.
13. What is the NTSE result date?
NTSE Stage 1 results are usually declared in February/March by the respective state/UT education authorities, while NTSE Stage 2 results and the final merit list are published by NCERT in October of the same cycle.
14. Is NTSE valid for students studying abroad?
Yes, Indian students studying abroad in Class 10 or equivalent can appear directly for NTSE Stage 2 if they meet the minimum marks criteria, but the scholarship is valid only for studies undertaken in India.
15. How many students receive the NTSE scholarship each year?
Up to 2,000 students are selected for the NTSE scholarship every year, based on national-level merit performance in Stage 2.
