National Talent Search Scheme started in the year 1963. The purpose of the scheme is to identify talented students and nurture them. It is one of the most prestigious exams in India. Close to 300,000 students (a largely self selective group of students) appear in this scholarship exam every year, and 1,000 scholarships are awarded, out of which 775 are not reserved.
This year NCERT will conduct the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) in coordination with states for students studying in Class X. NTSE 2016 in all States and Union Territories will be conducted on 07 Nov 2015 & 08 Nov 2015. NTSE 2016 stage II will be conducted on 08 May 2016.
National Talent Search Exam (NTSE) 2016
First Stage National Talent Search Exam (NTSE) is conducted by States and 2nd Stage is conducted by NCERT.
Stage I Examination will be held on 08 Nov 2015 for the students presently studying In Class X.
Important Dates for NTSE 2016 Stage I (State Level)
- Last Date for Submission of Application Form: 31 Aug 2015
- Admit Cards to be issued from Sc.Branch: 01 Oct 2015
- Please note that dates may slightly vary from state to state.
Important Dates for NTSE 2016 Stage II (National Level)
- Last Date for Submission of Application Form: 29 Feb 2016
- Examination in All States and Union Territories : 8 May 2016
NTSE Eligibility
Students of Class X studying in recognized schools are eligible to appear for the respective Class X Stage I examination conducted by the States/UTs in which the schools are located. There will be no domicile restriction.
Indian Students studying outside India are also eligible for NTSE examination. If a candidate is selected, the scholarship shall be paid for pursuing studies in India only.
NTSE State Quotas
Each State/Union Territory has been allotted a quota to recommend a specific number of candidates for the Stage II 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.
NTSE Examination Pattern
The pattern of written examination for Class X will be as follows:
Stage I examination at the State/UT level will comprise two parts, namely (a) Mental Ability Test (MAT) and (b) Scholastic Ability Test (SAT) covering social sciences, sciences and mathematics.
Stage II examination at the National level will comprise (a) Mental Ability Test (MAT), (b) Scholastic Ability Test (SAT) covering Social Sciences, Sciences and Mathematics.
At Stage-II (National Level) Exam, there will be negative marking in each paper. For each wrong answer 1/3rd marks will be deducted. No marks will be deducted for unattempted questions.
NTSE Selection Process
There will be two-stage selection process for award of scholarship. For Stage-I, selection will be done by States/UTs through a written examination. Students who qualify Stage I will be eligible to appear for Stage II examination conducted by NCERT.
Qualifying marks for candidates from General category is 40% in each paper and for candidates from SC, ST, PH is 35% in each paper.
The States/UTs will also conduct the selection test for National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme along with the Stage-I written examination for NTS
NTSE Reservation
- 15% scholarships will be reserved for students belonging to the SC category,
- 7.5% scholarships for students belonging to the ST category and
- 3% for Physically Challenged Group of Students.
NTSE Scholarships
On the basis of the National Talent Search Examination, 1000 scholarships will be awarded. The amount of scholarship will be as uner:
- Scholarship of Rs. 1250 per month for class XI & XII
- Scholarship of Rs. 2000 per month for UG & PG
- Scholarship for Ph.D will be fixed in accordance with the UGC Norms.
Indian Students Studying Abroad
Indian Students Studying Abroad in Class X can appear directly for Stage II NTS Examination under conditions prescribed in the NTS brochure which is available on the NCERT website. Candidates may fill up the Application Form, available on the NCERT website and send to the undersigned along with a photocopy of the mark sheet of previous examination.
