What is ‘National Talent Search Examination’?

The National Talent Search Examination is open for students of Indian nationality whether they study in India or abroad at Class X level. It is a national-level scholarship program in India to identify and recognize students with high intellect and academic talent. It is one of the most prestigious exams in India. 2000 successful students are awarded financial assistance in the form of monthly scholarship; `1,250/- per month every year for class XI and XII and thereafter `2,000/- per month for undergraduates and post-graduates level. There is no prescribed syllabus for the NTSE. However, the standard of items shall be conforming to the level of Classes IX and X. These tests are given to the candidates to judge their power of reasoning, ability to think, ability to judge, evaluate or discriminate, ability to visualize in the space, spatial orientation, etc. Thus preparation for NTSE forms a base for future competitive exams. It is conducted in two stages; Stage-I & Stage-II.

Prospectus



How to Apply for NTSE ?

The National Council of Education Research and Training conducts the National Talent Search Examination every year for class 10th students. Given below is step by step process on how to apply for NTSE.

Required Documents For NTSE Application Form

The students must attach the following documents along with the NTSE application form:

• Recent Colored Photograph
• Class 9 Mark Sheet
• State Domicile
• Caste Certificate
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)

All the documents should be duly signed by the head/principal of the school.

How To Apply For NTSE Stage I

NTSE stage-I is a state-level examination. The state/Union Territories officials conduct NTSE stage I examination.

Student can obtain their application form either offline or online. The offline application form can be collected from the State Liaison officer or it could be collected from their respective schools.

Offline NTSE Application Form:-

Students must follow the following steps to fill the offline NTSE application form:-

1. Collect the application form:- The students must collect the form from their respective state liaison officers or from their respective schools.

2. Fill the application form:-

• The students are expected to fill the right information in the application form.
• All the information should be filled by the student in their own handwriting.
• They must affix their recent photograph in the application form. (The photograph should not be older than 6 months)
• The self-attested photograph must be attached in the given space.

3. Payment of application fee:- The required amount has to be submitted along with the application form. (Only if required)

4. Submission of NTSE application form:- Once all the above steps are completed students must submit the application form either to the respective state liaison officer or to the school.

The application form must be attested by the school principal before the final submission.

Online NTSE Application Form:-

Students must follow the following steps to fill the online NTSE application form.

1. Visit the official website:-

• The aspirants can download the application form from the given SCERT website (State-wise links are given below).
• Click on the NTSE section given on the home page to download the NTSE application form.

2. Upload all the relevant information:-

• Students should provide the right information in the given form.
• Upload the recent photograph and the signature’s image in the form.

3. Upload all the relevant information:-

• Pay the applicable NTSE application fee (if applicable) through online mode.

4. Download the application form:-

• After completing the NTSE application form students must download the form.
• Students must take out the print out of the form.
• Make it signed by the school principal.
• Submit the form either to the school or it can be submitted to the state liaison officer.

How To Apply For NTSE Stage II

• Stage 1 qualified students can directly apply for NTSE stage 2.
• The student does not require to register separately for stage 2.
• The aspirants who have Indian Nationality and live abroad can directly apply for the NTSE stage II exam. They must secure 60% aggregate marks in their previous exams.
• The aspirants who live abroad have to submit the NTSE stage II application form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

NTSE Stage – I (State Level)

• It is conducted by states / UTs.
• It is conducted on first Sunday in the month of November (tentatively)
• All students of Class X studying in recognized schools are eligible.
• There is no domicile restriction. Student will appear for Stage- I exam conducted by the states / UTs, in which the school is located.
• Students registered under Open Distance Learning (ODL) will also be eligible for scholarship, provided the student is below the age of 18 years (as on 1st July of the particular year), the student is not employed and is appearing in class X examination for the first time.
• Exam Pattern: Examination comprises of two papers i.e.

These tests are given to the candidates to judge their power of reasoning, ability to think ability to judge, evaluate or discriminate, ability to visualize in the space, spatial orientation, etc. A variety of questions e.g. analogies, classification, series, pattern perception, hidden figures, coding-decoding, block assembly, problem solving etc. are used for this purpose.

• English paper is now removed from the NTSE syllabus. As such, now there is no test on English language.
• There is no prescribed syllabus for the NTSE. However, the standard of items shall be confirming to the level of Classes IX and X. Sample questions of MAT and SAT, from previous year question papers are available at the inside cover pages of prospectus as well as at https://www.youngias.com/scholarship-exam/national-talent-search-exam-ntse/previous-year-papers/
• The questions are MCQ type (Objective Questions)
• There is no negative marking for incorrect answer. Nevertheless, candidates are advised not to resort to blind guessing, which may not be of any help to them.
• No marks are deducted for un-attempted question.
• Minimum qualifying marks in each paper are 35% for SC/ST/PH and 40% for other categories (General & OBC).
• Students are allowed to take away question booklets of both the tests (MAT & SAT) after the examination.
• Candidates who qualify in both the papers separately will only be considered for merit.
• Exam application forms can be procured from liaison officer of the particular State / UT.
• The completed exam application form should be signed by the Principal of the school.
• Exam application fee as notified by the particular State / UT is to be paid by the candidate.
• Selected candidates are eligible for Stage- II exam of the same academic year.

NTSE Stage – II (State Level)

• It is conducted by NCERT
• It is conducted on Sunday in the month of May (tentatively)
• Students who have qualified stage – I exam are eligible for stage- II in the same academic year.
• Exam Pattern: Examination comprises of two papers i.e.

Note: If there is any change in the examination pattern then the same will be communicated through NCERT website www.ncert.nic.in Candidates are advised to keep track of updates on NCERT website.

• These tests are given to the candidates to judge their power of reasoning, ability to think ability to judge, evaluate or discriminate, ability to visualize in the space, spatial orientation, etc. A variety of questions e.g. analogies, classification, series, pattern perception, hidden figures, coding-decoding, block assembly, problem solving etc. are used for this purpose.
• English paper is now removed from the NTSE syllabus. As such, now there is no test on English language.
• There is no prescribed syllabus for the NTSE. However, the standard of items shall be confirming to the level of Classes IX and X. Sample questions of MAT and SAT, from previous year question papers are available at the inside cover pages of prospectus as well as at https://www.youngias.com/scholarship-exam/ntse/previous-year-papers/
• The questions are MCQ type (Objective Questions)
• There is no negative marking for incorrect answer. Nevertheless, candidates are advised not to resort to blind guessing, which may not be of any help to them.
• No marks are deducted for un-attempted question.
• Minimum qualifying marks in each paper are 35% for SC/ST/PH and 40% for other categories (General & OBC).
• Candidates who qualify in both the papers separately will only be considered for merit.
• Students are allowed to take away question booklets of both the tests (MAT & SAT) after the examination.
• Selection of the awardee will be made on the basis of total marks scored in MAT & SAT based on merit.
• Exam application forms can be procured from NCERT website.
• The completed exam application form should be signed by the Principal of the school.
• There is no exam application fee.
• Selected candidates are eligible for scholarship of `1,250/- per month for Class – XI to XII and `2,000/- per month for undergraduates and post–graduates.
• Students of Indian nationality 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.
• There is reservation as under;

What is Mental Ability Test (MAT)?

The Mental Ability Test in NTSE syllabus is conducted with main objective to judge and analyse students’ power of discrimination, evaluation, reasoning, the potential to visualize, spatial orientation and space orientation. Topics such as classification, coding-decoding, series, pattern perception, block assembly, hidden figures, analogies and problem solving are asked to the students to gauge their mental ability. The questionnaire includes a set of 100 multiple choice questions. Mental Ability Test is an appropriate way to scale a student’s ability, using rationalized questions. Students need to apply their presence of mind and logical reasoning skills while attempting a mental ability test. Thus, these tests help students develop skills that are required at different stages of life to build up a career.

Categories of Mental Ability Test:

1. Logical/Abstract Reasoning
2. Verbal Reasoning – Rearranging sentences, Reasoning, Paragraph summary, Reading comprehension.
3. Data Interpretation
4. Puzzles

*Notes:

(i) There is no prescribed syllabus for the NTSE.

(ii) The topics given hereinabove are indicative.

(iii) The standard of questions shall be confirming to the level of Class IX and X.

What is Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)?

In the Scholastic Aptitude Test, questions are taken from subjects like Physics, Biology, Chemistry, History, Geography, Economics, and Political Science. The SAT might also include questions like arrange the sequence, match the correct answer, true and false statements, and the comprehension passage-based questions. This might make the exam more entertaining than the multiple choice questions. Scholastic Aptitude Test is an integrated exam and grills the students more than the

Mental Ability Test. As students tend to make more mistakes in SAT, given the nature of the test, it is a good learning experience for the students; it makes them aware of their weak points, as well as their strong topics.

*Notes:

(i) There is no prescribed syllabus for the NTSE.

(ii) The topics given hereinabove are indicative.

(iii) The standard of questions shall be confirming to the level of Class IX and X.

Eligibility and other conditions for continuation of scholarship at higher secondary stage.

1. The award of scholarship to the selected candidates shall commence subsequent to their clear promotion to Class XI.
2. The scholarship at the higher secondary stage or equivalent Classes XI to XII is payable for a maximum period of two years for studies in India only.

iii. Student pursuing diploma or certificate courses will be provided scholarship, at this stage provided if they are not employed.

1. Awardees have to secure an aggregate of 60% marks or equivalent grade in order to be eligible for scholarship every year. If a student secured less than 60% in a year the scholarship is forfeited for that year. If a student fails to secure minimum 60% or equivalent grade for two consecutive or non-consecutive years. He or she will be ineligible for payment of scholarship and will be discontinued forever.
2. In case an institution does not conduct an examination at the end of Class XI,

the scholarship for the second year will be continued on the submission of a certificate to this effect from the Head of the Institution.

1. In case the performance is reported in grades, then equivalent to 60% aggregate will be taken into account.

Exam Notification 2021

Brief History:

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) was established by the Government of India in the year 1961 with a view to bringing about qualitative improvement in school education in the country. No sooner the Council was set up than it mounted a number of programs in this direction. One such programs was to identify and nurture the talented students. This program took up the shape of a scheme called National Science Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS) in the year 1963 which provided for the identification of talented students and awarding them with scholarships. During the first year of the implementation of the scheme, it was confined to the Union Territory of Delhi wherein only 10 scholarships were awarded to the Class XI students. In the year 1964 the scheme was extended to all the states and the union territories in the country with 350 scholarships for the students of Class XI. These scholarships were awarded on the basis of a written examination, a project report and interview. The written examination comprised the Science Aptitude Test and an Essay on a given scientific theme. The candidates were to submit the project report at the time of the written examination. A stipulated number of candidates selected on the basis of these three components were then subjected to personal interview. The performance of the candidates on these four components was eventually employed for the purpose of awarding scholarship. These scholarships were awarded for pursuing education only in basic science up to doctoral level. Consequent upon the introduction of 10+2+3 pattern of education, the NSTS scheme also underwent a change in the year 1976. It was no longer confined to only basic sciences but was extended to social sciences, engineering and medicine as well. It was renamed as National Talent Search Scheme (NTSS). Since the education system in the country was undergoing a change, the scheme was made open to the students of Classes X, XI and XII and separate examinations were conducted for each class. The number of scholarships was raised to 500. The selection procedure was also changed. Now the candidates were subjected to two objective type written tests namely the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). A stipulated number of candidate qualifying these two tests were subjected to face-to-face interview. The final awards were made on the basis of composite scores obtained in the MAT, the SAT and the interview. The number of scholarships was again enhanced from 500 to 550 in the year 1981. These 50 scholarships were exclusively meant for scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates. The number of scholarships was once again escalated to 750 in the year 1983 with a provision of 70 scholarships especially for SC/ST candidates. This arrangement continued until the scheme was de-centralised in the year 1985. An experience of over two decades of the scheme brought it to the forefront that a large number of scholarships were restricted to certain pockets of the country and many areas remained unrepresentative. In the light of this, the scheme was recast in 1985. The scheme, which until now was completely centralized, was partially decentralized and was confined to only Class X. Under the new arrangement the selection of candidates for the awards became a two-tier process. The states and the union territories were entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the first tier screening examination known as State Level Talent Search Examination. Each State and Union Territory was to select and recommend a stipulated number (as per state quota) of candidates for the national level examination to be conducted for about 3000 candidates by the NCERT. The number of scholarships, however still continued to be 750 including 70 for SC/ST candidates. The state and the union territory quota was to be computed proportionately on the basis of the student enrolment at secondary level with a minimum of 10 for a union territory and 25 for a state and a maximum of 500 for either of the two. This quota was to be reviewed every three years. The states and union territories had complete autonomy to design and conduct their written examinations. However, they were advised to follow the national pattern which comprised MAT and SAT. The MAT, which consisted of 100 multiple choice type questions, was to be attempted by all the candidates. The SAT consisted of 200 questions containing 25 multiple choice type questions each on eight subject areas namely Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Civics and Economics. The candidates could choose any four out of these eight subjects and had to answer a total of 100 questions in the SAT. A stipulated number of candidates who qualified at the national level examination were called for face-to-face interview. The award of scholarships was finally determined on the basis of the candidates’ scores obtained in all the three components namely the MAT, the SAT and the Interview. A crucial modification in the scheme was again made in the year 1995 when the provision of choice in the SAT was abolished and all the subjects were made compulsory. These subjects were Science, Social Science and Mathematics with 40, 40 and 20 questions respectively. In the year 2000, the number of scholarships was raised from 750 to 1000 with the provision of reservation for SC and ST candidates based on the national norms of 15 per cent and 7½ per cent respectively. In the year 2019 the number of scholarship was raised from 1000 to 2000. Yet another change in the scheme brought in 2006. The scheme was modified by shifting the scheme from Class X to Class VIII. The National Talent Search Examination held at the end of Class VIII from the year 2007 onwards. However, the NCERT conducted two more examinations for Class X students in the selection year 2007 and 2008 in order to give an opportunity to those who were presently in Classes X and IX. The class VIII MAT and SAT consisted of 90 questions each. SAT had 35 questions for Social Science, 35 for science and 20 for Mathematics. Quota for a state was computed proportionally on the basis of student enrolment in Classes VII and VIII. The amount of Scholarship has been enhanced to `500/- per month for all the students studying in Class IX onwards (irrespective of the class/course) except for Ph.D., wherein it was paid as per UGC norms. The criterion of parental income for deciding payment of scholarship was discontinued. Book grant was also discontinued.

From the year 2008, examination, a provision of 3 per cent reservation for Physically Challenged (PC) Students has been made. The interview process for selection of awardees under National Talent Search Scheme is being discontinued from the selection year 2011. The candidates will be selected on the basis of merit in the second level written examination of Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and Mental Ability Test (MAT).

Once again in 2013 NTS Exam was shifted to class X and Language Test (English/Hindi) was included as an additional component along with Mental Ability Test and Scholastic Test. Language Test was qualifying in nature and the scores of language test were not included in deciding final merit. In the year 2014 negative marking was introduced for the first time at the stage II national level examination, wherein 1/3 marks were deducted for every wrong answer and no marks were deducted for un-attempted questions. In the year 2014-15 the rates of scholarships were increased from `500 to the following rates for various stages of education.

1. a) Scholarship of `1250/- per months for class XI and XII.
2. b) Scholarship of `2000/- per month for UG and PG.
3. c) Scholarship for students pursuing Ph.D in accordance with UGC norms.

In 2015 minimum qualifying marks for SC/ST/PH candidates were increased from 32% to 35%. In 2017 4% reservation to Physically Challenged Category was implemented for group of students, with benchmark disabilities of which, one per cent each shall be reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities under clauses (a), (b) and (c) and one per cent for persons with benchmark disabilities under clauses (d) and (e) namely: a) blindness and low vision; b) deaf and hard of hearing; c) locomotor disability including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims and muscular dystrophy; d) autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability and mental illness; e) multiple disabilities from amongst persons under clauses (a) to (d) including deaf- blindness in the posts identified for each disabilities. In the year 2018 negative marking was abolished, there was increase in time duration of test and increase the number of question in MAT and there was change in reporting time for students at the examination hall from 8 am to 9 am on the day of examination. In the same year initiative for downloading E-Admit Cards from NCERT website was implemented.

From the year 2018-19 reservation to Other Backward Class (OBC) is implemented in the NTS scheme. Besides, There is reservations for OBCs @27% from the year 2019 as per central norms subject to the income limit notified by the Government of India from time to time for determination of the creamy layer for the purpose of OBC Reservation vide its letter No. 15 19/2014. Sch-4 dated November 2, 2017.

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Sample Questions from NTSE 2018 – 2019

Scholastic Aptitude Test

Q.1. Consider the elements A, B, C and D with atomic numbers 6, 7, 14 and 15 respectively which of the following statements are correct concerning these elements?

1. D will lose electron more easily than C.
2. B will gain electron more easily than C.

III. The element with highest electronegativity is D.

1. The element with largest atomic size is C.

(a) I and II                                                                              (b) II and III

(c) I and IV                                                                             (d) III and IV

Q.2. If the local time at Varanasi located at 830 E longitude is 23:00 hour, then what will be the local time at Kibithu located at 970 E longitude (Arunachal Pradesh) and Jodhpur, located at 730?

(a) 00: 00hour, 22:00 hour                                                (b) 22:20 hour, 23:56 hour

(c) 23: 56hour, 22:20 hour                                                 (d) 22:56 hour, 23:20 hour

Q.3. Chandimal, Jaysurya and Umesh left their respective villages in Sri Lanka for Chennai in India. Who among the following could be a refugee?

1. Chandimal, who is an IT professional, could not find a job in Sri Lanka
2. Jaysurya, who left his villages due to ethnic conflicts

IIII. Umesh whose land and house were destroyed due to Tsunami

(a) Only Jaysurya                                                                 (b) Only Chandimal

(c) Jaysurya and Umesh                                                      (d) Chandimal and Jaysurya

Q.4. Which of the following is the inspiring philosophy of the constitution of India?

1. Secularism, Equality, Communism, Democratic Republic
2. Democratic Republic, Sovereignty, fraternity

III. Secularism, Equality, Justice,

1. Equality, fraternity, communalism secularism

(a) I and II                                                                              (b) I and III

(c) II and III                                                                            (d) II and IV

Q.5. Read the following statements and select one of the four options given below.

Statement I: Enjoyment of pollution- free   water is a fulfilment of rights to life

Statement II: Release from forced labour is a fulfilment of right to life.

(a) Only I is correct                                                                              (b) Only II is correct

(c) Both I and II are correct.                                                              (d) Both I and II are incorrect.

Q.6.  Three electric bulbs of rating 40 W -200 V; 50 W-200 V and 100 W -200 V are connected in series to a 600 V supply what is likely to happen as the supply is switched on?

(a) Only 50W bulb will fuse.

(b) Both 40W and 50W bulbs will fuse.

(c) All the three bulbs will emit light their rated powers.

(d) 100W bulb will emit light of maximum intensity.

Q.7. If the vertices of an equilateral triangle have integral co-ordinates, then

(a)  Such a triangle is not possible.

(b) The area of the triangle is irrational.

(c) The area of the triangle is an integer.

(d) The area of the triangle is rational but not an integer

Q.8. Which of the following digits is ruled out in the units place of 120 + 1 for every positive integer?

(a) 1                                                                                        (b) 3

(c)  5                                                                                       (d) 7

Q.9. How many points (x,y) with integral co- ordinates are there whose distance from(1,2 ) is two units ?

(a) One                                                                                                 (b) Two

(c) Three                                                                                              (d) Four

Q.10. Which of the following regarding the constitution of 1791 and the status of women in France are correct?

1. It made them active citizens
2. Provisions were made for schools both boys and girls.
3. Divorce rules were made stringent
4. Provisions were made for training women for jobs

(a)  I, II and III                                                                      (b) II and IV

(c)   III and IV                                                                        (d) II, III and IV

Sample Questions from NTSE 2018 – 2019

Mental Aptitude Test

Q 1. Direction: In the following question a specific group of numbers is given from the given alternatives, choose the correct alternative that matches the given group?

78   26   54

(a) 52                                                                                      (b) 6

(c) -6                                                                                       (d) 31

Q 2. In a Helium gas discharge tube every second 40 x 1018 He (ions) move towards the right through a cross – section of the tube, while n electrons move to the left in the same time if the current in the tube is 8A towards right then n =?

(a) 3 x1018                                                                            (b) 3 x 1019

(c) 3 x 1020                                                                           (d) 3 x 1021

Q 3. Direction: In the following questions choose the correct term that will replace the question mark?

AYC, EUG, JPL, CWE?

(a) HRJ                                                                                    (b) IQK

(c) JPL                                                                                     (d) KOM

Q 4. Direction: Ten years ago the ratio of the ages of Ramesh and Suresh was 1:5 Ten years hence the ratio of their ages will be 3:5 then

How old was Suresh ten years ago?

(a) 9 years                                                                             (b) 20 years

(c) 40 years                                                                           (d) 30 years

Q 5. How many cubes are there having no face painted?

(a) 3                                                                                        (b) 2

(c) 0                                                                                        (d) 4

Q 6. Direction: Observe the following pyramid and choose the correct alternative to answer the question

61820 :  82422 :: 121920?

(a) 142223                                                                            (b) 231524

(c) 191220                                                                             (d) 142322

Q 7. Direction: In each of the following questions write which term in the sequence replaces the question mark

16, 40, 100, 250?

(a) 575                                                                                   (b) 625

(c) 425                                                                                   (d) 525

Q 8. Direction: Ajit   walked 5 Km East from A. After turning left he walked 3 Km Then he turned in South – east direction and walked 5 Km. Then he turned west and walked 4 Km finally he turned left and walked 12 Km. Then

How far Ajit is from his original place?

(a) 13 Km                                                                               (b) 17 Km

(c) 18 Km                                                                               (d) 7 Km

Q 9. Direction: In the following questions a specific group of terms is given from the given alternatives, find out the correct term that matches the given group.

AGM DJP HNT

(a) GNT                                                                  (b) EKP

(C) IOV                                                                                   (D) KQW

Q 10. Direction: Observe the following venn diagram and choose the correct alternative to answer the question.

How many players play one game?

(a) 151                                                                                   (b) 216

(c) 183                                                                                   (d) 210

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