National Talent Search Exam (NTSE) 2025 – Registration, Dates, Syllabus & Scholarship Details

NTSE Exam 2025 – The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a prestigious national scholarship exam in India. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) conducts it to identify and develop talented students. The exam is specifically designed for Class 10 students and aims to provide financial assistance so that they can continue their education.

NTSE is one of India’s most popular scholarship programs because it not only provides financial benefits but also improves students’ academic standing. Being an NTSE scholar enhances a student’s educational experience and career opportunities.

 

 

NTSE 2025 Exam Highlights

Feature Details
Conducting Body NCERT
Exam Name NTSE
Scholarships Offered for Class 10 1000
Exam Duration 120 Minutes
Mode of Application Online & Offline
Exam Mode Pen and Paper-Based (Offline)
Selection Process Stage 1 State level exam
Stage 2 National Level exam
Eligible Students Class 10 students
Age Limit Below 18 years
Scholarship Amount (Per Month) Rs. 1250 (Higher Secondary), Rs. 2000 (UG & PG), PhD as per UGC Norms
Official Website https://ncert.nic.in/national-talent-examination.php 

 

NTSE Exam 2025 Syllabus

The NTSE exam is divided into two major sections:

1. Mental Ability Test (MAT) – Tests a student’s reasoning and problem-solving skills.
2. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – Covers subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and Social Science.

Because the exam primarily follows the NCERT syllabus for Classes 9 and 10, students should concentrate on these subjects while preparing.

Section Topics Covered
MAT (Stage 1 & 2) Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
SAT (Stage 2) Science, Social Science, Mathematics

 

NTSE Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria

  • Students in India must be in class 10 and attend a recognized school.
  • Must have scored at least 60% in Class 9 (relaxation for SC/ST candidates).
  • Students in Open Distance Learning (ODL) who are under the age of 18 
  • Students studying abroad can apply directly for Stage 2.

 

Category Eligibility Criteria
General Eligibility The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) welcomes Indian nationals to participate, whether they study in India or abroad at the Class X level.
For Students in India The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) welcomes Indian nationals to participate, whether they study in India or abroad at the Class X level.
For Indian Students Abroad These students are eligible for NTSE and can directly appear for the Stage II exam, bypassing Stage I.
Eligibility Criteria for Stage 1 The candidate should have scored at least 60% in Class IX. The candidate must be enrolled in a school recognized nationally in India. Open Distance Learning (ODL) students are eligible if they are below 18 years of age as of July 1 in the examination year and are not employed.
Eligibility Criteria for Stage 2 Only candidates who have passed Stage I can take the NTSE Stage II exam.

 

NTSE Exam Registration 2025

How to Apply for NTSE

  1. Check Notifications – Exam notifications can be found in newspapers, school circulars, and on the official website.
  2. Obtain the Application Form – Available from the State/UT Liaison Officer.
  3. Fill out the form and have it signed by the school principal.
  4. Submit Before the Deadline – Ensure that all necessary documents are submitted on time.

Application Fees

  • The NCERT does not charge any fees for the national examination.
  • State/UT authorities may charge a fee for Stage 1, which varies by state.

NTSE 2025 Exam Pattern

The NTSE exam is conducted in two stages:

Stage 1 (State Level)

Section No. of Questions Marks Duration
MAT 100 100 120 mins
SAT 100 100 120 mins

Stage 2 (National Level)

  • It follows the same pattern as Stage 1.
  • There is no negative marking.

NTSE Admit Card 2025

  • Stage 1 Admit Card: Issued by the respective states (online or in schools).
  • Stage 2 Admit Card: Available online 2-4 weeks before the exam.
  • The admit card contains the exam center, roll number, date, and time. 

NTSE 2025 Results

    • State/UT authorities declare stage 1 results in January/February.
    • NCERT declares the Stage 2 results.
    • Merit List is prepared based on the minimum qualifying marks.
    • General and OBC: 40%; SC/ST/Physically Challenged: 32%

How to Check Results:

  1. Visit https://ncert.nic.in/national-talent-examination.php 
  2. Click on “NTSE 2025”.
  3. Find “NTSE Result 2025” and click on it.
  4. View the merit list.

NTSE Exam 2025 Preparing Tips

To boost your confidence and achieve a high exam score, include these tips in your daily study schedule:

  • Familiarize yourself with the NTSE format and syllabus.
  • Practice answering previous year’s question papers and sample papers.
  • Practice time management techniques to make the most of your exam time.
  • Concentrate on key topics and subjects covered in the NTSE syllabus.
  • Refer to NCERT textbooks and other study materials recommended by experts.
  • Stay up to date on the latest NTSE exam dates and notifications from official sources.
  • Conduct mock tests to assess your preparation and identify areas for improvement.
  • Seek advice from teachers, mentors, or coaching centers that specialize in NTSE preparation.
  • Maintain a consistent study schedule and allow enough time for each subject.

Benefits of the NTSE Exam

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) offers students numerous benefits that go far beyond the exam itself, making it an invaluable opportunity for future scholars. Here’s a closer look at the main advantages of the NTSE:

1. Scholarship Awards
The NTSE provides substantial scholarships to students who pass both stages of the exam. This financial assistance helps them continue their education after Class 11, covering tuition and other academic expenses. By reducing the financial burden, students can concentrate on their studies and pursue their academic interests. Such support is an important motivator for academic excellence and higher education goals.

2 . National-level recognition
Qualifying for the NTSE earns students prestigious recognition as NTSE Scholars. This recognition raises their academic profile, making them more appealing to universities during admissions. It provides access to specialized programs, internships, and additional scholarship opportunities. The recognition demonstrates a dedication to excellence, which is highly valued in both academic and professional settings.

3. Foundation for Competitive Exams.
Preparing for the NTSE provides students with essential skills for a variety of competitive exams. The emphasis on logical reasoning and analytical skills creates a solid foundation for critical thinking. This preparation boosts confidence and readiness for upcoming tests like JEE and NEET. The experience gained from NTSE improves overall performance in demanding academic settings.

NTSE 2025 Important Dates

The NTSE exam is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 is conducted at the state level, while Stage 2 is held at the national level. Students should check the official NCERT website for updates on exam dates, which vary by state. NTSE 2025 Events and Important Dates-

Event Dates (Tentative)
Application Forms Released Aug/Sep 2025
Last Date to Apply Varies from state to state
NTSE Admit Card for Stage 1 (Online & Offline) October 2025
NTSE Examination 2025 Nov-2025 to Nov-2025
NTSE Answer Keys (Stage 1) Within 5-7 days after the exam
NTSE Results (Stage 1) February-May 2026
NTSE Stage 2 Exam 2025 June 2026
NTSE Results (Final) 2025 August/September 2026

NTSE Exam 2025 FAQs

Q1. Who conducts the first-level examination?
Ans. NTSE Stage I is administered by the SCERTs (State Council of Educational Research and Training) of respective states and UTs. The purpose of the first-level examination is to screen candidates for the NCERT’s second-level examination.

Q2. Who conducts the second-level examination?
Ans. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) administers the second stage of the exam.

Q3. Who is eligible for NTSE Stage I?
Ans. Students currently in Class X can take the NTSE.

Q4. Is this exam available to students from other classes as well?
Ans. No, the NTSE Exam is open to students of class 10 only.

Q5. How many scholarships are awarded each year?
Ans. Each year, 2000 scholarships are available.

Q6. What medium will be used for the Stage I examination?
Ans. The examination medium will be as announced by the state/UT. 

Q7. I have passed the Stage I examination. Should I fill out another form for the Stage II examination?
Ans. No, you do not need to fill out another form for the Stage II examination.

Q8. What is the Official Website?
Ans. The official Website: https://ncert.nic.in/national-talent-exam.php.   

Q9. What are the benefits of NTSE?
Ans. In addition to receiving financial aid throughout a student’s post-doctoral studies, passing the NTSE Exam is a source of prestige, pride, and honor for every student. It also gives students an advantage in getting into IITs or passing any government exam.

Q10. What are the fees for the NTSE exam?
Ans. NCERT does not charge any fee from students to conduct the NTSE Stage-2 examinations; however, the States and Union Territories do charge a minimum amount of fee as notified by SCERT for the Stage-1 examination, and the amount varies by state. Only a few states offer free NTSE stage I exams.

Conclusion

NTSE is an excellent opportunity for talented students. With the proper preparation and strategy, students can secure this prestigious scholarship. Begin early, stay focused, and practice regularly to ace the NTSE exam!

Achieving NTSE success provides not only financial assistance but also access to prestigious educational institutions and career opportunities. It provides a foundation for success in future competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, and UPSC. Furthermore, NTSE scholars are known for their analytical and problem-solving abilities, which give them an advantage in both academic and professional settings.

For students aiming for NTSE, consistency and perseverance are essential. To improve your preparation, stick to a structured study schedule, use reliable resources, and take frequent mock tests. Keep yourself updated with official notifications and ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria.

Official website- https://ncert.nic.in/national-talent-examination.php