NCERT’s National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is India’s most prestigious scholarship program. Students pursuing academic goals are identified through the exam to receive financial assistance.
The NTSE Scholarship financially supports Class 10 students, covering academic expenses up to the doctorate level. Open to all categories, including General, SC, ST, and OBC, the program aims to nurture talent and encourage academic growth through competitive exams and projects.
Key Highlights of NTSE Scholarship 2025
- Open to Class 10 students of all backgrounds.
- Covers academic expenses up to the doctorate level.
- Promotes talent development through competitive exams and projects.
- Eligibility criteria must be met to qualify for the scholarship.
This guide is designed to help students and parents understand the eligibility requirements and benefits of the NTSE Scholarship 2025.
Know about the NTSE Scholarship
Through its scholarship scheme, it looks for and finds talented students all over the country. The scholarship program is not limited to a certain field of study, so you can study whatever you desire. Scholarships from the National Talent Search Examination let people attend top universities and get jobs at well-known companies. Also, the NTSE scholarship gives students money to help them out. It makes them feel proud of what they’ve done and like they’ve earned something.
Highlights of the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) |
| Conducted by | – NTSE Stage 1: Respective states/UTs |
| – NTSE Stage 2: NCERT | |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Class Level | Class 10th |
| Total Scholarships | 2000 |
| Scholarship Amount | – ₹1250/month for Class 11-12 |
| – ₹2000/month for UG & PG levels | |
| – As per UGC norms for Ph.D. | |
| Scholarship Level | Up to Ph.D. level |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Exam Papers | – Mental Aptitude Test (MAT) |
| – Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | |
| Test Duration | 120 minutes per paper (MAT & SAT), a total of 240 minutes for both stages |
| Total Exam Centers | – Stage 1: In all 28 states and 9 UTs |
| – Stage 2: 35 cities | |
| Registration Dates | Begins in August/September annually; deadlines set by respective states/UTs |
| Exam Dates (NTSE 2025) | – Stage 1: November/December* for Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| – Stage 1: November/December* for all other states and UTs | |
| – Stage 2: June 2026* | |
| Exam Helpline | – Phone: 011-26560464 |
| – Email: ntsexam.ncert@gov.in | |
| Official Website | NCERT Official Website |
NTSE Examination 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| NTSE 2025 Notification | Last week of July 2024 |
| Application Begins | August 2025 |
| Last Date for Application | Announced separately by each state/UT |
| NTSE Stage 1 Admit Card | Second week of October 2025 |
| NTSE Stage 2 Admit Card | First week of May 2025 |
| NTSE Stage 1 Exam (Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Andaman & Nicobar Islands) | November 2025 |
| NTSE Stage 1 Exam (West Bengal) | November 2025 |
| NTSE Stage 1 Exam (Other states/UTs) | Last week of July 2025 |
| NTSE Stage 1 Result | January/February 2025 |
This ensures clarity for students preparing for the NTSE 2025 exam.
What’s new in NTSE 2025?
- No Language Paper – Till last year, NTSE included a language paper, the marks of which were not counted while calculating the total score. From this year, the language paper has been abolished.
- New Reservation – NTSE 2025 has added an extra reservation of 27% for OBC apart from the existing 15%, 7.5%, and 4% for SC, ST, and Physically Handicapped. The income limit currently is 8 Lakh per annum for OBC NCL.
- The duration of the exam has been increased to 4 hours from 3 hours till last year. The duration for MAT and SAT is 2 hours each.
NTSE Scholarship Amount 2025
All NTSE scholarship applicants will be awarded the same amount based on NTSE reservation criteria.
| Stage | Scholarship |
| NTSE scholarship amount for class 10 | 1250/- |
| Scholarship amount for Graduate and postgraduate | 2000/- |
| For PhD degree | As per UGC norms |
Guidelines for Disbursement
These are the guidelines for disbursing and renewing the National Talent Search Examination Scholarship amount of 2025:
- Students studying up to the doctorate level are eligible for the scholarship.
- Maintaining a minimum average of 60% yearly is necessary for the scholarship to be awarded.
- College/institutional heads must certify student conduct.
- The student is responsible for continuing their studies as a regular student.
- Full-time studies are required—no part-time jobs or jobs with a salary.
- No other scholarships should be accepted at the same time.
Eligibility Criteria for NTSE Scholarship 2025
Students who want to apply for the National Talent Search Examination Scholarship 2025 need to meet the following criteria
- Students must be in class 10 to apply for the NTSE Scholarship.
- Applicants must be Indian citizens to qualify for the program.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that they do not exceed the age of 18 years.
- For recognition, applicants must attend a recognized school or board.
- Moreover, open Distance Learning Students can apply for this position if they study open distance learning.
Application Form for NTSE Scholarship 2025
National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) Application Process
The NTSE application forms are available on the official NCERT website or can be obtained from the State Liaison Officer in the respective state. Candidates can apply for the NTSE scholarship through the online portal. The application process requires accurate and complete details, along with necessary supporting documents.
Key Points for NTSE Application Form 2025
- Where to Obtain the Form
- Available on the NCERT official website.
- It can also be collected from the State Liaison Officer.
- Information Required
- Personal details (e.g., name, date of birth, contact information).
- Educational qualifications.
- Relevant details are specific to eligibility.
- Documents to Attach
- Proof of age.
- Mark sheets.
- Certificates and other supporting documents.
- Submission
- Submit the completed form by the deadline mentioned on the official website.
- Applications can be submitted online or in person.
Ensure all details are accurate and documents are properly attached to avoid disqualification.
Documents Required to Fill the NTSE Application Form
To complete the NTSE application process, candidates must provide certain essential documents. These include a recent passport-sized color photograph, a copy of the Class 9th passing mark sheet, and an Aadhaar card. Additionally, applicants need to submit a state domicile certificate and an income certificate. If applicable, candidates must also provide a caste certificate for reservation benefits or a disability certificate for special category consideration.
As part of the NTSE application process, seat reservations are available for candidates from specific categories. Students must indicate their category during the application and submit the necessary caste certificates if applicable. The reservation details for different categories are as follows:
Documents Required for NTSE Application
| Required Documents |
|---|
| Recent passport-sized color photograph |
| Class 9th passing mark sheet |
| Aadhaar Card |
| State domicile certificate |
| Income certificate |
| Caste Certificate (if applicable) |
| Disability Certificate (if applicable) |
NTSE Seat Reservation Details
| Category | Percentage of Reserved Seats |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
| Physically Challenged | 4% |
Selection Process in NTSE Scholarship Scheme
The selection process for the NTSE Scholarship Scheme involves two stages:
Stage 1: State-Level Examination
- Conducted by State Councils for Educational Research and Training (SCERT).
- Comprises two separate tests:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT)
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
- Typically held in November.
- Tests are conducted in English or the official language of the state.
Stage 2: National-Level Examination
- Candidates who qualify at the state level advance to this stage.
- Administered by NCERT, usually in May.
- Includes:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT)
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
- An interview is part of the evaluation process.
Candidates must complete both stages to secure the NTSE Scholarship.
Advantages derived from NTSE Scholarship
The National Talent Search Examination Scholarship Scheme can benefit candidates in different ways:
- It builds students’ confidence and helps them get ready for tests like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, AIIMS, and NEET.
- With the NTSE Scholarship, it is possible to get into some of India’s best colleges because many of them have reserved seats for NTSE Scholars.
- NTSE Scholars have an advantage over other students when applying to foreign universities.
- Both the public and private sectors tend to give NTSE scholars a lot of attention.
- As NTSE Scholars, students get the first choice regarding NDAs.
- Additionally, NTSE Scholars can get discounts on several courses and study materials.
NTSE Eligibility 2025: General Requirements for Scholarships
To qualify and maintain eligibility for the NTSE Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Conditions
- Scholarships are applicable only for approved courses in Science, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Medical streams pursued within India.
- Candidates must maintain good conduct at school and continue their higher education.
- Absence from school must be supported by proper leave approval or prior information to school authorities.
- The candidate must be a full-time student, not employed or earning a salary/stipend.
- If receiving scholarships from other schemes, the candidate must choose one scheme to continue with.
- If a candidate opts for another scholarship, the NTSE Scholarship will be paused for that year. Resumption is allowed only upon discontinuing benefits from the other scholarship scheme and informing NCERT.
- Fee waivers, one-time grants, fee subsidies, and accommodation benefits do not affect NTSE Scholarship eligibility.
- Candidates who drop out or discontinue their education within one year of admission will lose their scholarship eligibility.
- All subjects of the enrolled course must be cleared on the first attempt. Failing in core subjects results in scholarship cancellation.
These guidelines ensure the NTSE Scholarship is awarded to deserving and committed students pursuing their academic goals.
NTSE Admit Card
- The NTSE 2025 Stage 1 admit card will be available at least 15 days before the exam.
- States/UTs may provide the admit card online or offline. Candidates must download it or collect it as applicable.
- Carrying the admit card on exam day is mandatory. Without it, candidates will not be allowed to appear for the exam.
- For Stage 2, NCERT will issue admit cards online to qualifying candidates. These can be downloaded from the official NCERT website.
NTSE Stage 1 Exam 2025
- The NTSE Exam Date 2025 for Stage 1 is expected to be in November or December 2025, and it will be conducted offline by the respective states and UTs.
- Exam centers will be assigned, and details will be mentioned on the admit card.
NTSE Stage 1 Result 2025
- The Stage 1 result will declare qualifying candidates for MAT and SAT papers.
- Results will be available online on the SCERT/DGE official websites of respective states/UTs in the form of a merit list.
- The merit list includes names, marks, and ranks of qualified candidates.
NTSE Stage 2 Exam 2025
- Candidates qualifying for Stage 1 will appear for Stage 2, conducted by NCERT, likely in June 2025.
- The NTSE Exam 2025 will follow the same exam pattern and subjects for Stage 2 as in Stage 1.
- Examination centers will be designated by NCERT.
NTSE Stage 2 Result
- The Stage 2 result will be announced in August/September 2025.
- Candidates can check results on NCERT’s website by entering their roll number and date of birth.
- The result will display scores for MAT, SAT, and a combined score.
- Scholarships will be disbursed based on the final merit list.
NTSE Exam Centres
- Stage 1: States/UTs will release the list of centers a month before the exam.
- Stage 2: NCERT will conduct the exam at designated national-level centers.
NTSE Stage 2 Exam Centres 2025
| State/UT | Exam Centre(s)/Venue |
|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | KV No. 2, Raksha Vihar, Minnie Bay |
| Andhra Pradesh | KV, Gandhi Gram Post, Malkapuram, Visakhapatnam |
| Arunachal Pradesh | KV No. 2, Itanagar, Chimpu Post |
| Assam | KV CRPF Mile Amerigog, Kamrup, Guwahati |
| Bihar | KV No. 1, Lohiya Nagar, Kankarbagh, Patna |
| Chandigarh | KV, ASF High Grounds, Chandigarh |
| Chhattisgarh | KV No. 2, Sector 4, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar, Raipur |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | KV, Govt. High School Campus, Silvassa |
| Delhi | KV No. 3, Ring Road, Near Seema Sadak Bhawan |
| Goa | KV, INS Mandovi, Panjim |
| Gujarat | KV No. 1, Near Police Commissioner’s Office, Ahmedabad |
| Haryana | KV No. 1, AFS, Sector 14, Old Delhi Road, Gurugram |
| Himachal Pradesh | KV No. 1, Dharamshala Cantt, Kangra |
| Jammu and Kashmir | KV No. 1, Gandhinagar, Jammu |
| Jharkhand | KV CCL, Rajendra Nagar, Ranchi |
| Karnataka | KV, ASC Centre, Victoria Road, Bangalore |
| Kerala | KV No. 3, Port Trust, Willingdon Island, Kochi |
| Lakshadweep | KV, Kavaratti |
| Madhya Pradesh | KV No. 1, Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal |
| Maharashtra | KV, Bhandup, Kanjurmarg West, LBS Marg, Pune |
| Manipur | KV No. 1, Lamphelpat, Imphal |
| Meghalaya | KV, Happy Valley, Shillong |
| Mizoram | KV, Project Pushpak Zemabawk, Aizawl |
| Nagaland | KV, CRPF Camp, Lerie Hill, Kohima |
| Odisha | KV No. 1, Unit 9, Near Ram Mandir, Bhubaneswar |
| Puducherry | KV, IIT Campus, Chennai |
| Punjab | KV, ASF High Grounds, Chandigarh |
| Rajasthan | KV No. 1, Bajaj Nagar, Opp. Tonk Phatak, Jaipur |
| Sikkim | KV, Post Tadong, Middle Siyari, Gangtok |
| Tamil Nadu | KV, IIT Campus, Chennai |
| Telangana | KV No. 1, Langer House, Golconda, Hyderabad |
| Tripura | KV (GC) CRPF, Adarani, Salbagan, Agartala |
| Uttarakhand | KV ONGC, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun |
| West Bengal | KV, Ballygunge, Circular Road, Kolkata |
| Uttar Pradesh | KV, Lucknow Cantt; KV, New Cantt, VD Road, Allahabad |
Exam Day Guidelines for NTSE
- Carry your admit card, a pen, a pencil, and a photo ID to the exam hall.
- Arrive at the exam center at least 45 minutes before the exam starts.
- Entry will not be permitted if you are more than 15 minutes late after the exam begins.
- Electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the examination center.
NTSE Changes Over the Years
Evolution of NTSE Features Over the Years
| Feature | Year | Changes Made |
|---|---|---|
| 10 scholarships were awarded initially. | 1963 | 2,000 scholarships with an additional 10% reservation for EWS. |
| 1964 | Increased to 350 scholarships. | |
| 1976 | Increased to 500 scholarships. | |
| 1981 | Increased to 550 scholarships; 50 reserved for SC/ST candidates. | |
| 1983 | Increased to 750 scholarships; 70 reserved for SC/ST candidates. | |
| 2000 | Increased to 1,000 scholarships with reservations: 15% SC, 7.5% ST. | |
| 2019 | Doubled to 2,000 scholarships with reservations: 27% OBC, 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 4% PH. | |
| 2020 | 2,000 scholarships with additional 10% reservation for EWS. | |
| Scholarship Amount | 2006-2007 | Raised to ₹500; Ph.D. students received amounts as per UGC norms. |
| 2014-2015 | Revised amounts: ₹1,250/month for Classes 11-12, ₹2,000/month for UG/PG, UGC-aligned for Ph.D. | |
| Eligible Streams | 1976 | Scholarships expanded to Basic Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Medicine. |
| 2019 | Scholarships for Social Sciences and Science up to the doctoral level; Medicine/Engineering up to PG. | |
| Name Change | 1976 | Renamed from “National Science Talent Search Scheme” (NSTSS) to “National Talent Search Scheme” (NTSS). |
| Class Level Eligibility | 1976 | Extended to Classes 10, 11, and 12; separate exams for each level. |
| 1985 | Limited to Class 10; introduced state (Tier I) and national (Tier II) exams. | |
| 2006-2007 | Conducted for Class 8 students with transitional exams for Classes 9 and 10. | |
| 2013 | Reverted to Class 10 only. | |
| LAT was removed; only MAT and SAT considered for selection. | 1976 | Introduced MAT and SAT; removed descriptive exams and project reports. Interviews based on scores. |
| 2013 | LAT was added for English/Hindi but was only qualifying; scores were not included in merit. | |
| 2018 | LAT removed; only MAT and SAT considered for selection. | |
| Negative marking was introduced for Stage II; discontinued in 2018. | 1985 | MAT: 100 MCQs; SAT: 200 MCQs (choice of sections). |
| 1995 | SAT standardized to Science, Social Science, and Mathematics. | |
| 2006-2007 | 90 questions each for MAT and SAT. | |
| 2014 | Negative marking introduced for Stage II; discontinued in 2018. | |
| 2018 | Extended exam duration to 120 minutes per paper; MAT expanded to 100 questions. | |
| Parental income and book grants were removed. | 2006-2007 | Qualifying marks were revised to 40% for General, and and 32% for SC/ST/PH. |
| 2008 | 3% reservation introduced for PH candidates. | |
| 2015 | Minimum qualifying marks for SC/ST/PH raised to 35%. | |
| 2018 | Qualifying marks were revised to 40% for General, and 32% for SC/ST/PH. | |
| 2019 | 27% reservation introduced for OBC candidates. | |
| 2020 | 10% reservation added for EWS candidates. | |
| Non-Conduct of Exam | 2022-2024 | NTSE was not conducted, marking the first such break in its 60-year history. |
Conclusion
Lastly, to apply for a National Talent Search Examination scholarship amount for class 10, check the eligibility criteria before filling out the form.
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Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ’s)
What is the scholarship amount for NTSE?
Ans. The amount of a National Talent Search Examination scholarship varies according to the candidate’s education level. The scholarship amount for students in classes 11 and 12 is Rs. It is Rs. 1,250 monthly for undergraduate and postgraduate students and Rs. 2,000 per month. NTSE grants scholarships for the entire course, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic performance during the course.
Who is eligible for the NTSE scholarship?
Ans. Students in class 10 at Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and private schools can take it. During the first stage of the exam, applicants take state-level tests. Finally, in the second stage of the exam, they take national-level tests. Students who pass the Stage 2 exam are the only ones who can get the National Talent Search Examination scholarship.
What do NTSE winners get?
Ans. The National Talent Search Examination winners get scholarships for the duration of their academic careers, provided they maintain excellent academic achievement. In addition to financial help, the government and academic institutions recognize and praise NTSE winners.
Who is the NTSE topper?
Ans. In the National Talent Search Examination Stage 2 examination, the student with the highest mark is the NTSE topper. Usually, the government or academic institution recognizes and awards top students.
How to apply for NTSE 2025?
Ans. To apply for NTSE 2025, students should obtain the application form from the NCERT official website or their state liaison officer, fill it with the required details, attach necessary documents, pay the application fee (if any), and submit it online or offline as per the state’s instructions.
