The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is one of India’s most prestigious student scholarship exams. It’s designed to identify and nurture the brightest young minds in the country and offers incredible benefits for those who succeed. If you’re a student looking to make your mark and secure a bright future, this exam can be the stepping stone to numerous opportunities in education and beyond. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about NTSE – from its purpose and eligibility to effective preparation strategies and its benefits.
Latest Update from NTSE:-
- The 2025 notification for Class 10 is expected in August or September 2025, with admit cards released a few days before the exam.
- The Stage 2 exam is tentatively scheduled for June 2026.
- The result date is yet to be announced; candidates should follow official updates for the latest information.
What is NTSE?
The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a prestigious national-level scholarship exam for class 10 students, conducted by NCERT. It aims to identify and support talented students by offering financial aid for higher education. It is highly competitive and plays a key role in shaping students’ academic and professional futures.
NTSE Purpose of the Exam
This exam is designed to identify talented students and provide them with financial assistance to pursue their education. It evaluates students on their intellectual abilities, reasoning skills, and general knowledge, encouraging them to think critically and approach challenges with a systematic mindset.
NTSE Scholarship Amount
The Central Government provides financial assistance to scholars, offering around 2,000 scholarships per education level. These scholarships help cover academic expenses and encourage continued studies. Awarded based on NTSE performance, they support scholars throughout their education. The stages are as follows:
- A monthly Rs. 1250/- scholarship for students in classes XI to XII.
- A monthly scholarship of Rs. 2000 to Undergraduates (UG) and postgraduates (PG).
- UGC determines the scholarship amount for Ph.D. students.
| Standard | Stipend |
| XI to XII | Rs. 1250/- per month |
| Undergraduates (UG) and postgraduates (PG) | Rs. 2000/- per month |
| Ph.D | To be determined by UGC |
To know more about the National Talent Search Examination Scholarship, Click Here
NTSE Exam: Highlights
| Organization | National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) |
| Exam Name | National Talent Search Examination |
| Total Scholarships | 1000 to 2000 (Expected) |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
| Application Mode | Online and Offline mode |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and paper-based) |
| Selection Process | Stage 1 (State Level) and Stage 2 (National Level) |
| Educational Qualification | Students in 10th grade |
| Age Limit | Below 18 years |
| Stipend | Higher Secondary level – Rs. 1250/- p.m. Graduate and Post Graduate – Rs. 2000/- p.m. (3 Years), For a Ph.D. Degree 2000/- (four years) – As per UGC norms |
| NTSE Official Website | https://ncert.nic.in/national-talent-examination.php |
NTSE Exam Date Notification
The NTSE 2025 exam date for Class 10 has not been announced yet. Eligible candidates should regularly check the official website for updates on exam dates, application procedures, and any changes. Staying informed will help with effective preparation. Applicants can also refer to last year’s notification for reference.
NTSE Exam Dates
The NTSE exam date 2025 is not out yet officially. The expected dates for Stage 1, 2 & exam 2025 registration last date are mentioned in the table below:
| Important Event | Stage 1 (Tentative Dates) | Stage 2 (Tentative Dates) |
| Notification 2025 | August/September 2025 | To be Announced |
| Registration Starts | August/September 2025 | No registration |
| Registration Ends | To be Announced | No registration |
| Admit Card release | To be Announced | To be Announced |
| NTSE exam date 2025 | November 2025 | June 2026 |
| Result | To be Declared later | To be Declared later |
| Score Card | To be Declared later | To be Declared later |
These dates are tentative and subject to confirmation by NCERT. Make sure to keep an eye on official announcements for any changes.
NTSE Exam Application Form
How to Register for the Exam?
Applicants can apply online or offline, with each state releasing its application form and deadline. The process also varies for Indian students studying in India versus those studying abroad. Details are provided below:
Students from India
- Firstly, candidates must take the application form from the NCERT website.
- After completing all fields, the candidate must have the form signed by their school’s principal.
- Then, before the deadline, submit the application form to the State Liaison Officer.
Indian Students Studying in the United States
- Candidates can apply for Stage 2 of the National Talent Search Examination right away.
- It will be necessary to get the application form from the website.
- The completed application must have a photocopy of the Stage 1 exam mark sheet.
How to Apply for the NTSE Exam?
The following are the steps/procedure to apply for the exam.
1: Registration and Downloading of Application Form
Download Registration Form
- Firstly, browse the NCERT official website.
- Then, to apply for the Exam, go to “Apply for NTSE 2025”.
- Further, Candidates must enter information such as their name, date of birth, phone number, email address, educational qualification, and so on.
- After filling in all your credentials, click the “submit” button.
- Now, download the application form from here.
Candidates may obtain an Application Form through the Liaison Officer’s office as well.
2: Steps to Fill out the Application Form
The authorities suggest applicants fill out the application form manually.
- Basic information, address, category, and educational information, among other things.
- In the specified section, candidates must attach their photos and signatures.
– Also, the applicant must get the application form attested by their Principal.
– Applicant must pay the application cost set by the state/UT.
– Candidates can mail their Application Forms to the Liaison Office or in person at the liaison officer’s address.
Exam Application Fees
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) does not charge an application fee for the exam. The National Level Examination will not require candidates to pay an entry fee. However, the state government can charge a fee for students who apply for the NTSE. Therefore, the respective States and UT determine the Aspirant’s application fees.
NTSE Exam Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for NTSE, students must meet the following requirements:
- Age and Class: The student must be studying in Class 10 and should be an Indian national. Students from all states and Union Territories can apply.
- Academic Requirements: Students should have secured a minimum of 60% marks in Class 9 (or equivalent) to apply for the exam
| Name of State | Min. Marks for Reserved Category | Min. Marks for General Category |
| Delhi | 55% | 60% |
| Punjab | 55% | 71% |
| Assam | 32% | 40% |
| Maharashtra | 55% | 60% |
| West Bengal | 40% | 50% |
| Rajasthan | 55% | 50% |
| Bihar | – | 60% |
| Uttar Pradesh | 44% | 55% |
| Odisha | 55% | 60% |
| Haryana | – | 55% |
| Himachal Pradesh | 55% | 60% |
| Chandigarh | 56% | 61% |
| Manipur | 55% | 60% |
| Madhya Pradesh | 32% | 40% |
| Uttarakhand | 55% | 60% |
| Tamil Nadu | – | 60% |
| Kerala | – | 55% |
| Jharkhand | 40% | 55% |
| Chandigarh | 56% | 61% |
| Goa | 55% | 70% |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 55% | 60% |
| Puducherry | – | 60% |
| Gujarat | – | 55% |
Nationality / Citizenship
To be eligible for the NTSE 2025, candidates must be Indian citizens. Indian students in the 10th grade, whether studying in Indian or international schools, can apply. Indian students studying abroad can also take the NTSE Stage 2 exam directly. Ensure you meet these criteria before applying and check the official guidelines for additional requirements.
NTSE Admit Card
Candidates can download the Stage-1 admit card from the NCERT or the Education Department about a week before the exam. For those who pass Stage 1, the Stage 2 admit card will be available on NCERT’s website, accessible using login credentials.
Admit Card Details
The admit cards have not been released yet. Eligible candidates must download their admit cards before the exam. NCERT will announce the dates for Stage-1 and Stage-2 exams. The admit card will include details such as the candidate’s name, photograph, test center, roll number, address, and test schedule.
Once downloaded, candidates should verify all the details on the admit card. If any information is incorrect or if the admit card is unavailable, candidates should contact NCERT for assistance.
How to download the NTSE Admit Card?
The admit card will be available three weeks before the exam. Candidates who have successfully applied will get the Admit Card. To obtain the admit card from the official website, follow the process outlined below:
- First, the candidate needs to go to the official website of NCERT.
- Then, the candidate needs to find the ‘NTSE 2025 Admit Card’ on the website.
- The candidate must click the Admit Card link and enter their “Application Number” and “Date of Birth” in the appropriate space.
- Then, the candidate needs to submit it to get the admit card.
- The NTSE admit card/ hall ticket will appear on the screen.
- The candidate needs to print the admit card after downloading it.
NTSE Exam Centers
NTSE 2025 exam centers will be declared by NCERT with an official notification. There are two stages in the exam. Stage 1 is expected to be conducted in the schools of the candidates. Therefore, the candidates need not go anywhere for the Stage 1 exam. However, the stage 2 exam will be in the exam centers declared by the NCERT. Exam centers are located in every State and UT. NTSE 2025 exam centers for stage 2 are mentioned in the table below:
| State | Exam Centers |
| Arunachal Pradesh | KV No 2, Itanagar, Chimpu Post, AP |
| Assam | KV CRPF 9 Mile Amerigog, Kamrup, Guwahati |
| Manipur | KV No 1, Lamphelpat, Imphal |
| Meghalaya | KV, Happy Valley, Shillong |
| Mizoram | KV, Project Pushpak Zemabawk, Aizawl |
| Nagaland | KV, CRPF Camp, Lerie Hill, Kohima, Nagaland |
| Tripura | KV (GC) CRPF, Adarani, Salbagan, Agartala |
| Sikkim | KV, Post Tadong, Middil, Siyari, Gangtok |
| West Bengal | KV, Ballygunge, Circular Road, Kolkata |
| Odisha | KV No 1, Unit 9, Near Ram Mandir, Bhubaneswar |
| Bihar | KV No 1, Lohiya Nagar, Near Heart Hospital, Kankarbagh, Patna |
| Jharkhand | KV CCL, Rajendra Nagar, Ranchi |
| Chhattisgarh | KV No 2, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar, Sector 4, Raipur |
| Madhya Pradesh | KV No 1, Opp Central India Flour Mill, Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal |
| Uttar Pradesh | KV, Lucknow Cantt |
| Uttar Pradesh | KV, New Cantt, VD Road, Allahabad |
| Uttarakhand | KV ONGC, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun |
| Himachal Pradesh | KV, Dharamshala Cantt, Kangra |
| Haryana | KV No 1, AFS, Sector 14, Old Delhi Road, Gurugram |
| Punjab and Chandigarh UT | KV, ASF High Grounds, Chandigarh |
| Jammu and Kashmir UT | KV No 1, Gandhinagar, Jammu |
| Delhi | KV No 3, Ringroad, Near Seema Sadak Bhawan |
| Rajasthan | KV No 1, Bajaj Nagar, Opp Tonk Phatak, Jaipur |
| Gujrat | KV No 1, Near Police Commissioner’s Office, Shahi Baug, Ahmedabad |
| Maharashtra | KV, Bhandup, LBS Marg, Kanjurmarg West |
| Maharashtra | KV, BEG, Near Deccan College, Pune |
| Karnataka | KV, ASC Center, Victoria Road, Bangalore, Karnataka |
| Tamil Nadu and Puducherry | KV, IIT Campus, Chennai |
| Kerala | KV No 3, Port Trust, Willingdon Island, Kochi, Ernakulam |
| Andhra Pradesh | KV, Gandhi Gram Post, Malkapuram, Visakhapatnam |
| Telangana | KV No 1, Langer House, Golconda, Hyderabad |
| Goa | KV, INS Madovi, Panjim |
| Lakshadweep | KV, Kavaratti |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli | KV, Government High School Campus, Silvassa |
| Andaman and Nicobar Island | KV No 2, Raksha Vihar, Minnie Bay |
NTSE Exam Pattern
NTSE is conducted in two stages:
- Stage 1 (State Level Exam): This stage is conducted by individual states/UTs. Students who qualify for this round are eligible for the second stage.
- Stage 2 (National Level Exam): The Stage 2 exam is conducted by NCERT, and those who pass this stage are awarded the NTSE scholarship. The exam is conducted by NCERT, and those who pass this stage
NTSE 2025 Stage-1
| Part of the exam | MAT | SAT |
| Total number of questions | 100 | 100 |
| Total marks | 100 | 100 (Social Science – 40 Science – 40 Math – 20) |
| Total duration | 2 hours or 120 minutes | 2 hours or 120 minutes |
| Marking system | 1 mark for each correct answer. No negative marking. | 1 mark for each correct answer. No negative marking. |
| Approx. qualifying marks | 40% for General and OBC categories. 35% for SC, ST, and PWD categories. | 40% for General and OBC categories. 35% for SC, ST, and PWD categories. |
NTSE 2025 Stage 2
| Part of the exam | MAT | SAT |
| Total number of questions | 100 | 100 |
| Total marks | 100 | 100 (Social Science – 40 Science – 40 Math – 20) |
| Total duration | 2 hours or 120 minutes | 2 hours or 120 minutes |
| Marking system | 1 mark for each correct answer. No negative marking. | 1 mark for each correct answer. No negative marking. |
| Approx. qualifying marks | 40% for General and OBC categories. 35% for SC, ST, and PWD categories. | 40% for General and OBC categories. 35% for SC, ST, and PWD categories. |
NTSE Syllabus
As explained before, the NCERT conducts NTSE to find the most intelligent individuals in the country. As the program is for 10th-grade students, most of the NTSE Syllabus is from Social Science, Science, and Mathematics. As there are two different stages, the syllabus/ topic is mentioned accordingly.
Syllabus for MAT – Mental Ability Test
Verbal Reason: Analogy, Puzzle Test, Direction Sense Test, Analytical Reasoning. Classification, Logical Venn diagrams, Mathematical operations, Arithmetical reasoning test, Series, Logical sequence of words, Blood relations, Series completion test, Coding-Decoding, Problems on clocks, Verification of truth of the statement, Inserting a missing character, and Alphabet Test
Non-verbal Reason: Classification, Transparent paper folding, Dot fixing situation, Analogy, Analytical Reasoning, Embedded figure, Water images, Problems on cubes and dice, Series, Incomplete Figures, and also, Folding Papercutting
Syllabus for SAT – Scholastic Aptitude Test
Syllabus from Mathematics
Quadratic Equations, Surface Areas and Volumes, Statistics and Probability, Coordinate Geometry, Square Roots and Cube Roots, Arithmetic Progressions, Linear Equations in Two Variables, Introduction to Euclid’s Geometry, Circles, Polynomials, Real Numbers, Quadrilateral, Number Systems, Triangles, Parallelogram, Direct and Inverse Variation, Trigonometry, Simple and Compound Interest, Rational Numbers, and also Percentage, Arithmetic
Syllabus for Social Science
Geography: India and its Neighbors, The motion of the Earth, Indian Physiographic Division, Internal Structure of the Earth and Rocks, Resources and Development, Natural Vegetation, Solar System, Major Domains and landforms, Maps and Globe, Climate – India and World, Drainage in India, Atmosphere, Agriculture, Our Country – India, Water Resources, Population, as well as Biosphere.
Civics: Local and State Government, Judiciary, Indian Government, and then, the Indian Constitution.
History: Maurya Empire, Mughal Empire, Industrial Revolution, Indian Freedom Struggle, French Revolution, Early Medieval Period, Early States, Medieval Architecture and Culture, British Raj, Popular Movements and Social Reforms, Introduction and Sources of Ancient Indian History, UN and International Agencies, Nationalism in Various Countries, World History World War I and II, Conquerors from Distant Lands, Indus Valley Civilization, New Empires and Kingdoms, Jainism and Buddhism, as well as Vedic Period
Syllabus for Science
Physics: Measurements, Light and Sound, Source of Energy, The Universe, Work and Energy, Magnetism and Electricity, Motion and Force.
Chemistry: Periodic Classification of Elements, Fibers and Plastics, Carbon and its Compounds, Structure of Atom, Metals, Non-metals, Acids, Base, Salt, Physical and Chemical Changes.
Biology: Micro-organisms, Life Processes, Reproduction, Food Production and Management, Diversity in Living Organisms, Plant and Animal Nutrition, Heredity and Evolution, Water, Air, Soil, Some Common Diseases, Our Environment, Cellular Level of Organization, Human Body
NTSE Exam Result
NTSE 2025 results and cutoffs will be available on the official website of the NCERT. Once the exam is over, the candidate can go to that website and check the individual results. After successfully conducting the Stage 1 exam, the NCERT will publish the result. After that, the qualified students will take the Stage 2 exam. Students who qualify in both stages and score the minimum marks will be selected as on their merit.
NTSE Result
The NTSE 2025 will not be held this year. Once the exam is conducted, the results will be announced afterward. The NTSE consists of two stages, so the final merit list will be published only after both stages are completed. Keep an eye on official announcements for updates on the exam schedule and results.
How to check the result?
To check the final result, students must follow the instructions below.
- First, students need to visit the official website of the NCERT.
- There will be a section for the “NTSE 2025”. Candidates need to click on it.
- Candidates can find the link to the “NTSE Result 2025”.
- They need to click the same to see the complete list of NTSE 2025 results. A merit list from the NTSE result 2025 will be available.
- Finally, qualified students can search for their name or roll number in the list.
NTSE Cutoffs
Cut-off marks are the minimum required to pass the exam. Each state and UT will release their Stage 1 cut-offs, while NCERT will announce the final merit list and category-specific cut-offs after Stage 2.
Stage 1 expected cut-off marks:
| Category | Expected Cut-off |
| General | 65% |
| OBC | 60% |
| SC | 55% |
| ST | 55% |
| PWD | 50% |
Stage 2 Expected cut-off marks:
| Category | Cut-Off Marks |
| SC | 122 marks |
| ST | 113 marks |
| SC (Physical Handicapped – Orthopedic) | 71 marks |
| SC (Physical Handicapped – Hearing Impaired) | 87 marks |
| ST (Physical Handicapped – Orthopaedic) | 90 marks |
| ST (Physical Handicapped – Hearing Impaired) | 81 marks |
| General | 150 marks |
| General (Physical Handicapped – Orthopaedic) | 111 marks |
| General (Physical Handicapped – Hearing Impaired) | 78 marks |
| General (Physical Handicapped – Visually Impaired) | 101 marks |
NTSE Exam Centers
When filling out the NTSE application form, students need to choose an exam center. After submitting the form, the exam centre’s name will be available on the admit card. The specific details of the exam center will be provided there for easy reference.
Here’s an updated list of NTSE 2025 exam centres and contact details:
| State/UT | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| A & N Islands | 3192225093 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 0866-2974540 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 0360-2203509 |
| Assam | 0361-2895041 |
| Bihar | – |
| Chandigarh | 01762-288044 |
| Chhattisgarh | 7712263743 |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli | NA |
| Daman & Diu | 2602630624 |
| Goa | 8322402609 |
| Gujarat | 7923261211 |
| Haryana | 0124-2309304 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 0179-2270580 |
| Jammu | 0191-2592007 |
| Jharkhand | 0651-2525601 |
| Karnataka | 080-25302862 |
| Kerala | 4842667102 |
| Lakshadweep | – |
| Madhya Pradesh | 0755-2551640 |
| Maharashtra | 022-25783004 |
| Manipur | 0385-2429214 |
| Meghalaya | 0364-2535737 |
| Mizoram | 3892331559 |
| Nagaland | 0370-2801550 |
| NCT of Delhi | – |
| New Delhi & Western UP | 011-25693499 |
| Odisha | 6742748437 |
| Puducherry | 4132655745 |
| Pune | 020-20271666 |
| Punjab | 0161-2805551 |
| Rajasthan | 0294-2584904 |
| Sikkim | 3592232646 |
| Srinagar | 1933223329 |
| Tamil Nadu | 044-22240739 |
| Telangana | – |
| Tripura | 3812346040 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 0532-2622058 |
| Uttarakhand | 13502453893 |
| West Bengal | 033-24865171 |
NTSE Reservation
Reservation Policy for NTSE 2025:
- 15% for students belonging to the SC (Scheduled Caste) category.
- 7.5% for students belonging to the ST (Scheduled Tribe) category.
- 27% for students belonging to the OBC (Other Backward Classes) category (Non-Creamy Layer).
- 4% for students belonging to the Physically Challenged (PwD) category with benchmark disabilities:
- 1% each for students with the following benchmark disabilities:
- Blindness and low vision
- Deaf and hard of hearing
- Locomotor disabilities, including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy.
- 1% for students with the following benchmark disabilities:
- Autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, specific learning disabilities, and mental illness.
- Multiple disabilities from among the above categories as identified for specific posts.
This ensures fair representation and access to opportunities for students from various marginalized and disabled communities.
NTSE Scholarships: Benefits
Clearing all stages of the NTSE offers key benefits, including financial scholarships to support educational costs. NTSE scholars also gain recognition for their academic excellence, which can strengthen college and scholarship applications and boost confidence. Overall, qualifying for NTSE provides valuable opportunities for academic and personal growth. Here are some key advantages of being an NTSE scholar:
- Firstly, Students who wish to pursue further education at a foreign university will have an advantage over other students if they are NTSE scholars.
- Most importantly, NTSE students are also given priority in the NDA screening process.
- Also, preparing for and passing the NTSE gives you the confidence to take future competitive tests. Most NTSE students excel in competitive entrance exams such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, and AIIMS.
- For NTSE scholars, the authority surely offers study materials and several courses at a reduced cost.
- Furthermore, the NTSE Scholarship is your ticket to India’s best colleges. Markedly, many Indian colleges have seats earmarked for NTSE students.
- Finally, when it comes to work, NTSE graduates are given priority in both the private and public sectors.
NTSE Preparation Tips
Tips for Effective Preparation
- Understand the Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly reviewing the NTSE syllabus to understand the topics covered under MAT and SAT.
- Time Management: Create a study schedule that balances time between MAT and SAT preparation. Prioritize subjects where you’re weaker.
- Practice Regularly: Solve sample papers and previous year’s papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and time yourself while doing so.
- Conceptual Clarity: Focus on understanding the core concepts, rather than rote learning. Clear concepts help you in solving complex problems efficiently.
Recommended Read:
- NTSE Books 2025: Powerful Resources for Guaranteed Success
- NTSE Scholarship: A Comprehensive Guide to Success in 2025
- KVPY Exam 2025: Scheduled for First Week of November
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the National Talent Search Exam (NTSE) procedure in 2025?
The National Talent Search Exam (NTSE) procedure in 2025 consists of two stages of exams. The first is Stage 1, and the second is Stage 2. Eligible candidates can apply for the stipend mentioned in the official notification. Candidates who will qualify in the Stage 1 exam will be shortlisted to appear in the Stage 2 exam. Candidates who will qualify for the Stage 2 exam will be shortlisted for the scholarship according to their merit.
What is the age limit to apply for the NTSE 2025?
The maximum age limit to apply for the NTSE 2025 is 18. Candidates who are below 18 years old can apply for the NTSE 2025. Candidates aged 18 years or above should not apply for the NTSE 2025.
What is the minimum qualification required for the NTSE 2025?
The minimum qualification required to be eligible for the NTSE 2025 is 10th grade. Candidates who passed the 9th standard exam and are studying in the 10th standard are eligible to take the NTSE 2025.
What is the total no. of scholarships released by the NCERT for the NTSE 2025?
The NTSE 2025 has not been conducted yet. Therefore, the results and cutoff marks of the NTSE 2025 are not published.
Is there any difference between the NTSE Stage 1 and NTSE Stage 2 exams?
No, the exam patterns(total questions, question marking, time, negative marking, etc.) for NTSE Stage 1 and NTSE Stage 2 are identical. The syllabus for these two stages of NTSE 2025 is the same. However, the difficulty level of the questions increases in the NTSE Stage 2 exam compared to the NTSE Stage 1 exam.
Is NTSE happening in 2025?
The official notification for NTSE 2025 isn’t out yet, but it’s expected to be released around August or September. If all goes as usual, the Stage 1 exam might be held in November 2025.
Is NTSE only for class 10?
Yes, NTSE is mainly for students in class 10. It’s a national scholarship exam that helps recognize and support talented students at this level.