The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is one of India’s most prestigious scholarship programs for Class 10 students. It is conducted every year to identify and support talented students by providing financial assistance throughout their higher education.
The NTSE 2026 Scholarship Exam will be organized by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Students from all states and union territories can participate in this exam.
Let’s go through complete details about NTSE 2026 — exam date, eligibility, pattern, syllabus, and scholarship benefits.
📘 What is NTSE?
NTSE stands for National Talent Search Examination.
It is a national-level exam conducted in two stages:
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Stage 1: Conducted by respective State/UT authorities
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Stage 2: Conducted by NCERT, New Delhi
The aim of the exam is to identify bright students with high academic potential and encourage them through scholarships up to the doctoral level.
🗓️ NTSE 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| NTSE 2026 Notification Release | August 2025 |
| Start of Application Form | September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 2025 |
| Stage 1 Exam Date | December 2025 |
| Stage 1 Result | January 2026 |
| Stage 2 Admit Card Release | April 2026 |
| Stage 2 Exam Date | May 2026 |
| Final Result Declaration | August 2026 |
🔔 Final schedule will be announced on the official NCERT website.
🧾 NTSE 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | NCERT, New Delhi |
| Exam Level | National (Class 10) |
| Stages | Stage 1 (State Level) & Stage 2 (National Level) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based |
| Official Website | https://ncert.nic.in |
🎓 NTSE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for NTSE 2026, students must fulfill the following criteria:
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Must be studying in Class 10 during the academic year 2025–26 in a recognized school.
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Should have secured at least 60% marks (General) or 55% marks (SC/ST/PH) in Class 9.
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Students of Open or Distance Learning (NIOS) are also eligible, provided they are under 18 years of age.
🏫 Each state/UT has its own eligibility norms, so students should check the respective State Education Board website.
📚 NTSE 2026 Exam Pattern
The NTSE exam consists of two parts:
1️⃣ Mental Ability Test (MAT)
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Tests reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
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Topics: Series, Patterns, Coding-Decoding, Analogy, Classification, etc.
2️⃣ Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
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Tests academic knowledge of subjects taught in Class 9 & 10.
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Subjects: Science, Mathematics, Social Science, English, and General Knowledge.
| Paper | Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Paper 2 | Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 4 hours |
❌ No negative marking
✅ Each question carries 1 mark
📖 NTSE 2026 Syllabus (Brief)
MAT Section
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Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
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Analogies
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Coding-Decoding
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Puzzle Test
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Blood Relations
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Series & Classification
SAT Section
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Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 9 & 10 level)
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Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Mensuration
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Social Science: History, Civics, Geography, Economics
💰 NTSE 2026 Scholarship Details
Students who qualify both stages will receive monthly scholarships from NCERT:
| Education Level | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| Class 11–12 | ₹1,250 per month |
| Undergraduate / Postgraduate | ₹2,000 per month |
| Ph.D. (Research Level) | As per UGC norms |
🏆 Around 2,000 students are selected every year for the NTSE scholarship.
💻 How to Apply for NTSE 2026
Follow these steps to apply for NTSE 2026 Stage 1:
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Visit the State/UT Education Department website.
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Download or fill the NTSE 2026 Application Form online.
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Fill all personal and academic details carefully.
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Attach recent passport-size photo and signature.
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Pay the application fee (if applicable).
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Submit the form to the school or state authority before the last date.
⚠️ Application fee varies by state (usually ₹100–₹200).
📄 Documents Required
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Passport-size photograph
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Class 9 Marksheet
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Caste certificate (if applicable)
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Domicile certificate
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Disability certificate (if applicable)
📈 NTSE 2026 Selection Process
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Stage 1: Conducted by State/UT – filters top candidates for Stage 2.
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Stage 2: Conducted by NCERT – final national merit list prepared.
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Document verification and award of scholarship by NCERT.
Students must qualify both stages separately to receive the scholarship.
🧠 NTSE 2026 Preparation Tips
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Start preparation early using NCERT Books (Class 9 & 10).
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Practice previous year NTSE papers to understand the question pattern.
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Focus more on MAT reasoning and Science & Social Studies.
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Give weekly mock tests to track your progress.
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Read current affairs and GK regularly.
❓ NTSE 2026 – FAQs
Q1. Who can apply for NTSE 2026?
👉 Class 10 students studying in recognized schools are eligible.
Q2. What is the mode of NTSE exam?
👉 Offline (Pen and Paper).
Q3. How many stages are there in NTSE?
👉 Two – Stage 1 (State Level) and Stage 2 (National Level).
Q4. What is the official website for NTSE?
👉 https://ncert.nic.in
Q5. How much scholarship will NTSE students get?
👉 ₹1,250 per month for Class 11–12, ₹2,000 per month for UG/PG.
📢 Conclusion
The NTSE 2026 Scholarship Exam is an excellent opportunity for Class 10 students to showcase their talent and earn government-funded scholarships for higher education.
Students should start preparing early and stay updated through CareerSelection.in for the latest NTSE news, admit cards, and results.