Everything You Need to Know About NTSE Exam
Everything You Need to Know About NTSE Exam
The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a prestigious scholarship program conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to identify and nurture talented students in India. The exam is conducted at two levels – Stage 1 and Stage 2. Students who clear Stage 1 are eligible to appear for Stage 2. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the NTSE exam.
Eligibility Criteria:
The NTSE exam is open to students studying in Class 10 in recognized schools in India, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and private schools. Students studying in open distance learning (ODL) schools are also eligible to apply.
Exam Pattern:
The NTSE exam comprises two papers – Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The MAT is designed to test a student’s reasoning and problem-solving abilities, while the SAT assesses their academic knowledge in various subjects. Both papers are conducted on the same day in a single session.
The MAT paper consists of 100 questions, each carrying one mark, and the duration of the exam is 120 minutes. The SAT paper consists of 100 questions, with 40 questions from Science, 40 from Mathematics, and 20 from Social Science. Each question carries one mark, and the duration of the exam is 120 minutes.
Both papers are objective-type with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). There is no negative marking in the exam.
Exam Syllabus:
The syllabus for the NTSE exam is based on the CBSE curriculum for Class 9 and 10. The MAT paper covers topics such as analogies, classification, coding-decoding, hidden figures, pattern perception, problem-solving, series, etc. The SAT paper covers topics from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and Social Science. The syllabus for the SAT paper is vast and requires a thorough understanding of the concepts.
Application Process:
The application process for the NTSE exam varies from state to state. Generally, the application forms are available in the month of August or September, and the exam is conducted in November or December. Students can obtain the application form from their school or download it from the official website of the respective state board. The completed application form must be submitted along with the required documents and examination fee to the State Liaison Officer before the last date.
Scholarship:
The NTSE scholarship is awarded to students who clear both stages of the exam. The scholarship amount is Rs. 1250 per month for Class 11 and 12, and Rs. 2000 per month for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The scholarship is awarded till the completion of the course, subject to a satisfactory academic performance.
Tips to Prepare for the NTSE Exam:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: It is essential to have a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus before starting the preparation.
- Make a Study Plan: Make a study plan and allocate time for each subject. Give more time to the subjects you find challenging.
- Practice Mock Tests: Practice mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy. Analyze your performance in the mock tests and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Revise Regularly: Revise the topics regularly to retain them for a longer duration.
- Stay Focused and Positive: Stay focused on your goals and maintain a positive attitude towards the exam.
Selection Process:
The selection process for the NTSE exam is a two-stage process. Students who clear Stage 1 of the exam are eligible to appear for Stage 2. The Stage 1 exam is conducted by the respective state boards, while the Stage 2 exam is conducted by the NCERT. The final selection is based on the combined scores of both Stage 1 and Stage 2 exams.
Important Dates:
The NTSE exam is conducted on different dates in different states. However, the Stage 2 exam is usually conducted in May every year. Students can check the official website of the respective state board or NCERT for the latest updates on the exam dates.
Benefits of NTSE Exam:
- Recognition and Prestige: Clearing the NTSE exam is a matter of pride and recognition for students. It is considered as one of the most prestigious scholarship exams in India.
- Financial Assistance: The scholarship amount provided by the NTSE exam can help students pursue their academic goals without any financial burden.
- Academic Excellence: The rigorous preparation required for the NTSE exam can help students develop a strong foundation in their academic subjects.
- Career Opportunities: The NTSE scholarship can open up various career opportunities for students. They can pursue their higher education in reputed institutions in India and abroad.
Conclusion:
The NTSE exam is a challenging exam that requires rigorous preparation and dedication. It is a great opportunity for students to showcase their talent and secure a scholarship to pursue their dreams. With proper planning, hard work, and determination, students can crack the NTSE exam and achieve their goals.