NTSE Exam FAQ: Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a prestigious scholarship program in India that identifies and nurtures talented students across the country. It is conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and aims to identify and recognize students with high intellect and academic talent. The examination is conducted at two levels: Stage-I and Stage-II. The Stage-I examination is conducted by the State/UTs, while the Stage-II examination is conducted by NCERT at the national level. In this article, we will answer some commonly asked questions about the NTSE exam.

1. What is the eligibility criteria for NTSE Exam? Ans: Students studying in Class X in recognized schools are eligible to appear for the NTSE examination.
2. How can I apply for the NTSE Exam? Ans: The application process for NTSE varies from state to state. Generally, the application forms are available on the official website of the respective State/UT education department. Students can download the form and submit it along with the required documents to the designated authority.
3. What is the exam pattern of NTSE? Ans: The NTSE exam consists of two papers – Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The MAT paper consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, while the SAT paper consists of 100 multiple-choice questions in Mathematics, Science, and Social Science.
4. What is the duration of the NTSE Exam? Ans: The duration of the NTSE exam is 120 minutes for both the MAT and SAT papers.
5. Is there any negative marking in the NTSE Exam? Ans: Yes, there is negative marking in the NTSE Exam. For each incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
6. What is the syllabus for the NTSE Exam? Ans: The syllabus for the NTSE Exam is based on the NCERT syllabus for Class IX and Class X.
7. How many students are selected for the Stage-II examination? Ans: Around 2000 students are selected for the Stage-II examination.
8. What is the scholarship amount for the NTSE Exam? Ans: The scholarship amount for NTSE varies from state to state. Generally, the scholarship amount is Rs. 1250 per month for Class XI and Class XII, and Rs. 2000 per month for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. However, the scholarship amount is subject to change.
9. What is the selection criteria for the NTSE Exam? Ans: The selection criteria for the NTSE Exam is based on the performance of the student in both the MAT and SAT papers. The selection process is carried out in two stages – Stage-I and Stage-II.
10. How can I prepare for the NTSE Exam? Ans: To prepare for the NTSE Exam, students must first understand the syllabus and exam pattern. Students can refer to NCERT books for Class IX and Class X and solve previous years’ question papers. Coaching institutes and online resources can also help in preparing for the exam.

11. What is the selection ratio for the NTSE Exam? Ans: The selection ratio for the NTSE Exam varies from state to state. Generally, the selection ratio is around 1:1000, which means for every 1000 students who appear for the exam, only one student is selected for the scholarship.
12. Can I appear for the NTSE Exam from a different state than my school state? Ans: Yes, you can appear for the NTSE Exam from a different state than your school state. However, you need to fulfill the eligibility criteria of the state from where you want to appear for the exam.
13. Is there any reservation policy for the NTSE Exam? Ans: Yes, there is a reservation policy for the NTSE Exam. The reservation policy varies from state to state, and students belonging to the reserved categories are provided with certain relaxations in the eligibility criteria and scholarship amount.
14. When is the NTSE Exam conducted? Ans: The Stage-I examination of NTSE is generally conducted in November, while the Stage-II examination is conducted in May.
15. What is the minimum qualifying marks for the NTSE Exam? Ans: The minimum qualifying marks for the NTSE Exam vary from state to state. Generally, students need to score 40% in each paper and 50% in aggregate to qualify for the scholarship.

In conclusion, the NTSE Exam is a highly competitive exam that tests the intellectual and academic abilities of students. Students who clear the exam are eligible for scholarships, which can help them in pursuing their further studies. With proper preparation and hard work, students can crack the NTSE Exam and take a step towards a bright future.