NTSE Scholarship: What It Is and How to Apply
NTSE Scholarship: What It Is and How to Apply
The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a scholarship program in India for students studying in class 10. It is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the country, and it aims to identify talented students and provide them with financial assistance to pursue their higher education. The NTSE scholarship is awarded on the basis of a competitive exam that is conducted in two stages, and the selected students are given a monthly scholarship amount for their entire academic career.
What is NTSE Scholarship?
The NTSE scholarship is a government-funded scholarship program that is designed to identify and encourage talented students to pursue their higher education without any financial burden. The scholarship is awarded to students studying in class 10, and it is divided into two stages – Stage I and Stage II. Stage I is a state-level exam that is conducted by the respective state education boards, while Stage II is a national-level exam that is conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
The NTSE scholarship provides financial assistance to the selected students for their entire academic career, which includes a monthly scholarship amount, as well as other benefits such as free education and hostel facilities (if required).
How to Apply for NTSE Scholarship?
To apply for the NTSE scholarship, students need to follow the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1: Eligibility Criteria
The first step to apply for the NTSE scholarship is to ensure that the student meets the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for the NTSE scholarship are as follows:
- The student must be studying in class 10 in a recognized school.
- The student must be a citizen of India.
- The student must have secured at least 60% marks in class 9 (for general category) and 55% marks (for reserved categories).
Step 2: Registration
The second step is to register for the exam. The registration process for Stage I of the NTSE exam varies from state to state, and students are required to contact their respective state education board to obtain the registration form. The registration process for Stage II of the NTSE exam is done by the NCERT, and students can apply for the exam online by visiting the official website of NCERT.
Step 3: Admit Card
Once the registration process is complete, students will receive the admit card for the exam. The admit card contains all the details related to the exam, such as the date, time, and venue of the exam.
Step 4: Exam
The NTSE exam is conducted in two stages – Stage I and Stage II. Stage I is a state-level exam that is conducted by the respective state education boards, while Stage II is a national-level exam that is conducted by the NCERT.
The Stage I exam is conducted in November, while the Stage II exam is conducted in May every year. The exam is conducted in two parts – Part I and Part II. Part I consists of Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Part II consists of Scholastic Ability Test (SAT). The duration of each test is 120 minutes, and the exam is conducted in both English and Hindi languages.
Step 5: Result
The result of the NTSE exam is declared separately for Stage I and Stage II. The result of Stage I is declared by the respective state education boards, while the result of Stage II is declared by the NCERT.
The selected students are awarded the NTSE scholarship, which includes a monthly scholarship amount of Rs. 1250/- for class 11 and 12, and Rs. 2000/- for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. In addition to this, selected students also get other benefits such as free education and hostel facilities (if required).
Benefits of NTSE Scholarship
The NTSE scholarship is not only about the monetary benefits; it also provides recognition and encouragement to talented students. The scholarship helps the selected students to pursue their higher education without any financial burden, which is a great support for students coming from economically weaker backgrounds.
Some of the benefits of the NTSE scholarship are as follows:
- Financial Assistance: The selected students are given a monthly scholarship amount for their entire academic career, which includes undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
- Recognition: The scholarship program provides recognition to the talented students, which boosts their confidence and motivates them to work harder.
- Free Education: The selected students also get free education in some prestigious institutions of the country. This is a great opportunity for the students to study in some of the best institutions without any financial burden.
- Hostel Facilities: If required, the selected students also get free hostel facilities, which makes it easier for them to pursue their education in a new city.
- Competitive Edge: The NTSE scholarship is a highly competitive exam, and being a part of this program provides a competitive edge to the students. It adds value to their academic profile, and it is also a great achievement to mention in their resumes.
Preparation for NTSE Exam
The NTSE exam is a highly competitive exam, and students need to prepare well to score high in the exam. The exam is divided into two parts – Part I and Part II. Part I consists of Mental Ability Test (MAT), and Part II consists of Scholastic Ability Test (SAT).
Here are some tips that can help the students to prepare for the NTSE exam:
- Syllabus: The first step is to understand the syllabus of the exam. Students should go through the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly to know what to expect in the exam.
- Practice: Regular practice is the key to success in the NTSE exam. Students should practice the sample papers, previous year’s question papers, and mock tests to get a feel of the exam.
- Time Management: Time management is crucial in the NTSE exam. Students should learn to manage their time well and attempt the questions within the stipulated time.
- Study Material: Students should refer to good study material to prepare for the exam. NCERT textbooks are a good source of study material for the NTSE exam.
- Coaching Classes: Joining coaching classes can also be helpful as it provides guidance and support to the students. However, it is not mandatory to join coaching classes, and students can prepare for the exam on their own as well.
Conclusion
The NTSE scholarship is a great opportunity for talented students to pursue their higher education without any financial burden. The scholarship program provides recognition, financial assistance, and other benefits to the selected students. To apply for the scholarship, students need to follow the eligibility criteria and the application process. Preparation for the NTSE exam requires regular practice, time management, and good study material. Students can also join coaching classes to get additional guidance and support.