NTSE Stage 1 Exam: Eligibility, Registration, and Exam Dates

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a prestigious scholarship program in India aimed at identifying and nurturing talented students across the country. The exam is conducted in two stages, with Stage 1 being a state-level exam, and Stage 2 being a national-level exam. In this article, we will discuss the eligibility criteria, registration process, and exam dates for NTSE Stage 1.

Eligibility Criteria:

In addition to the basic eligibility criteria mentioned above, there are certain additional eligibility criteria that students must fulfill in order to appear for the NTSE Stage 1 exam:

1. The student must have obtained at least 60% marks in their Class IX examination for general category candidates. For SC/ST and physically challenged candidates, the minimum marks required are 55%.
2. The student must not be employed or receiving any other scholarship.

Registration Process:

As mentioned earlier, the registration process for NTSE Stage 1 varies from state to state. However, students can generally expect the following steps:

1. The school authorities will provide the application form and information booklet to the students. Students should read the information booklet carefully before filling the application form.
2. The application form will have to be filled with personal details, educational qualification, and contact information.
3. The students must attach a recent passport-sized photograph, and the requisite fee with the application form.
4. The application form must be submitted to the school authorities before the deadline specified by the state or union territory.

After the submission of the application form, the admit card will be issued to the students, which will have the details of the exam center, date, and time.

Exam Dates:

The NTSE Stage 1 exam is usually conducted in November, as mentioned earlier. However, students should keep in mind that the exact date of the exam may vary depending on the state or union territory. Students are advised to keep a close watch on the official website of their respective state or union territory for the exact dates of the exam.

The exam will be held at various centers across the state, and students will be required to report to the exam center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time of the exam. The exam will be of 180 minutes, and students will have to complete both the MAT and SAT tests within this time.

After the exam, the answer key will be released on the official website of the respective state or union territory. Students can check the answer key to get an idea of their performance in the exam.

The exam is conducted in two parts – the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The MAT is a 90-minute test that assesses the student’s reasoning, ability to think logically, and their ability to use words and numbers effectively. The SAT is a 90-minute test that assesses the student’s knowledge of subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Language.

The exam is conducted in both English and Hindi, and students can choose their preferred language. The exam is conducted in a pen-and-paper format, and students must bring their own stationery such as pencils, erasers, and rulers.

In conclusion, NTSE Stage 1 is an important scholarship exam for students in Class X who wish to pursue higher education. Students who meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in taking the exam should start preparing early and register for the exam within the prescribed deadline. With dedication and hard work, students can excel in the exam and secure the coveted scholarship.