NTSE Syllabus: What to Expect in the Exam
NTSE Syllabus: What to Expect in the Exam
The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a prestigious scholarship program that recognizes and rewards talented students across India. The exam is conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) every year in two stages – Stage 1 and Stage 2. The exam is open to students studying in Class X in India and abroad. In this article, we will discuss the NTSE syllabus and what to expect in the exam.
NTSE Stage 1 Exam Syllabus
The NTSE Stage 1 exam comprises two papers – Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
Mental Ability Test (MAT)
The MAT is designed to test the candidate’s ability to think, understand, and reason logically. The test comprises 50 questions that need to be answered in 45 minutes. The topics covered in the MAT include:
- Series
- Analogy
- Classification
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Puzzle Test
- Direction Sense Test
- Logical Venn Diagrams
- Alphabet Test
- Mathematical Operations
- Inserting the Missing Character
- Number, Ranking and Time Sequence Test
- Time and Work
- Clocks and Calendars
- Situational Problems
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
The SAT is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of various subjects. The test comprises 100 questions that need to be answered in 90 minutes. The topics covered in the SAT include:
- Mathematics: Real Numbers, Polynomials, Algebraic Expressions, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Progressions, Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics, and Probability.
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science.
- Social Science: History, Geography, Civics, and Economics.
NTSE Stage 2 Exam Syllabus
The NTSE Stage 2 exam is conducted for students who qualify for Stage 1. The syllabus for the Stage 2 exam is the same as that of Stage 1, but the difficulty level is higher. The exam comprises two papers – MAT and SAT.
MAT
The MAT for Stage 2 is designed to test the candidate’s ability to think, understand, and reason logically. The test comprises 50 questions that need to be answered in 45 minutes. The topics covered in the MAT for Stage 2 are the same as that of Stage 1.
SAT
The SAT for Stage 2 is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of various subjects. The test comprises 100 questions that need to be answered in 90 minutes. The topics covered in the SAT for Stage 2 are the same as that of Stage 1, but the difficulty level is higher.
Preparation Tips
Here are some tips to prepare for the NTSE exam:
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
- Solve previous year question papers and sample papers to get an idea of the exam pattern, type of questions, and difficulty level.
- Read NCERT textbooks thoroughly and revise them regularly.
- Take mock tests and practice tests to assess your preparation level.
- Focus on time management and accuracy while attempting the exam.
- Analyze your performance after each test and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Language Test
Apart from the MAT and SAT, some states also conduct a Language Test. The language test is designed to test the candidate’s proficiency in their mother tongue or the language they have studied in Class X. The language test is usually conducted for 50 marks, and the time duration is 45 minutes.
The topics covered in the language test include:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
Note that the Language Test is not conducted in all states, and it may vary from state to state.
Marking Scheme
The NTSE exam follows a negative marking scheme. For every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks allotted to the question will be deducted. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions.
The cutoff marks for the NTSE exam are determined based on the difficulty level of the paper and the number of candidates appearing for the exam. Students who clear the cutoff marks in Stage 1 are eligible to appear for Stage 2. The final merit list is prepared based on the candidate’s performance in Stage 2.
Scholarship Amount
Students who clear the NTSE exam are eligible for a scholarship. The scholarship amount varies based on the level of education. The scholarship amount for Class XI to XII is Rs. 1250 per month, and for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, it is Rs. 2000 per month. In addition to the scholarship amount, students are also eligible for other benefits such as medical expenses, book grants, and tuition fees.
In conclusion, the NTSE exam is a challenging but rewarding scholarship program that tests the candidate’s mental ability and scholastic aptitude. It is essential to understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly and prepare accordingly to crack the exam. With consistent hard work and dedication, one can excel in the NTSE exam and secure a bright future.