National Talent Search Scheme started in the year 1963. The purpose of the scheme is to identify talented students and nurture them. This year NCERT will conduct the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) in coordination with states for students studying in Class X. NTSE 2016 – 2017 in all States and Union Territories will be conducted on 05 Nov 2016, 06 Nov 2016 & 13 Nov 2016. NTSE 2017 stage II will be conducted on 14 May 2017.
Latest – NTSE Answer key of Stage (II) has been published. Check the Link below.
National Talent Search Exam (NTSE) 2016 – 2017
The National Talent Search Examination for students studying in Class X is meant to identify the nurture talent. The examination is conducted every year at two levels – Stage-I (State Level) and Stage-II (National Level). First Stage National Talent Search Exam (NTSE) is conducted by States and 2nd Stage is conducted by NCERT.
Schedule for the NTSE 2016 – 2017 is given below.
| Events | Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Last Date for Submission of Application Form | To be notified by the respective State and it may vary from state to state. |
| Examination in Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
05 Nov 2016 | |
| Examination in All others States and Union Territories |
06 Nov 2016 | |
| Examination in Bihar and West Bengal | 13 Nov 2016 | |
| Stage II | Examination in All State and Union Territories |
14 May 2017 |
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Important Info
NTSE Eligibility
Students of Class X studying in recognized schools are eligible to appear for the respective Class X Stage I examination conducted by the States/UTs in which the schools are located. There will be no domicile restriction.
Students registered under Open Distance Learning (ODL) will also be eligible for scholarship, provided he student is below the age of 18 years (as on 01 July of the particular year). the student is not employed and s/he is appearing for the first time.
NTSE State Quotas
Each State/Union Territory has been allotted a quota to recommend a specific number of candidates for the Stage II examination, the details of which will be made available on NCERT website. However, there will be no State/Union Territory Quota for the final award of scholarship after the Stage II examination.
NTSE Examination Pattern
The pattern of written examination for Class X will be as follows:
Stage I examination at the State/UT level will comprise two parts, namely (a) Mental Ability Test (MAT) and (b) Scholastic Ability Test (SAT) covering social sciences, sciences and mathematics.
Stage II examination at the National level will comprise (a) Mental Ability Test (MAT), (b) Scholastic Ability Test (SAT) covering Social Sciences, Sciences and Mathematics.
At Stage-II (National Level) Exam, there will be negative marking in each paper. For each wrong answer 1/3rd marks will be deducted. No marks will be deducted for unattempted questions.
NTSE Selection Process
There will be two-stage selection process for award of scholarship. For Stage-I, selection will be done by States/UTs through a written examination. Students who qualify Stage I will be eligible to appear for Stage II examination conducted by NCERT.
Qualifying marks for candidates from General category is 40% in each paper and for candidates from SC, ST, PH is 35% in each paper.
The States/UTs will also conduct the selection test for National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme along with the Stage-I written examination for NTS.
NTSE Reservation
- 15% scholarships will be reserved for students belonging to the SC category,
- 7.5% scholarships for students belonging to the ST category and
- 3% for Physically Challenged Group of Students.
NTSE Scholarships
On the basis of the National Talent Search Examination, 1000 scholarships will be awarded. The amount of scholarship will be as uner:
- Scholarship of Rs. 1250 per month for class XI & XII
- Scholarship of Rs. 2000 per month for UG & PG
- Scholarship for Ph.D will be fixed in accordance with the UGC Norms.
Indian Students Studying Abroad
The National Talent Search Examination for students studying abroad in Class X is meant to identify the nurture talent. The examination is conducted every year at two levels: Stage 1 (State Level) and Stage II (National Level), however, the students studying abroad are exempted for State Level Stage – I of NTS examination as per NTS Scheme.
| National Level Stage II NTS Exam | Dates |
| Last date of Submission of Application Form | 31 Dec 2016 |
| Date of Examination (36 centres) | 14 May 2017 |
Eligibility for Scholarship – If a candidates is selected, the scholarship shall be paid for pursuing studies in India Only.
Reservation : 15% for students belonging to the SC category, 7.5% for students belonging to the ST category and 3% for Physically Challenged Group of Students.
Qualifying Marks – Qualifying marks for candidates from General category is 40% in each paper and for candidates from SC, ST and PH is 32% in each paper.
Exam Pattern
| Paper | Test | No. of questions | No. of Marks | Duration |
| Paper I | Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 50 | 50 | 45 |
| Paper II | Language Test (LT) English / Hindi | 50 | 50 | 45 |
| Paper III | Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 100 | 100 | 90 |
At Stage II (National Level), there will be negative marking in each paper. For each wrong answer 1/3rd marks will be deducted. No marks will be deducted for unattempted questions.
Indian Students Studying Abroad in Class X can appear directly for Stage II NTS Examination under conditions prescribed in the NTS brochure which is available on the NCERT website. Candidates may fill up the Application Form, available on the NCERT website and send to the undersigned along with a photocopy of the mark sheet of previous examination, latest by 31 Dec 2016. Application Form for students studying abroad will be uploaded on NCERT website in the month of October 2016.
List of Liaison Officers
Talent Search Exams & Olympiads NCERT Home Page