Being an NTSE scholar is leveraged with a number of benefits. It not only enhances the confidence level of the students but also allows them to measure their strengths and weaknesses based on the concepts learned in school.
According to statistics, almost 10 lakh students appear for the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) and only 2000 scholarships are awarded each year. The central government offers these scholarships to NTSE scholars and encourages them to pursue studies in the field of science and social science up to the doctorate level.
What is the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)?
The National Talent Search Examination, also known as NTSE, is one of the most prestigious and competitive national level scholarship exams that is conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). It is conducted in two stages in coordination with the SCERT’s of the all Indian states and Union Territories.
While NTSE stage 1 is a state level examination, NTSE stage 2 is a national level exam that is simultaneously organized all over the country. It recognizes intellectual students and provides them with NTSE scholarships (under the active schemes) for pursuing science and social science courses along with professional courses like medicine and engineering.
NTSE Important Highlights |
|
| Concerned authority | National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) |
| Type of questions | Multiple choice questions (MCQs) |
| Number of stages | 2 |
| Number of sections | 2 per stage |
| Number of subjects | 3 |
| Language | Hindi and English |
| Total scholarships | 2000 |
NTSE Scholarship Amount
NTSE 2019-20 Rates of Scholarship (Active Scheme) |
|
| Stage | Rate of Scholarship |
| Higher Secondary level | ₹ 1250 per month |
| Graduate and Post Graduate | ₹ 2000 per month |
| Ph.D. (4 years) | As per UGC norms |
NTSE 2019-20
The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) 2019-20 will be organized in two stages i.e. state level examination (stage 1) and national level examination (stage 2). For both the stages, the paper will be divided into two objective type is written tests, namely the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
- Mental Ability Test (MAT)
NTSE MAT consists of various questions specifically designed to judge a candidate’s power of reasoning, ability to think, ability to visualize space, etc. Analogies, classifications, series, pattern perception, coding-decoding, problem-solving, etc. are some types of questions incorporated in this section.
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
NTSE SAT questions are primarily based on three subjects with science, social science and mathematics forming the core of this section. It also includes questions related to sequence arrangement, matching answers, true and false statements, comprehension passage-based questions, along with the language comprehensive test as well.
NTSE 2019-20 Exam Dates
The official announcement of NTSE 2020 exam dates has been made by the exam conducting body. The notification was released on July 17, 2019, according to which the NTSE stage I exam will be conducted on 2, 3 and 17 November 2019 while Stage II exam will be conducted on 10 May 2020. However, the application dates haven’t been announced yet. Please check the table below to find out complete NTSE 2020 schedule:
Read: All the entrance exams you can prepare for after Class 10
NTSE 2020 Important Dates
| Stage | Area | Dates |
|
Stage 1 (State) |
Examinations in Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 2 November 2019 |
| Examination in all other states and union territories (Except above and below mentioned 9 States/UTs) | 3 November 2019 | |
| Examination in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, NCT of Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir | 17 November 2019 | |
| NTSE stage 1 result | To be notified | |
| Stage 2
(National)
|
Examination in all states and union territories | 10 May 2020 |
| NTSE stage 2 result | To be notified |
NTSE 2019-20 Exam Pattern
The exam pattern for both stages is similar in nature. It is a pen-paper mode examination that is divided into two sections. Both the sections i.e. MAT (paper 1) and SAT (paper 2) consist of 100 questions each. A correct answer adds +1 to the score while there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Paper 2 consists of 40 questions from science, 40 from social science and 20 from mathematics in both stages. Furthermore, the paper is available in both English and Hindi languages.
|
Test |
Pattern | ||
| No of questions | No of Marks | Duration | |
| Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Scholastic Aptitude Test
(SAT) – Language |
50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – Mathematics, Science and Social Science | 100 | 100 | 90 minutes |
Note: The above-mentioned information is tentative in nature. It is subject to change and any changes will be officially notified by NCERT on their official website.
Students who clear both stages of the examination are then further called for an interview. The concerned officials then select 1000 students for NTSE scholarships.
NTSE 2019-20 Qualifying Cut-off
The following table provides information with regards to the cut-off score for all categories. The result of stage 1 examination is expected to be out in the month of January or February which will further recommend the candidates for the stage 2 examination.
| Paper | Cut off for General/OBC | Cut off for SC/ST/PwD |
| MAT | 40% (40 marks out of 100) | 32% (32 marks out of 100) |
| SAT | 40% (40 marks out of 100) | 32% (32 marks out of 100) |
| Total | 80 marks out of 200 | 64 marks out of 200 |
It is to be noted that the stage 1 score is not added to the national level examination score for the scholarship award.
NTSE 2019-20 Eligibility Criteria
The NTSE eligibility criteria is formulated primarily by the NCERT. The examination is open for all the students studying in class 10th, whether in India or abroad. Students studying abroad can be permitted to appear directly in the stage 2 examination.
Here are some other guidelines with respect to the NTSE 2019-20 eligibility criteria:
Indian Candidates
- Students appearing for 10th class boards (or equivalent exams) are eligible to sit for the stage 1 examination.
- Candidates (only) selected by the State or Union Territories on the basis of their screening examination are eligible for appearing in the stage 2 examination.
- The upper limit of age is 18 years as defined by the NCERT.
- Candidates should be registered with the State/UT exam conducting body.
- They should have cleared class 9th examination from a recognized board with a minimum of 60%.
- They should hold a degree recognized by the board.
- Candidates from 9th class are also eligible for the exam. However, they are required to score at least 60% marks.
NTSE 2019-2020 State-wise quota
| State | Quota |
| Andhra Pradesh | 263 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 50 |
| Assam | 202 |
| Bihar | 691 |
| Chandigarh | 20 |
| Chattisgarh | 195 |
| Goa | 50 |
| Gujarat | 360 |
| Haryana | 186 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 51 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 64 |
| Jharkhand | 142 |
| Karnataka | 371 |
| Kerala | 220 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 530 |
| Maharashtra | 774 |
| Manipur | 50 |
| Meghalaya | 50 |
| Mizoram | 50 |
| Nagaland | 50 |
| Odisha | 259 |
| Punjab | 183 |
| Rajasthan | 485 |
| Sikkim | 50 |
| Tamil Nadu | 466 |
| Telangana | 216 |
| Tripura | 50 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1408 |
| Uttarakhand | 79 |
| West Bengal | 569 |
NTSE 2019-20 Union Territory wise quota
| Union Territory | Quota |
| Andaman and Nicobar islands | 20 |
| Chandigarh | 20 |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli | 20 |
| Daman and Diu | 20 |
| Delhi | 153 |
| Lakshadweep | 20 |
| Puducherry | 20 |
Foreign candidates
- Students of Indian origin studying abroad in 10th or equivalent class are eligible for appearing in the examination.
- They are allowed to appear directly in the stage 2 paper, only if they have scored at least 60% in the previous annual examination.
- The candidates will have to bear comprehensive costs of appearing in the examination. NCERT is not liable to provide any incentives.
- Candidates are required to submit their class 9th mark sheet attested by the head of their institution. Then only the concerned authorities will issue admit cards, dates, timings, and venue of the examination.
- Request for venue change will not be entertained for students studying abroad unless in genuine cases and instructions issued by NCERT.
- If a candidate is selected, scholarship shall be paid for studies in India only.
NTSE 2019-20 Reservation Policy
The reservation policy for the NTSE exam is defined by the Government of India. Candidates who qualify the stage 2 examination get reservation benefits. The NTSE reservation scheme is as follows:
| Category | Reservation percentage |
| Schedule Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Schedule Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Physically challenged | 3% |
NTSE 2019-20 Application Form
The application form for the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE 2019-20) will be made available in both online and offline modes. The form will also be available in book stores and published in newspapers. Candidates need to get the form signed from the Principal of their school before sending it at the State Liaison Officer’s address.
NTSE 2019-20 Syllabus
Having knowledge of the NTSE 2020 syllabus is essential to give your preparation the right direction. Basically, mathematics, science and social science form the core of the NTSE syllabus. Following is the complete syllabus that applicants are required to study to prepare for the school level scholarship exam:
| Subject | Topic |
|
Mathematics |
Algebraic Expressions
Arithmetic Arithmetic Progressions Basic Geometry Circles Coordinate Geometry Direct & Inverse Variations Exponents Linear Equations Mensuration Number Systems Percentage & its Applications Playing with Numbers Probability Quadratic Equations Rational Numbers Simple & Compound Interest Square & Cube Roots Statistics Surface Area and Volume Triangles Trigonometry
|
| Science | Acids, Bases and Salts
Air Carbon and its Compounds Cellular Level of Organization Diversity in Living organisms Fibers and Plastics Food Production & Management Heredity and Evolution Human Body Life Processes Light, Magnetic & Electricity at Work Measurement Metals & Non-Metals Micro-organisms Motion and Force Our Environment Periodic Classification of Elements Reproduction Soil Some Common Diseases Sound Sound of Energy Structure of Atom The Universe Water Work and Energy
|
|
Social Science (SST) |
Agriculture
Atmosphere Biosphere British Raj Culture, Science and Literature Democracy and Elections Diversity and Livelihood Early Medieval Period Early States Eighteen Century Political Formation French Revolution India and its Neighbors Indian Constitution Indian Economics Indian Freedom Struggle Indus Valley Civilization Industrial Revolution Industries Internal Structure of the Earth and Rocks Introduction and Sources of Ancient Indian History Jainism, Buddhism and Conquerors from Distant Lands Local and State Government Medieval Architecture and Culture Motion of the Earth Nationalism in Various Countries Natural Vegetation New Empires and Kingdoms Our Country – India Popular Movements and Social Reforms Population, Resources and Development Solar System The Delhi Sultanate The Judiciary The Mauryas The Mughal Empire UN and International Agencies Union Government Vedic Period Water Resources World History
|
| English | Antonyms
English Grammar One Word Substitution Paragraph Completion Reading Comprehension Rearrangement of Jumbled Words Sentence Completion Synonyms
|
| General Knowledge
|
Abbreviations
Awards and Recognitions Books and Authors India Sports World |
| Mental ability | Alphabets and Number Test
Analogy (Non-Verbal) Analogy (Verbal) Blood Relations Calendar Time and Clock Classification Coding-Decoding Cube and Dice Direction Sense Embedded Figure Figure Partition and Dot Situation Mathematical Operations Missing Character Paper Folding and Cutting Ranking and Arrangements Series (Verbal) Series (Non Verbal) Venn Diagrams Water and Mirror Images Word Problems |
Read: 10 Tips to Prepare for NTSE in One Month
How to prepare for NTSE 2019-20?
According to reports, the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is attempted by almost 10 lakh students every year. This makes it one of the most competitive national exams in the country. As mentioned earlier, being an NTSE scholar is leveraged with multiple professional as well as educational benefits. Therefore, here are some tips that will help you to better prepare for the NTSE 2019-20 examination:
- Draw a plan and maintain consistency
Success comes to those who work hard and remain consistent with their efforts. With NTSE being one of the most competitive exams, students are required to prepare effectively well for clearing it. Hence, you should draw an efficient plan or develop a time table by evenly distributing the topics. However, it is extremely important that you follow your time table with consistency.
- Prepare for all the subjects
The NTSE question paper is majorly based on 3 subjects i.e. science, mathematics and social science. Although science and social science carry more weightage than mathematics, you should prepare all three subjects with equal dedication. Even the smallest margin of scores can make a big difference. If you find it difficult to understand any topic, you can take help of recorded video lectures on NTSE syllabus by experienced Aakash faculty. Engaging video lectures help you quickly understand the topics and retain the information for longer.
- Practice for MAT
The Mental Ability Test, also known as MAT, is an integral part of the NTSE curriculum. Since it recognizes a student’s understanding attributes, you should prepare for it just like all other subjects. According to top educators, regular practising is the key to acing the MAT section of the NTSE examination.
- Hone your time management skills
The NTSE exam is time-bound like all other examinations. Students are required to answer all the questions within a certain period of time. Thus, you should practice the previous years’ question papers or take online mock tests for determining the scope of improvement with regards to your time management skills.
- Get proper guidance
Last but not least, proper guidance and support is a vital factor that influences one’s NTSE preparations. Hence, you can join credible institutions that specialize in providing the right guidance for national-level tests and Olympiads. It will help you in better understanding of concepts as well as clarification of doubts.
Apart from an exciting preparation journey, being an NTSE scholar will provide you with a variety of things to look forward to. It will form as one of the key attractions in your CV and is likely to benefit your professional career as well.
Join online courses at Aakash Digital to start your NTSE 2020 preparation.
FAQs
When will NTSE exam be held in 2020?
As per the schedule released by NCERT, NTSE Stage I exam will be conducted on 2, 3 and 17 November 2019 while NTSE Stage II exam will be conducted on 10 May 2020.
How to apply for NTSE 2020?
You can download the NTSE application form from the official website, can get if from your school or can buy it from the book shop.
What is the syllabus for the NTSE?
NTSE syllabus majorly covers topics from Mathematics, Science and Social Science covered in class 9 and 10 NCERT books.
Which is the best online test series for NTSE?
There are a number of online test series available for NTSE. Selection of one depends on your preparation level and the type of support you are looking for. If you don’t just want the question papers but also need answer keys, performance analysis and guidance of teachers to perform well in the final exam, NTSE Test Series by Aakash PracTest can be a good option for you.
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