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ISTSE 2026: Indian School Talent Search Exam – Registration, Exam Dates, Eligibility & Scholarship Details

ISTSE 2026 is an online scholarship exam for students from Class 1 to 10 that tests skills in mental ability, mathematics, science, and English. The exam is conducted online on scheduled dates, offering certificates, medals, and scholarships to high-performing students.
authorImagePriyanka Dahima20 Mar, 2026
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Indian School Talent Search Exam

ISTSE 2026: The Indian School Talent Search Exam (ISTSE) for 2026 is an online scholarship test for students from class 1 to 10. This exam checks your skills in subjects like mental ability, maths, science, and English. You can take the test from home using a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet. Many students join this exam to get certificates and scholarships to help with their studies. Registration is open now but seats are limited, so don’t wait!

ISTSE 2026

For ISTSE 2026, the exam dates for online individual students are set by class groups: Classes 1 to 3 will take the test on May 24th 2026, Classes 4 to 6 on May 23rd 2026, and Classes 7 to 10 on May 17th 2026. The online exam lasts 60 minutes and includes multiple-choice questions. The application fee is Rs. 399, with an option to pay Rs. 449 as a late fee. Students can also take the paper-based exam through their schools on February 3, 2026. It’s a great chance for students to show their talent and earn certificates and medals.

ISTSE Syllabus

ISTSE 2026 Overview

The ISTSE Scholarship Olympiad presents a valuable chance to demonstrate your academic abilities and potentially secure scholarships. So Students of Class 1 to 10 must not miss this opportunity and register themselves as early as possible. In the ISTSE 2026 Overview Table you can check the essential details.

ISTSE 2026 Overview 

Feature

Details

Exam Name

Indian School Talent Search Exam (ISTSE) 2026

Eligible Classes

Class 1 to Class 10

Exam Mode

Online (Individual students) and Paper-based (through schools)

Online Exam Dates (individual)

Class 7-10: May 17, 2025; Class 4-6: May 23, 2025; Class 1-3: May 24, 2025

Paper-Based Exam Date (school)

February 3, 2026

Registration Deadline

Limited seats, register early

Exam Duration

60 minutes

Number of Questions

35 (classes 1-4), 50 (classes 5-10)

Question Type

Multiple Choice Questions

Subjects Covered

Mental & Logical Ability, Mathematics, Science, English, Scholars Section

Application Fee

Rs. 399; Late fee Rs. 449

Negative Marking

Yes, for wrong answers

Special Features

AI-based anti-cheating, fair play marks (16%)

 

ISTSE 2026 Registration

The registration for ISTSE 2026 is open for students from Class 1 to 10. The exam will be conducted online on 17, 23, and 24 May 2026, depending on the class group. Students can register directly on the official ISTSE website by filling in their details and paying the registration fee. This online exam is a great chance to earn scholarships and certificates from home.

ISTSE 2026 Registration Link (Active)- Click to Apply

ISTSE Application Fee 2026

Students have to pay a registration fee of Rs. 399/- to complete the online registration process of ISTSE 2026 and with With Late Fee Rs. 449/-. For Paper-based - Through school the application fee is Rs. 200/- After paying the ISTSE Application Fee 2026 you will be able to attempt three mock tests.

ISTSE Exam Pattern 2026

  • Single Paper Exam: The ISTSE Examination covers four subjects (Mental and Logical Ability, Maths, Science and English)
  • Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions, ISTSE Online Examination teste your conceptual understanding.
  • Mode of Examination: Both Online or Paper-Based, Choose the format that suits you (availability depends on participation method).
  • Video Interview: A 30-minute video interview worth 100 points will be held for the top 10 scorers to determine the top 10 ranks.

ISTSE Syllabus 2026

  • Question papers will be composed of questions from Mental & Logical Ability (9%) , Mathematics (24%), Science (24%), English (12%) and Scholars Section (15%). Additionally 16% of marks is reserved for Fair Play / Practice.
  • For School Based  Question papers will be comprising of questions from Mental & Logical Ability (Class 1-4: 12% / Class 5-10: 9%), Mathematics (24%), Science (24%), English (Class 1-4: 20% / Class 6-10: 18%) and Scholars Section (Class 1-4: 20% / Class 6-10: 25%).
  • In case two or more students get the same rank, an interview will be conducted to decide the award.
  • Based on the Class you are going to appear for the ISTSE Syllabus has been designed. Number of questions in the overall online examination and sections may vary depending on the Classes.

ISTSE Online Scholarship Olympiad Benefits and Perks

  • Scholarship Potential: Top scorers who are shortlisted based on their performance in the Indian School Talent Search Exam can qualify for scholarships.
  • Skill Assessment: By taking the ISTSE Online Scholarship Olympiad Candidates can assess their strengths and weaknesses in different subjects.
  • Academic Challenge: Push your boundaries with thought-provoking questions.
  • Recognition: Students will receive certificates and medals for outstanding performance in the ISTSE Online Examination.

Rule 1- If in a school, in a particular class, the number of students participating is 50 or more

  • The First Topper from that particular class will get Cash Prize of ₹1500 + Gold Medal.
  • The Second Topper from that particular class will get Cash Prize of ₹1000 + Silver Medal.
  • The Third Topper from that particular class will get Cash Prize of ₹500 + Bronze Medal.

Rule 2- If in a school, in a particular class, the number of students participating is between 25 and 49

  • The First Topper from that particular class will get Cash Prize of ₹1500 + Gold Medal.
  • The Second Topper from that particular class will get Silver Medal(No Cash Prize).
  • The Third Topper from that particular class will get Bronze Medal(No Cash Prize).
Rule 3- If in a school, in a particular class, the number of students participating is between 15 and 24
  • The First Topper from that particular class will get a Gold Medal (No Cash Prize)
  • The Second Topper from that particular class will get a Silver Medal (No Cash Prize)
  • The Third Topper from that particular class will get get a Bronze Medal (No Cash Prize)
Rule 4- If in a school, in a particular class, the number of students participating is between 5 and 14
  • The First Topper from that particular class will get a Gold Medal (No Cash Prize)
  • (No Medals will be given to the Second and Third Topper.)
Only for ISTSE Online Exam: 16% of marks are reserved for fair participation in the exam. The scores will be calculated with AI enabled tool and manual monitoring of the participants during the exam.

ISTSE 2026 FAQs

Q1. What is ISTSE?

Ans. ISTSE is a unique online scholarship olympiad exam conducted for Indian students in Classes 1 to 10. Indian School Talent Search Exam (Scholarship Olympiad) assesses students' overall intellectual potential in various subjects including Mental Ability, Mathematics, Science and English.

Q2. What is the exam date for ISTSE 2026?

Ans. The Indian School Talent Search Exam (ISTSE) 2026 will be conducted on different dates depending on the class group. For Classes 7–10, the online exam will be held on 17 May 2026. For Classes 4–6, it is scheduled on 23 May 2026, and for Classes 1–3, the exam will take place on 24 May 2026. Additionally, the paper-based exam through schools is scheduled for 3 February 2026.

Q3. Who conducts the ISTSE Online Examination?

Ans. Educational Excellentia, Bangalore, Karnataka 560048. conducts the ISTSE Scholarship Exam.

Q4. Who can appear for the Indian School Talent Search Exam (Scholarship Olympiad)?

Ans. Students from Class 1 to 10 can appear for the Indian School Talent Search Exam (Scholarship Olympiad).
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