National Talent Search Examination: Exam Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility & Results

National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is one of the most popular and prestigious scholarship exams in India. It’s conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to identify talented students studying in Class 10 and support their higher education through scholarships.

The exam has two stages: Stage I (State Level) and Stage II (National Level). Only students who clear Stage I are eligible to appear for Stage II. However, if you are an Indian student studying abroad, then you do not need to appear for Stage I; you can directly take Stage II.

If you’re planning to take NTSE, you must know the eligibility, dates, exam pattern, and syllabus. This guide will walk you through everything you need to get started and prepare smoothly!

National Talent Search Examination Overview

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a national-level scholarship program in India conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). It aims to identify and nurture talented students with high academic potential.

Before you start preparing for NTSE 2026, it’s helpful to quickly understand the structure and authority behind the exam:

National Talent Search Examination 2026 Important Dates

The NTSE 2026 exam takes place in two stages every year. Stage I is usually held in November 2026, while Stage II is expected in June 2026. If NCERT makes any changes, updates will be provided later. Check out the tentative timelines:

Note- Above mentioned NTSE 2026 is just based on previous year patterns. It is always advised to visit the official website for the most accurate schedule for the NTSE Exam 2026.

Eligibility Requirements for the NTSE

Now, who can apply? As per CBSE rules, all Indian students studying in Class 10 can appear for NTSE, whether they study in India or abroad.

NTSE Eligibility 2026:

Indian national students studying in India or overseas at Class 10 level are welcome to apply.

For Students in India:

Must pass the screening test (Stage I) to qualify for Stage II.

For Indian Students Abroad:

Can directly appear for Stage II  (No need to take Stage I)

Steps to Apply for the NTSE Examination

If you’re planning to appear for NTSE 2026, here’s how you can get started:

• Students studying in Class 10 should keep an eye on notifications from their State/UT education department, school circulars, or newspapers for updates on the  NTSE Registration 2026 release.

• If you have doubts about the exam schedule or process, just reach out to your State/UT Liaison Officer; their contact details are usually provided in the exam appendix.

• Once the form is available, fill it carefully and submit it to the State Liaison Officer through your school. Make sure your school Principal signs it before submission. Don’t wait till the last date!

Application Fees for the NTSE Exam

NTSE Stage II (the national exam) has no application fee, as it is conducted by NCERT. However, some states might charge a small fee for Stage I. So, the cost may vary depending on your State/UT.

NTSE Syllabus 2026

Let’s talk NTSE syllabus. The NTSE Exam has two sections:

MAT – Mental Ability Test
SAT – Scholastic Aptitude Test

The questions are based on the Class 10 NCERT syllabus, and they test how well you understand concepts. Here’s the simplified syllabus structure:

Exam Pattern for the National Talent Search Examination

Understanding the exam pattern in advance makes preparation a lot easier! NTSE has two stages: Stage I (state level) and Stage II (national level). Both stages follow the same paper structure, and both are conducted offline using pen and paper.

Here’s the detailed breakdown for each stage:

NTSE Stage I:

Stage I is conducted by your respective State/UT. The test has two parts — MAT and SAT. Every correct answer gives you 1 mark, and there is no negative marking! 

Mental Ability Test (MAT):

• Number of Questions: 100

• Maximum Marks: 100

• Question Type: MCQs (only 1 correct answer out of 4)

• Marking Scheme: +1 for every correct answer, no negative marking

• Duration: 2 hours

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT):

• Number of Questions: 100

• Maximum Marks: 100

• Question Type: MCQs (Science – 40, Social Science – 40, Mathematics – 20)

• Marking Scheme: +1 for every correct answer, no negative marking

• Duration: 2 hours
  
  

NTSE Stage II:

If you clear Stage I, then you qualify for the national-level Stage II conducted by NCERT. The pattern is exactly the same: MAT + SAT, each for 2 hours. Again, no negative marking here as well!

NTSE Admit Card 2026

Once your state releases the admit card for Stage I, you must download it or collect it from your school and carry it to the exam center, as you won’t be allowed inside the exam hall without it.

Different states release the admit card at different times. Some offer online downloads, others provide it via schools. For Stage II, NCERT releases the admit card 2–4 weeks before the exam.

Your admit card will tell you:

• Exam center address

• Exam date

• Reporting time

• Roll number

So make sure to read it carefully

Tips for Preparing for the 2026 NTSE Exam

Want to boost your chances of cracking NTSE Exam 2026? Try adding these simple tips to your routine:

• Go through the NTSE exam format and syllabus thoroughly.

• Practice previous year papers and sample questions regularly.

• Improve your time management.

• Focus more on the key topics mentioned in the NTSE syllabus.

• Stick to NCERT books, especially for SAT subjects.

• Stay updated with notifications for important exam dates.

• Take mock tests and analyze your mistakes.

• If needed, get guidance from teachers or coaching mentors.

• Plan your study time properly and follow your schedule.

• Believe in yourself and stay consistent.

NTSE 2026 Results Announcement Process

After both stages are complete, a final merit list is published. Here’s how the result process works:

• States prepare Stage I merit lists based on minimum qualifying marks.

• Qualifying Marks:

• General & OBC: 40%

• SC/ST & PwD: 32%

• Stage I results are usually out in January/February.

• Stage I scores are not counted for the national scholarship; they are only for selection into Stage II.

• NCERT doesn’t handle any queries related to Stage I, so students must contact their state officials for anything related to Stage I.

Steps to Check the NTSE Result 2026

Just follow these easy steps:

1. Visit the official NCERT website.

2. Click on the section named “NTSE 2026”.

3. Select the link for “NTSE Result 2026”.

4. Check the full merit list — including names and roll numbers.

5. Search for your details and see if you've qualified!