NTSE Scholarship: A Comprehensive Guide to Success in 2025

NCERT’s National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is India’s most prestigious scholarship program. Students pursuing academic goals are identified through the exam to receive financial assistance.

The NTSE Scholarship financially supports Class 10 students, covering academic expenses up to the doctorate level. Open to all categories, including General, SC, ST, and OBC, the program aims to nurture talent and encourage academic growth through competitive exams and projects.

Key Highlights of NTSE Scholarship 2025

• Open to Class 10 students of all backgrounds.
• Covers academic expenses up to the doctorate level.
• Promotes talent development through competitive exams and projects.
• Eligibility criteria must be met to qualify for the scholarship.

This guide is designed to help students and parents understand the eligibility requirements and benefits of the NTSE Scholarship 2025.

Know about the NTSE Scholarship

Through its scholarship scheme, it looks for and finds talented students all over the country. The scholarship program is not limited to a certain field of study, so you can study whatever you desire. Scholarships from the National Talent Search Examination let people attend top universities and get jobs at well-known companies. Also, the NTSE scholarship gives students money to help them out. It makes them feel proud of what they’ve done and like they’ve earned something.

Examination Details

Highlights of the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)

Feature	Details
Exam Name	National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)
Conducted by	– NTSE Stage 1: Respective states/UTs
	– NTSE Stage 2: NCERT
Exam Level	National Level
Class Level	Class 10th
Total Scholarships	2000
Scholarship Amount	– ₹1250/month for Class 11-12
	– ₹2000/month for UG & PG levels
	– As per UGC norms for Ph.D.
Scholarship Level	Up to Ph.D. level
Exam Mode	Offline
Exam Papers	– Mental Aptitude Test (MAT)
	– Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
Test Duration	120 minutes per paper (MAT & SAT), a total of 240 minutes for both stages
Total Exam Centers	– Stage 1: In all 28 states and 9 UTs
	– Stage 2: 35 cities
Registration Dates	Begins in August/September annually; deadlines set by respective states/UTs
Exam Dates (NTSE 2025)	– Stage 1: November/December* for Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
	– Stage 1: November/December* for all other states and UTs
	– Stage 2: June 2026*
Exam Helpline	– Phone: 011-26560464
	– Email: ntsexam.ncert@gov.in
Official Website	NCERT Official Website

NTSE Examination 2025

Event	Date
NTSE 2025 Notification	Last week of July 2024
Application Begins	August 2025
Last Date for Application	Announced separately by each state/UT
NTSE Stage 1 Admit Card	Second week of October 2025
NTSE Stage 2 Admit Card	First week of May 2025
NTSE Stage 1 Exam (Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Andaman & Nicobar Islands)	November 2025
NTSE Stage 1 Exam (West Bengal)	November 2025
NTSE Stage 1 Exam (Other states/UTs)	Last week of July 2025
NTSE Stage 1 Result	January/February 2025

This ensures clarity for students preparing for the NTSE 2025 exam.

What’s new in NTSE 2025?

• No Language Paper – Till last year, NTSE included a language paper, the marks of which were not counted while calculating the total score. From this year, the language paper has been abolished.
• New Reservation – NTSE 2025 has added an extra reservation of 27% for OBC apart from the existing 15%, 7.5%, and 4% for SC, ST, and Physically Handicapped. The income limit currently is 8 Lakh per annum for OBC NCL.
• The duration of the exam has been increased to 4 hours from 3 hours till last year. The duration for MAT and SAT is 2 hours each.

NTSE Scholarship Amount 2025

All NTSE scholarship applicants will be awarded the same amount based on NTSE reservation criteria.

Stage	Scholarship
NTSE scholarship amount for class 10	1250/-
Scholarship amount for Graduate and postgraduate	2000/-
For PhD degree	As per UGC norms

Guidelines for Disbursement

These are the guidelines for disbursing and renewing the National Talent Search Examination Scholarship amount of 2025:

• Students studying up to the doctorate level are eligible for the scholarship.
• Maintaining a minimum average of 60% yearly is necessary for the scholarship to be awarded.
• College/institutional heads must certify student conduct.
• The student is responsible for continuing their studies as a regular student.
• Full-time studies are required—no part-time jobs or jobs with a salary.
• No other scholarships should be accepted at the same time.

Eligibility Criteria for NTSE Scholarship 2025

Students who want to apply for the National Talent Search Examination Scholarship 2025 need to meet the following criteria

• Students must be in class 10 to apply for the NTSE Scholarship.
• Applicants must be Indian citizens to qualify for the program.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that they do not exceed the age of 18 years.
• For recognition, applicants must attend a recognized school or board.
• Moreover, open Distance Learning Students can apply for this position if they study open distance learning.

Application Form for NTSE Scholarship 2025

National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) Application Process

The NTSE application forms are available on the official NCERT website or can be obtained from the State Liaison Officer in the respective state. Candidates can apply for the NTSE scholarship through the online portal. The application process requires accurate and complete details, along with necessary supporting documents.

Key Points for NTSE Application Form 2025

• Where to Obtain the Form
  • Available on the NCERT official website.
  • It can also be collected from the State Liaison Officer.
• Information Required
  • Personal details (e.g., name, date of birth, contact information).
  • Educational qualifications.
  • Relevant details are specific to eligibility.
• Documents to Attach
  • Proof of age.
  • Mark sheets.
  • Certificates and other supporting documents.
• Submission
  • Submit the completed form by the deadline mentioned on the official website.
  • Applications can be submitted online or in person.

Ensure all details are accurate and documents are properly attached to avoid disqualification.

Documents Required to Fill the NTSE Application Form

To complete the NTSE application process, candidates must provide certain essential documents. These include a recent passport-sized color photograph, a copy of the Class 9th passing mark sheet, and an Aadhaar card. Additionally, applicants need to submit a state domicile certificate and an income certificate. If applicable, candidates must also provide a caste certificate for reservation benefits or a disability certificate for special category consideration.

As part of the NTSE application process, seat reservations are available for candidates from specific categories. Students must indicate their category during the application and submit the necessary caste certificates if applicable. The reservation details for different categories are as follows:

Documents Required for NTSE Application

Required Documents
Recent passport-sized color photograph
Class 9th passing mark sheet
Aadhaar Card
State domicile certificate
Income certificate
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
Disability Certificate (if applicable)

NTSE Seat Reservation Details

Category	Percentage of Reserved Seats
Scheduled Castes (SC)	15%
Scheduled Tribes (ST)	5%
Other Backward Classes (OBC)	27%
Physically Challenged	4%

Selection Process in NTSE Scholarship Scheme

The selection process for the NTSE Scholarship Scheme involves two stages:

Stage 1: State-Level Examination

• Conducted by State Councils for Educational Research and Training (SCERT).
• Comprises two separate tests:
  • Mental Ability Test (MAT)
  • Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
• Typically held in November.
• Tests are conducted in English or the official language of the state.

Stage 2: National-Level Examination

• Candidates who qualify at the state level advance to this stage.
• Administered by NCERT, usually in May.
• Includes:
  • Mental Ability Test (MAT)
  • Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
  • An interview is part of the evaluation process.

Candidates must successfully complete both stages to secure the NTSE Scholarship.

Advantages derived from NTSE Scholarship

The National Talent Search Examination Scholarship Scheme can benefit candidates in different ways:

• It builds students’ confidence and helps them get ready for tests like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, AIIMS, and NEET. 
• With the NTSE Scholarship, it is possible to get into some of India’s best colleges because many of them have reserved seats for NTSE Scholars.
• NTSE Scholars have an advantage over other students when applying to foreign universities. 
• Both the public and private sectors tend to give NTSE scholars a lot of attention. 
• As NTSE Scholars, students get the first choice regarding NDAs. 
• Additionally, NTSE Scholars can get discounts on several courses and study materials.

NTSE Eligibility 2025: General Requirements for Scholarships

To qualify and maintain eligibility for the NTSE Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility Conditions

• Scholarships are applicable only for approved courses in Science, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Medical streams pursued within India.
• Candidates must maintain good conduct at school and continue their higher education.
• Absence from school must be supported by proper leave approval or prior information to school authorities.
• The candidate must be a full-time student, not employed or earning a salary/stipend.
• If receiving scholarships from other schemes, the candidate must choose one scheme to continue with.
• If a candidate opts for another scholarship, the NTSE Scholarship will be paused for that year. Resumption is allowed only upon discontinuing benefits from the other scholarship scheme and informing NCERT.
• Fee waivers, one-time grants, fee subsidies, and accommodation benefits do not affect NTSE Scholarship eligibility.
• Candidates who drop out or discontinue their education within one year of admission will lose their scholarship eligibility.
• All subjects of the enrolled course must be cleared on the first attempt. Failing in core subjects results in scholarship cancellation.

These guidelines ensure the NTSE Scholarship is awarded to deserving and committed students pursuing their academic goals.

NTSE Admit Card 2025

• The NTSE 2025 Stage 1 admit card will be available at least 15 days before the exam.
• States/UTs may provide the admit card online or offline. Candidates must download it or collect it as applicable.
• Carrying the admit card on exam day is mandatory. Without it, candidates will not be allowed to appear for the exam.
• For Stage 2, NCERT will issue admit cards online to qualifying candidates. These can be downloaded from the official NCERT website.

NTSE Stage 1 Exam 2025

• The NTSE Exam Date 2025 for Stage 1 is expected to be in November or December 2025, and it will be conducted offline by the respective states and UTs.
• Exam centers will be assigned, and details will be mentioned on the admit card.

NTSE Stage 1 Result 2025

• The Stage 1 result will declare qualifying candidates for MAT and SAT papers.
• Results will be available online on the SCERT/DGE official websites of respective states/UTs in the form of a merit list.
• The merit list includes names, marks, and ranks of qualified candidates.

NTSE Stage 2 Exam 2025

• Candidates qualifying for Stage 1 will appear for Stage 2, conducted by NCERT, likely in June 2025.
• The NTSE Exam 2025 will follow the same exam pattern and subjects for Stage 2 as in Stage 1.
• Examination centers will be designated by NCERT.

NTSE Stage 2 Result

• The Stage 2 result will be announced in August/September 2025.
• Candidates can check results on NCERT’s website by entering their roll number and date of birth.
• The result will display scores for MAT, SAT, and a combined score.
• Scholarships will be disbursed based on the final merit list.

NTSE Exam Centres 2025

• Stage 1: States/UTs will release the list of centers a month before the exam.
• Stage 2: NCERT will conduct the exam at designated national-level centers.

NTSE Stage 2 Exam Centres 2025

State/UT	Exam Centre(s)/Venue
Andaman & Nicobar Islands	KV No. 2, Raksha Vihar, Minnie Bay
Andhra Pradesh	KV, Gandhi Gram Post, Malkapuram, Visakhapatnam
Arunachal Pradesh	KV No. 2, Itanagar, Chimpu Post
Assam	KV CRPF Mile Amerigog, Kamrup, Guwahati
Bihar	KV No. 1, Lohiya Nagar, Kankarbagh, Patna
Chandigarh	KV, ASF High Grounds, Chandigarh
Chhattisgarh	KV No. 2, Sector 4, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar, Raipur
Dadra & Nagar Haveli	KV, Govt. High School Campus, Silvassa
Delhi	KV No. 3, Ring Road, Near Seema Sadak Bhawan
Goa	KV, INS Mandovi, Panjim
Gujarat	KV No. 1, Near Police Commissioner’s Office, Ahmedabad
Haryana	KV No. 1, AFS, Sector 14, Old Delhi Road, Gurugram
Himachal Pradesh	KV No. 1, Dharamshala Cantt, Kangra
Jammu and Kashmir	KV No. 1, Gandhinagar, Jammu
Jharkhand	KV CCL, Rajendra Nagar, Ranchi
Karnataka	KV, ASC Centre, Victoria Road, Bangalore
Kerala	KV No. 3, Port Trust, Willingdon Island, Kochi
Lakshadweep	KV, Kavaratti
Madhya Pradesh	KV No. 1, Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal
Maharashtra	KV, Bhandup, Kanjurmarg West, LBS Marg, Pune
Manipur	KV No. 1, Lamphelpat, Imphal
Meghalaya	KV, Happy Valley, Shillong
Mizoram	KV, Project Pushpak Zemabawk, Aizawl
Nagaland	KV, CRPF Camp, Lerie Hill, Kohima
Odisha	KV No. 1, Unit 9, Near Ram Mandir, Bhubaneswar
Puducherry	KV, IIT Campus, Chennai
Punjab	KV, ASF High Grounds, Chandigarh
Rajasthan	KV No. 1, Bajaj Nagar, Opp. Tonk Phatak, Jaipur
Sikkim	KV, Post Tadong, Middle Siyari, Gangtok
Tamil Nadu	KV, IIT Campus, Chennai
Telangana	KV No. 1, Langer House, Golconda, Hyderabad
Tripura	KV (GC) CRPF, Adarani, Salbagan, Agartala
Uttarakhand	KV ONGC, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun
West Bengal	KV, Ballygunge, Circular Road, Kolkata
Uttar Pradesh	KV, Lucknow Cantt; KV, New Cantt, VD Road, Allahabad

Exam Day Guidelines for NTSE

• Carry your admit card, a pen, a pencil, and a photo ID to the exam hall.
• Arrive at the exam center at least 45 minutes before the exam starts.
• Entry will not be permitted if you are more than 15 minutes late after the exam begins.
• Electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the examination center.

NTSE Changes Over the Years

Evolution of NTSE Features Over the Years

Feature	Year	Changes Made
10 scholarships were awarded initially.	1963	2,000 scholarships with an additional 10% reservation for EWS.
	1964	Increased to 350 scholarships.
	1976	Increased to 500 scholarships.
	1981	Increased to 550 scholarships; 50 reserved for SC/ST candidates.
	1983	Increased to 750 scholarships; 70 reserved for SC/ST candidates.
	2000	Increased to 1,000 scholarships with reservations: 15% SC, 7.5% ST.
	2019	Doubled to 2,000 scholarships with reservations: 27% OBC, 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 4% PH.
	2020	2,000 scholarships with additional 10% reservation for EWS.
Scholarship Amount	2006-2007	Raised to ₹500; Ph.D. students received amounts as per UGC norms.
	2014-2015	Revised amounts: ₹1,250/month for Classes 11-12, ₹2,000/month for UG/PG, UGC-aligned for Ph.D.
Eligible Streams	1976	Scholarships expanded to Basic Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Medicine.
	2019	Scholarships for Social Sciences and Science up to the doctoral level; Medicine/Engineering up to PG.
Name Change	1976	Renamed from “National Science Talent Search Scheme” (NSTSS) to “National Talent Search Scheme” (NTSS).
Class Level Eligibility	1976	Extended to Classes 10, 11, and 12; separate exams for each level.
	1985	Limited to Class 10; introduced state (Tier I) and national (Tier II) exams.
	2006-2007	Conducted for Class 8 students with transitional exams for Classes 9 and 10.
	2013	Reverted to Class 10 only.
LAT was removed; only MAT and SAT considered for selection.	1976	Introduced MAT and SAT; removed descriptive exams and project reports. Interviews based on scores.
	2013	LAT was added for English/Hindi but was only qualifying; scores were not included in merit.
	2018	LAT removed; only MAT and SAT considered for selection.
Negative marking was introduced for Stage II; discontinued in 2018.	1985	MAT: 100 MCQs; SAT: 200 MCQs (choice of sections).
	1995	SAT standardized to Science, Social Science, and Mathematics.
	2006-2007	90 questions each for MAT and SAT.
	2014	Negative marking introduced for Stage II; discontinued in 2018.
	2018	Extended exam duration to 120 minutes per paper; MAT expanded to 100 questions.
Parental income and book grants were removed.	2006-2007	Qualifying marks were revised to 40% for General, and and 32% for SC/ST/PH.
	2008	3% reservation introduced for PH candidates.
	2015	Minimum qualifying marks for SC/ST/PH raised to 35%.
	2018	Qualifying marks were revised to 40% for General, and 32% for SC/ST/PH.
	2019	27% reservation introduced for OBC candidates.
	2020	10% reservation added for EWS candidates.
Non-Conduct of Exam	2022-2024	NTSE was not conducted, marking the first such break in its 60-year history.

Conclusion

Lastly, to apply for a National Talent Search Examination scholarship amount for class 10, check the eligibility criteria before filling out the form.

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ’s)