NTSE 2025: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Registration and More

656

One of the prestigious scholarships in India, the National Talent Search Examination, or the NTSE exam aims to discover and develop talent in pre-university students. Carried out by NCERT, the NTSE aims to be an examination of the mental ability, reasoning, and scholastic aptitude of class 10 students. 

Let’s dive into a wide range of information on NTSE 2025, including essential dates, application process, eligibility criteria, etc. 

What is NTSE?

NTSE full form is the ‘National Talent Search Examination.’ It is a two-tier examination for Class 10 students. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) conducts NTSE to identify and nurture talented students, offering scholarships to deserving candidates and supporting their academic pursuits right from higher secondary education to doctoral studies. 

The exam is made up of two stages- Stage 1, conducted at the state level, and Stage 2, which is at the national level. The exam itself has two primary sections – MAT (Mental Ability Test) to evaluate problem-solving skills and logical reasoning, and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), to assess knowledge in subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. 

NTSE Exam 2025: Overview

The NTSE 2025 exam is expected to follow the usual format, with two stages:

Stage 1: It is conducted by states and union territories across India.

Stage 2: It is conducted by NCERT at the national level.

NTSE 2025 Exam Dates

While the official NTSE exam date for 2025 is still due to be announced by NCERT, according to previous trends, the tentative dates are-: 

Event	Date
NTSE Exam 2025 Registration Begins –	August 2024
NTSE Exam 2025 Registration Last Date –	October 2024
NTSE Stage 1 Examination –	November 2024 (varies from state to state)
NTSE Stage 2 Examination –	May 2025

Candidates should check the official NCERT website (www.ncert.nic.in) for regular updates regarding the NTSE exam date 2025 along with other necessary notifications. 

NTSE 2025 Registration Process – How to Apply for NTSE 2025?

The NTSE registration process for 2025 involves these steps:

• Local Board Notifications: Each state and Union territory will have its registration dates notified through local board notifications.
• Obtaining the Form: The candidates may download the application forms from the respective State Education Department’s website or may get it from their respective schools.
• Filling out the Form: Provides information such as academic records, personal details, etc.
• Form Submission: The completed application form along with necessary documents and fees is to be submitted to the school or the presiding nodal office.

For Indian Students – 

• The candidate should first get the application form from the NCERT website.
• After filling in all the details, it must be signed by the principal.
• The application should then be sent to the State Liaison Officer by the candidate before the last date prescribed.

For Indian Students in the US – 

• Candidates can immediately apply for Stage 2 of NTSE.
• Application forms can be downloaded from the website.
• The application form must be submitted along with a photocopy of the Stage 1 exam mark sheet. 

Documents Required for NTSE Registration: 

It is important to keep the following documents in order before the last date for registration of the NTSE exam, which is in 2025, to avoid disqualification:

• Class 9 report card
• Birth certificate
• Domicile certificate
• Passport-size photographs

NTSE 2025 Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualifications: Candidates must be taking their Class 10 from a recognized school.
• Age limit: Candidates must be below 18 years on the date of examination.
• Nationality: Open to Indian nationals and Indians studying abroad. 

NTSE Exam Pattern 2025

The NTSE exam is divided into two sections:

1. Mental Ability Test (MAT): This section tests problem-solving, reasoning, and critical thinking.
2. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): Focuses on academic subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Science.

Key Details for NTSE 2025

Here are some other key details-

• Stage 1: Conducted in regional languages.
• Stage 2: Conducted in English and Hindi.
• Duration: 120 minutes for each section.
• Marking Scheme: No negative marking.

NTSE Cutoffs for 2025

The cut-off marks signify the minimum required to qualify for a particular examination. Each state and Union Territory shall release its Stage 1 cut-off, while NCERT will declare the final merit list and cut-offs according to each category after Stage 2.

Expected cut-off marks for Stage 1:

• General: 65%
• OBC: 60%
• SC: 55%
• ST: 55%
• PWD: 50%

Expected Cut-off marks for Stage 2:

• SC: 122 marks
• ST: 113 marks
• SC (Physically-Handicapped- Orthopaedic): 71 marks
• SC (Physically-Handicapped- Hearing Impaired): 87 marks
• ST (Physically-Handicapped- Orthopaedic): 90 marks
• ST (Physically-Handicapped-Handicapped – Hearing Impaired): 81 marks
• General: 150 marks
• General (Physically-Handicapped- Orthopaedic): 111 marks
• General (Physically-Handicapped- Hearing Impaired): 78 marks
• General (Physically-Handicapped- Visually Impaired): 101 marks 

Preparation Tips for NTSE 2025:

• Begin early, focusing not only on the MAT section but also on the SAT one.
• Solve previous years’ question papers to see an insight into exam patterns.
• Regular revision of concepts in Mathematics, Science and Social Science.
• Mock tests for time management and accuracy practice. 

The Takeaway

An opportunity of a lifetime for academically brilliant students to realize their dreams with financial help and national recognition is towards the ambit of NTSE Exam 2025. 

While the exact NTSE 2025 Exam date will be announced in due time, the tentative schedule listed above can be used as a roadmap to start preparing. Start your preparations early, stay consistent, and keep track of all the latest updates to maximize your chances of succeeding in this prestigious examination. 

FAQs on NTSE 2025