Application / Registration Process
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NTSE status (checked 15 October 2026): NCERT has not conducted the National Talent Search Examination since the 2021 cycle. Its notice states that the National Talent Search Scheme was approved till 31 March 2021, and that further implementation of the scheme in its present form has not been approved and has been stalled till further orders. No NTSE 2026 notification has been issued. The details on this page come from NCERT's last official NTSE information brochure and are given for reference only.
Key Takeaways
No NTSE 2026 application form is available.
Stage 1 forms were issued by each State/UT, not by NCERT.
Forms had to be signed by the school Principal and sent to the State Liaison Officer.
Students did not apply separately for Stage 2; States recommended qualified candidates.
NTSE Application Process
NTSE applications were handled at the State/UT level. Each State/UT advertised the Stage 1 exam through newspapers and school circulars, issued its own application form and set its own deadline. Since NTSE is currently stalled, no application window is open.
How the NTSE Stage 1 Application Worked
Check the notice: Watch for the State/UT advertisement or your school's circular.
Get the form: Obtain the application form as specified by the State/UT.
Fill in details: Complete personal, school and category details carefully.
Principal's signature: The form had to be signed by the Principal of the school.
Submit: Send the form to the State Liaison Officer before the State/UT deadline.
Stage 2 Registration
Students did not need to apply separately for Stage 2. Each State/UT recommended candidates who qualified in Stage 1 within its quota, and NCERT issued e-admit cards for the national-level exam.
Students Studying Abroad
Class X students studying abroad applied through the Head of their institution, with an attested Class IX mark sheet, so that the request reached NCERT by 31 December of the relevant year. They then appeared directly in Stage 2.
Important Points
NCERT did not conduct Stage 1 or accept Stage 1 applications directly.
Fill in your name and category exactly as in school records.
Keep copies of the submitted form and any receipt.
See also: NTSE Application Fees and Required Documents.
Pro Tip: If NTSE is revived, ask your school to share the State/UT circular as soon as it arrives. Forms often go through schools, and deadlines can be tight.
Source: NCERT NTSE Information Brochure (latest published edition).
Official Website
For authentic NTSE information, refer only to official NCERT resources:
NCERT NTSE page: ncert.nic.in/national-talent-examination.php
NTSE information brochure (last published): Download PDF
NTS scholarship portal: ntse.ncert.gov.in
Exam helpline (as listed by NCERT): 011-26560464, ntsexam.ncert@gov.in
Students should not pay any fee or share personal details on unofficial websites claiming to conduct NTSE.
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