Paper Analysis
Exam Pattern
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
NTSE had two papers: MAT and SAT.
Each paper had 100 multiple-choice questions, 100 marks and 120 minutes.
There was no negative marking (removed in 2018).
Answers were marked on an OMR sheet.
NTSE Exam Pattern
NTSE tested two broad abilities: reasoning (through the Mental Ability Test) and subject knowledge at Class IX–X level (through the Scholastic Aptitude Test). The same two-paper format was followed in both stages, although States/UTs set their own Stage 1 papers.
NTSE Exam Pattern: Overview
Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Stage 2 timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 100 | 100 | 120 minutes | 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 100 (Science 40, Social Science 40, Maths 20) | 100 | 120 minutes | 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm |
Key Features
Question type: Multiple-choice questions with four options.
Marking: 1 mark for each correct answer.
Negative marking: None (abolished in 2018, as per NCERT).
Answer sheet: OMR sheet.
Visually challenged candidates: Separate timetable with extra time for SAT.
Medium of the Exam (Stage 2)
Stage 2 papers were available in Asamiya, Bangla, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. The medium chosen on the application form could not be changed later. Stage 1 languages were decided by each State/UT.
Explore the Paper in Detail
Pro Tip: With 100 questions in 120 minutes, you get about 72 seconds per question. Practise full papers against the clock.
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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