Paper Analysis
Subject-Wise Weightage
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
Official SAT split: Science 40, Social Science 40, Mathematics 20.
MAT and SAT carried equal weight (100 marks each).
NCERT did not publish chapter-wise weightage.
NTSE Subject-Wise Weightage
The only official weightage for NTSE is at the paper and subject level. NCERT never released chapter-wise weightage, so any chapter-wise figures you see online are estimates from coaching institutes, not official data.
Official Weightage
Paper / subject | Questions | Share of total 200 marks |
|---|---|---|
MAT | 100 | 50% |
SAT – Science | 40 | 20% |
SAT – Social Science | 40 | 20% |
SAT – Mathematics | 20 | 10% |
Total | 200 | 100% |
What This Means for Preparation
MAT is half the total. Reasoning practice deserves as much time as all SAT subjects together.
Science and Social Science are equal. Do not neglect Social Science.
Mathematics is the smallest share but can be time-consuming, so build speed.
Related: NTSE Exam Pattern · NTSE Syllabus
Pro Tip: Plan your weekly study time roughly in line with this weightage: about half on reasoning, and the rest shared across Science, Social Science and Maths.
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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