Selection and Award Process
State Quota and Stage 1 Selection
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
Each State/UT had a fixed quota of candidates for Stage 2.
Quotas were based on Class IX–X enrolment and revised every three years.
In 2018-19 and 2019-20, the total quota was 8,387 candidates.
Only candidates clearing the qualifying marks in both papers entered the state merit list.
NTSE State Quota and Stage 1 Selection
Stage 1 was the screening round. Each State/UT conducted its own exam and recommended a fixed number of candidates for the national-level Stage 2 exam. That number is called the State/UT quota.
How State Quotas Were Fixed
According to NCERT's brochure, the quota for each State/UT was based on student enrolment in Classes IX and X and was revised every three years. For 2018-19 and 2019-20, the total quota across India was 8,387 candidates, ranging from 20 (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) to 1,408 (Uttar Pradesh).
Stage 1 Selection Process
The State/UT conducts the Stage 1 MAT and SAT papers.
Candidates who clear the qualifying marks in both papers become eligible.
The State/UT prepares a merit list within its quota, applying reservation rules.
Selected candidates are recommended to NCERT for Stage 2.
Stage 1 Pattern
States/UTs set their own Stage 1 papers, generally following the MAT and SAT format. See Stage 1 and Stage 2 Pattern.
Important Points
Your competition in Stage 1 is mainly within your own State/UT.
Clearing the qualifying marks alone does not guarantee a place; you must also fall within the quota.
Pro Tip: Practise previous Stage 1 papers from your own State/UT where available, as state papers can differ in style.
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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