NTSE

National Talent Search Examination popularly known as NTSE is conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for identifying talented students who want to pursue higher education in Science and Social Studies streams. The examination is conducted at two levels i.e. first, state- level talent search examination and then, National Level Talent Search Examination. The State Level Talent Search Exam is conducted for all students studying in Class 10th. The students qualifying in State Level Talent Search Examination are eligible to appear for NTSE stage II examination to be conducted by NCERT. The aim of NTSE scheme is to award talented students pursuing education in Science and Social Studies stream with scholarships to help continue their education.

Eligibility Criteria for NTSE Stage I exam (state level)

Candidates need to fulfil the eligibility criteria for NTSE Stage 1 exam as mentioned below:

• Candidates currently studying in Class 10th from any recognized Private/Government schools including Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, and Sainik Schools can apply.
• The candidates can appear in their respective state/UT's NTSE stage I exam, although there is no domicile restriction.
• The SCERT of respective state/UTs may mention any additional criteria for stage I exam such as minimum qualifying marks in the previous class.
• Moreover, candidates who are completing their education from Open and Distance Learning (ODL) such as National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or state Open boards are also eligible to apply and appear for NTSE.
• The candidates studying from Open and Distance Learning must not be less than 18 years of age at the time of appearing in the scholarship exam. Moreover, they should not be employed (not even part-time jobs) and they should be appearing in Class 10th qualifying examination for the first time.

Eligibility Criteria for NTSE Stage II exam

NTSE Eligibility for candidates studying in India:

Candidates appearing for National Level Talent Search Examination i.e. NTSE stage II exam by NCERT need to fulfil the below-mentioned eligibility criteria

• They must be an Indian National irrespective of where they are pursuing their Class 10th qualifying examination i.e. in India or Abroad.
• They must have qualified stage I exam at the state level.

NTSE Eligibility for candidates studying outside India

• The Indian national candidates studying abroad can directly appear for stage II exam of NTSE scholarship award.
• They should have scored at least 60% marks in their previous class qualifying examination i.e. in Class 9th.
• Such candidates should be planning to pursue their higher education in India only after obtaining the NTSE Scholarship.

General Requirements for awarding NTSE Scholarships -

• The candidate should pursue only the approved courses in Science, Social Sciences, Engineering and Medical streams only. The candidate should be willing to pursue higher education in India only
• The candidates should be certified as maintaining good conduct at their school and should continue their higher education.
• They should not be absent from school without proper leave or informing the school authorities.
• The candidates should be a full-time student and should not be working anywhere or getting salary/stipend.
• If the candidate is getting scholarship under any other scheme as well then, he/she should decide which scholarship scheme he/she wants to continue with.
• If any candidate is getting any other scholarship then, his/her NTS Scholarship will be stopped for that year and can be continued only after he/she requests NCERT for resuming the scholarship; they have to discontinue benefits from other scholarship schemes.
• The candidates getting fee waivers/ one-time grant/fee subsidy and accommodation are eligible for NTSE Scholarship
• If any candidate drops studies or discontinues his/her education within one year of admission, then no scholarship will be awarded to him/her.
• The candidates should pass in all subjects of their course in first attempt only and if they fail in any of the core subject his/her scholarship will be cancelled.