Among all scholarship examinations in India, the National Talent Search Examination, or NTSE, stands as the most crucial test. If students want to succeed in exam preparation, then they have to understand both the exam pattern and the marking scheme perfectly. Continue reading to learn all the necessary details you need to know.

• Overview of NTSE Exam Pattern

The NTSE is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 takes place at the state or UT level and includes two main sections: 

• Mental Ability Test 
• Scholastic Aptitude Test 

Students get two hours to complete 100 questions in each section of the test, which extends to four hours in total. All questions are multiple-choice. The SAT section includes subjects including Science and Mathematics with Social Science. Students need to complete Stage 1 before starting Stage 2 of the exams. The complete NTSE test series assists students in understanding different question patterns.

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Must Read: NTSE MAT Preparation Tips: How to Score High

• NTSE Marking Scheme

NTSE follows an uncomplicated evaluation system that demands students to prepare strategically. The marking scheme remains identical between both stages. That is: 

• Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark.
• There is no negative marking.

The passing marks change each year based on how hard the test is and how well students do. Different groups like General, SC, ST and PH have different passing marks to ensure fair representation.

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• Preparation Strategy for NTSE

To be successful in preparation, you need to:

• Focus on learning core concepts.
• Keep a check on your learning progress.
• Add an NTSE mock test to your weekly studies. 
• Practice questions and solve them according to the time limits to increase your speed and accuracy.
• Divide study material into smaller sections so that you can systematise the preparation.
• Review your mistakes carefully after completing the NTSE test series to prevent repeating them.
• Practice past papers to know the exam trend and the questions quite often asked.

• Conclusion 

The National Talent Search Examination evaluates candidates on both their academic expertise and their analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities. The knowledge of exam format and marking scheme helps you develop strategic preparation methods. Regular NTSE mock test combined with targeted learning of weak areas will help you achieve better results.

Remember that consistency remains the essential factor for NTSE's success. Knowledge of the exam format, together with proper preparation, will increase your chances of securing this essential scholarship.

• FAQs

The first stage of the exam takes place during November-December, while the second stage is in May-June of the following year.

  2. How should I divide my study time between the MAT and SAT?

The two sections have matching mark values, so you should spend equivalent time studying each section.

  3. What is the scholarship amount for NTSE qualifiers?

The scholarship amount for: 

• Class 11 & 12: ₹1250 per month
• Undergraduate & Postgraduate: ₹2000 per month
• PhD: As per UGC norms