Eligibility Criteria
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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 was open to Class X students in recognised schools.
There was no domicile restriction, but States/UTs could add their own conditions.
Students in Open and Distance Learning needed to be under 18 on 1 July.
Class X students studying abroad could appear directly in Stage 2 with 60% marks.
NTSE Eligibility Criteria
NCERT's last published NTSE brochure set out who could take the exam. These rules applied while the scheme was active; any revived scheme may have different eligibility.
NTSE Eligibility: Overview
Criterion | Rule (last published brochure) |
|---|---|
Class | Studying in Class X |
School | Any recognised school, including Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and Sainik Schools |
Domicile | No domicile restriction; candidates appear from the State/UT where their school is located |
State conditions | States/UTs may set extra conditions, such as minimum marks in the previous annual exam |
ODL students | Under 18 years on 1 July, not employed, and appearing in Class X for the first time |
Students abroad | Class X students abroad with at least 60% in the previous annual exam; exempt from Stage 1 |
Income limit | No parental income criterion (discontinued in 2008); OBC creamy-layer rules applied for reservation |
Eligibility for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Students
Students registered with Open and Distance Learning could apply if they were below 18 years of age on 1 July of the exam year, were not employed, and were appearing in the Class X exam for the first time.
Eligibility for Indian Students Studying Abroad
Class X students studying abroad were exempt from Stage 1 and could appear directly in Stage 2, provided they had at least 60% aggregate marks in the previous annual exam. They had to take the exam at a centre in India at their own expense, and scholarships were payable only for studies in India.
Category-wise Eligibility and Reservation
All categories took the same exam. Reservation applied to the scholarships: 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 27% for OBC (non-creamy layer) and 4% for persons with benchmark disabilities. See Stage 2 Merit and Final Selection.
Important Points
Eligibility rules apply only if and when NCERT revives the scheme.
Check your State/UT's additional conditions in its official advertisement.
Keep your Class IX mark sheet and category certificates ready.
Pro Tip: If you are in Class IX or X now, focus on strong fundamentals and reasoning practice. These help whether NTSE returns or you choose another scholarship exam or Olympiad.
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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