Paper Analysis
Syllabus
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
There was no fixed NTSE syllabus; questions matched the Class IX–X level.
MAT tested reasoning and critical thinking.
SAT covered Science, Social Science and Mathematics.
NTSE Syllabus
Unlike most entrance exams, NTSE had no officially prescribed syllabus. NCERT's brochure states that the standard of questions would conform to the level of Classes IX and X. This makes NCERT Class IX–X textbooks the best foundation for preparation.
NTSE Syllabus: Section-Wise Overview
Paper | Areas | Questions |
|---|---|---|
MAT | Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, analysis, synthesis and critical thinking | 100 |
SAT – Science | Physics, Chemistry and Biology | 40 |
SAT – Social Science | History, Geography, Political Science and Economics | 40 |
SAT – Mathematics | Class IX–X Mathematics | 20 |
Subject-wise Syllabus Pages
Note: NCERT did not prescribe a fixed NTSE syllabus. Its brochure states that questions conform to the level of Classes IX and X. The topics below follow NCERT Class IX–X textbooks, which have been rationalised in recent years, so use the latest textbooks for study.
Pro Tip: Read NCERT textbooks line by line first. Most SAT questions test clear concepts, not obscure facts.
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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