Preparation
Important Books
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
NCERT Class IX–X textbooks are the most important books for SAT.
MAT needs a good reasoning practice book and official sample papers.
Use the latest rationalised NCERT editions.
Important Books for NTSE Preparation
Since NTSE questions conformed to the Class IX–X level, the most reliable books are the ones you already study in school. Build a strong base with NCERT textbooks before using any extra material.
Core Books
Paper / subject | Recommended books |
|---|---|
Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | NCERT Science textbooks for Class IX and X |
Mathematics | NCERT Mathematics textbooks for Class IX and X |
History | NCERT India and the Contemporary World I and II |
Geography | NCERT Contemporary India I and II |
Political Science | NCERT Democratic Politics I and II |
Economics | NCERT Economics (Class IX) and Understanding Economic Development (Class X) |
MAT | A standard reasoning practice book covering verbal and non-verbal reasoning, plus NCERT's sample MAT paper |
Free Official Practice Material
NCERT textbooks are available free on the official NCERT website.
NCERT's sample MAT and SAT papers and scoring keys: see Previous Year Papers and Scoring Keys.
How to Use Books Effectively
Read each NCERT chapter and solve all in-text and exercise questions.
Make short notes of formulae, dates and definitions.
Practise MCQs only after the chapter is clear.
Take full-length timed tests every week.
Pro Tip: Fewer books, revised more often, beat many books read once. Finish NCERT thoroughly before adding anything else.
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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