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NTSE National Talent Search Examination 2026 — ₹1,250-₹2,000/Month for Top Class 10 Students | ncert.nic.in
🏛️ NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training)Last updated:
💰 Benefit
₹1,250-₹2,000/month for entire education career (Class 11 to PhD) for top ~2,000 Class 10 students nationally
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Key Facts
- Scholarship Amount
- ₹1,250/month (Class 11-12); ₹2,000/month (UG/PG); fellowship rates (PhD)
- Duration
- From Class 11 to PhD completion (lifelong scholarship if continued in academia)
- Marks Required
- Top 2,000 in NTSE Stage II (after qualifying Stage I)
- Application Window
- Stage I: Aug-Oct (state-wise) | Stage II: May-June (national)
- Beneficiaries / Year
- 2,000 fresh scholars per year (~10,000 active)
| Scholarship Amount | ₹1,250/month (Class 11-12); ₹2,000/month (UG/PG); fellowship rates (PhD) |
| Duration | From Class 11 to PhD completion (lifelong scholarship if continued in academia) |
| Marks Required | Top 2,000 in NTSE Stage II (after qualifying Stage I) |
| Application Window | Stage I: Aug-Oct (state-wise) | Stage II: May-June (national) |
| Selection Process | Stage I (state): MAT + SAT 200 marks → top ~2-5% qualify | Stage II (national): MAT + SAT 200 marks → top 2,000 selected |
| Beneficiaries / Year | 2,000 fresh scholars per year (~10,000 active) |
🎓 Apply via state-specific NTSE notification
https://www.ncert.nic.in
About NTSE Scholarship
National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is the most prestigious scholarship exam in India for Class 10 students. Conducted by NCERT in 2 stages: Stage I (State-level) → Stage II (National-level by NCERT). Top ~2,000 candidates qualify nationally and receive: ₹1,250/month (Classes 11-12), ₹2,000/month (UG/PG), and up to actual fellowship rates (PhD). Coverage lasts entire study career (up to PhD). Strong predictor of future success — high % of NTSE scholars become IIT-IIM-IIS toppers. Aim: identify and nurture talented students from across India.
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✅ Eligibility
- ✓Indian citizen Class 10 student (during exam year — Stage I happens in November)
- ✓Studying at recognised school (CBSE/ICSE/State boards)
- ✓Both day scholars and hostellers eligible
- ✓Indian student studying abroad can apply via separate route
- ✓Age ≤ 18 years
📄 Documents Required
- 📄Class 10 enrollment certificate from school
- 📄Aadhaar Card
- 📄Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC scholarship reservation)
- 📄Bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked)
- 📄Disability certificate (for PwD scholarship reservation)
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❓ FAQs — NTSE Scholarship
▶What is NTSE and why is it famous?
NTSE (National Talent Search Examination) is India's oldest and most prestigious scholarship exam for Class 10 students. Conducted by NCERT since 1963. Top 2,000 students nationally get monthly stipend that continues from Class 11 throughout their education career (up to PhD). Famous because most NTSE scholars go on to top IITs, IIMs, AIIMS — strong correlation with future academic success.
▶NTSE eligibility 2026?
(1) Indian citizen Class 10 student; (2) Studying at recognised school (any board — CBSE/ICSE/State); (3) Both day scholars and hostellers eligible; (4) Age ≤ 18 years; (5) For Stage I: studying in the state from which you're applying. Reservations: SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC 27%, PwD 4%.
▶NTSE exam pattern 2026?
Stage I (State-level, November): Mental Ability Test (MAT) 100 marks + Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) 100 marks = 200 marks total. State conducts. Top 2-5% qualify for Stage II. Stage II (National, May/June by NCERT): Same MAT + SAT pattern = 200 marks. Final top 2,000 nationally get scholarship. Plus rigorous personal interview for some categories.
▶How much scholarship does NTSE give?
Class 11-12: ₹1,250/month (₹15,000/year). UG/PG (general including B.Tech, MBA, MD/MS): ₹2,000/month (₹24,000/year). PhD: as per UGC fellowship rates (typically ₹37,000-42,000/month). Plus continues for the ENTIRE duration of education up to PhD — total lifetime value can be ₹15-25 lakh per scholar.
▶How to apply for NTSE 2026?
Step 1: Watch your STATE board / school for Stage I notification (typically August-October). Step 2: Apply through school (state-specific application form). Step 3: Appear for Stage I exam in November. Step 4: Stage I result December-January. Stage I qualifiers register for Stage II online via ncert.nic.in. Stage II exam May/June. Final result around July-August. Scholarship begins from Class 11 admission.
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