⚠️ Important Update: Is NTSE 2026 Confirmed?The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) scheme is currently under review/stalled by the Ministry of Education. It has not been conducted since the 2021-22 session. The syllabus and patterns below are based on previous trends. Aspirants are advised to keep checking the official NCERT website for reactivation notices.
Subject-wise NTSE Syllabus 2026 has been provided on this blog! Check the detailed National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) syllabus and Exam Pattern for Stage 1 & 2 below.
Are you appearing for the NTSE Scholarship exam? In this blog, we have covered the complete information regarding the latest NCERT scholarship Exam Pattern and Syllabus for Class 10th students.
NTSE 2026 Exam Overview
| Conducting Body | NCERT (National Council of Education Research and Training) |
| Exam Name | National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) |
| Eligibility | Class 10th Students Only |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR Based) |
| Stages | Stage 1 (State Level) & Stage 2 (National Level) |
| Official Website | Stage 2: www.ncert.nic.in Stage 1: Check your respective State SCERT website. |
Scholarship Amount & Benefits
If the scheme is reactivated for 2026, the scholarship amount is expected to follow the previous structure:
- Class 11 to 12: ₹1,250 per month
- Undergraduate & Postgraduate: ₹2,000 per month
- Ph.D.: As per UGC norms
NTSE Exam Syllabus 2026 (Stage 1 vs Stage 2)
The NTSE 2026 Exam is conducted in 2 Stages. While the format (MAT + SAT) is the same for both, the syllabus focus is different.
Critical Difference: Stage 1 vs Stage 2 Syllabus
- Stage 1 (State Level): The questions are based on the State Board Syllabus of the respective state/UT. You must study your state textbooks thoroughly.
- Stage 2 (National Level): The questions are strictly based on the NCERT Syllabus (Class 9th & 10th).
1. NTSE Syllabus for MAT (Mental Ability Test) 2026
The MAT section tests your reasoning and logical thinking. It is crucial as it carries 100 marks.
- Classification
- Venn Diagrams
- Figure Partition and Dot Situation
- Analogy (Non-Verbal & Verbal)
- Embedded Figure
- Series (Non-Verbal & Verbal)
- Mathematical Operations
- Blood Relations
- Alphabets and Number Test
- Paper Folding and Cutting
- Water and Mirror Images
- Ranking and Arrangements
- Coding-Decoding
- Calendar, Time and Clock
- Direction Sense
- Cube and Dice
- Missing Character
NTSE SAT Syllabus 2026
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) includes 100 questions from Science, Social Science, and Mathematics. Here is the detailed breakdown:
NTSE Mathematics Syllabus
- Basic Geometry & Triangles
- Surface Areas and Volume
- Arithmetic Progressions
- Polynomials & Quadratic Equations
- Square & Cube Roots
- Direct & Inverse Variations
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Coordinate Geometry
- Linear Equation in Two Variables
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
- Probability & Statistics
- Number System & Rational Numbers
- Circles
NTSE Social Science Syllabus (History, Geography, Civics)
Note: For Stage 1, refer to your State Board history/geography books specifically.
[Image of solar system planets orbit]| History & Civics | Geography & Economics |
| Indian Constitution & Democracy | Resources and Development |
| French & Russian Revolution | Agriculture & Major Crops |
| The Mughal Empire & Delhi Sultanate | Nationalism in India |
| Indus Valley Civilization | Solar System & The Universe |
| Natural Vegetation & Wildlife | Water Resources |
| Union Government & Judiciary | Industries & Manufacturing |
| Indian Freedom Struggle | Population & Climate |
| UN and International Agencies | Indian Economics & Globalization |
NTSE Science Syllabus 2026
- Motion, Force, and Laws of Motion
- Gravitation (Work and Energy)
- Sound & Light
- Electricity & Magnetic Effects
- Structure of Atom & Molecules
- Periodic Classification of Elements
- Acids, Bases, and Salts
- Metals & Non-Metals
- Carbon and its Compounds
- Life Processes (Nutrition, Respiration)
- Heredity and Evolution
- Control and Coordination
- Our Environment
- Cell: The Fundamental Unit of Life
- Tissues & Diversity in Living Organisms
NTSE Exam Pattern 2026 (Stage 1 & Stage 2)
Both stages follow the same exam structure. There is currently no negative marking, but candidates should carefully read the instructions on the exam day as rules can change.
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions & Marks | Duration |
| Paper I | Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 100 Questions (100 Marks) | 120 Minutes |
| Paper II | Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 100 Questions (100 Marks) (Science-40, Maths-20, SST-40) |
120 Minutes |
Reservation Criteria:NTSE follows Government of India reservation norms:
- SC: 15%
- ST: 7.5%
- OBC (Non-creamy layer): 27%
- EWS: 10%
- PwD: 4%
Expected Cut-off Marks (Out of 200):To qualify for the merit list, aim for these scores based on previous years:
- General: 170 – 185 Marks
- OBC: 150 – 165 Marks
- SC/ST: 130 – 145 Marks
Best Books for NTSE Preparation 2026
To clear this exam, NCERT books alone are not enough for MAT. We recommend:
- For MAT: “A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal.
- For SAT (Stage 1): State Board Textbooks of Class 9 & 10 (History/Geography focus).
- For SAT (Stage 2): NCERT Textbooks of Class 9 & 10 (Thorough reading).
- Practice: “Study Package for NTSE Class X” by McGraw Hill Education.
Final Remarks!
National Talent Search Examination is one of the most reputed high school level scholarship exams in the country. Students preparing for this exam must refer to the entire topics of the syllabus mentioned above. Remember, the key to success in Stage 1 is focusing on your State Board curriculum alongside mental ability.
Do you have any questions related to the NTSE Syllabus 2026? Let us know in the comments below!