NTSE Exam 2024: Notification, Eligibility, Syllabus, and Preparation Tips
Important Dates for NTSE 2024
The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a prestigious national-level scholarship program conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for students of Class X. The exam is held annually to identify and nurture talented students across the country.
The exact dates for the NTSE 2024 exam will be announced by the respective state/UT authorities. However, the general timeline for the exam is as follows:
| Stage | Activity | Tentative Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Application Submission | October – November 2023 |
| Stage 1 | Exam | December 2023 – January 2024 |
| Stage 2 | Application Submission | February – March 2024 |
| Stage 2 | Exam | May 2024 |
| Result Declaration | June – July 2024 |
Note: These dates are tentative and subject to change. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official websites of the respective state/UT authorities for the latest updates.
Eligibility Criteria for NTSE 2024
To be eligible for the NTSE 2024 exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
- Academic Qualification: Must be studying in Class X in the academic year 2023-24.
- Age Limit: Must have been born on or after 1st July 2005.
- Number of Attempts: Candidates can attempt the exam only once.
NTSE 2024 Exam Pattern
The NTSE exam is conducted in two stages:
Stage 1 (State Level)
- Exam Pattern: The exam is conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper based).
- Duration: The exam duration is 2 hours.
- Subjects: The exam consists of two papers:
- Paper 1 (Mental Ability Test): This paper assesses the candidate’s reasoning, analytical, and problem-solving skills. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- Paper 2 (Scholastic Aptitude Test): This paper assesses the candidate’s knowledge in the following subjects:
- Social Science: History, Geography, Political Science, Economics
- Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics
- Language: English/Hindi (depending on the state/UT)
Stage 2 (National Level)
- Exam Pattern: The exam is conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper based).
- Duration: The exam duration is 3 hours.
- Subjects: The exam consists of two papers:
- Paper 1 (Mental Ability Test): This paper is similar to the Stage 1 Mental Ability Test.
- Paper 2 (Scholastic Aptitude Test): This paper is similar to the Stage 1 Scholastic Aptitude Test, but the syllabus is more advanced.
Marking Scheme
- Each correct answer in both Stage 1 and Stage 2 carries 1 mark.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
NTSE 2024 Syllabus
The detailed syllabus for the NTSE 2024 exam is available on the official websites of the respective state/UT authorities. However, the general syllabus for both Stage 1 and Stage 2 is as follows:
Mental Ability Test (MAT)
- Reasoning: Analogies, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles
- Analytical Ability: Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving
- Verbal Ability: Synonyms, Antonyms, Comprehension, Sentence Completion, Vocabulary
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
Social Science
- History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India
- Geography: India and the World, Physical Geography, Human Geography
- Political Science: Indian Constitution, Political System, Governance
- Economics: Basic Economic Concepts, Indian Economy, Development
Science
- Physics: Motion, Force, Work, Energy, Heat, Light, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism
- Chemistry: Matter, Atoms, Molecules, Chemical Reactions, Acids, Bases, Salts
- Biology: Living Organisms, Cell, Tissues, Organs, Systems, Plants, Animals, Human Physiology, Health and Disease
Mathematics
- Algebra: Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Polynomials, Progressions
- Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric Ratios, Identities, Heights and Distances
- Statistics: Data Handling, Measures of Central Tendency, Probability
Language
- English/Hindi: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Composition, Literature
Preparation Tips for NTSE 2024
- Start Early: Begin your preparation well in advance, ideally 6-8 months before the exam.
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus for both Stage 1 and Stage 2.
- Refer to NCERT Textbooks: NCERT textbooks are the best resources for the NTSE exam.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year papers is crucial for understanding the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Join Coaching Classes: Joining coaching classes can provide structured guidance and expert advice.
- Time Management: Develop effective time management skills to complete the exam within the allotted time.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Stay Focused and Motivated: Maintain a positive attitude and stay focused on your goals.
NTSE 2024 Scholarship Benefits
The NTSE scholarship provides financial assistance to talented students to pursue their higher education. The scholarship amount varies from state to state. However, the general benefits include:
- Monthly Stipend: A monthly stipend is provided to the scholarship holders.
- Tuition Fee Reimbursement: The scholarship covers the tuition fee for the student’s higher education.
- Examination Fee Reimbursement: The scholarship covers the examination fee for various competitive exams.
- Book Allowance: A book allowance is provided to the scholarship holders.
Important Websites for NTSE 2024
- NCERT: https://ncert.nic.in/
- State/UT Authorities: The official websites of the respective state/UT authorities will have the latest information about the NTSE 2024 exam.
NTSE 2024 Sample Papers
Table 1: Sample Questions for Mental Ability Test (MAT)
| Question Type | Sample Question |
|---|---|
| Analogies | Lion : Roar :: Snake : ? |
| Classification | Which of the following does not belong to the group? a) Apple b) Orange c) Mango d) Potato |
| Series | Find the missing number in the series: 2, 4, 8, 16, __ |
| Coding-Decoding | If ‘CAT’ is coded as ‘XYZ’, then what is the code for ‘DOG’? |
| Blood Relations | A is the father of B. C is the brother of A. D is the sister of C. What is the relationship between B and D? |
| Direction Sense | A person walks 5 km east, then 3 km south, and then 2 km west. What is the final position of the person from the starting point? |
| Seating Arrangement | Five friends are sitting in a row. A is sitting next to B, and C is sitting next to D. E is sitting at one end of the row. Who is sitting in the middle? |
| Puzzles | There are 5 houses in a row, each painted a different color. Each house has a different pet, a different owner, and a different drink. Using the clues below, determine who owns the fish. |
Table 2: Sample Questions for Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
| Subject | Sample Question |
|---|---|
| History | What was the significance of the Battle of Plassey? |
| Geography | Explain the concept of plate tectonics. |
| Political Science | What are the fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution? |
| Economics | Define the term ‘inflation’ and explain its causes. |
| Physics | State Newton’s laws of motion. |
| Chemistry | What is the difference between an atom and a molecule? |
| Biology | Explain the process of photosynthesis. |
| Mathematics | Solve the equation: 2x + 3 = 7 |
| English/Hindi | Write a paragraph on the importance of education. |
Note: These are just sample questions. The actual exam questions may vary.
Conclusion
The NTSE exam is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for talented students to showcase their abilities and secure a scholarship for their higher education. By following the preparation tips and studying diligently, candidates can increase their chances of success in the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the NTSE 2024 exam be held?
The exact dates will be announced by the respective state/UT authorities. However, the general timeline is from October/November 2023 for application submission to June/July 2024 for result declaration.
2. What are the eligibility criteria for the NTSE 2024 exam?
You must be an Indian citizen, studying in Class X in the academic year 2023-24, and born on or after 1st July 2005. You can only attempt the exam once.
3. What is the exam pattern for the NTSE 2024 exam?
The exam is conducted in two stages: Stage 1 (state level) and Stage 2 (national level). Both stages consist of two papers: Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The exam is offline (pen-and-paper based).
4. What is the syllabus for the NTSE 2024 exam?
The detailed syllabus is available on the official websites of the respective state/UT authorities. It covers topics from Social Science, Science, Mathematics, and Language (English/Hindi).
5. How can I prepare for the NTSE 2024 exam?
Start early, understand the syllabus, refer to NCERT textbooks, practice previous year papers, join coaching classes, manage your time effectively, take mock tests, and stay focused and motivated.
6. What are the benefits of the NTSE scholarship?
The scholarship provides financial assistance for higher education, including a monthly stipend, tuition fee reimbursement, examination fee reimbursement, and a book allowance.
7. Where can I find more information about the NTSE 2024 exam?
Visit the official websites of the NCERT and the respective state/UT authorities.