Prelims Syllabus of NTSE Exam 2024
Mental Ability Test (MAT)
The Mental Ability Test (MAT) section of the NTSE exam assesses a candidate’s reasoning, analytical, and problem-solving skills. It covers a wide range of topics, including:
1. Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- Analogies: Identifying relationships between objects, concepts, or words.
- Classification: Grouping items based on shared characteristics.
- Series Completion: Identifying patterns and predicting the next element in a sequence.
- Coding-Decoding: Understanding and applying codes to decipher messages.
- Logical Reasoning: Solving problems using deductive and inductive reasoning.
- Data Interpretation: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in various formats (tables, graphs, charts).
- Blood Relations: Understanding family relationships and solving problems based on them.
- Direction Sense: Determining directions and navigating through a given space.
- Clocks and Calendars: Solving problems related to time, days, and dates.
- Puzzles: Solving logical puzzles and riddles.
2. Mathematical Reasoning
- Number System: Understanding different types of numbers, their properties, and operations.
- Algebra: Solving equations, inequalities, and problems involving variables.
- Geometry: Understanding basic geometric shapes, their properties, and formulas.
- Mensuration: Calculating areas, perimeters, and volumes of geometric figures.
- Trigonometry: Understanding trigonometric ratios and solving problems involving angles and triangles.
- Statistics: Analyzing and interpreting data using statistical methods.
- Probability: Understanding the concept of probability and calculating probabilities of events.
3. Spatial Reasoning
- Visual Reasoning: Identifying patterns and relationships in visual stimuli.
- Spatial Orientation: Understanding and manipulating objects in three-dimensional space.
- Figure Matrix: Completing missing parts of a matrix based on visual patterns.
- Paper Folding and Cutting: Predicting the outcome of folding and cutting a piece of paper.
- Mirror Images: Identifying mirror images of objects.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) section of the NTSE exam evaluates a candidate’s understanding of core academic subjects. It covers topics from the following subjects:
1. Language (English)
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting passages from various genres.
- Vocabulary: Recognizing and using a wide range of words and phrases.
- Grammar and Usage: Identifying and correcting grammatical errors.
- Sentence Structure: Understanding and constructing grammatically correct sentences.
- Paragraph Writing: Organizing and expressing ideas effectively in written form.
2. Social Science
- History: Understanding major historical events, personalities, and movements.
- Geography: Understanding the physical and human geography of India and the world.
- Political Science: Understanding the Indian political system, institutions, and processes.
- Economics: Understanding basic economic concepts, principles, and issues.
3. Science
- Physics: Understanding basic concepts of motion, force, energy, heat, light, and sound.
- Chemistry: Understanding basic concepts of matter, atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, and their applications.
- Biology: Understanding basic concepts of living organisms, their structure, functions, and interactions.
Sample Questions
Here are some sample questions from the NTSE exam to give you an idea of the difficulty level and types of questions asked:
MAT:
-
Analogies: Which of the following pairs has the same relationship as “Doctor : Patient”?
- (a) Teacher : Student
- (b) Lawyer : Client
- (c) Chef : Food
- (d) Artist : Painting
-
Series Completion: What is the next number in the sequence: 2, 4, 8, 16, __?
- (a) 24
- (b) 32
- (c) 48
- (d) 64
-
Data Interpretation: The following table shows the number of students enrolled in different courses at a college:
| Course | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| Science | 200 |
| Commerce | 150 |
| Arts | 100 |
What is the percentage of students enrolled in Commerce?
* (a) 25%
* (b) 33.33%
* (c) 50%
* (d) 66.67%
SAT:
-
Reading Comprehension: Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of the passage?
- (a) The passage discusses the history of the Indian independence movement.
- (b) The passage explains the importance of education in a democracy.
- (c) The passage argues that poverty is a major problem in India.
- (d) The passage describes the challenges faced by women in India.
-
Grammar and Usage: Identify the grammatically incorrect sentence:
- (a) He is taller than I.
- (b) She is the most intelligent girl in the class.
- (c) The book is lying on the table.
- (d) I have went to the market.
-
Physics: Which of the following is a unit of energy?
- (a) Newton
- (b) Joule
- (c) Watt
- (d) Ampere
Preparation Tips
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the NTSE exam:
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the syllabus and identify the topics you need to focus on.
- Refer to Good Study Materials: Use NCERT textbooks, reference books, and online resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests to get familiar with the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Time Management: Learn to manage your time effectively during the exam.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and dedicate extra time to improve them.
- Stay Healthy and Motivated: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay motivated throughout your preparation.
Exam Pattern
The NTSE exam is conducted in two stages:
- Stage 1 (State Level): This stage is conducted by the respective state or UT. The exam consists of two papers: MAT and SAT.
- Stage 2 (National Level): This stage is conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The exam consists of two papers: MAT and SAT.
Table 1: NTSE Exam Pattern (Stage 1)
| Paper | Subjects | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT | Mental Ability Test | 1 hour 30 minutes | 100 |
| SAT | Scholastic Aptitude Test | 1 hour 30 minutes | 100 |
Table 2: NTSE Exam Pattern (Stage 2)
| Paper | Subjects | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT | Mental Ability Test | 1 hour 30 minutes | 100 |
| SAT | Scholastic Aptitude Test | 1 hour 30 minutes | 100 |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the NTSE exam vary from state to state. However, generally, students studying in Class X are eligible to appear for the exam.
Benefits of Qualifying NTSE
- Scholarship: NTSE scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education.
- Prestige: Qualifying NTSE is a prestigious achievement that enhances a student’s academic profile.
- Admission Advantage: NTSE qualification can give students an advantage in admission to prestigious institutions.
- Career Opportunities: NTSE scholarship holders are eligible for various career opportunities in the field of education and research.
Conclusion
The NTSE exam is a challenging but rewarding exam that provides a platform for talented students to showcase their abilities. With proper preparation and dedication, you can achieve success in this exam and secure a bright future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the NTSE Exam 2024
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the NTSE exam?
The eligibility criteria vary from state to state, but generally, students studying in Class X are eligible. Check the official website of your state’s NTSE authority for specific details.
2. What is the exam pattern for the NTSE exam?
The NTSE 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). Each paper is of 1 hour 30 minutes duration and carries 100 marks.
3. What are the important topics to focus on for the MAT?
The MAT covers topics like reasoning, analytical ability, data interpretation, spatial reasoning, and mathematical reasoning. Focus on understanding concepts, practicing different types of questions, and developing problem-solving skills.
4. What are the important topics to focus on for the SAT?
The SAT covers topics from Language (English), Social Science, and Science. Focus on understanding core concepts, practicing comprehension and application-based questions, and revising important historical events, geographical features, and scientific principles.
5. What are some good study materials for the NTSE exam?
NCERT textbooks, reference books, and online resources are valuable study materials. Previous years’ question papers and mock tests are essential for practice and exam preparation.
6. How can I manage my time effectively during the exam?
Allocate time for each section based on its weightage and difficulty level. Practice time management techniques through mock tests and previous years’ papers.
7. What are the benefits of qualifying for the NTSE exam?
Qualifying for the NTSE exam provides a scholarship for higher education, enhances academic profile, gives admission advantage to prestigious institutions, and opens doors to various career opportunities.
8. When is the NTSE exam conducted?
The exam dates vary from state to state. Check the official website of your state’s NTSE authority for the exact dates.
9. How can I prepare for the NTSE exam effectively?
Understand the syllabus, refer to good study materials, practice regularly, manage time effectively, focus on weak areas, and stay healthy and motivated throughout your preparation.
10. What are some tips for staying motivated during preparation?
Set realistic goals, break down the syllabus into manageable chunks, reward yourself for progress, seek support from teachers and peers, and visualize your success.