NTSE 2026 Exam Date

Is the NTSE Exam Being Conducted Right Now?

No. The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is run by NCERT under a central sector scheme funded by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. NCERT has stalled the examination from the 2021-22 cycle onwards, until further orders, because the scheme has not been approved for continuation in its present form. This guide explains the standard NTSE framework so students and parents know what to expect if the examination resumes. For the latest official position, check the NCERT National Talent Examination notices.

Key Facts

NTSE Exam Dates (Stage I & Stage II)

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is conducted in two stages – Stage I (State Level) and Stage II (National Level). Knowing the exam dates well in advance is crucial for effective preparation and planning. This page provides the complete schedule for NTSE, including exam dates, paper timings, and important notes.

Note for Overseas Indian Students: Indian students studying abroad are exempted from Stage I and can appear directly for Stage II. The exam dates for Stage II apply to them as well, and they must appear at an examination centre in India.

NTSE – Stage I Exam Dates (State Level)

NTSE Stage I is conducted by respective States and Union Territories. The exam is held on the same day across most states, with exceptions for a few states/UTs.

NTSE Stage I – Paper-wise Timings

Note: The above timings are as per previous years’ pattern. Any changes in the exam pattern or timings for NTSE Stage I will be communicated through the official NCERT website.

NTSE – Stage II Exam Dates (National Level)

NTSE Stage II is conducted by NCERT at the national level. Only candidates who qualify Stage I are eligible for Stage II. Overseas Indian students appear directly for Stage II.

NTSE Stage II – Paper-wise Timings

Note: Any changes in the exam pattern or timings for NTSE Stage II will be communicated through the official NCERT website.

Important Notes

• The official schedule for NTSE Exam Dates will be announced by NCERT and respective State/UT authorities.
• For Stage I: Application dates and last dates vary from state to state. Candidates must check their respective state’s official website for exact dates.
• For Stage II: The exam is conducted on the same day across all States/UTs by NCERT.
• For PwD Candidates: Visually challenged candidates and candidates with disabilities are provided compensatory time of 30 minutes per paper as per NCERT guidelines.
• For Overseas Indian Students: Indian students studying abroad appear directly for Stage II. They must ensure they apply through the prescribed channel and submit required documents to NCERT by the deadline notified by NCERT.
• Any changes in the exam dates or pattern will be communicated through the Official NCERT Website. Candidates are advised to regularly visit the website for the latest updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – NTSE Exam Dates

1. What are the timings for NTSE Stage I and Stage II?

MAT is held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and SAT is held from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM for general candidates. Visually challenged candidates get extra time – MAT: 9:30 AM to 12:00 Noon, SAT: 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

2. Is there any difference in exam dates for overseas Indian students?

Overseas Indian students appear directly for Stage II. The Stage II exam date applies to them as well.

3. Where can I get official updates on NTSE exam dates?

Official updates are available on the NCERT Website and respective State/UT education department websites.

4. Will there be any change in exam pattern for NTSE?

If there are any changes in the exam pattern for Stage I or Stage II, they will be communicated through the official NCERT website. Candidates should keep track of updates.

5. What is the compensatory time for PwD candidates in NTSE?

Visually challenged candidates and candidates with disabilities are given 30 minutes extra per paper (total 2.5 hours per paper instead of 2 hours).

6. How many stages does the NTSE have?

Two. Stage I is the state-level examination conducted by each State or UT, and Stage II is the national-level examination conducted by NCERT.

7. In which order are the NTSE papers held?

The Mental Ability Test (MAT) is held in the morning, from 9:30 AM, and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in the afternoon, from 1:30 PM.

8. How long is each NTSE paper?

Each paper is 2 hours (120 minutes). Visually challenged and PwD candidates get 30 minutes extra, so 2.5 hours per paper.

9. Do state exam schedules differ in Stage I?

Application dates and last dates vary from state to state, so candidates must check their state’s official website for exact details.

Important Notes and Disclaimers

• This page is updated for NTSE based on official notifications from NCERT and previous years’ patterns.
• The exact dates for NTSE Stage I and Stage II will be announced by NCERT and respective State/UT authorities. Candidates are advised to regularly visit the (Official NCERT Website) for the latest updates.
• State-wise application dates may vary. Candidates must check their respective state’s official website for exact application deadlines.
• For specific queries related to NTSE exam dates, candidates may contact their school authorities or State/UT Liaison Officer.

This page is for informational purposes only. ALLEN Overseas has verified the information from official sources (ncert.nic.in). However, candidates must refer to official notifications from NCERT and their respective State/UT authorities for final confirmation.