NTSE for Classes 9–10 — 2025–26 Status & Guide
Authority: NCERT | Scheme: National Talent Search (NTS) Scholarship | Stage(s): State (Stage‑I) + National (Stage‑II)
🌐 Official NTSE Page (NCERT)
💳 Scholarship Portal (Awardees)
Status (as of 30 Sep 2025): NCERT has not announced NTSE 2025–26. The scheme/exam has been on hold since 2021 pending approval. NCERT continues to disburse scholarships to existing awardees via the NTS portal. Watch the Official NTSE Page for any revival notice.
Who is this page for?
This page helps Class 9–10 students, parents and teachers to: (1) understand the current NTSE status, (2) see the last‑known pattern for reference, and (3) pick the best alternatives that are active in 2025–26.
Last‑known NTSE Pattern (for reference)
- Eligibility: Historically for Class X only (regular/ODL; additional conditions applied).
- Two stages: Stage‑I (State/UT) → Stage‑II (NCERT, national level).
- Papers: MAT (Mental Ability Test) & SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test – Science, Maths, Social Science). Language test (qualifying) existed in some years.
- Question format: Objective MCQs. Negative marking policy varied by year (abolished in 2018 at Stage‑II; always check the official notice if NTSE resumes).
- Scholarships (as per current scheme): ₹1,250/month for Classes XI–XII; ₹2,000/month for UG/PG; PhD as per UGC norms; total 2,000 awards with statutory reservations.
Best Alternatives for Classes 9–10 (Active in 2025–26)
| Exam / Scheme | For which class? | Benefit / What it leads to | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMMS – National Means‑cum‑Merit Scholarship | Exam in Class 8 → scholarship paid in Classes 9–12 | ₹12,000/year (₹1,000/month) to eligible meritorious students in Govt/Govt‑aided schools | MoE (About) • Guidelines (₹12k) |
| IOQM – Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics | Classes 8–12 (Class 9–10 eligible) | Gateway to RMO → INMO → International Mathematical Olympiad | ioqmexam.in • HBCSE |
| NSEJS / IOQJS – Junior Science Olympiad route | Up to Class 10 (age limits apply) | Leads to INJSO → International Junior Science Olympiad | HBCSE Brochure • IAPT |
| State Talent Search Exams (STSE) | Varies by state (often Class 10) | State scholarships/recognition (check your State Education Dept.) | State SCERT/Board websites |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is NTSE happening in 2025–26? No official notification yet. Keep checking NCERT’s NTSE page.
- Can Class 9 students apply? Historically, NTSE was for Class X. Class 9 students should target NMMS/IOQM/NSEJS this year and prep for NTSE only if officially revived.
- What about existing NTSE scholarships? Disbursement to past awardees continues through the NTSE portal.
Official Links
- NCERT NTSE page: ncert.nic.in/national-talent-examination.php
- NTSE Scholarship portal (awardees): ntse.ncert.gov.in
- NMMS (MoE): education.gov.in/en/nmms • Guidelines PDF (₹12,000/year): Download
- IOQM: ioqmexam.in • HBCSE page: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in
- Junior Science Olympiad (NSEJS/IOQJS): HBCSE brochure • iapt.org.in
📝 Disclaimer
This page summarises the official status visible on NCERT’s NTSE page and valid scheme documents. If NTSE is revived, dates/pattern may change — always refer to NCERT notices first.