National Talent Search Exam (NTSE) is the scholarship exam conducted by NCERT, under their National Talent Search Scheme. It was started in 1963 to identify talented students and nurture their talent. The NTSE is one of the most prestigious talent search exams in the country. The scheme provides financial assistance to the meritorious students in the form of a monthly scholarship and an annual book grant. Students who are awarded the scholarship receive financial assistance up to the Ph.D. level in Social Sciences, Basic Sciences and Commerce. Apart from the scholarships that can be won by the students of Class VIII, a good performance in the NTSE will be a very valuable addition to the overall credentials of a child later in his/her career. In fact, the very process of appearing for NTSE can be a very enriching experience for a child.

Eligibility: All students studying in class VIII are eligible. Student from any board can appear for the examination. The scheme is open only to students of Indian nationality.

How many Scholarships are awarded and what is the Scholarship that one receives: As per the present rules of the scheme, each year 1000 scholarships awarded. The amount of scholarship will be Rs.500 per month. The selected students receive this assistance up to Ph.D. Level. For professional courses this assistance is given only upto Post Graduation.

When is NTSE conducted: The selection process consists of two levels, the preliminary exam (Stage ? I) is conducted by the respective state/UT boards generally in the month of November. The students who qualify the Stage ? I, appear the Stage ? II examination conducted by NTSE generally in the month of May. The notification for this examination is generally released in the month of July by NCERT.

The notification for NTSE 2012 has been released and can be accessed here

Reservation: 15% scholarships are reserved for students belonging to SC category, 7.5% for students belonging to ST category and 3% scholarships are reserved for students who belong to PC (Physically Challenged) Category.