NTSE Exam Pattern 2024 for Stage 1 & 2 - Check NTSE Paper Pattern Here

Students preparing for the upcoming NTSE exam must be aware of the paper pattern of NTSE 2024 to devise a preparation strategy. NTSE 2024 exam pattern contains details such as marks allocated to each section, exam mode, duration of the exam and more. National Talent Search Exam is a scholarship test that is held in pen and paper mode. The question paper will contain 2 sections - MAT and SAT, each of 100 marks.

NTSE paper pattern 2024 and syllabus are the same for stage 1 and 2. However, the difficulty level of question papers increases for stage 2. The test duration of each paper is 120 minutes. NTSE 2024 exam pattern helps students to create a strategy for qualifying NTSE 2024.

NTSE Exam Pattern 2024 (Stage 1)

NTSE 2024 examination is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 is conducted at the state/UT level by the concerned state/UT authorities. The question paper consists of two papers: MAT and SAT.

The NTSE exam pattern 2024 states that stage 1 examination can be attempted in either Hindi or English language. Every correct answer will fetch 1 mark while there is no negative marking for wrong attempts. Check the NTSE 2024 exam pattern of both stages below:

Part 1 – Mental Ability Test (MAT)

• MAT consists of questions based on analytical and logical reasoning.
• Mental Ability Test evaluates the candidate’s reasoning, ability to think, ability to evaluate, ability to discriminate and visualize.
• This section consists of a total of 100 questions.
• The main topics of the Mental Ability Test are series, pattern perception, analogies, coding-decoding, classifications, hidden figures and problem-solving etc.
• The test duration is 120 minutes.

Part 2 – Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

• SAT section consists of a total of 100 questions from Science (40), Social Science (40) and Mathematics (20).
• The section tests the candidate’s reading abilities, interpretation, evaluation and general awareness of the subjects.
• The time allotted for the SAT section is 120 minutes.
• The level of questions will be equivalent to class 10th or equivalent exam.

Check Class 10 NCERT Solutions for exam preparation

• NCERT Solutions for Class 10
• NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Maths
• NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science
• Scholarships in India
• Top Schools in India

NTSE Stage 1 Exam Pattern 2024

NTSE Marking Scheme 2024 for Stage I

NCERT follow a certain marking scheme to shortlist the eligible candidates.

• For correct answer- 01 marks will be added to the total score
• For wrong answer- No negative marking
• For unattempted question- No mark will be deducted for unattempted question.

Students have to mark a maximum number of correct answers to get good marks in the NTSE examination. Only ones who obtain the minimum cut off marks will be able to receive the scholarship amount.

It needs to be noted that only the students who qualify in both the papers separately will be considered for merit. Selection of the awardees will be made on the basis of total marks scored in MAT and SAT sections

NTSE Syllabus 2024 for Stage I Exam

NCERT doesn't specify NTSE syllabus for both stages. However, it is suggested to follow the Class 9th & 10th syllabus of the state board or CBSE to prepare for NTSE. The syllabus consists of important topics from which questions will be asked in the examinations.

NTSE Stage-I Syllabus

Check, NTSE previous question papers to know the difficulty level and important topics

NTSE Exam Pattern 2024 Stage 2

• The Stage 2 exam will be held at the National level by NCERT.
• In Stage 2, only the shortlisted or qualified candidates of Stage 1 can appear to compete for the scholarship.
• NTSE exam pattern 2024 for Stage 2 is divided into two parts namely the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
• There will be 100 questions in both MAT and SAT (Science-40, Maths-20, Social science-40).
• The duration of both exams is 2 hours or 120 minutes each.
• There is no negative marking.

NTSE Exam Pattern 2024 for Stage 2

How to Prepare for NTSE 2024 Exam?

To qualify for the exam with good marks, one must be aware of how to prepare for the NTSE exam. Below, we have provided some easy tips and tricks-

• Know the Pattern & Syllabus- It is imperative for a student to know which sections to prepare for the NTSE exam, how much time you have to solve the papers and on which section requires more focus. Students can have answers to all asked questions if they have the complete details of exam pattern and syllabus.
• Follow the right books- NCERT recommends following the CBSE class 9th & 10th books to prepare for NTSE 2024. However, to get a hold on concepts of MAT, it is better to follow the right NTSE books.
• Regular Revision- Students should revise the prepared topics on a regular interval to retain the information.
• Solve Previous Year's Papers- Students must download and practice NTSE Question Paper to know the important topics and marking scheme. Solving the previous year papers also helps students to learn time management, so that they can get better marks in the NTSE stage 1 result.

NTSE 2024 Preparation Books

Students should follow the below books to get good marks in NTSE.

• Mental Ability for NTSE by Disha Experts
• Study Package for NTSE Class X by McGraw Hill Education