NTSE Exam Pattern 2025

Introduction to NTSE Exam Pattern

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is done in two phases. The first level is conducted separately in each State / Union Area. Students selected for the first round of examinations will be eligible for the national examination. Both test phases were performed in two parts. The first part is the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the second part is the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

NTSE 2025 test pattern Stage-I

Stage-I is managed by the appropriate State / UT executives at the regional / UT level. Students must solve the paper in one of two languages: English or Hindi. At this point, each correct answer receives one mark and no negative marking. The paper is divided into two sections:

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Psychological Testing (MAT)

There are 100 multiple choice questions with four options provided, of which only one answer will be correct. Each correct answer will be given one mark. Students must answer the questions on the OMR sheet, according to the instructions given on the OMR sheet and the questionnaire. The duration of the Mental Skills Test is 120 minutes.

School Skills Assessment (SAT)

The SAT also combines 100 multiple choice questions with four others, of which there will be only one answer. Each correct answer will be given one mark. There are 40 Science questions, 40 Social Science questions, and 20 Mathematics. Students must answer the questions on the OMR sheet, according to the instructions given on the OMR sheet and the questionnaire. There will be no negative marking. The duration of the Scholastic Aptitude Examination is 120 minutes.

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Paper	Number of questions	Maximum marks	Duration (Minutes)
MAT	100	100	120
SAT – Maths, Science and Social Science	100	100	120

Phase 2 of the NTSE Test Pattern 2024-25

NCERT will conduct the Phase 2 examination at the national level.
Only category 1 are shortlisted or eligible to qualify for the bursary in Stage 2.
The Mental Assessment Test (MAT) and the School Skills Assessment (SAT) are two aspects of the NTSE 2025 Phase 2 test pattern (SAT).
In both MAT and SAT, there will be 100 questions (Science-40, Maths-20, Social science-40).
Both exercises are 2 hours and 120 minutes long.
There are no negative points.

Exam Pattern for Stage 2

Papers	Maximum Marks	Number of Questions	Time Allotted
MAT	100	100	120 minutes
SAT (Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences)	100	100	120 minutes

Medium The questionnaire will be available in a variety of languages including Assyrian, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Students must state the language in which they want to write the tests on the application form.

Tips for Preparing for NTSE Exam 2025

In order to pass the NTSE exam with honours, one needs to understand how to prepare. We’ve included simple tips and tricks below.

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It is important for the learner to understand which sections to study for the NTSE exam, how much time he or she has to complete the papers, and which sections need extra attention.
If students have a complete understanding of the test structure and syllabus, they will be able to answer all the questions.
To prepare for NTSE 2021-22, NCERT recommends using CBSE textbooks for grades 9 and 10. However, it is best to use relevant NTSE literature to capture MAT ideas.
In order to retain information, students should review the prepared articles regularly.
To learn about the main themes and marking process, students can download and practice the NTSE Question Papers.
Resolving previous year’s papers also teaches students time management, which helps them improve their NTSE phase 1 results.

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FAQs on NTSE Exam Pattern

How long are students with disabilities allowed to rest?

PH applicants are given an additional 30 minutes to complete the NTSE test.

How will the NTSE test be conducted?

Students will choose the language or teaching method and the questions that will be asked at the language costs provided by the Examinations Council in the State-level examinations. The NTSE phase 1 test can be completed in English, Hindi, or any other regional language.

What kind of questions are asked at NTSE?

In a test, you will be asked multiple-choice questions. In both phase 1 and stage 2, the NTSE test pattern is the same; there are three tests, which include the Mental Activity Assessment (MAT), which assesses students' ability to solve problems and think.