NTSE Stage 2 Qualification for 2018-2019: Your Chances and State Particulars
Have you scored 148 out of 195 in the Maharashtra NTSE Stage 1, with 79/95 in the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and 69/100 in the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), including 5 bonus questions? Will you qualify for the 2018-2019 NTSE Stage 2?
Predictions and Chances
According to some renowned coaching classes, the approximate cutoff would be 150-155. However, even if your score is 148, you still have a chance to qualify for the Second Level. The likelihood of qualifying depends largely on the difficulty level of the paper in your state, specifically Maharashtra in this case.
State-Specific Cutoffs
It is crucial to consider that NTSE is taken state-wise. The difficulty level of the paper can vary widely across different states. Therefore, while a state-wise cutoff is not explicitly mentioned here, it is safe to assume that a score higher than 160-170 out of 200 is typically necessary for selection. A score of 158 may be considered safe but could be risky depending on the state and the year's difficulty level of the paper.
Example from Uttar Pradesh (UP)
To illustrate, let's take an example from Uttar Pradesh. Last year, the cutoff was 121/150. This year, the paper was of 200 marks. Comparing the cutoff as a percentage, we get:
121/150 * 100 80.66%
Now, for 2018-2019 NTSE UP Stage 1 where the paper was of 200 marks, the safe prediction would be:
80.66/100 * 200 161 marks
However, this year the paper was comparatively easier due to the enormous time given, so getting around 170 marks is a more realistic and safer prediction. A score of 157 may be disappointing but ultimately depends on the specific state and its paper difficulty.
State Paper Level Variance
The difficulty of the paper can significantly affect the cutoff marks. If the paper is easy, the cutoff will go up; if it is medium or tough, the cutoff will decrease. Therefore, your chances of qualifying for NTSE Stage 2 are highly dependent on the state and the difficulty level of the paper in that state.
Minimum Cutoff Marks and Categories
Refer to the information brochure for NTSE available on their website to obtain the minimum cutoff marks for general, Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories. The General category will have the highest cutoff, while the ST category will have the lowest. You must score at least equal marks as per your category to qualify for the Second Round. I, as a former scholarship awardee from 2011, can provide more personalized insights and clearance for any general doubts regarding NTSE. Feel free to reach out for assistance.
Regardless of the minimally stated score required, securing your place in NTSE Stage 2 is not solely dependent on the sheer number of marks. It also depends on the state, the difficulty of the paper, and the category in which you belong. Wishing you well in your endeavor; anything is possible!