Understanding the NTSE Examination: Total Marks and Structure

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a prestigious competitive exam in India aimed at identifying and recognizing brilliant students. It is divided into two stages: Stage 1 (State-level) and Stage 2 (National-level).

Structure and Total Marks

The total marks for the NTSE are distributed as follows:

Stage 1

This stage includes two papers:

Mental Ability Test (MAT): 100 marks Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): 100 marks

The SAT further divides into several subjects:

Physics: 13 questions Chemistry: 13 questions Biology: 14 questions Mathematics: 20 questions Social Science: 40 questions MAT (Reasoning and Verbal/Non-Verbal): 100 marks

Thus, the total marks for Stage 1 are 200.

Stage 2

The second stage also consists of the same two papers:

MAT: 100 marks SAT: 100 marks

The SAT for Stage 2 is slightly different in distribution:

Science (Physics and Chemistry): 40 marks Mathematics: 20 marks Social Science (SST): 40 marks

The total marks for Stage 2 are also 200, bringing the overall total to 400 marks.

Recent Changes

For the current examination year, there have been a few changes in the Structure and Marking Scheme:

The total marks have increased to 200. Previously, it was 150 with 50 marks for the LCT (Learning Competency Test) not being considered. There is no longer a Learning Competency Test (LCT), resulting in the total marks being 200 (100 for MAT and 100 for SAT). For the Stage 2 exam held on May 13th, the paper pattern remains the same, with no LCT and a total of 200 marks. There is no negative marking this year, and each paper will be of 2 hours instead of the previous 1.5 hours.

Note: Further updates in this area are always possible, so it is recommended to check official NTSE guidelines or notifications for the most accurate and updated information.

Conclusion

The NTSE examination is a rigorous test designed to assess the comprehensive knowledge and abilities of students. With a total of 400 marks, it serves as a significant milestone in a student's academic career. This examination not only evaluates students in specific subjects but also tests their overall potential in different areas through the Mental Ability Test. Understanding the structure and marking scheme is crucial for any student preparing for this prestigious exam.