NTSE 2025 Exam Pattern - Check Marking Scheme, Total Marks, Chapter Wise Weightage, Duration

Updated By Sakunth Kumar on 07 Jun, 2021 13:26

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NTSE 2021 Exam Pattern

The NTSE 2021 Exam Pattern is prescribed by the conducting body of the examination i.e., NCERT. Knowing the structure of the exam should be of utmost priority to the aspirants. The exam pattern helps in understanding marking scheme, time duration and much more about the question paper. These details help in the NTSE 2020 Preparation in an organized and strategized way. 

NTSE  is conducted in two stages. The first stage is a State-level examination and comprises two papers each carrying 100 questions. The second stage follows a similar pattern as that of the first stage examination. Those who qualify in the first stage of examination are given the opportunity to appear in the second stage. After successfully qualifying in the second stage, candidates are awarded scholarships. 

NTSE is a national-level scholarship examination that is being conducted since 1973.The exam aims at searching talented students and awarding them scholarships to pursue further studies. It has served as an effective initiative to promote education and encourage the youth of the nation to become literate and achieve the pinnacle of success.

Highlights of NTSE 2021 Exam Pattern

  • NTSE is conducted in two stages namely state-level and national-level.

  • The mode of examination is offline. 

  • The first stage comprises of two papers where each consists of 100 multiple type questions.

  • The pattern of both the stages of NTSE 2020 is similar.

  • Each paper of both the stages carries 100 marks.

  • The duration of each paper is 120 minutes i.e., 2 hours. 

  • One of the two papers of each stage is divided into sections namely Science, Mathematics and Social Science.

NTSE 2021 Exam Pattern

The exam pattern and structure of the  NTSE 2021 has been described below. The candidates must remember that Stage 1 will be the state-level screening test whereas the second stage will be a national level screening of young talents of the nation. Candidates must know that the exam pattern of stage 2 of NTSE 2020 is similar to stage 1. If there is any change in pattern for Stage 2 of the examination, the same will be communicated through the official portal of NCERT. Aspirants are advised to keep track of updates on the website.

Paper

Test

Number of Questions

Maximum Marks

Duration of Examination (in minutes)

Paper I

Mental Ability Test (MAT)

100

100

120

Paper II

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

100

100

120

Sectional Break-Up of Questions in SAT of Both Stage 1 and 2 of NTSE 2021

Paper

Test

Subjects

No. of Questions

Maximum Marks

Time Duration

 Paper II

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

Science

40

40

120 minutes

Mathematics

20

20

Social Science

40

40

NTSE 2021 Marking Scheme

It is important for aspirants to comprehend the NTSE 2021 Marking Scheme before taking the examination. Following are the rules laid down by NCERT to assess the exam:

  • For every correct answer, one mark will be given to the candidates.

  • There is no negative marking for incorrect answer.  

  • Marks will not be deducted for unattempted or unanswered questions.

  • Since there is no negative marking, candidates are advised to attempt every question of the examination paper. 

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Related Questions

if i got 92.56% in total in 1st stage of ntse so am i selected for the 2nd stage ?

-Pooja MadaviUpdated on February 10, 2021 10:12 PM
  • 3 Answers
Anjali Kashyap, Student / Alumni

From today onwards 10-1-21 on which date we can apply for exam?

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