National Talent Search Examination is conducted by the National Council of Education Research, and Training (NCERT) to identify talented students of class VIII and Class X and provide them with scholarship for higher studies. Selection process is made through two tier screening examinations. First exam is conducted by respective states and Union territories known as State Level Talent Search Examination. Candidates who have obtained 60% marks in State Level Talent Search Examination are eligible to attend National Talent Search Exam. Candidates are not required to pay any fees for these tests.

Exam pattern of National Talent Search Examination

The examination is conducted as three sections.

• Mental Ability Test (MAT)
• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and
• Interview

Mental Ability Test (MAT)

This section contains 100 questions, each carrying one mark. The duration of the test is 90 minutes. Questions will be in objective type multiple type formats with five options. Candidates are required to obtain a minimum of 40 marks to qualify this test. Reserved category students require 32 marks to qualify.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

Scholastic Aptitude Test comprises of 100 objective types multiple choice questions. Each question carries one mark. Candidates will get a maximum time limit of 90 minutes for this section. There will be 40 questions from Science subjects and 40 questions from Social Science and 20 questions from Mathematics. Minimum marks required to qualify this section is 40. Reserved category students need 32 marks to qualify the exam.

Medium of instruction for the written test will be English or Regional Language as per the government norms. The candidate can opt for a specific medium of instruction according to their preference while filling the application form.  There will be no negative marks for wrong answers.

Candidates who qualify the written test will be shortlisted for the interview. Interview will last for 15 to 20 minutes and will carry a maximum mark of 25. There will not be any qualifying marks for the interview. Candidates can expect questions from their qualifying degree.

Application Process

Candidates sponsored by states/ Union territories on the basis of State level screening test are eligible to apply for the National Talent Search Exam. Application form can be downloaded from the official website of NCERT or from state liaison officer. Duly filled applications, signed by Principal of the school concerned should be submitted to the respective state’s liaison office. Candidates are not required to send their application to NCERT. There will not be any reservation based on state/ union territory quota.