The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a scholarship programme for Indian students in Class X who show exceptional academic talent. Conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), the NTSE identifies and supports students through two-stage examinations. Stage I is held at state or union territory level, while Stage II is conducted at the national level. The test covers mathematics, science, social science and language to assess reasoning and scholastic abilities.

Open to students enrolled in Class X in any recognised school in India, including Sainik Schools and Kendriya Vidyalayas. There is no income limit or category-based reservation for this examination. Students from all sections of society—General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD—are eligible to apply if they meet the academic criteria set by NCERT.

Apply through your school by filling the NTSE application form issued by the State/UT examination authority. The school forwards the completed forms to the concerned district or state office before the deadline announced by the authority. No direct online application is accepted; the process is managed through schools and government channels.