How to Master NTSE

Examinations are an integral part of the Indian educational system. Unlike western countries where education and examination are less competitive, we harbor some of the toughest exams in the world to churn out the most competitive and jubilant professionals and minds. While it is deemed as the foremost reason that makes the Indian education system obsolete, the quality of the Indian workforce stands unequaled worldwide.

Various bodies, both public and private, conduct Olympiads and competitive exams on a regular basis to identify talent at a young age. The first mega-platform that students are exposed to is the NTSE (National Talent Search Exam). Started in 1961 with an aim to identify, recognize and reward talented students with a monthly stipend, the exam is conducted in two phases for the students appearing in class 10^th.

Currently, more than 50 lakh students appear in the exam out of which only 1000 students qualify and are entitled to a stipend. NTSE is held in two stages with a specific quota allocated to each state in the initial round. This implies that the first-round qualifiers would be chosen from each state. However, the second round does not have any quota.

So this article focuses on what it takes to master NTSE and how should the aspirants channelize their energy to get the best as per their efforts and potential.

1. Start preparations early: As the NTSE exam is not confined to the class 10^th syllabus, it is advised to start preparing from earlier grades, preferably a couple of years in advance.
2. Being thorough with concepts: It is an obvious fact that students cannot memorize the whopping volume of the syllabus required in NTSE. Therefore, there is no second alternative to sincerity and conceptual clarity.
3. Complex problem solving: Since the ratio of qualifiers to applicants is approximately 1:5000 or 0.02%, the questions and problems cannot be direct like in board exams. Therefore, it is imperative for an NTSE aspirant to study beyond textbooks to have an edge over others.
4. Examination-oriented efforts: As the NTSE exam is the applicant’s first exposure to objective MCQ type testing, they need to be equipped with the requisite techniques and problem-solving methods in advance. They need to be well equipped at using techniques like the elimination method and not getting complacent.
5. General problem solving: Many questions in NTSE or competitive exams are deliberately made complex to trap the majority of students into making mistakes and losing out on marks. A student has to be cautious in attempting the exam.
6. Mental Aptitude: As NTSE involves Mental Aptitude Test, aspirants need to prepare for that section which accounts for one-fourth of the total score. myPAT blog titled “NTSE requirements beyond curriculum” offers an in-depth explanation of NTSE MAT. To excel in the NTSE exam, aspirants not only need hard work but smart efforts as well. While practice and hard work are very important, it is very important to keep yourself aware of the trends. Keep following myPAT blog for NTSE updates.