As examinations are an integral part of the Indian education framework, Olympiads and competitive exams are conducted on a regular basis to recognize talent right from junior grades. However, the first mega-platform that students are exposed to is the 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 10th.
NTSE pattern
NTSE exam is presented to students in the form of Multiple Choice Questions with each question having four choices. A student is required to select the correct answer from the choices and each correct answer bears one mark.
NTSE exam tests the applicants on two grounds namely SAT and MAT. While the former is more academically oriented, the latter tests students’ general problem solving and smartness. MAT consists of 50 questions each bearing 1 mark and lasts for 45 minutes. SAT further has two sections i.e. Languages test (45 minutes, 50 questions, 1 mark each) and a combined section for Science, Mathematics, and Social Science (90 minutes, 100 questions, 1 mark each).
While cracking NTSE without diligence is very difficult, merely hard work does not assure NTSE scholarship. The competition in the NTSE is fierce as 0.02% of applicants get to qualify for the exam. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to maintain keen dedication, composure, and most importantly perseverance in efforts.
myPAT recommends the below-mentioned tips to boost your preparation in the last few days before NTSE MAT:
- Previous papers: Previous year NTSE exams and sample papers are available easily. As students don’t have much time to revisit all the concepts from 9th and 10th, solving sample papers is the best route to practice.
- Maintaining quick study notes: For certain concepts, a quick revision of formulas and diagrams is very handy. It is advisable for an applicant to maintain such quick study notes and revise them a day before the exam.
- Games on mobile phones: A lot of games as well vocabulary building apps are available on the Android play store as well as the iOS App store. Since students carry mobiles all the time, it is advisable to use such apps for utilizing leisure time into studying for NTSE.
- Practicing: Owing to the immense competition, students need to be exam ready and fare their best in the exam for which practice is the key.
- Expert Tips: It is always advisable to follow the experts’ advice on how to attempt the exam. Also, based on experts recommendations student should revise the concepts accordingly to give his/her best.
- Self Analysis: Based on the performance in various mock tests or practice exams, an aspirant should maintain a list of his/her strengths and weaknesses. This helps students channelize her/her efforts in the right direction.
It is very important for the aspirants to get a deep understanding of concepts as well as problem-solving skills required to qualify. Keep following mypAT blog for more NTSE updates.