Getting a regular scholarship upto the doctorate level, flaunting the title of an ‘NTSE Scholar’ and making your parents proud… Sounds like a great deal?
Now, it’s time to work hard for it!
NTSE was introduced as an initiative to identify and promote academic talent. Conducted at secondary school level, NTSE is conducted in 2 stages for the students of class 10
1000 scholarships are awarded every year out of which 250 are reserved for SC, ST and physically challenged students.
Perks of being an NTSE Scholar
It is a matter of honour and repute to hold the title of an ‘NTSE Scholar’. You’ll reap its benefits throughout life. Some of these are:
- Most of the recognised coaching centres which prepare students for careers in science discipline (JEE, medical, etc.) offer free admission and up to 50% off on preparation material.
- If you’re an IIIT- Delhi aspirant, a bonus of 6 marks is added to your JEE Main score while considering admission into the institute.
- A number of foreign universities which offer undergraduate courses in science give preference to NTSE scholars during selections.
- Bagging internships during early years of college (when you have nothing substantial on your resume) is easier as compared to others.
- A monthly scholarship of Rs 1250 is given to NTSE scholars for pursuing science, social science, humanities, fine arts, languages, commerce, or vocational studies in class 11 and 12. The scholarship amount is increased to Rs 2000 per month from undergraduate up to doctoral level.
- Benefits during NDA selections.
Preparation tips for NTSE
- Follow NCERT
Clearing your basic concepts is utmost important and NCERT builds the best foundation for it. Even if you are studying from other reference books, make sure they are comprehensive enough and explain the concepts in an elaborative way.
- Get a good grasp on Mental Ability section
Students generally tend to ignore mental ability, but it is the high scoring section and you can easily solve the questions if you have practiced a lot. Refer R.S. Agrawal reasoning books and solve it daily to hold a good command.
- Devote time to self-study and practice
Every topper and teacher emphasises the need of self-study and practice. No matter how many hours you spend in tuitions or coaching classes, devote more time on self-study and analyse your performance.
- Know your weaker sections and improve
Once you prepare a particular concept, take concept tests to check your proficiency. Analyse the test results to identify your strengths, weaker sections and further work upon improving them.
- Solve previous year papers
It is necessary to get familiar with the exam pattern so as to maximise your performance. The best practice is to solve numerous mock tests and previous year papers in the last few days before the exam in the same time slot to be exam ready.