NCERT Postpone National Talent Search Scheme (NTSE) 2022

According to an NCERT official, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has not yet renewed the National Talent Search Scheme because the government is intent on overhauling the programme to increase its exposure and popularity among rural children.

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE), which selects 2,000 scholars from all around the country each year, has been postponed this year until “further order,” according to a Friday announcement from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

With thousands of students taking the state-level test each year, the scholarship offered under the National Talent Search Scheme is much sought after. A number of applicants are chosen and recommended for the national-level test that will be held by NCERT as part of the two-tiered selection procedure for this scholarship by the states and union territories. The national test attracts about 5000 applicants. The scholarship is available from Class 10 (at a monthly cost of Rs. 1,200) to Ph.D. (as per UGC norms).

The state-level test for this year, which was scheduled to be held in May, has been delayed significantly since NCERT is still waiting for the government’s approval for the scheme’s relaunch.

“The government is trying to revamp the scheme before renewing its approval. They want more visibility for this scheme in rural areas. That’s taking a little time. It’s not as if the scheme has been scrapped,” an NCERT official told The Indian Express.

Since NTSE was not approved after March 31, 2021, the programme has been put on hold till further notice, according to an official announcement from the NCERT.

“The National Talent Search Scheme is a central sector scheme fully funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE) Government of India (Gol). NCERT is an implementing agency for the NTS scheme. The scheme was approved till 31st March, 2021. The further implementation of the scheme in its present form has not been approved and has been stalled till further orders. This is for the information of all concerned,” the official notice reads.

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