NATIONAL TALENT SEARCH SCHEME
1. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The National Council of Educational Research and Training
(NCERT) was established by the Government of India in
The year 1961 with a view to bringing about qualitative
Improvement in school education in the country. No sooner
The Council was set up than it mounted a number of
programmes in this direction. One such programme was
to identify and nurture the talented students. This
programme took up the shape of a scheme called National
Science Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS) in the year 1963
Which provided for the identification of talented students
and awarding them with scholarships. During the first year
of the implementation of the scheme, it was confined to
the Union Territory of Delhi wherein only 10 scholarships
were awarded to the Class XI students.
In the year 1964 the scheme was extended to all the
states and the union territories in the country with 350
scholarships for the students of Class XI. These
scholarships were awarded on the basis of a written
examination, a project report and interview. The written
examination comprised the Science Aptitude Test and
an Essay on a given scientific theme. The candidates were
to submit the project report at the time of the written
examination. A stipulated number of candidates selected
on the basis of these three components were then
subjected to personal interview. The performance of the
candidates on these four components was eventually
employed for the purpose of awarding scholarships. These
38 scholarships were awarded for pursuing education only
in basic sciences up to doctoral level.
Consequent upon the introduction of 10+2+3 pattern
of education, the NSTS scheme also underwent a change
in the year 1976. It was no longer confined to only basic
sciences but was extended to social sciences, engineering
and medicine as well. It was renamed as National Talent
Search Scheme (NTSS). Since the education system in
the country was undergoing a change, the scheme was
made open to the students of Classes X, XI and XII and
separate examinations were conducted for each class. The
number of scholarships was raised to 500. The selection
procedure was also changed. Now the candidates were
subjected to two objective type written tests namely the
Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude
Test (SAT). A stipulated number of candidates qualifying
these two tests were subjected to face-to-face interview.
The final awards were made on the basis of composite
scores obtained in the MAT, the SAT and the interview.
The number of scholarships was again enhanced from
500 to 550 in the year 1981. These 50 scholarships were
exclusively meant for Scheduled Castes (SC) and
Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates. The number of
scholarships was once again escalated to 750 in the year
1983 with a provision of 70 scholarships especially for
SC/ST candidates. This arrangement continued until the
scheme was decentralised in the year 1985. In the year
2000, the number of scholarships was raised from 750
to 1000 with the provision of reservation for SC and ST
candidates based on the national norms of 15 per cent
and 7½ per cent respectively.
Yet another change in the scheme has been made in the
year 2006 wherein the NTS examination will now be held
at the end of Class VIII. However, the NCERT will conduct
two more examinations for Class X students in the selection
39
year 2007 and 2008 in order to give on opportunity to
those who are presently in Classes X and IX.
From the 2008 examination, a provision of 3 per cent
reservation has been made for Physically Challenged (PC).
2. METAMORPHOSIS OF THE SCHEME
An experience of over two decades of the scheme brought
it to the forefront that a large number of scholarships
were restricted to certain pockets of the country and many
areas remained unrepresentative. In the light of this, the
scheme was recast in 1985.
The scheme, which until now was completely centralised,
was partially decentralised and was confined to only Class
X. Under the new arrangement the selection of candidates
for the awards became a two-tier process. The states and
the union territories were entrusted with the responsibility
of conducting the first tier screening examination known
as State Level Talent Search Examination. Each state and
union territory was to select and recommend a stipulated
number (state quota) of candidates for the national level
examination to be conducted for about 3000 candidates
by the NCERT. The number of scholarships, however still
continued to be 750 including 70 for SC/ST candidates.
The state and the union territory quota was to be
computed proportionately on the basis of the student
enrolment at secondary level with a minimum of 10 for a
union territory and 25 for a state and a maximum of 500
for either of the two. This quota was to be reviewed every
three years.
The states had complete autonomy to design and conduct
their written examinations. However, they were advised to
follow the national pattern which comprised MAT and SAT.
The MAT, which consisted of 100 multiple choice type
questions, was to be attempted by all the candidates. The
SAT consisted of 25 multiple choice type questions each on
40 eight subject areas namely Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry,
Biology, History, Geography, Civics and Economics. The
candidates could choose any four out of these eight subjects
and had to answer a total of 100 questions in the SAT.
A stipulated number of candidates who qualified at the
national level examination were called for face-to-face interview.
The award of scholarships was finally determined on the
basis of the candidates’ scores obtained in all the three
components namely the MAT, the SAT and the Interview.
A crucial modification in the scheme was again made
in the year 1995 when the provision of choice in the SAT
was abolished and all the subjects were made compulsory.
These subjects were Science, Social Science and
Mathematics with 40, 40 and 20 questions respectively.
In the year 2000 the number of scholarships was raised
from 750 to 1000.
A major change in the scheme came in 2006, The
following modifications have been made in the scheme.
?????? The scheme has been brought down from Class X
to Class VIII.
?????? The National Talent Search examination will be
held at the end of Class VIII from the year 2007
onwards.
?????? The Class VIII MAT and SAT will consist of 90
questions each.
?????? SAT will have 35 questions for Social Science,
35 for Science and 20 for Mathematics.
?????? Quota for a state will be computed proportionally
on the basis of student enrolment in Classes VII
and VIII.
?????? The amount of scholarship has been enhanced
to Rs 500/- per month for all the students
studying in Class IX onwards (irrespective of the
41 class/course) except for Ph.D., wherein it is paid
as per UGC norms.
?????? The criterion of parental income for deciding
payment of scholarship has been discontinued.
?????? Book grant has also been discontinued.
?????? From 2008 the examination, a provision of
3 % reservation has been made for
physically challenged.
The scholarships under the present scheme are
awarded to the candidates for pursuing courses in
sciences and social sciences up to doctoral level and in
professional courses like medicine and engineering up
to second-degree level subject to the fulfillment of the
conditions provided in this brochure.
Further details of the scheme are given in the
subsequent pages.
3. SELECTION PROCEDURE
Identification of talent comprises two-stage selection
process. While the individual State/UT conducts the first
stage selection, the second stage selection at the national
level is carried out by the NCERT.
3.1 State Level Examination
Each State/UT conducts its own examination. They have
the autonomy to lay down their own norms for the purposes
of determining the eligibility of the candidates. This
examination is primarily used to recommend a given number
of candidates for the second level test to be conducted by
the NCERT. This number is based on the enrolment of
students at Classes VII and VIII in different States/UTs.
The candidates are to be recommended on the basis of the
merit in the written examination conducted by the States/
UTs. The details of the number of candidates for different
States/UTs as applicable will be notified separately.
42
The state level screening examination is conducted in
all States/UTs on second Sunday of November except in
Nagaland, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Meghalaya and
Mizoram where it will be conducted on second Saturday
of November every year until and unless some special
circumstances occur.
The addresses of the Liaison Officers of each State/UT
are given in Appendix with whom information about state
level examination may be sought.
3.1.1 Eligibility
All students studying in Class VIII in any type of recognized
school including Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya,
Sainik School etc. will be eligible to appear at the State Level
Examination from the State in which the school is located.
However, no domicile restriction shall be imposed. The state
may impose any other eligibility condition for appearing in
the screening examination like any qualifying percentage of
marks in the previous annual examination etc.
3.1.2 How to Apply
The students studying in Class VIII in the country ought
to be on the look out for any advertisement in the
43
newspapers or circular in the school by the respective
Government of their State/UT for the above said
examination and act as per the requirement given in the
State advertisement/circular. Any other information/
query about the details of the state level examination may
be had from Liaison Officers of the State/UT agencies,
the addresses of which are given in the Appendix.
The filled in application by the student be submitted
to the State Liaison Officer duly signed by the Principal
of the school before the due date as advertised/circulated
by each concerned State/UT.
They can also download the Common Application Form
from the NCERT website www.ncert.nic.in.
3.1.3 Medium of Examination
The medium of the test shall be as announced by the State/UT.
3.1.4 Fee
State may impose any fee for examination and/or for
application form.
44
3.1.5 Examination
State level examination may have two parts: Part-I Mental
Ability Test (MAT) and Part-II Scholastic Aptitude Test
(SAT) for nominating the required number of candidates
for the second level test to be conducted by the NCERT.
3.1.6 Results
The State/Union Territory will prepare a merit list of the
candidates ensuring the minimum qualifying marks in
both the tests separately. These marks are 40 per cent in
the case of general category candidates and 32 per cent
in the case of SC/ST/physically challenged candidates.
The result of State Level Talent Search examination is
declared in months of January/February by the
States/UTs themselves. This examination is used only to
recommend the candidates for second level NTS
Examination conducted by the NCERT. The marks of
the State Level Examination are not added to the National
Level Examination for award of scholarship. No
correspondence will be entertained by the NCERT with
regard to first level examination conducted by the States/
UT. The candidates having any query/complaint/
clarification with regard to the State Level Examination
shall have to correspond only with the state examination
agencies as given in the Appendix.
3.2 National Level Examination
There is no fee of any kind for appearing in the National
Level Examination.
3.2.1 Eligibility
The National Talent Search Examination is open for
students of Indian nationality whether they study in India
or abroad at Class VIII level.
45
3.2.1.1 Candidates Studying in India
Only the candidates selected by the States/UTs on the
basis of their screening examination shall be eligible to
appear in the National level examination to be conducted
by the NCERT on the Second Sunday of May each year
(unless otherwise notified). The NCERT will convey the
roll number, the venue, the date and time for the national
level examination to all such candidates directly through
registered mail.
3.2.1.2 Candidates Studying Abroad
Students of Indian nationality studying abroad at the
Class VIII level may also compete for Talent Search Award
under the following conditions:
(i) The Indian students studying abroad in Class VIII
or equivalent class shall be exempted from the first
level-screening test and shall be permitted to appear
directly at the second level examination conducted
by the Council.
(ii) A candidate shall be eligible to appear in the second
level NTS examination only if he or she has
obtained at least 60 per cent marks (in aggregate)
at the previous annual examination.
(iii) A candidate will have to appear in the
NTS examination at a centre in India at her/his
own cost.
(iv) A candidate desiring to appear in the NTS
examination may request through the Head of the
Institution where he or she is studying along with
an attested copy (by the Head of the Institution ) of
the marksheet of Class IX. The request should reach
the Head, Department of Educational Measurement
and Evaluation, NCERT, New Delhi-110016 latest
by 31st March of the concerned year.
46
(v) The Council shall allot roll numbers to the eligible
candidates and inform them about the date, time
and the venue of examination along with other
relevant instructions.
(vi) No request for change of Centre shall be entertained.
(vii) A candidate shall have to attend an interview, if
he/she qualifies for the same, in India at his/her
own cost.
(viii) If a candidate is selected, the scholarship shall be
paid for pursuing studies in India only.
3.2.2 Syllabus
There is no prescribed syllabus for the NTS examination.
However, the standard of items shall be conforming to
the level of Classes VII and VIII. A seprate booklet called
‘Learn about the Test’ containing sample items for both
the Tests — MAT and SAT is available in print as well as
on the NCERT website www.ncert.nic.in
3.2.3 Scheme of Testing
The scheme of testing is given below—
Duration No. of Maximum Qualifying Marks
Test Items Marks
Gen. SC/ST/PC
Category Category
Mental Ability 90 90 90 40% i.e. 32% i.e.
Test (MAT) minutes 36 marks 29 marks
Scholastic 90 90 90 40% i.e. 32% i.e.
Aptitude 36 marks 29 marks
Test (SAT) minutes
Interview 15-20 25 No qualifying
minutes marks
47
3.2.4 Written Examination
The written examination shall consist of Part I MAT and
Part II SAT. Both the tests will be administered separately
with a short interval in between.
3.2.5 Mental Ability Test
There shall be 90 multiple-choice type items, with four
alternatives. Each item will carry one mark. Candidates
are required to answer the items on a separate answer
sheet as per instructions given both in the test booklet
and on the answer sheet.
3.2.6 Scholastic Aptitude Test
The Scholastic Aptitude Test will consist of 90 multiple choice
items of one mark each. Each item shall have four
alternatives, out of which only one will be the correct
answer. There shall be 35 items from Science, 35 from
Social Sciences and 20 from Mathematics. Candidates
48 are required to answer the items on a separate answer
sheet to be provided at the examination centre as per
instructions.
Important Note: The question booklets of both the tests (Mental
Ability Test and Scholastic Aptitude Test) are official documents. The
candidate will be required to return them along with the answer-sheets
at the end of the examination. These booklets will not be given
to anybody even after the examination is over and will be returned to
the NCERT.
3.2.7 Medium
The tests will be available in the following languages:
Assamese, Bangla, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada,
Marathi, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.
The candidate has to mention his option regarding the
language in which he/she wants to take the test in the
application form. Accordingly, the question booklet in
that language shall be made available to the candidate at
the centre. After exercising this option, no request for
the change of medium will be entertained.
3.2.8 Allotment of Roll Numbers
The NCERT shall convey the roll numbers to the
candidates for the second level examination directly. In
case there is any change of address prior to the National
Level Examination, it shall be obligatory on the part of
the candidate to communicate the same to the state
examining authority, which in turn shall inform the
NCERT. In case there is any change of address after the
candidate has received the admission letter for second
level examination the same may be communicated to the
NCERT directly.
3.2.9 Venue, Date and Time of the Test
The admission letter shall have all the information about
the venue, the roll number, the date and time of the test.
49
3.2.10 Submission of Photograph
The admission letter issued to the candidate shall
contain Admission Card to be filled in by the candidate.
She/he shall have to attach an attested passport size
photograph at the appropriate place in the Admission
Card. This form shall have to be submitted to the
Centre Superintendent on the day of the National Level
Examination.
The Centre Superintendent, at his or her own discretion
in special cases, may admit a candidate without photograph.
However, a candidate shall have to submit an attested
photograph to the Centre Superintendent immediately
after the examination, which he shall forward to the
NCERT.
3.2.11 Centre of Examination
Normally the candidates belonging to a particular state
shall be allotted the centre in the same state. There is
only one centre in each state for the National Level
Examination.
The conduct of examination at the centers shall be
done under the supervision of the Centre Superintendent
appointed by the NCERT in consultation with the
Government of the State/UT. An independent observer
for each centre is also appointed by the NCERT.
3.2.12 Change of Centre
Only in exceptional cases under special circumstances,
like the transfer of the parents of the candidates, the
centre of examination may be changed on a written
request received by the NCERT within 15 days of the
issue of the Admission Card. However, it may be noted
that in such cases only the English medium test booklet
shall be provided to the candidate at the changed centre.
50
3.2.13 Conduct of Examination
The Centre Superintendent shall conduct the
examination on the date and time of examination as
announced by the NCERT. He/she will follow instructions
for the conduct of the examination as supplied by the
NCERT. For various eventualities like the late coming,
malpractice, use of helper (in case of blind or sick
candidates) and in respect of other cases not covered by
the instruction from NCERT, the Centre Superintendent
shall follow the rules prevalent for the Board Examination
of the State concerned.
3.2.14 Marking
Each item in both the tests shall carry one mark
each. A candidate shall get one mark for correct
response. There will be no negative marking in either
of the tests. Nevertheless, candidates are advised not
to resort to blind guessing, which may not be of any
help to them.
51
3.2.15 Processing of Result
The scoring of the answer-sheets for both the MAT and
the SAT shall be done through the computer. All possible
precautions are taken and necessary checks applied while
processing the result to ensure zero error results.
3.3 Interview
A stipulated number of candidates, on the basis of the
merit, shall be called for interview. Normally the interview
shall be held during the months of July and August.
Only those candidates who shall be found eligible for
interview shall be informed through registered letters
about a fortnight in advance at the address given in the
Admission Card, by the candidate at the time of national
level written examination. NCERT shall not be held
responsible for non-receipt of the letter due to postal delay
or otherwise.
3.3.1 Place of Interview
Interviews are arranged at various places in the country
depending on the number of candidates found eligible
from different regions.
3.3.2 Travelling Allowance
The candidates shall be paid second class rail fare to and
fro for attending the interview. In no case the air fare will
be paid.
3.3.3 Declaration of Result
The final award shall be declared on the basis of combined
scores of MAT and SAT and the interview. Only the
selected candidates shall be informed by registered letters.
Marks obtained by the candidates in written examination
or interview shall not be disclosed.
52
3.3.4 Rechecking
Since the NCERT applies rigorous checks and
counterchecks before the declaration of result, no request
for re-evaluation or rechecking of scripts will be
entertained.
4. RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR DISBURSEMENT
SCHOLARSHIP
The awardees studying in Sciences, Social Sciences and
Commerce are eligible to receive scholarship up to Ph.D.
level where as the awardees studying professional courses
in medicines, engineering, technology, management and
law, are eligible to receive the scholarship up to second
degree level. No scholarship shall be available for the study
of language, literature and for courses in humanities at
any stage. Scholarships will be paid subject to fulfillment
of the following conditions.
4.1 General Eligibility Conditions
(i) An Awardee is eligible for the scholarship provided
he/she—
(a) takes up studies in approved courses.
(b) maintains good conduct as certified by the Head
of the College/Institution and continues his/
her studies as a regular student.
(c) does not absent himself/herself without proper
leave.
(d) takes up studies on a whole time basis.
(e) does not take up any job.
(ii) The NTS scholarship does not preclude the awardee
from accepting any other scholarship except for
Ph.D. course.
53
(iii) No scholarship shall be available for studies abroad
for any course.
(iv) No claim for scholarship arrears will be entertained
after the expiry of 12 months of the academic
session for which one has applied for the claim.
(v) In case any awardee leaves his/her course of study
within one month of registration/admission, no
scholarship shall be paid to him/her.
(vi) In case awardee is not able to appear at the
examination due to serious illness, one should send
the medical certificate through the Head of the
Institution within three months of one’s falling ill.
The duration of illness should be clearly certified by
a specialist, who is a Registered Medical Practitioner.
The facility will be available to the awardee to
continue the same course in which one is studying
provided the principal or the head of the institution
certifies that the overall performance of the awardee
during the year is 50 per cent or above.
(vii) The awardee must join the next class/desired course
within 3 months of the declaration of the result of
the previous class/course. No change of course will
be permitted. However, if the entrance examination
to a course, held by a university or the examination
bodies like CBSE is delayed due to unavoidable
circumstances beyond the stipulated period, then
the joining period for such courses should not
normally exceed beyond six months. A certificate from
o such awardees will be taken on case-to-case basis.
(viii) Scholarship shall be deemed to be discontinued
with any gap of one academic session in studies at
any time due to any reason.
54
(ix) Scholarship once discontinued on the basis of the
rules of disbursement of scholarship cannot be
revived under any circumstances.
(x) All rules are subject to change from time to time, as and
when required, which will be binding on all awardees.
4.2 Eligibility and other Conditions for
Continuation of Scholarship at Secondary
and Higher Secondary Stage
(i) The award of scholarship to the selected candidates
shall commence subsequent to their clear promotion
to Class IX.
(ii) The scholarship at the secondary and higher
secondry stage or equivalent Classes IX to XII is
payable for a maximum period of four years for
studies in India only.
(iii) No scholarship at this stage is payable for studying
diploma/certificate level courses.
(iv) The awardees for the continuation of scholarship
in Class X should have at least 50 per cent marks
in aggregate in Class IX and clear promotion to
next class in first attempt.
(v) The awardees must obtain a minimum of 60 per
cent marks in Class X examination or equivalent
examination for continuation of the scholarship at
higher secondry stage.
(vi) The awardees for the continuation of scholarship
in the second year of the +2 stage should have at
least 50 per cent marks in aggregate in the first
year of the +2 stage and clear promotion to next
class in first attempt.
(vii) In case an institution does not conduct an
examination at the end of Class IX and/or Class XI,
55
the scholarship for the second year will be continued
on the submission of a certificate to this effect from
the head of the lnstitution.
4.3 Eligibility and other Conditions for
Continuation of Scholarships at First
Degree Level Courses
(i) The awardee must obtain a minimum of 60 per cent
marks at the end of +2 stage or equivalent
examination for continuation of the scholarship at
the first degree level course in Basic Sciences, Social
Sciences or a professional course in engineering,
medicine, management or law.
(ii) The scholarship to SC/ST awardees will be paid
after getting selected through Joint Entrance
Examination (JEE), IIT and admitted in the oneyear
preparatory course for B.Tech. The scholarship
will continue in 1st year subject to fulfillment of all
the conditions laid down by respective IITs.
(iii) The continuation of scholarships in the second and
subsequent years shall be subject to the following
conditions—
(a) Clear promotion to the next class in first attempt
with pass in all papers.
(b) At least 50 per cent marks in aggregate at the
internal examinations. However, the scholarship
to MBBS candidates for internship will be given,
only if one secures 60 per cent or more marks in
the final degree.
(c) In case the result is not declared in terms of
marks and grades are given, these should be
equivalent to at least 50 per cent and above.
(d) In case an Institution/University does not
conduct an annual examination after such a
56
class, a certificate from the principal/head of the
institution would be acceptable to this effect that
the overall performance of the awardee is 50 per
cent or above.
(e) In case of IITs and other institutions, which
follow semester system of examination, the marks
or an equivalent Cumulative Grade Point Average
(CGPA) at the end of an academic year will be
considered.
(iv) An awardee has the option to change one’s discipline
within the course, which one is pursuing, within
or after completing one academic year without loss
of any academic session. No change of discipline
will be allowed during second or subsequent years.
The awardee will have to appear in the final
examination of that course at the end of academic
session and should fulfill the other conditions for
continuing the scholarship irrespective of the date
of change of the discipline.
(v) In case of four/five years integrated courses leading
to post-graduation degree the rate of scholarship
in the last two years shall be at the P.G. rates and
for the remaining period as per the under graduate
rates. In such cases the scholarship during the
third/fourth year would be paid at the P.G. rate
only if the head of the institution certifies that the
performance of the candidate at the end of the
second/third year has been equivalent to that of at
least 60 per cent of marks.
4.4 Eligibility and other Conditions at Second
Degree Level Course
(i) An awardee must have passed final examination
for a first-degree level course in the first attempt
securing a minimum of 60 per cent marks or its
57
equivalent grade after aggregating the marks for all
the years in the university examination of the course.
(ii) An awardee shall be eligible to receive the
scholarship in the second year only if he/she
secures at least 50 per cent marks at the end of the
first year. In case there is no university examination
or grades are awarded, suitable certificate from the
head of the institution will be acceptable.
(iii) In case an institution has semester system of
examination at this stage, the marks, grades or
CGPA as the case may be, obtained by an awardee
in the examination conducted at the end of an
academic year, will be considered for continuation
of her/his scholarship during the next year.
(iv) The scholarships at this stage will also be available
for doing a diploma course in management or
specific branch of medicine or surgery provided the
minimum qualification for entrance to such courses
is a degree in the concerned discipline.
4.5 Eligibility and other Conditions at M.Phil./
Ph.D. Stage
(i) An awardee shall be eligible to receive scholarship
during the pre-doctoral/M.Phil. courses provided
these are an institutional requirement for Ph.D.
work. The continuance of scholarship after this prerequisite
course shall be subject to the successful
completion of it.
(ii) An awardee will be eligible to receive scholarship
for doing research work leading to Ph.D./D.Phil.
degree provided he/she passes M.A./M.Sc./
M.Com./M.Phil course in the first attempt securing
a minimum of 60 per cent marks or its equivalent
grade after aggregating the marks for all the years in
58
the university examination of the course. An awardee
must begin research/pre-doctoral work within six
months of the declaration of M.A./M.Com./M.Sc.
result. The date of joining should be intimated to the
NCERT immediately thereafter with a certificate from
the concerned supervisor indicating the field of work.
(iii) At the end of two years, there would be an
assessment of the quality of work done, by two
independent experts on the basis of which the
scholarship may be continued or discontinued.
(iv) The scholarship shall be continued during the
second and fourth year only if the guide certified
that the work during the first and the third year
respectively has been of high quality.
(v) The change of topic/guide/Institution shall be
allowed with the prior approval of both the guides
and the NCERT.
(vi) An awardee can take up a teaching assignment for
a short period not exceeding a total period of six
months only with in the tenure of four years with
the prior permission of the NCERT only if his/her
supervisor certifies that his/her assignment is not
prejudicial to his/her progress. No scholarship shall
be paid for this period, which of course shall be
counted as part of the total period of four years.
(vii) The scholarship shall commence from the month
of commencing the research work as certified by
the Guide. However, regular registration documents
must be submitted within six months of
commencing the research work. In case of predoctoral/
M.Phil. courses scholarship will be
awarded from the month of admission.
(viii) An awardee will be entitled to the scholarship for
Ph.D. up to a period of four years ordinarily. If he/
59
she submits the thesis/dissertation before four
years period is over but continues to work on the
same problem on which he/she has written the
thesis/dissertation under the same supervisor, he/
she will be entitled to the scholarship up to the
viva-voce or the end of four years whichever is
earlier. The supervisor has to certify in such cases
that continuation of the Ph.D. research work after
submission of the dissertation/thesis is necessary
and has been undertaken.
4.6 Contingency Grant for Ph.D. Work
(i) The grant shall be utilised with the approval of the
supervisor.
(ii) All purchases shall be according to the rules of the
institution.
(iii) The grant may be utilised on apparatus, chemical,
equipment, books, journals, photostat copies,
microfilms, typing, postage and field work/travel
(within India only) needed in connection with the
approved research project with the approval of the
supervisor and the university where the scholar
works.
(iv) The grant shall not be used for payment of
examination or any other fees.
(v) On termination of the scholarship, the apparatus
and other non-consumable articles purchased out
of the contingency grant will become the property
of the institution/university where a scholar works.
The university may, if he/she desires, allow the
scholar to retain with him/her the books purchased
out of the contingency grant.
(vi) For all expenditure out of the contingency grant, a
certificate from the supervisor to the effect that the
60
expenditure incurred was in furtherance of the
approved research project shall be necessary.
(vii) Travel allowance for approved field work/travel in
connection with the research work (including
attending of relevant academic/research conferences
and symposia) shall be admissible according to the
rules applicable to the teaching staff of the
university.
(viii) The contingency grant for the first year of the
research will be released to the head of the
university concerned along with the scholarship for
the first year. The contingency grant for the
subsequent years will be released only on receipt of
account of expenditure incurred duly certified by
the supervisor and head and utilisation certificate
in the prescribed proforma submitted through the
institution/university.
(ix) The amount left unspent at the end of each year
of the scholarship tenure will be adjusted against
the contingency grant payable for the subsequent
year. The year for the purpose is to be reckoned
from the date of joining the research. Similarly
any amount left unspent out of the contingency
grant on the date of expiry/termination/
relinquishment of the scholarship will be
refundable to the NCERT.
4.7 Rates of Scholarship
The rates of scholarship at different stages are given as
under—
S.No. Stage Rate of Scholarship
1. For all classes except Ph.D. Rs 500 p.m.
2. For Ph.D. degree (four years) As per UGC norms
61
4.8 Mode of Payment
(i) The payment of scholarship shall not be made direct
to the awardee. The payment shall be made only
through the head of the institution concerned.
(ii) The payment of scholarship shall be made to the
Institution on the receipt of a bill from the awardee
on a prescribed proforma sent to the NCERT through
the head of the institution and accompanied by the
academic progress report of the preceding year.
(iii) The scholarship shall commence from the month
an awardee joins the institution and shall continue
up to the month prior to the month of his/her
leaving studies subject to the condition for the
maximum period of duration of the specific course.
(iv) The Institution shall be paid the scholarship in
lumpsum in advance for a total period of 12
months. The awardee shall, however, get his/her
scholarship on a monthly basis at the end of each
month. If the awardee applies for scholarship after
62
completion of academic session, in such case he/
she should submit the marksheet of the class for
which claim bill has been submitted.
(v) The payment of scholarship during leave shall be
governed by relevant leave rules.
4.9 Leave Rules Applicable to all the Awardees
(i) Leave must be got sanctioned from the Head of the
Institution/Department before it is availed of. Any
absence from studies/research without leave shall
lead to discontinuation of scholarship.
(ii) Generally no leave with scholarship shall be granted
to awardees except on medical grounds.
(iii) Medical leave up to a maximum of four months
in an academic year shall be admissible, if
recommended by a competent medical authority,
as under—
(a) Full scholarship if the absence does not exceed
two months;
(b) Half scholarship for a further period of two
months;
(c) No scholarship for the absence beyond four
months.
(iv) For married men/women, scholarship will be
admissible at full rates up to 15/135 days respectively,
for absence on grounds of maternity.
(v) The awardees working at the Ph.D. level shall,
however, be allowed casual leave with scholarship
up to a maximum of 30 days in an academic year.
The Ph.D. Supervisor will grant this leave.
(vi) Applications for medical leave, including maternity
leave, should be referred to the NCERT within a
fortnight of the illness/confinements.
63
5. NURTURANCE PROGRAMME
The Council may arrange Nurturance Programme for the
benefit of the awardees at various institutions of higher
learning in the country. The awardees shall have to attend
these Nurturance Programme in their own interest.
Note: For additional information, candidates may contact
at the following Address:
The Head
Department of Educational Measurement and
Evaluation, NCERT, Sri Aurobindo Marg
New Delhi–110016
NCERT Website : www.ncert.nic.in
Phone : 26515382, 26562704, 26560464
Fax : 26515382
64
Annexure
List of NTS Liaison Officers, 2006-07
State/Union Phone No. Address of Liaison Officers
Territories
North-East Region
Arunachal Pradesh 0360-2290471 Dy. Director
Directorate of School Education Govt.
of Arunachal Pradesh
Naharlagun-791111 (Arunachal Pradesh)
Assam 0361-2380935 Dy. Director
Directorate of Secondary Education
Kahilipara
Guwahati-781019 (Assam)
Manipur 0385-2415604 Science Promotion Officer
Directorate of Education (Schools)
Lamphelpat, Imphal-795004 (Manipur)
Meghalaya 0364-2233752 Sr. Lecturer
Directorate of Educational Research
And Training ((DERT), Arbuthnot Road
Nongrimmaw, Shillong-793011
(Meghalaya)
Mizoram 0389-2343200 Deputy Director
SCERT, Chaltlang, Aizawl-796012
(Mizoram)
Nagaland 0370-2260502 i) For Class X Students
Controller of Examinations
Nagaland Board of School
Education, Post Box No. 98
Kohima-797001 (Nagaland)
ii) For Class VIII Students
Seretary, BEE
Directorate of School Education
Kohima-797001 (Nagaland)
Sikkim 03592-201029 Deputy Director (Exam.)
PABX-220903 Human Resource Development
65
Department of Education, Govt. of
Sikkim, Tashiling
Gangtok-737101 (Sikkim)
Tripura 0381-2354209 H/M, H/S, SCERT
Abhoy Nagar
Agartala Tripura-799005 (West)
Eastern Region
A & N Islands 03192-232730 Principal
State Institute of Education, Siksha
Sadan, Link Road, Port Blair-744101
(A&N Islands)
Bihar 0612-2370783 Director
SCERT, Mahendru Post Office
Patna-800006 (Bihar)
Jharkhand 0651-2502265 Regional Deputy Director of Education
Southern Chhota Nagpur
Permandal, Kali Babu Street
Ranchi-834001 (Jharkhand)
Orissa 0674-2502928 Asstt. Director
Directorate of TE & SCERT
Unit IV
Bhubaneswar-751001
(Orissa)
West Bengal 033-23345952 Asstt. Director of School Education
033-23344504 (Budget) Directorate of School Education
Vikas Bhawan, 7th Floor
East Block, Salt Lake City
Kolkatta-700091
(West Bengal)
Northern Region
Chandigarh 0172-2604131 Sr. Lecturer, NTSE Liaison Officer
State Institute of Education
Sector-32C
Chandigarh-160031 (U.T.)
State/Union Phone No. Address of Liaison Officers
Territories
66
Delhi 011-26280413 Sr. Science Counsellor
011-26280410 Science Branch, Directorate of
Education Behind L.S.R. College
Amar Colony, Lajpat Nagar-IV
New Delhi-110024
Jammu and 0191-2585480 i) Director (Academic)
Kashmir J&K State Board of School Education
Rehari Colony
Jammu-180005 (J&K)
0194-2491181 ii) Director (Academic)
J&K State Board of School
Education, New Campus
Lalmandi, Bemina
Srinagar-190010 (J&K)
Haryana 95124-2321916 Lecturer (Physics)
95124-2320628 Science Wing, S.C.E.R.T., Sohna Road
Opp. Panchayat Bhawan
Gurgaon-122001 (Haryana)
Himachal Pradesh 01792-228135 Principal
S.C.E.R.T., RABON
Solan-173211 (Himachal Pradesh)
Punjab 0172-2780141 Sr. Lecturer
State Institute of Science Education
(Punjab) SCO 66-67
Sector 17-A
Chandigarh-160017
Rajasthan 0145-2420597 i) For Class X Students
0145-2622877 Secretary, Board of Secondary
Education, Ajmer-305001
(Rajasthan)
0294-2415171 ii) For Class VIII Students
Director, State Institute of
Educational Research and
Training, 111, Saheli Marg
Udaipur- 313001 (Rajasthan)
State/Union Phone No. Address of Liaison Officers
Territories
67
Uttar Pradesh 0532-2256511 Director, Bureau of Psychology
SCERT, 2 Lowther Road
Allahabad-211001 (UP)
Uttarakhand 01378-227459 Asstt. Director
SCERT, Uttarakhand
AT & P.O. Narendra Nagar
Tehri Garhwal-249175
(Uttarakhand)
Western Region
Chhattisgarh 0771-2443297 Lecturer
0771-2443596 State Council of Educational Research
and Training (SCERT), DIET Campus
Shankar Nagar, Raipur-492007
(Chattishgarh)
Daman & Diu 0260-2230295 Headmaster
Govt. High School
Panchvati Opp. Custom House
Vaniyawad, Nani Daman-396210
Daman & Diu
D & N Haveli 0260-3091808 Headmaster
Govt. High School, Zanda Chawk
Silvassa-396230 (Via Vapi)
Dadra & Nagar Haveli
Goa 0832-2417276 Deputy Director
State Institute of Education
Alto-Porvorim, Bardez-403521 (Goa)
Gujarat 079-23248461 Chairman
Gujarat State Examination Board
(Nr. Government Library)
Sector-21
Gandhinagar-382021
Madhya Pradesh 0755-5229399 Assistant Professor
0755-4229399 Rajya Shiksha Kendra, Pustak Bhawan
“B” Wing, Arera Hills
Bhopal-462011 (M.P.)
State/Union Phone No. Address of Liaison Officers
Territories
68
Maharashtra 020-26139525 Commissioner, Maharashtra State
020-26123066 Council of Examinations
020-26123067 17-Dr. Ambedkar Road
Pune-411001 (Maharashtra)
Southern Region
Andhra Pradesh 040-23237343 Deputy Commissioner
040-23237344 Office of the Director for Govt.
Examinations
Chapel Road, ABIDS
Hyderabad-500001 (A.P.)
Karnataka 080-26422239 Director, DSERT, No. 4
080-6422372/306 100 feet Ring Road, Banashankari
3rd Stage, Bangalore-560085
(Karnataka)
Kerala 0471-2341883 Assistant Professor
S.C.E.R.T., Vidhya Bhavan
Poojappura (P.O.)
Thiruvananthapuram-695012 (Kerala)
Lakshadweep 04896-262874 Principal
Govt. Sr. Secondary School, Kavaratti
Island UT of Lakshadweep-682555
Pondicherry 0413-2200255 Joint Director
Directorate of School Education
Anna Nagar, Pondicherry-605005
Tamil Nadu 044-28278288 Director
Directorate of Govt. Examinations
College Road, Kodambakkam
Chennai-600006
