Over a lakh students appear for merit exams

Eighth standard students appeared for the exams held at 200 centres in the State.

The examinations went ahead without any glitches at most centres.  A few students at two centres in Bangalore faced some problems as they did not receive the Urdu version of their paper on time. Department of State Education and Research Training(DSERT) Director D S Rajanna said the problem was rectified immediately.

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) involves a two-tier process; a first level exam at the state-level, and a final exam at the national- level. Out of the 50,000 students who appeared for the NTSE on Sunday, 222 candidates will qualify. Of these, 100 students will be chosen from the State after the national-level exam.

The exam consists of two tests: the Mental Ability Test, and the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Both tests comprise 90 multiple choice type questions. Those who qualify in the NTSE will be eligible for scholarships till they complete a PhD degree. Students will be eligible for an allowance of Rs 500 per month till they complete their Masters degree, and during a PhD they will receive allowance as per the UGC norms.

About 63,000 candidates also appeared for the National Merit-cum-Means Scholarship examination of whom 5,500 candidates will be eligible for the scholarship. The assistance is available to all students from government and aided schools in the State.

Successful students receive a scholarship of Rs 500 per month till they complete pre-university education. The scholarships will be awarded to students of all the districts.
The DSERT officials said results will be available by last week of January, while the national-level examination will be held in May.