National Scholarship Exam (NSE) by NICE Foundation
by NICE Foundation (National Institute of Career Education Foundation)
₹25,000 Cash Prize
A national-level scholarship exam by NICE Foundation for students in classes 5-12 and those pursuing diploma/degree courses, offering cash prizes up to ₹25,000 and participation certificates.
Mode
Online
Fee
₹500
Participation format
Individual
Duration
1 hour (60 minutes)
Time needed
The online examination is 60 minutes long.
Eligibility
Open to Indian students in classes 5-12 (any recognized board: SSC, ICSE, CBSE) and those pursuing diploma/degree courses (any stream/year) from an accredited university. The exam is nationwide. Exam fees are waived for children of martyred soldiers.
- Grade level
- Grade 5 to 12
- Age range
- 10 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Currently enrolled in classes 5-12 from any recognized board (SSC, ICSE, CBSE) or pursuing a diploma/degree course from any accredited university in India.
- Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of Mathematics, General Science, General Knowledge, Reasoning & Analytical, and Comprehension as per current educational standard.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹25,000
Cash prizes are awarded to top-ranking students: ₹25,000 for Rank 1, ₹20,000 for Rank 2, ₹15,000 for Rank 3, ₹10,000 for Rank 4, and ₹5,000 for Rank 5. Additionally, students ranking 6 to 100 in all standards receive a scholarship of ₹1,000 each.
Prizes
Trophy for Best School/College
A trophy is awarded to the Best School/College along with a cash prize.
Certificate
Participation Certificate
Participation certificates are awarded to all students who appear for the examination. Certificates are also awarded to top-performing schools, principals, and teachers.
Opens doors to
The exam experience prepares students for university entrance exams and other competitive examinations crucial for higher education admissions.
Career pathways
Prepares students for various competitive examinations crucial for government job opportunities (e.g., Banking, SSC, UPSC).
Recognition
National-level Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 13 Jul 2026
- Registration closes
- 15 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 12 Dec 2026 to 20 Dec 2026
Online · NICE Foundation Online Exam Portal
How to apply
- 1Online Process: Visit the official NICE Foundation website (www.niceedu.org/exam or www.niceedu.org/registernse), complete the registration, fill the online application form, and make the payment online via SBI Collect, PayTM, Pay U Money, net banking, debit, or credit card. No physical documents need to be sent.
- 2Offline Process: Download the application form from the website, print and fill all mandatory fields, attach a recent photograph, and send it along with a Demand Draft of ₹500 (per applicant) in favor of "NICE Foundation" payable at Nashik. Include a copy of Aadhaar Card or School/College I-Card and the SBI Collect payment receipt or Demand Draft. Documents must be sent via Speed Post/Registered Post/Courier/By Hand to the Head Office/Branch Office before the deadline.
- 3Hall tickets containing exam date, time slot, username, and password will be available for download from the student login section on the official website.
Rules and guidelines
- The exam will be entirely objective-based with multiple-choice questions.
- Each question will have 4 alternatives.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Students can attempt the exam from home using a laptop or desktop PC, or from a cyber cafe/computer center.
- Students must frequently visit the official website or refer to the notification section under their login for updates.
- Adherence to exam timings and instructions provided on the hall ticket is mandatory.
Technology requirements
- Laptop or Desktop PC with internet connectivity
- Web browser compatible with the online exam platform
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The examination fee is ₹500 per student. This fee can be paid online via SBI Collect, PayTM, Pay U Money, net banking, debit, or credit card, or offline via Demand Draft. Fees are waived for children of martyred soldiers.
Refund policy
Information regarding refund policy is not explicitly stated; candidates are advised to check the official website or contact the provider for details.
About this opportunity
The National Scholarship Exam (NSE) is an annual examination conducted by the NICE Foundation (National Institute of Career Education Foundation) to identify and nurture talented students across India. This online exam provides a valuable platform for self-assessment, helping students pinpoint their academic strengths and weaknesses. It is meticulously designed to enhance subject knowledge, decision-making abilities, and reasoning power.
The NSE is open to students from Class 5 to 12, as well as those pursuing diploma or degree courses from any recognized board or university in India. The examination is conducted online and features a Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) format with no negative marking.
Successful candidates receive significant scholarships, cash prizes, and certificates, with special awards also given to top-performing schools, principals, and teachers. The initiative aims to provide financial assistance and encouragement to deserving students, particularly those from economically weaker sections, to pursue higher education and excel in competitive examinations like banking, SSC, and other government job tests.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with 4 alternatives per question.
- Language
- English, Hindi, Marathi
Rounds and format
The exam consists of a single round.
How entries are judged
Merit-based, primarily based on total marks scored in the exam. In case of a tie, preference is given to students with higher marks in Mathematics & General Science, followed by General Knowledge, Reasoning & Analytical, and then Comprehension.
Selection process
Selection is based on the overall performance in the online examination. Merit list is ranked in descending order of marks.
How to prepare
- Sample Question Papers available under student panel on the official website.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The exam syllabus is based on the student's current educational standard. It covers four main sections: Mathematics & General Science (25 questions, 25 marks), General Knowledge (25 questions, 25 marks), Reasoning & Analytical (25 questions, 25 marks), and Comprehension (25 questions, 25 marks). The questions are designed to develop subject knowledge, decision-making ability, and reasoning power.
Frequently asked questions
What strategies can participants employ to enhance their performance in this competitive exam?
Participants can improve performance by consistently practicing sample papers, focusing on time management during mock tests, and thoroughly understanding the syllabus. Developing strong problem-solving skills and analytical thinking is crucial for success in competitive examinations.
How do students manage competitive pressure effectively to maintain focus during the examination?
Managing competitive pressure involves practicing mindfulness techniques, ensuring adequate rest before the exam, and focusing on individual preparation rather than comparing with others. A positive mindset and belief in one's abilities are key to performing well under pressure.
What are common preparation mistakes students should avoid when preparing for this competition?
Common mistakes include rote learning without understanding concepts, neglecting weaker subjects, and not practicing enough mock tests. Students should also avoid last-minute cramming and ensure a balanced study schedule to cover all topics comprehensively.
What factors are considered for ranking in the merit list, beyond just the total score?
Beyond the total score, tie-breaking criteria are applied. Preference is given to students with higher marks in Mathematics & General Science, followed by General Knowledge, Reasoning & Analytical, and then Comprehension, ensuring a fair ranking system.
How does participation in this scholarship exam contribute to a student's long-term academic and career prospects?
Participation provides valuable experience in competitive exam environments, enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and offers national recognition. This can significantly boost a student's profile for future higher education admissions and government job opportunities.
What support is available for students who encounter technical issues during the online examination?
Students experiencing technical issues are advised to contact the official helpline numbers or email provided on the website. It is recommended to test system compatibility and attempt mock tests beforehand to minimize potential problems during the actual exam.
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