ISTSE (Indian School Talent Search Exam) Online Scholarship Olympiad for Indian Students
Scholarships up to ₹18,000
ISTSE (Indian School Talent Search Exam) Online Scholarship Olympiad for Indian Students is a competition by Educational Excellentia for students in Class 1–10, open to students across India. Registration closes 15 Nov 2026.
Mode
Online
Eligibility
Class 1–10
Fee
₹399
Duration
60 minutes
Format
Individual
Time needed
Approximately 1 hour for the exam itself, plus dedicated preparation time for mock tests and syllabus review.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Jun 2026
- Registration closes
- 15 Nov 2026
- Competition
- 22 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2026
Online · Official Website
About This Opportunity
The Indian School Talent Search Exam (ISTSE) Online is a national-level scholarship olympiad designed for students in Classes 1 to 10 across India. This examination aims to comprehensively assess students' intellectual potential and understanding of core concepts in Mental Ability, Mathematics, Science, and English, aligning with CBSE, ICSE, and various State Board syllabi. It serves as a skill-based assessment to help identify academic strengths and areas needing improvement.
This online exam is open to all Indian students from Class 1 to 10. Participants are required to have a laptop, desktop, or tablet equipped with a webcam and a stable internet connection to take the exam from their homes. There are no specific academic prerequisites beyond being currently enrolled in the eligible grades.
Participating in ISTSE offers valuable insights into a student's academic standing at a national level, significantly enhancing their logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. High-achieving students are eligible for substantial scholarships, cash prizes, and various certificates and medals, providing significant recognition for their accomplishments. The exam also provides excellent practice for school examinations and future competitive tests, preparing students for higher academic challenges.
The ISTSE online exam employs advanced AI-based anti-cheating modules and continuous manual monitoring to ensure fair and transparent conduct. All registered students receive three mock tests, which are crucial for effective preparation and familiarization with the examination format.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 1–10
- Age Range
- 6 - 15 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Must be a student currently enrolled in Class 1 to 10 in an Indian school.
Additional requirements
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Access to a laptop, desktop, or tablet with a functional webcam and stable internet connection.
Open to Indian students in Classes 1-10 (ages 6-15). Participants must have a laptop, desktop, or tablet with a webcam and a stable internet connection for the online exam. No specific academic prerequisites beyond current grade enrollment are required.
Does your child qualify?
WiWit checks eligibility against your child's class, age, and location, and finds more opportunities like this one.
Academic Details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus is aligned with CBSE, ICSE, and State Board curricula. The exam covers Mental & Logical Ability (9%), Mathematics (24%), Science (24%), English (12%), and Scholars Section (15%). An additional 16% of marks are allocated for Fair Play/Practice, emphasizing ethical participation.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹18,000 Scholarship
Scholarships are awarded to the top 3 international rank holders in each class, provided they score a minimum of 60% in the exam. International Rank 1 receives ₹1500/month for 12 months, Rank 2 receives ₹1000/month for 12 months, and Rank 3 receives ₹500/month for 12 months. A 30-minute video interview is conducted for the top 10 scorers to determine the final ranks and scholarship eligibility.
Prizes
Medals & Shields
Scholar Certificates are awarded with Gold Medals, Outstanding Performance Certificates with Silver Medals, and Distinguished Performance Certificates with Bronze Medals. Top 3 rank holders also receive a Topper Shield, First Runner Up Shield, and Second Runner Up Shield respectively.
Certificate
Performance & Participation Certificates
All participating students receive a certificate. Scholar Certificates with Gold Medals are awarded for 95% and above, Outstanding Performance Certificates with Silver Medals for 90-94.99%, Distinguished Performance Certificates with Bronze Medals for 80-89.99%, and Participation Certificates for 60-79.99%. Digital Participation Certificates are provided for scores below 60%.
Opens doors to
Participation and achievement in ISTSE can significantly enhance a student's academic profile, providing a competitive edge for admissions to prestigious schools and colleges by showcasing their intellectual potential and understanding of core concepts.
Recognition
National Recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- AI-enabled anti-cheating module and manual monitoring during the exam.
- Fair Play / Practice scores contribute to the total marks.
- Scholarships awarded monthly for 12 months.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Language
- English
Rounds & format
The ISTSE is a single-paper online examination. For the top 10 scorers, a 30-minute video interview worth 100 points will be conducted to determine the final ranks.
How entries are judged
Scores from the multiple-choice question exam, followed by a 30-minute video interview for the top 10 scorers. Fair Play/Practice also accounts for 16% of marks.
Selection process
Selection for scholarships is based on a minimum of 60% marks in the online examination. For the top 10 ranks, a video interview is conducted to finalize positions. In case of a tie, an interview will be conducted to decide the award.
How to apply
- 1Visit the official ISTSE website (istse.org).
- 2Click on the 'Register' or 'Apply Now' button.
- 3Log in or create a new account.
- 4Fill in all the required personal and academic details accurately in the application form.
- 5Review the application thoroughly for any errors.
- 6Submit the application and proceed to pay the registration fee online.
How to prepare
- Three mock tests provided to registered students.
- Official ISTSE syllabus and previous year question papers.
- Focus on conceptual understanding and time management.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
The standard online registration fee for the ISTSE exam is ₹399. A late registration fee of ₹449 applies if the application is submitted after the regular deadline.
Refund policy
Details regarding the refund policy are not explicitly provided; it is advisable to check the official ISTSE website or contact the organizers for more information.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for ISTSE (Indian School Talent Search Exam) Online Scholarship Olympiad for Indian Students?
The registration deadline is 15 Nov 2026.
Is ISTSE (Indian School Talent Search Exam) Online Scholarship Olympiad for Indian Students free?
₹399 registration
Who can participate in ISTSE (Indian School Talent Search Exam) Online Scholarship Olympiad for Indian Students?
Students in Class 1–10. children aged 6-15.
What will my child gain from ISTSE (Indian School Talent Search Exam) Online Scholarship Olympiad for Indian Students?
95% or above will get a Scholar Certificate along with a Gold Medal.. 90% to 94.99% will get an Outstanding Performance Certificate along with a Silver Medal.. 80% to 89.99% will get a Distinguished Performance Certificate along with a Bronze Medal.. 60% to 79.99% will get a Participation Certificate.. Below 60% will get a digital Participation Certificate.. The top 3 students from each class will be awarded, Rank 1 - Scholarship of ₹1500/month for 12 months + Topper Shield, Rank 2 - Scholarship of ₹1000/month for 12 months + First Runner Up Shield, Rank 3 - Scholarship of ₹500/month for 12 months + Second Runner Up Shield.. Scholarship of ₹1500/month for 12 months for International Rank 1.. Scholarship of ₹1000/month for 12 months for International Rank 2.. Scholarship of ₹500/month for 12 months for International Rank 3.. Scholar Certificate with Gold Medal for scores 95% and above..
Share with other parents
Is this the right fit for your child?
WiWit matches opportunities to your child's class, interests, and skills, not a generic list. Save this and get reminders before the deadline closes.
Categories
WiWit
Don't miss what your child actually qualifies for
There are hundreds more opportunities like this one. WiWit matches them to your child's class, interests, and skills, so you find the right ones without searching through everything.
- Matched to your child's class, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related Opportunities
Akshaya Patra Foundation Scholarship Program
by The Akshaya Patra Foundation
Akshaya Patra’s scholarship begins from Class 11 and continues through Class 12 up to graduation. Students are selected on a merit-cum-need basis, ensuring long-term, uninterrupted educational support.
Digjyoti Scholarship
by Digjyoti Educational Trust
Annual scholarship for meritorious orphan, distressed, and differently-abled students entering Class 11 (+2) in India.
Government Flying Training School PPL Training Program
by Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Government of Karnataka
Government-run Private Pilot License training at Jakkur Aerodrome, Bangalore — 12 months, DGCA-aligned, with subsidized fees for Karnataka residents.
What your child could gain: