NSO-National Science Olympiad

NSO-2013

What is NSO?

The National Science Olympiad is organized every year to motivate students to strive for better and deeper understanding of scientific facts and data and to enhance their reasoning, analytical and problem solving skills. All school students from class 1st onwards are invited to participate in this unique contest that tests their understanding, level of knowledge, applications and power of reasoning. National Science Olympiad is one of the most prestigious science competitions in Asia. The National Science Olympiad invites students from classes 1st to 12th to participate for the NSO and excel at national level.

Exam Date of NSO

Level-1: 15^th Nov 2013 and

Level-2: 28^th Nov 2013

Important Dates:

Level-1:

The Science Olympiad is conducted in the month of November.

The Mathematics Olympiad is conducted in the month of December.

Level -2:

Test conducted in the month of February.

Benefits from NSO:

1. Every participant who scores 50% or more in Level-I is awarded a Certificate of Participation.

2. Students get a chance to be assessed at national / international level and are awarded performance-based Rankings.

3. Top three students of the final round from each class are awarded special prize for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd position an I-Pad, Medal (Gold, Silver, Bronze), Cash and Certificate each.

4. The top 500 (total 6500) winners (class-wise) are also endowed with cash prizes and scholarships, courtesy of the official sponsor.

5. All participants selected for Level-II are awarded Certificates of Merit indicating their performance in the Level-II.

6. The comprehensive SQ (Science Quotient) report highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the participant.

Eligibility Criteria: 

Registration of Students: The event is open to the students of classes 1st to 12th and registrations are received from the schools in the prescribed pro-forma. Registration sheet for the school / students and the information booklet are posted to the schools all over India and abroad. There is no other eligibility criterion like minimum marks etc. for it.

Pattern of Exam:

LEVEL-1:

(i) The competition is a written test of 60 minutes duration comprising of objective-type (Multiple Choices) questions.
(ii)  Each correct answer carries one mark.
(iii) There will be a separate question paper for each class.
(iv) The question paper will consist of two sections.
(v) The medium of test is English.
(vi) For setting the Test papers, CBSE/ ISC/ State board syllabus is being followed.

For class 1 to 4:
The participant has to answer 35 questions in 60 minutes. Section I: Mental Ability (10 questions) and Section II: Science (25 questions).

For class 5 to 12:
The participant has to answer 50 questions in 60 minutes. Section I: 15 questions are on Mental Ability and Section II: 35 questions are on Science (Physics, Chemistry & Biology or Mathematics). For class 11 and 12, students can opt for Mathematics or Biology. There will be separate papers for each group.

Pattern of Exams for Science Olympiad:

The question paper consists of total 50 questions out of which Science (35- questions) and Mental Ability (15-questions).

Pattern of Exams for Mathematics Olympiad:

In Mathematics Olympiad out of 50 questions, 15 questions are on Logical Reasoning and 35 questions on Mathematics including Mathematical Reasoning, Logical Reasoning and Everyday Mathematics.

LEVEL-2:

The qualifiers to second round would include the following:

              i.  Top 500 students from each class

              ii.   Topper of each class where at least 10 students have appeared for the exam

              iii.   State wise top 10 performing students from each class.

              iv.   The Centres of Exam of Level-2 are Kendriya Vidyalayas.

               v.   Pattern of exam is same as that of level-1.

Selection Procedure: 

The National Science Olympiad invites students from classes 1st to 12th to participate and excel at national level. The competition is in two levels.

 Level-1: 

The first level of the test is organized in the respective schools of the participants during the school hours. The level-1 competition is a written objective-type test of 60 minutes duration comprising objective-type (Multiple Choice) questions.

Level-2: 
It is conducted across India and abroad. It is organized at more than 120 centres and the centres of examination for level-2 are Kendriya Vidyalayas. The top 500 All-India ranked students class wise, along with the school toppers from each class (with minimum 10 students enrolled from particular class) and ten state toppers class wise are eligible to appear in the 2nd level exam. For the Level-2, Admit card containing all information regarding examination centre, date, timing etc is issued to the qualified students through their respective Schools.

Fees:

A nominal participation fee is charged from each student. Part of it is retained by the school for its expenses as exam centre. Details about the fee / mode of payment etc. are given in the School Registration Forms sent to schools.

Awards & Recognition:

1. First Level Prizes:
A. Participation Certificate to every student.

B. School Topper Medal - Where more than 10 students from one class write SOF’s Olympiad exam. The top 3 rank holders from that class will be awarded gold, silver and bronze medals respectively. Where between 5 to 9 students from a class write the SOF’s Olympiad exam –The top rank holder from that class will be awarded a gold medal.

C. SQ (Science Quotient Report) for every student.

 2. Second Level Prizes:

Class 1 to Class 6

INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

a.       1^st prize – I-Pad

b.      2^nd prize – I-Pad

c.       3^rd prize – I-Pad

STATE LEVEL

       I.            1^st prize –  Gold Medal + Gifts worth Rs 1000/ + Certificate

    II.            2^nd prize – Silver Medal + Gifts worth Rs 1000/ + Certificate

 III.            3^rd prize – Bronze Medal + Gifts worth Rs 1000/ + Certificate

 IV.            Rank 4 to Rank 25 – Gifts worth Rs 1000/ + Certificate

Class 7 to class 12

INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

a.       1^st prize – Rs Fifty Thousand.

b.      2^nd prize – Rs Twenty Five Thousand.

c.       3^rd prize – Rs Ten Thousand

STATE LEVEL

       I.            1^st prize –  Gold Medal + Certificate + Rs 5000/

    II.            2^nd prize – Silver Medal + Certificate + Rs 2500/

 III.            3^rd prize – Bronze Medal + Certificate + Rs 1000/

 IV.            Rank 4 to Rank 25 – Gifts worth Rs 1000/ + Certificate

State Level Awards will be accorded to winners in following states; State Level Awards Functions will be held in most States to felicitate the winners.

 NORTH          -      DELHI  

-       HARYANA

-       UP / UTTARAKHAND

-       RAJASTHAN

-       PUNJAB / CHANDIGARH

-       J&K / HIMACHAL PRADESH

EAST              -       WEST BENGAL/ANDAMAN & NICOBAR

-       ORISSA

-       CHHATTISGARH

-       BIHAR

-       JHARKHAND

-       NORTH EAST STATES

WEST             -       MAHARASHTRA / GOA

-       GUJARAT / DAMAN

-       MADHYA PRADESH

SOUTH          -       TAMIL NADU / PUDUCHERRY

-       KARNATAKA

-       KERALA

-       ANDHRA PRADESH

INTERNATIONAL – All International countries will be considered as one state.

Student should correctly fill in marks obtained in his/her previous year’s exams in the OMR sheet. Incorrect or incomplete information may lead to disqualification of the child from being ranked. Sample OMR sheet is available on this site and has also been sent to schools.

Best Principal award (110 nos.)

Best Principal to be determined by the weighted average of number of registering students and their performance from one school for all 4 Olympiad exams. The following awards will be provided:

International Winners (10 nos.)        

                            

Rs. 25000/ each + Trophy + Certificate

State Winners – 100nos (5 nos. per state for 20 states) 

Rs. 10000/ each + Trophy + Certificate 

 School NSO In-charge Award (70 nos.)

Best School NSO In-charge to be determined by the weighted average of number of registering students and their performance from one school in the NSO Olympiad. The following awards will be provided:

International Winners (10 nos.)            

                          

Rs. 10000/ each + Trophy + Certificate

State Winners – 60 (3 nos. per state for 20 states)         

Rs. 5000/ each + Trophy + Certificate 

 SCHOOL

SSQ (School Science Quotient Report) for every participating School Principal/Management and HOD of SCIENCE department /science teachers of the school.

Contact Address:

B-8 / 406, Taj Apts., Ring Road, New Delhi-29.                                                                  
Ph. No. : 011-26191601; Tele-fax: 011-26194317
E-mail:  info@sofworld.org

NMMS-National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship

What is NMMS?

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Exam will be conducted by Science & T.V. Branch, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Directorate of Education, New Delhi. In NMMS examination only students of Govt./ Govt. Aided/ Unaided Recognised Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas/ Navodaya Vidyalayas/ Navyug Schools are eligible from their school. NMMS Examination will be held on 18^th Nov, 2012 for the students presently studying in Class VIII. Students who have scored minimum 55% marks or above in class VII are eligible for NMMS examination. It is based on the lines of the National Talent Search Scheme Examination (NTSS/NTSE) and JSTS.

 Important Dates for NMMS 2012-13: 

1	Issue of Application Performa from Sc. Branch	02-8-2012 to 27-8-2012
2	Receipt of Application Performa in Sc. Branch	Upto 31-08-2012
3	Admit cards to be issued from Sc. Branch	01.10.2012 to 31.10.2012
4	Date of Exam	18.11.2012 (Sunday)

Reservation Scheme:

Under this Scheme there is a provision of reservation as per MHRD/ GOI directions/ instructions

(i) 15% scholarship reserved for SC Category.

(ii) 7.5% scholarship reserved for ST Category.

(iii) 1% scholarship reserved for Physically & Hearing challenged candidates each.

Eligibility Criteria: 

Name of the Exam	Parental Annual Income for the year 2011-12	Class as on 31.7.2012 in which student is studying.	% of Marks for General Category should have secured minimum	% of Marks for SC/ST/PH category should have secured
JSTS	Rs. 150,000/-	CLASS-VIII	55% marks in class VII during 2011-12	Minimum 50% marks in class VII during 2011-12

Pattern of Exam:

The test is conducted in two parts – Mental Aptitude Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). In MAT, questions are asked on General Knowledge and Current Affairs whereas in SAT, questions are asked on Mathematics & Science.

Important Information:

a. All HOS may note that caste category cannot be changed after the submission of Application forms.

b. Percentage of marks should be calculated as per grading system.

c. Application Performa should be submitted in triplicate duly attested by HOS.

d. All those students who are in receipt of NTSE Scholarship from NCERT are not eligible for NMMS.

Address for Query:

Government of NCT, Delhi,
Directorate of Education, Science branch
Old Gargi Collage Building (behind LSR College)
Lajpat Nagar-IV, New Delhi-24

Website: www.edudel.in

KVPY-Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana

What is KVPY?

The "Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana" (KVPY) is a program started in 1999 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India to encourage students of Basic Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to take up research careers in these areas. The aim of the program is to identify, assist and encourage talented students with aptitude for research and growth in the country.

The selection of students from those studying in +1, +2, any U.G. Program in Science / Medicine and also Engineering students having aptitude for scientific research, are carried out by IISc (Bangalore), IIT-Bombay (Mumbai), and ICMR (New Delhi), respectively, in association with two Zonal Centers one at (IISER), Kolkata and another at Mumbai (HBCSE, TIFR).

The Department of Science and Technology - the root agency of the Government has entrusted the overall responsibility for organizing the scheme to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore and set up a National Advisory Committee (NAC) for overseeing its implementation and a National Scientific Committee (NSC) look after both the administrative and academic aspects of the KVPY Program. Generous fellowship and Contingency grant are provided (up to the pre-Ph.D. level) to the selected students.

Date of KVPY Exam: 4^th November 2012

Important Dates:

Last date for receipt of the request for application form-

1.      By post                                                                       :           03 September, 2012

2.      In person at IISc                                                         :           07 September, 2012

3.      Last date for closing of online application                     :           07 September, 2012 

4.      Last date for receipt of the completed application    
(both Online/Hard Copy)                                            :           12 September, 2012

Fellowship:

The advertisement for the KVPY Fellowship appears in all the national dailies normally on the Technology Day the May 11 and Second Sunday of July every year.

These Fellowships are only for Indian Nationals studying in India.

The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, offers attractive fellowships (Rs. 4000 to Rs. 7000 per month) and contingency grants (Four months fellowship per year) for students studying in Basic Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Selection to the program takes into account academic excellence and demonstrated interest in pursuing a research career. Selection procedures are different for SP (Basic Sciences) and SP (Medicine). All of them, however, include an interview for final selection.

Pattern of Exam:

1.      The question paper in SA Stream will be both multiple choice objective and descriptive types.

2.      In the objective type, 4 choices for the correct answer will be provided and the choice for the correct answer has to be made.

3.      In the descriptive type solution to a problem, formula for a sum, etc., has to be worked out and written.

4.      There is no negative marking.

Eligibility Criteria: 

Eligibility details for class-X pass students are as follows for Stream – (SA/SX/SB):

Stream SA:

Students enrolled in the XI Standard (Science Subjects) during the academic year 2012-2013 and have secured a minimum of 80% (70% for SC/ST) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects in the X Standard Board Examination. Students promoted through both the Summative Assessments-II conducted by the school and conducted by the Board are eligible to apply, if they satisfy eligibility criteria. If the candidates have obtained a letter grade in the qualified examination, they are requested to convert it into an appropriate % and fill-up the application form.

{The students under the mentorship list will not be eligible for any fellowship. Their fellowship will be activated when these students enroll in an undergraduate course in Basic Sciences (B.Sc./B.S./Int.M.Sc./M.S.) after their  XII Standard/(+2).}

Stream SX: 

Students enrolled in XII Standard/ (+2) (Science subjects) during the academic year 2012–13 and aspiring to join an undergraduate program in Basic Sciences (B.Sc./B.S./Int. M.Sc./M.S.) for the session 2013–14 provided they have secured a minimum of 80% (70% for SC/ST) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects in the X Standard Board Examination.

Stream SB: 

Students enrolled in the 1st year of B. Sc./B.S./Int. M.Sc./M.S. during the academic year 2012–13 and have secured a minimum of 60% (50% for SC/ST) marks in aggregate in SCIENCE subjects in the XII Standard Board Examination.

Selection Procedure:

Basic Sciences – (SA/SX/SB):

a.      Aptitude Test: After scrutiny of application forms and based on the performance in the Board Examination(s), all the eligible candidates from Streams SA, SX and SB have to appear for a written aptitude test (conducted both in Hindi and English). The test will be conducted at different centers across the country on 4^th November 2012. The details of the venue of the aptitude tests and their seat number will be put on the KVPY website in first week of October 2012.

b.      Interview: Candidates will be called for the interview based on the performance in the aptitude test, which is the final stage of the selection procedure.

Availability of Admit Card:

i.                    Students who have applied online may download the admit card for the aptitude test from the website from the second week of October 2012.

ii.                  Students, who have applied with a hard copy, admit card will be sent by speed post.

Request for Application Form:

• Each Stream has its own application form. Students who wish to apply for more than one Stream should submit separate applications.
• Applicants may apply either by Hard copy or Online.
• Hard copy of the application form can be obtained from KVPY on request by remitting a processing fee*** of Rs. 200/- at any core banking branches of STATE BANK OF INDIA, payable at all branches in India into the credit of "Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) A/c. No. 10270577392" and sending the “Pay-In-Slip" along with the request, clearly indicating the stream (i.e. SA, SB, SP) on the envelope.

***The Processing fee is exempted for the following category of students:

1. Girl students
2. Students belonging to SC/ST
3. Physically and Visually challenged students

Submission of Application Form:

The completed application form along with the following documents, super-scribing on the envelope the scheme applied for, should reach the KVPY office on or before 12/09/2012.

1. Caste certificate in the case of SC/ST students
2. Medical certificate in case of physically and visually challenged students
3. Copy of the marks statement of the qualifying examination(s).
4. The original Pay-in-slip of Rs. 200/- if applicable.

Contact Address:

The Convener
Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)
Indian Institute of Science
Bangalore - 560 012
Telephone: (080) 2360 1008, 2293 2975 / 76 (EPBX 11-22)
Fax: (080) 2360 1215
E-mail: application@kvpy.org.in

NTSE - National Talent Search Exam

What is NTSE?

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a national level scholarship program in India started in the year 1963. The purpose of the scheme was to identify talented students and nurture their talents. Talent refers to the potentiality that manifests itself in a high level of performance in one or more specialised areas. Therefore, it covers areas like Science, Social Science, Engineering, Medicine, Management and Law. It is organized by an NCERT and it honors and helps talented students by providing financial assistance in the form of a monthly scholarship. For the courses in Basic Sciences, Social Sciences and Commerce, this assistance is provided up to Ph.D. level whereas for professional courses like Engineering, Medicine, Management and Law this assistance is given only up to Post Graduation. The scheme is open to students of Indian nationality. It helps students to proliferate their mental level and also helps them to sharpen their minds.

Important Dates of NTSE 2012-13:

Dates for Submission of Application Form and conduct of examination are given below:

Stage	Area	Tentative Dates
Stage I (State Level)	Last Date for Submission of Application Form	31st August, 2012
	Examination in Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Andaman & Nicobar Islands	17th November, 2012 (Saturday)
	Examination in all other States and Union Territories	18th November, 2012 (Sunday)
Stage II (National Level)	Examination in all States and Union Territories	12th May, 2013 (Sunday)

About NTSE :

1. NCERT will conduct the NTS Examination for students studying in Class X.
2. The examination will consist of Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Ability Test (SAT).
3. Quota for State/UT will be computed proportionally on the basis of student’s enrolment in Class IX and X.
4. The amount of scholarship will be Rs. 500/- per month for all the students studying in Class XI onwards(irrespective of class/course) except for Ph.D., wherein it is paid as per UGC norms.
5. 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.

Scholarship:

On the basis of the NTSE, 1000 scholarships are awarded all over India to each student appearing for Class X examinations. Awardees of National Talent Search Examination will receive a sum of Rs. 500/- per month as per rules.

Eligibility Criteria:

Students of Class X studying in recognized schools including Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, Sainik School etc. of Indian nationality whether they study in India or abroad are eligible to appear NTS examination. There will be no domicile restriction.

Reservation:

i. 15% scholarships are reserved for students belonging to the SC category.

ii. 7.5% scholarships for students belonging to the ST category.

iii. 3% scholarships for Physically Challenged Group of Students.

Selection Procedure:

The selection process of NTSE is comprises of two-stages. The first stage selection conducts individual State/UT through a written exam while, the second stage selection at the national level is carried out by the NCERT for those who qualified in Stage-I.

Pattern of Exam:

The pattern of written examination for Class X is as given below:

Stage-I or State level examination:

The state/UT level examination has two parts for nominating the required number of candidates for the second level test to be conducted by the NCERT.

Part-I: Mental Ability Test (MAT) - In MAT, questions on analogies, classification, series, pattern perception, hidden figures, coding-encoding, block assembly, problem solving etc. are asked.
Part-II: Scholastic Ability Test (SAT) - In SAT, questions are asked on Mathematics, Sciences and Social Sciences.

Scheme of Exam for Stage-I:

Each test (MAT & SAT) will be of 90 minutes duration and will comprise of 100 objective questions with 100 marks. All questions in the booklets are objective type. For each question FOUR possible answers are given, but only one is correct. Your task is to find out the correct answer and mark your choice in the Answer Sheet.

Stage-II or National level examination:

Candidates acquiring more than the required percentage in the state level examination and standing within a specified number of top ranks (state quota) are eligible to appear for the national level examination (about top 4000 students from the entire country). NCERT conducts the National Level NTS examination.

Part-I: Mental Ability Test (MAT) - Questions are asked on analogies, classification, series, pattern perception, hidden figures, coding-encoding, block assembly, problem solving etc.
Part-II: Scholastic Ability Test (SAT) - In this test, questions are asked on English Language, Mathematics, Sciences and Social Sciences.

(i)             Mental Ability Test (MAT):
In MAT, there are 50 questions, each question carries one mark. Students are required to answer all questions in separate Answer sheet. 45 minutes duration.

8:30 AM to 9:15 AM – All candidates except visually impaired candidates.
8:30 AM to 9:30 AM – Visually impaired candidates.

(ii)            Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT):

(a) Language Test:
In the Language Test, there are 50 questions, each carries one mark. Students are required to answer all questions in separate Answer sheet. 45 minutes duration.

9:45 AM to 10:30 AM – All candidates except visually impaired candidates.
9:45 AM to 10:45 AM – Visually impaired candidates.

(b) Aptitude Test:
The Scholastic Aptitude Test consists of 100 questions. Out of these, 40 questions are from Science, 20 from Mathematics and 40 from social Sciences. Each question carries one mark. Students are required to answer all questions in separate Answer sheet. 90 minutes duration.

11:15 AM to 12:45 PM – All candidates except visually impaired candidates.
11:15 AM to 1:15 PM – Visually impaired candidates.

Syllabus:

There is no prescribed syllabus for the NTSE. However, the standard of questions shall be conforming to the level of Classes IX and X. A separate booklet called 'Learn about the Test' containing sample questions for both the Tests — MAT and SAT is available on the NCERT website: www.ncert.nic.in/html/talent.

State Quota:

Each State/Union Territory has been allotted a quota to recommend a specific number of candidates for the Stage II examination, the details of which will be made available on NCERT website. However, there will be no State/Union Territory Quota for the final award of scholarship after the Stage II examination.

How to obtain Application Form:

Option-I:
Application forms can be downloaded from NCERT website http://www.ncert.nic.in.

Option-II:
It can be collected from School coordinator also.

Where to submit Application Form:

The completed application forms duly signed by the Principal of the school should be submitted to the State Liaison Officers before the last date. The candidate as well as the Principal of the school must adhere to the last date for submission of the Application Form. Different states may have different last dates for submission. Please confirm from the liaison officer of your state, the address at which the completed forms are to be submitted. The State wise contacts of the liaison officers are available in the NCERT website. All queries related to application form should be directed to the State Liaison Officers (LOs). No application should be sent to NCERT.

Examination Fees:

States and Union Territories may notify the fee required to be paid for the Stage-I examination. However, NCERT does not charge any fee for the Stage-II examination.

Declaration of Result:

Result of the Stage-I examination (State Level) will be announced by the respective State Governments / Union Territories in last week of January or 2nd week of February.

Result of the Stage-II examination (National Level) will be announced by NCERT in the month of July every year.

Indian students studying abroad:

Candidates may fill up the relevant items of the Application Forms and send it to NCERT along with mark-sheet of previous exam latest by 31st March for consideration.

Contact Address:

Head
Educational Survey Division
National Council of Educational Research & Training
Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi -110016

Website: www.ncert.nic.in

For NTS National Level Examination Inquiry:

Phone No: 011-26560464
E-mail: ntse.ncert@yahoo.in

For NTS State Level Examination Inquiry:

Contact the Liaison Officer of your State

For NTS Scholarship Inquiry:

Phone No: 011-26562704 (Timings 2.30 PM to 4.30 PM only)
E-mail: ntse2@yahoo.co.in