Olympiads & Exams

Basic Information about Olympiads

Every year, the Government of India conducts competitive examinations of a very high standard under the name of Olympiads. These are the most challenging and prestigious examinations available for highschool students. However, some commercial organisations also conduct “Olympiads” which may not measure up to the level of the “Government Olympiads”. So, talented students should mainly focus on Government Olympiads for achieving academic excellence.

The Government Olympiads are aimed at India’s official entry in the International Olympiads and are conducted in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy/Astrophysics, Earth Sciences and Informatics for students of std. XII or lower classes. A Junior Science Olympiad is also conducted for students of std. X or lower classes. These Olympiads consist of two nationwide elimination exams. 30–40 shortlisted students then attend a national selection camp and a team of 4–6 students is chosen to represent India at the International Olympiad in a particular subject. The Government of India bears all expenses of students attending the national camp as well as the international event.

The following websites contain detailed information about all the Government Olympiads.

Basic Information about Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY)

To select, groom and nurture the best scientific talent in the country for research and development, the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India conducts a fellowship program “Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana” (KVPY) for Indian nationals studying in India. It enables science students to groom their potential for scientific research. KVPY fellowships are granted in Basic Sciences, Engineering and Medicine under different streams like SA/SB (theory) and SP (Projects). The KVPY fellowship ID card assures access to facilities of the National laboratories and libraries of renowned Universities. Moreover, this prestigious fellowship is also recognized at the international level. Generous scholarships and contingency grants are provided right up to Ph.D. level.

The following website contains detailed information about KVPY: http://www.kvpy.org.in.

Basic Information about National Talent Search (NTS)

The prestigious National Talent Search (NTS) examination is conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for Indian students of class VIII studying in any type of recognised school in India or abroad. The first stage selection is called State Talent Search (STS). The STS examination is conducted on second Sunday of November and the result is declared in January/February. STS is used only to recommend candidates for the second stage selection at the national level called the NTS Examination. NTS is conducted by NCERT on the Second Sunday of May each year. On the basis of the merit in NTS, a stipulated number of candidates are called for interview during the months of July and August. The final award is declared on the basis of combined scores of written exam and the interview. A scholarship of Rs.500/- is paid per month to all successful students till post-graduation. More details are available on the NCERT website: http://www.ncert.nic.in for more details.

Basic Information about Bal Shree Contest

Bal Shree Scheme, run by the National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, is an off-beat contest to recognize and tap children’s talents in creative performance, creative art, creative writing and creative innovation in science. The age groups for participation are 9 to 11 years, 11 to 14 years and 14 to 16 years. Selection is done at three levels, local/state Level, zonal Level and national level. Children are judged on their originality, innovative approach, fluency, flexibility, divergent thinking, elaboration of ideas, a creative process leading to a meaningful product, effective functioning in group and analytical & critical approach. The National Bal Shree Honour is conferred on the most creative children in each of the four categories by the Honourable President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Check http://www.nationalbalbhavan.nic.in for more details.

Basic Information about Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme

This scheme is run by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, to provide facilities to outstanding young children to develop their talents in various artistic fields. Children in the age group of 10 to 14 years studying either in recognized schools or belonging to families practicing traditional art forms are eligible. Outstanding children in music, dance, drama, painting, sculpture and crafts are selected for the award of 500 scholarships each year. Preference is given especially to children practicing art forms which are becoming extinct. A scholarship of Rs.300/- is awarded till the completion of the first University degree education or up to the age of 20 years whichever is earlier, only if the awardees maintain good progress. Check http://ccrtindia.gov.in/scholarship.htm for more details.

Basic Information about MENSA

The word “Mensa” means mind. Mensa is a round-table society for bright people, whose race, colour, creed, national origin, age, politics, educational or social background are irrelevant. It welcomes people whose IQ is in the top 2% of the population to enjoy each other’s company and participate in a wide range of social and cultural activities. It works to identify and nurture human intelligence for the benefit of humanity, to encourage research in the characteristics and uses of intelligence, and to provide stimulating intellectual and social opportunities for its members. Admission to Mensa India is on the basis of an admission test and it has no eligibility requirements other than the IQ test scores. Check http://www.indianmensa.org/ for more details.

Basic Information about Ganit Pradnya Examination

Maharashtra Ganit Adhyapak Mahamandal conducts an examination called MATHEX or Ganit Pravinya for students of std V & std VII, the syllabus for which is same as that of Maharashtra State Board. Students securing 75 or more marks in Ganit Pravinya automatically qualify for Ganit Pradnya competition. The difficulty level of this exam is much higher than the respective Pravinya examinations. First 50 students from each standard are awarded with scholarships and certificates of merit by Maharashtra Ganit Adhyapak Mahamandal. Check http://puneganitmandal.in/examinations.htm for details.

Basic Information about Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition

Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik competition for students of std. VI and std. IX is conducted by the Mumbai Science Teachers’ Association to search science talent in students, to generate their interest in science subjects and to inculcate scientific attitude among them. This competition is based on scientific knowledge acquired by the students and is conducted in three elimination phases, viz. written test, practical test and interview. Based on the marks of the 3 phases, the top 10% students are awarded Gold Medals, certificates and scholarship of Rs.700/-. Rest of the candidates reaching upto the final interview stage will get silver medals, certificates and prize of Rs.100/-. For more details, check http://www.msta.in/

Basic Information about AMTI

The Association of Mathematics Teachers of India(AMTI) promotes and conducts Maths Talent Tests across India. Their aim is to discover and encourage students, who have the capacity for original and creative thinking, who display readiness to attack unfamiliar and non-routine problems and who exhibit a general mathematical maturity appropriate to their level. For more details, check http://www.amtionline.com/