The Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) administers the National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) as part of its broader National Standard Examination (NSE) program. The NSE, spanning Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, and Junior Science, serves as the initial phase for the international Olympiad, identifying and nurturing young talents with a high aptitude in Science. Specifically designed for students in Class VIII, IX, and X (based on age criteria), this annual examination takes place in November and acts as the qualifying test for the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO).
Objectives and Scope:
The primary objective of the NSEJS is to pinpoint and foster young students who exhibit exceptional aptitude in Science. As a crucial entry point for the International Junior Science Olympiad, this IAPT-conducted examination evaluates participants on various levels.
Assessment Focus:
The examination serves as a comprehensive evaluation of participants, emphasizing the following key aspects:
Conceptual Understanding:
NSEJS assesses the depth of participants’ understanding of scientific concepts, ensuring a strong foundation in Junior Science.
Logical Reasoning:
Participants are challenged to demonstrate logical reasoning skills, showcasing their ability to analyze and draw conclusions from scientific principles.
Problem-Solving Skills:
An integral aspect of the assessment is the evaluation of participants’ capability to apply problem-solving skills to novel situations, reflecting a well-rounded scientific acumen.
Target Audience:
The NSEJS is tailored for students in Class VIII, IX, and X, aligning with specific age criteria. Its inclusive nature ensures that participants do not necessarily require specialized training outside the regular school system during the initial two stages of the program.
NSEJS: Important Details
The below table mentions the important dates related to the National Standard Examination in Junior Science:
Date of the Exam | 26th November 2023 |
Duration of the Exam | 2 Hours |
Question Paper Code | 53 |
No. of Questions | 60 MCQs (20 questions each from Physics, Chemistry and Biology) |
Exam Syllabus | The Pattern of the exam was same as issued by Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT)
|
Total Marks | 216 |
NSEJS Paper Analysis
NSEJS 2023 Question Paper Analysis gives a detailed idea of the difficulty level faced by the students who appeared for the exam. The NSEJS 2023 question paper helps students study strategically for their upcoming exams and provides a proper idea of the important concepts and trends of the previous years’ papers. As per our expert faculties, the overall difficulty level of the NSEJS 2023 exam ranged from moderate to difficult level.
Subject-Wise Paper Analysis
Physics
- In Physics, around 25% of questions were Easy, 60% of questions were Moderate and 15% of questions were Difficult
- All questions in Physics were from the syllabus of class IX and X
- Both theoretical and numerical type questions were asked in Physics
- When compared to the NSEJS 2022 exam, the overall difficulty level of Physics questions was relatively easier
Chemistry
- In Chemistry, the difficulty level of questions was mainly Moderate
- Around 35% of questions were Easy, 50% were Moderate and 15% were Difficult
- Around 50% of the questions were from extended boundaries of topics covered in the Class IX & X syllabus and approximately 15% of questions were from topics of Class XI and XII syllabi
- Both theoretical and application-based questions were asked in Chemistry
- To the student’s surprise, one question was asked on topic ‘Amines’, which has not been previously asked in NSEJS ever
- When compared to previous years’ papers, it was observed that in Chemistry there were fewer questions from topics such as ‘Mole Concept’ and ‘Stoichiometry’
- Overall, students would have found Chemistry questions a bit challenging in the NSEJS 2023 exam
Biology
- In Biology, the difficulty level of questions was mainly Moderate to Difficult
- Around 30% of questions were Easy, 50% were Moderate and 20% were Difficult
- Some questions were also asked from class XI and XII syllabus
- The majority of the questions were asked from ‘Control and Coordination’, ‘Strategies in Food Enhancement’
- Some analytical-type questions were also asked, mainly from chapters ‘Principle of Inheritance and Variation’ and ‘Life Processes’
- When compared to the NSEJS 2022 exam, the overall difficulty level of Biology questions was quite moderate
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the overall difficulty level of the NSEJS 2023 exam ranged from moderate to difficult level. The National Standard Examination in Junior Science is a gateway for young, scientifically inclined minds. Beyond a traditional examination, it serves as a platform to identify and nurture budding talent in the realm of Science, paving the way for the International Junior Science Olympiad. The assessment’s multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of participants, emphasizing conceptual understanding, logical reasoning, practical skills, and problem-solving abilities essential qualities for future scientific leaders.
For detailed Answer Key & Solutions of NSEJS 2023, visit: https://www.aakash.ac.in/answers-solutions/nse-national-standard-examination?utm_source=HomepageBanner&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=NSE2023
Students who qualify NSEJS 2023 will be eligible to appear for the 2nd stage of IJSO, i.e. Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO) 2023, which will be held in first week of February 2024.