This document provides information about competitive examinations for secondary school students in India, including the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE), Science Olympiad, and Google Science Fair. It focuses on describing the history, objectives, and process of the NTSE exam. The NTSE was established in 1963 to identify and reward talented secondary school students in science and provide scholarships. It has undergone changes over time, including expanding the number of scholarships, subjects covered, and eligibility levels. The exam now consists of a Mental Ability Test and Scholastic Ability Test administered at both the state and national level.

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COMPETATIVE EXAMINATIONS FOR SECONDARY
SCHOOL STUDENTS - SCIENCE TALENT SEARCH SCHEME,
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD, GOOGLE SCIENCE FAIR.
Submitted to;
Mrs. SUSHAMA PRABHA. L
Lecturer in Natural Science
Submitted by;
ASWANI REJU. A
Natural Science
Submitted on; 01/08/2015

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INDEX
Series
no
Content Page no:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
INTRODUCTION
National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)
Science Olympiad
The Google Science Fair
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
3
4-6
7-9
9-10
11
12

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INTRODUCTION
A competitive examination is an examination where candidates are ranked according to
their grades. If the examination is open for n positions, then the first n candidates in ranks
pass, the others are rejected.
They are used as entrance examinations for university and college admissions or
to secondary schools. Another types are civil service examinations, required for positions in
the public sector; the U.S. Foreign Service Exam, and the United Nations Competitive
Examination.
China has an entrance competitive examination in order to enter in the secondary school
named gaokao. Of11,000,000 candidates, there was a failure rate of25%in 2012.
France is the country that surely uses the most competitive examinations. Some education
professionals tend to say that the "Concours Général" (not mandatory, as
the Baccalaureat is) in the last year of High School (Lycée) is the most difficult to take
worldwide with only 250 places in all subjects for 15,000 applicants (there is a failure rate of
98,3%). There are also an entrance competitive examination in order to enter medicine
studies: (1 preparation year, 10 mandatory years after competitive exam, failure rate of
85%); "grandes écoles" of engineering (2 preparation years, 4 mandatory years after
competitive exam, failure rate of approx. 50%), and "grandes écoles" of business (2
preparation years, 3 mandatory years after competitive exam, failure rate of approx. 25%).
In France,the fact of having succeededin one competitive exam is highly recognized by the
society, and shows you are partofthe national elite.
Competitive examinations are considered an egalitarian way of choosing worthy applicants
without risking influence peddling, favoritism or other concerns.

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National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)
National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a national-level scholarship program in
the Indian Union to identify and recognize students with high intellectand academic talent. It
is one of the most prestigious exams in India. Close to 300,000 students (a largely self
selective group of students) appear in this scholarship exam every year, and 1,000
scholarships are awarded, out of which 775 are not reserved. The scheme is open to
students of Indian nationality. Students studying in Class X are eligible to appear for the
selection process. As it is organized by an official body (NCERT), it is widely regarded by
the Government of India as the most prestigious and the most difficult examination at
secondary level in the country. “ Catch while Young “ is a popular slogan, so to create and
discover science talent among pupils as early as possible and help is to develop is an
essential element is the process of preparing creative scientist. The secondary stage of
education appears to be the right stage for identifying science talent. Since it is during the
formative years of this phase that the potentialities of the child unfold and can be helped to
grow to their fullest extent
Scope of the scheme
The main objectives of the scheme are :
1. To identify the boys and girls at the close of secondary stage, who possess potential
creative abilities in the scientific field.
2. To stimulate scientific talent by a competitive process and recognition ofmerit.
3. To help such students to pursue course in basic and agricultural sciences by award of
scholarship from B.Sc to Ph.D. stage.

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4. To provide special programmes in science to such scholars with a view to nurture the
talent.
5. To encourage schools to take more active interestin search for scientific ability, and
6. To help in building up a body of scientists, who will contribute to the scientific
advancementin India, both in pure and applied fields.
HISTORY
The National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) was established by
the government in the year 1961 with a view to bringing out qualitative improvement in
school education in the country. One programme to identify and nurture student to the
shapes us National Science Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS) in 1963 , which provided for
the identification of talented students and awarding them with scholarships. During the first
implementation of the scheme ,it was confined to the Union Territory of Delhi where in only
10 Scholarships were awarded to class XIstudents.
In the year 1964 the scheme was extended to all the state And the Union Territories of
the country with 350 scholarships to the students of the class XI. These scholarships were
awarded on the basis of a written examination, project report. The written examination
comprised the Scientific Aptitude Test and an Essay on a given scientific theme. The
Candidate should submit the project report at the time of the written examination. A
stipulated number of candidates selected on the basis of three components were then
subjected to personal interview. The performance of the candidate on these four
components are eventually employed for the purpose of awarding scholarships. The
Scholarship were awarded for pursuing education in basic sciences upto doctorate level.

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Consequent upon the introduction of 10 +2 +3 pattern of education , the NSTS scheme
of also underwent a change in 1976. Itwas long longer confined to only basic sciences but
National Talent Search Examination (NTSE). Since the education system in the country
was undergoing a change the scheme was made open to the students ofclass X. XI, and
XLL and separate examination were conducted to each . The number of scholarship was
raised to 500.The selection procedure was also changed.Nowthe candidates were to have
two objective type written exam namely the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic
Aptitude Test (SAT) a stipulation of candidate qualifying these two tests were subjected to
face- to- face interview. The awards were made on composite scores obtained in the MAT,
the SAT and the interview.
The number ofscholarship was again enhanced from 500 -550 in the year 1981. These
50 Scholarship were exclusively meantfor Scheduled caste (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST)
candidate. The number of scholarship was escalated to 750 in 1983 with the provision on
70 Scholarship especially for SC/ST yet another change in the scheme was effected from
the year 2005, the number of scholarship was raised from 750-1000 with provision for SC
and ST candidate national norms of15% 71/2 respectively.
The scheme was partially decentralized in 1985 and was confined to only class X. Under
the newarrangement,the selection of candidates for the awards became a two-tier process.
The states and the union territories have been entrusted with the responsibility of
conducting the first tier screening examination known as State Level Talent Search
Examination. Each state and union territory selects and recommended a stipulated number
(state quota) of candidates for the national level examination to be conducted for about
5000 candidates by the NCERT.
The states got complete autonomy to design and conduct their written examinations.
However, they were advised to follow the national pattern which comprised MAT and SAT.
The MAT, which consisted of100 multiple choice type questions, was to be attempted by all

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the candidates. The SAT consisted of 25 multiple choice type questions each on eight
subject areas namely Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography,
Civics and Economics. The candidates could choose any four out of these eight subjects
and had to answer a total of100 questions in the SAT.
A stipulated number of candidates who qualified at the national level examination were
called for face-to-face interviews. The award of scholarships was finally determined on the
basis of the candidates’ scores obtained in all three components namely the MAT, the SAT
and the Interview.
A crucial modification in the scheme was again made in the year 1995 when the provision of
choice in the SAT was abolished and all the subjects were made compulsory. These
subjects were Science, Social Science and Mathematics with 40, 40 and 20 questions
respectively.
The scholarships under the present scheme are awarded to the candidates for pursuing
courses in sciences and socialsciences up to doctoral level and in professionalcourses like
medicine and engineering up to second-degree level subject to the fulfillment of the
conditions provided. Also, an importantdecision was taken in the year 2008, when NTSE is
open only to the students of class VIIIas againstclass X . In 2012, NTSE was reopened for
class X students.
The examination will consist of Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Ability Test
(SAT). Quota for State/UT will be computed proportionally on the basis of students
enrolment in Class IX and X. 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.
where in it is paid as per UGC norms . The scholarship under the present scheme are
awarded to the candidates for pursuing courses in sciences and social sciences up to

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doctoral level and in professional courses like medicine and engineering up to degree level
subjectto the fulfillment of the conditions
The Union Minister of Human Resource Development Smt. Smriti Irani announced that
the number of scholarships under National Talent Search Scheme will be doubled to 2000
from existing 1000 while speaking on the occasion of 55th Foundation Day celebration of
the NCERT in New Delhi on 1stSeptember 2015.
Declaration of results
The results of the first stage of the exam are declared between February to April, varying
from state to state. The results of the second stage are declared between July to
September. Students are divided into 4 quotas: General, SC, ST, Disabled. Around 1500
students are selected from General quota, 300 from SC, 160 from ST and around 40 from
Disabled quota. The finals results of the second stage are displayed on the
website www.ncert.nic.in by August or any time before May next year.they can publish final
key/frozen key/ revised key/ etc., as and when required.
SYLLABUS
First level exam for class X
SAT: The syllabus for Mathematics, Science and Social Science is broadly based on the
prescribed respective State Board Syllabus from Std 9th to 10th class. Few states like
Kerala refer both state board and NCERT books while few states like Maharashtra, Andhra
Pradesh ask questions primarily from their state board books. MAT: General questions
Language:state board books covers a lot. More focus is on vocabulary, grammar and basic
understanding. In 2013 - 14 Language in firststage is ofqualifying nature only. From 2013-
14 there would be negative marking (-1/3) in NTSE second stage.
Second level exam for class X

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NCERT has announced new pattern for stage 2 exam, where each correctly answered
question awards the student+1, while an incorrectanswer deducts 1/3 marks.
Mental Ability test: 50 questions 50 marks, Language test : 50 questions 50 marks,
Scholastic Aptitude test : 100 questions 100 marks (40 q from Science, 20 q from maths, 40
q from SST), SAT: The mathematics and science questions will be asked from the chapters
in the syllabus of class 9 and 10. The social science questions will also be asked from class
9 and 10 Language testis only for qualification, it is not counted in meritlist.
REWARDS
The students who qualify second stage are eligible for scholarship. The amount of
scholarship has been enhanced to Rs.1250 per month for class XIand XIIand Rs.2000 per
month for students studying under graduate and above. The scholarship is provided
immediately after the result. In case students have not received the letter from NCERT after
5 weeks of the declaration of the result, they should contact NCERT for updates. The
scholarship is expected to increase up to 4000-5000 in next few years.It was increased to
Rs.1250 and Rs.2000 as per the orders in July 2014 There are no restrictions like parental
income, governmentschool, domicile etc. In case the studentmoves abroad for studies, the
scholarship will no longer be provided.

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Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad is an American elementary school, middle school and high school team
competition in which students compete in 'events' pertaining to various scientific disciplines,
including earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Over 7,300 teams
from 50 U.S. states compete each year. There are multiple levels of competition;
invitational, regional, state, and national. In addition, some states or private groups offer
'invitational' tournaments which serve as practice for regional and state competitions.
Teams which excel at the regional competitions advance to the state, and then to the
national level. Winners later receive several kinds of awards from medals to trophies and
plaques.
Science Olympiad is not associated with the International Science Olympiads, which follow
a completely different format and setofrules.
Divisions
There are four divisions in the hierarchy ofScience Olympiad:
 Division A1 for elementary school (grades K-3)
 Division A2 for elementary school (grades 3-6)
 Division B for middle school (grades 6-8)
 Division C for high school (grades 9-12)
However, the national tournamentand generally state and regional tournaments are only for
divisions B and C. Division A teams usually have separate interscholastic tournaments,
apart from the more common intra-school competitions. Note that6th and 9th graders have
the option of competing in either of the two divisions in which they meet the grade
requirements and are partof the competing school.A middle schoolmay, however,only use

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up to 5 members who have graduated to the next school if they are in 9th grade or lower.
Students in grades lower than the division in which the school competes in may also be on
the team. Teams are restricted to five 9th graders for division B and seven 12th graders for
division C. Students may not participate on multiple teams, e.g. A 9th grader on both a high
school and middle school team would notbe allowed.
Events
Students compete in twenty-three main events, which usually occur on a single day; done
by a team of limited numbers. Events fall under three main categories: Science Concepts
and Knowledge, Science Processes and Thinking Skills, and Science Application and
Technology. They are either knowledge-based (for example, written tests on earth
science, physics, astronomy, or biology), hands-on (for example, chemistry lab practicals),
or engineering-based (participants constructa device to do specified tasks).
Knowledge-based events generally have two participants either taking a test or
mathematically analyzing data. Examples of such events are Designer Genes, Forensics,
and Chemistry Lab.
Hands-on events generally consistoftwo participants performing experiments or interacting
with physical objects to achieve a certain goal. Some examples are Bio-Process lab,
Forensics, or Science Crime busters.
Engineering-based events have a team of two to three participants. They are to constructa
device following a specific event's parameters and testthe device againstothers. Examples
include Robo-Cross, Bridge/Tower Building, and Storm The Castle.
The majority of events require two team members, though a few require more. If one
member is unable to attend an event, the other is able to continue, depending on the event,

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with the competition, though at an obvious disadvantage. If the team has one available, a
back-up team member may be placed with the member as opposed to their former partner.
The list and rules for events change and are updated every year to inputdynamism and to
limit the advantages of more experienced team States have substantial leeway in how they
run their organization; several states, notably North Carolina and Texas run altered slates
of events; in the case of Texas, teams can choose to replace National events with state-
exclusive events.
The Google Science Fair
The Google Science Fair is an online science competition sponsored
by Google, Lego, Virgin Galactic, National Geographic and Scientific American. The first
ever Google Science Fair was announced in January 2011; all entries were due at
11:59:59 pm Eastern Daylight Time on April 7, 2011 and judging occurred in July 2011. The
competition is open to 13- to 18-year-old students around the globe, who formulate a
hypothesis, perform an experiment, and present their results. All students must have an
internet connection and a free Google Account to participate, and the projects must be in
English, German, Italian, Spanish, or French. The final submission must include ten
sections, which are the summary, an "AboutMe" page, the steps ofthe project, and a works
cited page.
Entries are judged on eightcore criteria, which include the student's presentation, question,
hypothesis, research, experiment, data, observations, and conclusion. Prizes are awarded
to three finalists. The grand prize includes a National Geographic trip to the Galapagos
Islands, a US$50,000 scholarship, and an "experience" at a sponsoring organization;
finalists will receive a US$25,000 scholarship and assorted packages from sponsoring
organizations. While Larry Page and Sergey Brin were PhD students at Stanford
University in California, they created Google in January 1996 as a research project; Google

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employee Tom Oliveri highlighted the company's early days: "Science fairs help students to
explore their vision and curiosity through science. Our company was founded on an
experiment. We firmly believe that science can change the world," he stated.
Google's page states, "The Competition is not open to residents of Cuba, Iran, North
Korea, Sudan, Myanmar/Burma, Syria, Zimbabwe and any other U.S. sanctioned country
and is void where prohibited by law."
Eligibility :
Competition is open to individuals born between 19 February 1996 and 18 February 2002
(inclusive). No entrant can register for or enter the competition until they turn 13. If an
entrant turns 19 during submission period they will not be disqualified. All entrants must
have his/her parent’s or legal guardian’s permission to enter this Competition. Sponsor
reserves the right to verify an individual’s eligibility to participate in the Competition.
Official Google Science Fair Logo
The Competition Breakdown :
Regional Finalists :
Up to 90 Regional Finalists: Up to three (3) per Age Group (13 -15and 16 -18)
in each ofthe three (3)Regions (EMEA, APAC, US) from each ofthe five (5) Categories:
1. Natural Sciences Category: Flora & Fauna/Food Science/Earth & Environmental
Sciences (18 Regional Finalists)
2. Physical Design & Engineering Category: Inventions & Innovation/ Electricity &
Electronics/Robotics

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(18 Regional Finalists)
3. Pure Sciences Category: Biology/Chemistry/Physics, Behavioral & Social Sciences (18
Regional
Finalists)
4. Space & Physics Category: Energy & Space/Astrophysics (18 Regional Finalists)
5. Computer Science & Math Category: Computer Science/Math (18 Regional Finalists)
Finalists :
Twenty (20) Finalists: two (2) Age Group Winners from each of the five (5) Categories will
compete for the FinalistAwards.
Category Awards :
The National Geographic Explorer Award : The National Geographic Award for Natural
Sciences and Environmentwill award one (1) winner from the Natural Sciences Category.
The LEGO Builder Award : The LEGO Education Award for Engineering Innovation will
award one (1) winner from the Physical Design & Engineering Category.
Scientific American Innovator Award : The Scientific American Innovator Award will award
one (1) winner from the Pure Sciences Category.
The Virgin Galactic Pioneer Award : The Virgin Galactic Award for Space will award one (1)
winner from the Space & Physics Category.
The Google Technologist Award : The Google Award for Computer Science will award one
(1) winner from the Computer Science & Math Category.
Grand Prize Winner :
One (1) Finalistfrom the FinalistAwards will be determined as the Grand Prize Winner. The
entrant with the next highest score in the corresponding Category will be determined the
Finalist and winner ofthe Finalist Award in place ofthe Grand Prize Winner.
Additional Awards :

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Community Impact Award : The Community Impact Award recognizes a project that can
make significant impact in a community. Submissions should be innovative, easy to putinto
action and extendable to othercommunities.
The Incubator Award : The Incubator Award recognizes a studentin the 13-15 year old age
group.
The Inspiring Educator Award : The Inspiring Educator Award recognizes an educator who
has inspired students to participate in the Science Fair Competition. Optional: During the
registration process an entrant can indicate who inspired them and why.
NOTE ON ALL ADDITIONAL AWARDS: The Grand Prize Winner and Category Award winners will not be
eligible to win an additional award.
Prizes
Grand Prize Winner:
One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive a Scholarship from Google: a US$50,000 cash
scholarship with the intention that it will be used towards the Grand Prize Winner’s further
education. If Grand Prize Winner is a Team, the US$50,000 cash will be split equally
between Team members. At Sponsor’s sole discretion a prize of comparable or greater
value will be awarded.
Category Award Winners:
Natural Sciences Category Award
 The National Geographic Explorer Award:
Prize: The National Geographic Explorer Award winner(s), along with one
parent/guardian per winner, will travel on a 10day National Geographic Expedition to the
Galápagos Archipelago, “Darwin’s living laboratory,” and the home to an abundance of

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wildlife. Traveling in a Category 2 cabin aboard the National Geographic Endeavour, the
winner will have exciting, upcloseencounters with species such as domed giant tortoises,
marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants while exploring with a diverse team of experts—
from naturalists to regional specialists—who will share their knowledge and insights on the
wildlife,
landscapes, and local culture. The winner and his or her parent/guardian must travel
together on same itinerary on dates provided by Sponsor or trip will be forfeited. The
Sponsor has the right to substitute the Prize for one of equal or greater value should the
designated prize become unavailable for any reason. Trip is conducted in English only. Trip
specifics are subject to availability. Travelers agree to accept National Geographic
Expeditions terms and conditions for the trip.
Physical Design & Engineering Category Award
The LEGO Builder Award:
Prize: The LEGO Builder Award Winner(s), along with one parent/guardian per winner, will
travel to The LEGO Group headquarters in Billund, Denmark, where the student will meet
with LEGO Education employees and designers. The student will tour the LEGO
Manufacturing facilities, LEGO Idea House and receive tickets to LEGOLAND Denmark.
The winner will also receive a classroom set for their school of the LEGO MINDSTORMS
Education EV3 along with curriculum. They will also receive a custom LEGO brick build
designed by one of the LEGO Education designers in Billund, Denmark. Additionally, the
student will have access to work with a LEGO Education executive for six (6) months as a
mentor to learn how to launch a business and the art of entrepreneurship. The trip is valid
for one year from winning the prize .
Pure Sciences Category Award
The Scientific American Innovator Award:

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Prize: The Scientific American Innovator Winner(s) will receive a US$25,000 cash
scholarship from Scientific American with the intention that it will be used towards the
Winner’s further education. In addition, the Winner’s school will receive digital access to
Scientific American magazine Archives for 12 months. If Winner is a team, the US$25,000
cash will be split equally between Team Members and each Team
Member’s school will receive the Scientific American magazine Archives for 12 months. At
Sponsor’s sole discretion a prize ofcomparable or greater value will be awarded
Space & Physics Category Award
The Virgin Galactic Pioneer Award:
Prize: The Virgin Galactic Pioneer Award Winner(s), along with one parent/guardian per
winner, will be taken on a tour of Virgin Galactic, Mojave Air and Spaceport in Mojave,
California to meet the extraordinary group of engineers turning the Virgin Galactic dream
into reality, as well as given the opportunity to get acquainted with their new spaceship.
Computer Science & Math Category Award
The Google TechnologistAward:
Prize: The Google Technologist Winner(s), will be awarded US$25,000 in funding by
Google, to help develop their project, along with a yearlong mentorship from a Googler in a
related field and a visit to their home office. If Winner is a team, the US$25,000 cash will be
split equally between team members. This experience is valid for one year from winning the
prize and mustbe completed within 2016. Additional Award(s)
Community Impact Award Prize : A US$10,000 cash scholarship with the intention thatitwill
be used to further develop the Award Recipients competition idea. If Recipient is a Team,
the US$10,000 cash will be split equally between Team members. At Sponsor’s sole
discretion a prize ofcomparable or greater value will be awarded.
The Incubator Award Prize : A US$10,000 cash scholarship with the intention that it will be
used to further develop the Award Recipients competition idea. If Recipient is a Team, the

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US$10,000 cash will be split equally between Team members. AtSponsor’s sole discretion
a prize of comparable or greater value will be awarded. Plus a year of mentorship from
Scientific American to assistrecipientin developing their idea.
The Inspiring Educator Award Prize : $5,000 gift card to be used towards the purchase of
LEGO Education Products and $5,000 classroom grantfrom Google.
Total ARV of all Additional Award Prizes: US$30,000
All twenty (20) Finalists (including each member of a team) will receive:
● A LEGO Education Goodie Bag.
● A Google Goodie Bag
● National Geographic Subscription:A subscription to National Geographic magazine for12
months.
● Scientific American Subscription: Individual print a nd digital subscript ion to Scientific
Americanmagazine for 12 months commencing in September 2015.
ARV per FinalistPrize: US$800
Total ARV of Finalist Prizes
Finalist Trip to Mountain View:
The twenty (20) Finalists will receive a minimum ofa three (3) day/two (2)night trip (length of
trip dependenton country of origin and associated travel times at Sponsor’s discretion) for
the Finalist and, if applicable, all Team Members (and his/her parent or legal guardian, if
Finalist or Team Member is a minor) to Mountain View, CA, USA for the opportunity to
participate in the final Winner Selection Event.2015. Exact dates of the trip will be
determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion.

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CONCLUSION
A competitive examination is an examination where candidates are ranked according to
their grades. Competitive examinations are considered an egalitarian way of choosing
worthy applicants without risking influence peddling, favoritism or other concerns.These
include Science Talent Search Scheme, Science Olympiad,and Google Science fair.
National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) is a national-level scholarship program in
the Indian Union to identify and recognize students with high intellectand academic talent. It
is one ofthe mostprestigious exams in India. Science Olympiad is an American elementary
school, middle school and high school team competition in which students compete in
'events' pertaining to various scientific disciplines. The Google Science Fair is an
online science competition sponsored by Google.All thes competitive examinations help to
identify the talented students .This will helpful for each and every students to analyse
his/her performance and improve it.

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REFERENCES
1.http://www.compatetive exams.com
2. http://www.sciencefair.com
3. http://www.wikipedia.org.com
4.Science Education,methodology of teaching and pedagogic analysis-
Dr K.Shivarajan,Prof.A.Faziluddin