The first step of the international olympiad is the National Standard Examination (NSE) in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, and Junior Science, which is administered by IAPT.
All succeeding levels are overseen by the Mumbai-based Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE). The Indian National Olympiad (INO) examination in the relevant subject is the next stage for eligible candidates after the NSE test.
Dr D. P. Khandelwal founded the Indian Association of Physics Instructors (IAPT) in 1984 with the goal of improving the quality of physics instruction and physics teachers at all levels. The National Standard Examination in Physics, NSEP, is the most well-known IAPT test, and it serves as the Stage-I for qualifying for both the Indian National Olympiad and the International Olympiad. We will discuss NSE exams in detail in this article.
About IAPT
The Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) was founded in 1984 by (Late) Dr D. P. Khandelwal with the goal of improving the quality of physics education and teachers at all levels. It has now developed into a large organisation with over 6500 life members spread across India and the rest of the world. Schools, colleges, and institutions, as well as instructors, researchers, science administrators, and scientific lovers, are all members. All IAPT work is done on a volunteer basis, and no money is given to its members for participating in IAPT activities. This test is taken by approximately 40,000 students at over 1200 locations, the majority of which are in small towns and villages. Participation is entirely voluntary; however, it provides a chance to compare one’s performance to a national norm.
Exams conducted by IAPT
- National Standard Examination in Astronomy
- National Standard Examination in Biology
- National Standard Examination in Physics
- National Standard Examination in Chemistry
National Standard Examination in Astronomy
The Indian Association of Physics Teachers and the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education jointly administer the National Standard Examination in Astronomy. It is one of the few notable competitive examinations available to Astronomy students. The National Science and Engineering Olympiad (NSEA) is the first stage of the International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA). NSEA registration is done through the students’ schools. Here’s all you need to know about the NSEA’s major dates, eligibility requirements, examination style, application cost, and selection procedure.
There are five parts to the International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics Programme. However, because of the current pandemic circumstances, the IAPT and HBCSE authorities have yet to announce the NSEA and IOAA test methods and formats.
National Standard Examination in Biology
The Association of Teachers in Biological Services (ATBS), in collaboration with the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) and the Indian Association of Physics Teachers, conducts the National Standard Examination in Biology (IAPT). The National Standard Examination Board administers the NSEB examinations (NSE). The National Science Olympiads are organised by NSE to excite children and assist them in developing an interest in science. It provides them with a platform to compete in international olympiads. It’s worth noting that students who pass the NSEB examinations can only take the INO test. This exam is open to students who have not completed Class 12. The NSEB is done online.
National Standard Examination in Physics
As the name implies, the National Standard Examination in Physics is a test that focuses on the field of physics. This is not a required test, and students who take it do so entirely of their own volition. Roughly 30,000 students or more volunteer to take this exam, and the organising body assigns around 15,000 examination locations. Every year, students from all parts of the country, whether rural or urban, take part in this examination with zeal. NSEP is not associated with any type of admission or scholarship, but it does prepare the road for students interested in participating in INO. Although English is the most common language used in this test, students can also pick from Hindi and other languages.
National Standard Examination in Chemistry
The National Standard Examination in Chemistry is jointly conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education and the Indian Association of Physics Teachers. This test is given every year in November, and it is administered at a number of different locations. The National Science Education Centre promotes chemistry as a topic and fosters interest in it. The NSEC recognises students’ accomplishments based on their exam scores.
This test is designed for students who are interested in chemistry and want to get some knowledge of the topic by completing a self-assessment while studying for the exam. Students who pass this exam will have the opportunity to compete in INCO (Indian National Chemistry Olympiad). National Standard Examinations in various topics are held at regional levels, and students who wish to participate must meet the exam administering authority’s qualifying standards.