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National Standard Examination in Astronomy 2023-24: Know the Exam Pattern

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Last updated date: 15th Mar 2024
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Olympiads

What is NSEA?

The Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education (HBCSE) and the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) together sort out and lead the National Standard Examination in Astronomy or the NSEA. It is viewed as one of only a handful of exceptional, regarded tests in the field of Astronomy focused on understudies who are enthusiastic with regard to the discipline. The test is available to all students at the senior secondary education level. The NSEA acts as an initial stage to the International Olympiad for Astronomy and Astrophysics, which is one of the prominent international science olympiads that is conducted on an annual basis for students across the world. 

One of the essential targets of directing the test is to frame a stage and unite passionate learners from various backgrounds to spread their advantage in the field and give them the freedom to uncover their abilities. The test additionally intends to give students significant experiences at such a young age. Taking part and qualifying in such tests will positively place the students in a favourable position with regards to seeking after advanced education. Furthermore, they may be keen on in the different vocation range.

The NSEA exam pattern is so designed by the authorities of IAPT and HBCSE that the knowledge and understanding of astrophysics and astronomy of students will be well evaluated in this exam. By going through the exam pattern of NSEA, students will get a clear idea of how to prepare for the exam effectively.

The National Standard Examination in Astronomy is conducted in an offline mode every year. This year the IAPT and HBCSE are yet to confirm the final dates and the stages of the selection process of IOAA. Students should go through the exam pattern to become familiar with the types of questions asked the difficulty level, and marking scheme of the exam. The information on the NSEA exam pattern is tabulated below for the reference of students.

Details of NSEA Exam Pattern 2023-24


NSEA Exam Pattern

Details

Medium of NSEA

English

Mode of NSEA

Pen-and-paper based (this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak, IAPT and HBCSE are yet to announce the details of the exam.)

Number of subjects

3 (Astronomy, Mathematics, and Physics)

Total number of questions in NSEA

80

15 (Astronomy) + 32 (Mathematics) + 33 (Physics)

Type of Questions

Multiple-choice type

Total marks 

240: 45(Astronomy) + 96(Mathematics) + 99 (Physics) 

Marking Scheme

1. For every correct response: +3

2. For every incorrect response: -1 

FAQs on National Standard Examination in Astronomy 2023-24: Know the Exam Pattern

1. How Shall I Prepare For NSEA?

Ans: You can prepare for NSEA by revising all the concepts of Physics, and Mathematics, from the NCERT textbooks of the 11th and 12th grades. For a good understanding of the fundamentals of Astronomy, you can refer to a book named Universe. It is written by William J. Kaufmann, Roger Freedman, and Robert Geller. To develop a conceptual understanding of the mathematical aspects of Astronomy, you can refer to the book named Astronomy- Principles and Practice, by Roy and Clarke. Apart from consulting these books, you have to solve and practise the sample papers and take mock tests for comprehensive exam preparation.    

2. What Type of Questions are Commonly Asked in NSEA?

Ans: Multiple-choice questions are asked in NSEA. Most questions are provided with a single correct answer choice and some questions have more than one correct answer choice.

3. Is There a Negative Marking System in NSEA?

Ans: Yes, there is a negative marking system in NSEA. For every correct answer, 3 marks will be awarded and for every incorrect answer, 1 mark will be deducted. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions.  

4. When will the NSEA be conducted?

Ans: The National Standard Examination in Astronomy or NSEA is conducted consistently every year and the typical date picked for the test comes around the month of November. Despite the fact that the guidelines in regards to conducting exams are positive, students should be careful with regards to any updates or declarations as to the dates or mode of examination.

5. What is the syllabus for NSEA?

Ans: The NSEA syllabus is not explicitly outlined by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers and Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education. However, the questions included in the NSEA question papers correspond with the themes covered in the syllabus of the subjects Physics and mathematics in the eleventh and twelfth grades. Students may go through the NCERT course readings for Physics and Mathematics to comprehend the basics. Among the books regularly counselled for NSEA arrangement are Universe, composed by William J. Kaufmann, Roger Freedman, and Robert Geller. Additionally, you can allude to the book, Astronomy-Principles and Practice, composed by Roy and Clarke.

6. When will the NSEA application form be available?

Ans: The application forms for the National Standard Examination in Astronomy or the NSEA is normally made accessible around three to four months before the real date of the test, as announced by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). Since the tests are to be conducted around the end of November this year, the application form for students to apply for the test will be accessible from around mid-August. Students are needed to fill in every one of the details requested in the application form carefully and submit it to the exam centre along with the application fee.

7. What is the age criterion for NSEA?

Ans: Like any other exams, some fixed conditions and criteria are bound to be followed by all students looking to attend the National Standard Examination in Astronomy or the NSEA. Since the exam is open for students belonging to the senior secondary level, candidates applying for the test should not belong outside of the age bracket of 14 to 19 years of age. Students at any stage of the exam, if found to be not fulfilling any of the criteria, will not be allowed to continue with the exam.

8. How can I download the previous year question papers for NSEA?

Ans: Students who are enthusiastic with regards to the subject Physics and Astronomy and who are interested to participate in the National Standard Examination in Astronomy or the NSEA will have to equip themselves with important materials in order to be better prepared for the exam. These materials include sample question papers, question pacers from the previous years, Mock tests and so on. Vedantu is a platform that intends to help students prepare for such exams with these study materials. Students can effortlessly download previous years' question papers along with their answer keys from the Vedantu Website and application.