National Science Examination in Physics (NSEP) is the first step of the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) program. The Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) is the conducting agency of NSEP. It is the only agency to conduct the National Standard Examinations voluntarily for the past 31 years to encourage budding scholars.Â
Any student aspiring to be one of the 5 candidates to represent India at the International level must clear NSEP first. Therefore, NSEP preparation demands not only an in-depth knowledge of the syllabus but also a clear understanding of the NSEP Exam Pattern/Format.
Most concepts of Physics cannot be prepared by reading and memorizing, only. An understanding of its concepts to the core is required for students to appear in the Physics examinations. The same follows while preparing for National Science Examination in Physics (NSEP). Students need to develop a clear understanding of the important details of the NSEP exam pattern. Refer to the table below to understand the exam pattern properly.Â
Parts | No. of Questions | Question Type | Weightage | Negative Marking |
Part 1 | 60 | Multiple-choice questions with one correct option   | +3 | -1 |
Part 2 | 10 | Multiple-choice questions with one or more correct options. | +6 | No Negative marking |
Total | 70 |   - | 240 |   - |
As the name suggests the National Science Examination in Physics is a national level examination and the question paper comes in certain regional languages, as well. The NSEP Exam Pattern/Format shows that English, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati are the only four languages in which the question paper is set. Students need to select their preferred language during enrollment.Â
The syllabus of the National Science Examination in Physics is based on the syllabus of Physics up to CBSE class 12. That is why every student must develop a clear concept about the exam pattern of NSEP.Â
Students willing to reach the next step leading to IPhO must prepare in a way that covers the entire syllabus. Below are the chapters with respective weightage.
Chapter Name | Weightage |
Alternating Current
| 5% |
Current ElectricityÂ
| 8.75% |
Center of mass, momentum, and collision,
| 5% |
Electromagnetic Field
| 8.75% |
Circular MotionÂ
| 3.75% |
Work, Power, and Energy
| 5% |
Sound Wave
| 2.50% |
Rectilinear Motion
| 2.50% |
Simple Harmonic Motion
| 3.75% |
ElectrostaticsÂ
| 1.25% |
Geometrical OpticsÂ
| 16.25% |
Heat Transfer
| 3.75% |
FluidÂ
| 1.25% |
Electro-Magnetic InductionÂ
| 1.25% |
Gravitation
| 1.25% |
Electrostatics
| 3.75% |
Rotation (Rigid body Dynamics)
| 1.25% |
Wave optics | 1.25% |
Semi-conductor
| 5% |
Newton’s Law of Motion
| 2.50% |
Surface tension
| 1.25% |
Modern Physics-1
| 3.75% |
Capacitor Combination of Capacitors | 2.50% |
KTG and 1st law of Thermodynamics
| 3.75% |
Miscellaneous | 5% |
Above is the rough overview of the 2017 question paper of NSEP. The important chapters remain the same almost every year. A thorough discussion will guide students on how to prepare for NSEP and on which chapter they should focus more while studying.Â
There are several books that can be helpful, including H.C Verma books. These books are prescribed for even students of class 11 for a better understanding of class 12 topics. NCERT solutions are the best guide for students who are preparing for NSEP.
Solving previous year question papers provided by IAPT can be a great help to get a clear idea about the NSEP 2020 pattern.Â
1. How to Prepare for NSEP?
The National Science Examination in Physics is the first stage in the five-phase exam leading to the International Olympiad. Students who nurture a keen interest in Physics must clear the first phase to become eligible for the next rounds.Â
To prepare for NSEP, students must follow certain rules. Previous year question papers provide valuable insight into the NSEP paper pattern. Students need to practice solving MCQs as fast as possible within the restrained time.
NSEP is based on the physics syllabus from up to class 12 of CBSE India. As there is no definite syllabus other than the parts mentioned earlier, students need to possess in-depth knowledge about every topic and concept. NCERT solutions and H.C Verma books will be a great help in this matter.
2. What is the Question Paper Pattern for NSEJS 2020 – 2021?
The paper for NSEJS is divided into 60 multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer will draw 3 marks, while there will be a penalty of 1 mark for every incorrect answer.Â
Amongst the 60 questions, 10 multiple-choice questions will have one or more than one correct alternative to choose from. This paper carries a total of 240 marks.
The questions are primarily based on materials from CBSE class 10. Equal emphasis is put on all the subjects of science, i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics. The primary medium of this exam is English and Hindi, but students have the provision to opt for regional languages as well.
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