KVPY

Kishore VaigyanikProtsahanYojana (KVPY) is a national-level scholarship scheme conducted annually by IISc, Bangalore. The program’s goal is to identify students with talent and aptitude for research; help them realize their academic potential; encourage them to take up research careers in science. The 3-hour computer-based exam is conducted in two languages, Hindi and English and students are then selected on the basis of their performance for the Interview. Students can apply online for the examination through KVPY IISc website. 

The application fee is: Rs. 1250 for general/OBC students

Rs. 625 for SC/ST/PWD students

KVPY Syllabus 2021

There is no prescribed syllabus for the KVPY exam. KVPY aptitude exam tests the conceptual understanding and analytical ability of the students. KVPY candidates are tested for the syllabus up to class XI / XII / 1st year of B.Sc. / B.S. / B.Stat. / B.Math. / Int. M.Sc. / M.S. as applicable.

Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme:

There will be 4 sections, belonging to Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. Each section will be divided in two parts, Part I (15 questions) & Part II (5 questions).

In Part I, 1 mark will be awarded for every correct answer and 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer, 0 marks for not attempted questions. In Part II, 2 marks will be awarded for every correct answer and 0.50 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer, 0 marks for not attempted questions.

Eligibility Criteria:

Stream SA & SX: The student must study science subjects in XI & XII standard and must have a minimum for 75% (65% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in Mathematics and Science subjects in class 10^th Board Examination for being able to appear in Aptitude Test. There must be no gaps in the academic sessions of X, XI & XII standard and the fellowship will only be activated if the student secures 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) in the XII standard Board Examination and joins an undergraduate program in Basic Sciences the immediate preceding year.

Stream SB: Students enrolled in the 1st year of undergraduate program in Basic Sciences, must have secured at least 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects in the XII Standard Board Examination for being eligible to appear in the Aptitude Test. In the 1st year final examination, they must secure 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks before taking up the fellowship, if awarded.

Selection Procedure: The exam is divided in two parts; Aptitude Test & Interview, with 75% weightage given to the Aptitude Test and 25% to the Interview. The Aptitude Test is conducted first and the candidates who clear the cutoff and appear in provincial list recommended by the interview panel are eligible for the Interview.

Important Dates:

Fellowship:

The fellowship for the students selected will be started after the XII Standard/ (+2), only if they pursue an undergraduate course in Basic Science and maintain a minimum of at least 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate, else the fellowship will be discontinued if the performance is not maintained. If the fellow passes all the subjects and obtains greater than 60% ((50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in the subsequent years, the fellowship can be renewed. The student is eligible to receive the KVPY fellowship till Pre-PhD level or 5 years (whichever is earlier). Participation and satisfactory performance in the Summer Camp in the first year and summer project every year is required for renewal of the fellowship. KVPY Fellows who opt out of the basic science stream at any stage will lose the Fellowship and Contingency Grant.

Preparation Tips:

The students can practice previous year question paper, which are available at KVPY IISc website with answers. The students can also attempt questions from the recommended books given below:

The students must make an objective-based study plan, analyze the questions that are being asked in the examination and prepare for similar type of questions. The students must practice sample questions, keep a track of their mistake and work on their weaknesses.