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The NSEP (National Standard Examination in Physics) is a test held in India to assess students’ understanding of physics. It’s organized by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) and the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE). The main aim of the NSEP is to find talented students in physics and encourage them to pursue careers in science.
Also Check: Olympiad Exam
The exam has two parts: the preliminary and primary stages. It consists of multiple-choice questions that test students’ problem-solving skills and understanding of physics concepts.
Students who do well in NSEP can move on to other stages of the Physics Olympiad Program, like the Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO) and the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). These olympiads allow students to represent India internationally and meet other physics enthusiasts worldwide.
NSEP 2023-24 Examination Pattern
The NSEP (National Standard Examination in Physics) for 2023-24 has a specific format to evaluate students’ understanding of physics. This exam features multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering various topics such as mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics. Students need to choose the correct answer from the options provided.
The examination consists of two stages: the preliminary and primary stages. In the initial stage, students take a screening test, and those who perform well move on to the main stage for further assessment.
Also Check: Olympiad Exam
The primary goal of the NSEP exam is to identify talented physics students and provide them with opportunities to demonstrate their skills at the national level. Successful participants may advance to higher stages of the Physics Olympiad Program, where they can represent their region or country in international competitions. Detailed information about the examination format, topics covered, and eligibility criteria is typically available on the official website of the organization responsible for conducting the NSEP exam.
- The NSEP Exam will only take 2 hours.
- Students must complete the question paper within this time.
- For the 2023-24 edition, the NSEP paper will be divided into Part A and Part B.
- Part A1 and Part A2 of the NSEP 2023-24 exam paper are split into two sections.
- Part A will contain 48 questions, each worth 3 marks.
- Part B will consist of 12 questions, each carrying 6 marks.
Also Check: PRMO
Students should refer to the table below for a comprehensive understanding of the marking scheme used in the examination:
| Sections | Number of Questions | Type of Questions | Weightage | Negative Marking |
| Part A1 | 48 questions | Multiple-choice questions with only one correct answer | Three marks for each right answer | One mark was deducted as a penalty for every wrong answer |
| Part A2 | 12 questions | Multiple-choice questions with more than one correct answer | Six marks for every right answer | No negative marking |
| Total | 80 questions | – | 216 – | – |
As per the decision by IAPT, each test will comprise a single examination with two sections, all to be completed in one sitting. Here are the details:
| Part | Name | Duration | Question Type |
| 1 | National Standard Examination | 120 minutes | Objective-type questions answered on the OMR sheet |
| 2 | Indian National Olympiad | 120 minutes | Detailed responses are written in the answer booklet. |
NSEP 2023-24 Syllabus
The NSEP 2023-24 syllabus covers topics in physics, including mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics. These areas encompass fundamental principles and concepts essential for understanding the behavior of physical systems. Mechanics deals with motion and forces, while electricity and magnetism focus on electric and magnetic fields. Thermodynamics explores heat and energy transfer, and optics covers light and its properties. Modern physics delves into quantum mechanics and relativity. Familiarity with these topics enables students to tackle questions effectively in the NSEP exam and develop a solid foundation in physics.
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| Chapter | Important Topics |
| Geometrical Optics | Refraction in general, Refraction at the plane surface, Total Internal Reflection (TIR), Lens, Refraction by spherical surfaces, Refraction by Prisms, Spherical mirror |
| Alternating Current | AC circuit and Resonance |
| Capacitor | A combination of Capacitors and a capacitor with a dielectric |
| Center of Mass | Momentum & Collision |
| Circular Motion | Circular motion in a vertical plane, Kinematics of circular motion |
| Current Electricity | Power, Energy, Battery, EMF, Terminal voltage, Instruments, Kirchhoff’s law |
| Electromagnetic Field | Magnetic field due to a ring, Magnetic Force and torque on a current-carrying loop, Dipole moment, Magnetic force on a charge, Magnetic field due to a magnet and Earth, Magnetic field due to a straight wire |
| Electromagnetic Induction | Self-inductance, EMF & magnetic energy density |
| Electrostatics | Coulomb’s law, Electric potential and potential difference, Flux calculation and Gauss’s law, Electric pressure, Conductor and its properties |
| Semiconductor | Diode, Logic Gates, Transistors |
| Work, Power, Energy | Work-energy theorem: Work done by a variable force |
| Simple Harmonic Motion | Spring mass system, Equation of SHM |
| Thermodynamics | Root mean square velocity, Kinetic energy, First law of thermodynamics |
| Heat Transfer | Thermal conduction in linear conductors |
| Modern Physics-1 | Photoelectric effect, X-ray, Electronic transition in the hydrogen-like atom/species |
| Newton’s Law of Motion | Calculation of force and acceleration |
| Fluid | Force of buoyancy, Archimedes’ principle |
| Rectilinear Motion | Motion under gravity, Equation of motion |
| Sound Wave | Doppler effect, Resonance, Organ pipes |
| Gravitation | The universal law of gravitation |
| Rotation | Moment of inertia |
| Wave Optics | Young’s Double-Slit Experiment with monochromatic light |
| Surface Tension | Excess pressure in drops and bubbles |
NSEP 2023-24 Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Qualification: Students must be currently studying in Class 12 or lower.
- Age Limit: There is no specific age limit for participating in NSEP.
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens.
- Previous Participation: Candidates can attempt NSEP for the first time or as a re-attempt, provided they meet the age and academic qualifications.
- Registration: Candidates need to register for the exam according to the guidelines provided.
- Permission from School/Institution: Candidates must get permission from their school or educational institution to take the exam.
- No Minimum Percentage Requirement: There is no minimum percentage required to appear in NSEP. 2 Candidates meeting these criteria can apply and appear for the NSEP exam.
Also check: IEO
NSEP 2023-24 Application Process
Registration:
Visit the official website and register for the NSEP exam.
Fill Application Form: Complete the application form with correct details about yourself and your studies.
Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, and academic certificates.
Payment of Fee: Pay the application fee using the online payment methods provided.
Confirmation: Review your application details and submit the form.
Admit Card Download: Download your admit card from the website within the specified time.
Examination: Attend the NSEP exam at the assigned exam center on the scheduled date.
Result: Check your results on the official website using your registration details.
Further Stages: If you qualify, you may advance to the following stages of the Physics Olympiad Program.
FAQs of NSEP
Q 1. Who can participate in NSEP?
Ans: Students currently enrolled in Class 12 or lower can participate in the NSEP exam.
Q 2. What is the exam pattern for NSEP?
Ans: The NSEP exam consists of objective-type questions to be answered on an OMR sheet. It is divided into two parts: Part 1 – National Standard Examination (120 minutes) and Part 2 – Indian National Olympiad (120 minutes).
Q 3. How can I register for NSEP?
Ans: To register for NSEP, candidates must visit the conducting authority’s official website and complete the registration process. They must fill out the application form, upload the required documents, pay the application fee, and submit it before the deadline.
