NSTSE is a diagnostic test which helps students improve their overall learning ability and educational performance.
Unlike other tests which may only find out how much a student knows or has memorised, NSTSE measures how well a student has understood the concepts and provides a detailed feedback on the same, to help him/her improve.
Thus NSTSE helps each student to know early, whether he/she has properly understood a concept, so that immediate action can be taken to correct the aberration and pave a path for improvement. Often, students develop conceptual gaps which increase as the students go to higher classes and turn those into a ‘phobia’ for the subject.
School tests - including board exams - tend to test children superficially, only to the extent what they have memorised. But the important skills like the ability to think independently and reason logically – most critical in today's world - are often not aimed at or tested in school tests.
The focus on fundamentals is very important as when the child finishes studies he/she will have to face the competitive world armed with those fundamentals. Even while opting for higher studies, a student has to go through a complete scan of what he/she knows and how much. Exams like IIT-JEE, AIEEE, AFMC, AIIMS, GRE, GMAT, CAT etc., are designed to test the fundamental strength of a student. Hence the need of the hour is to build the fundamental-base as strong and as early as possible. This exactly is the philosophy behind Unified Council's NSTSE.
In NSTSE, the emphasis for assessment of scholastic skills is mainly on Mathematics and Science.
You can apply for NSTSE 2022 by registering yourself individually on the NSTSE official website and by paying the application fee. Given below are the important steps to successfully register yourself for NSTSE 2022:
1st Step: Visit the official website of NSTSE: unifiedcouncil.com.
2nd Step: Click on “Register Here” button below Click here for Online Registration of Individual Students for NSTSE, UIMO, UIEO & UCO (the academic year 2021-22).
3rd Step: Click on the button with the text “Click here to Register”.
4th Step: Select your class from Class 1 to 12. After selecting your class, different Olympiad exams will open.
5th Step: You will get three options to choose from:
(i) Option 1: Exam Registration Fee + Success Series Book + 2 Previous Question Papers
(ii) Option 2: Option 1 Features + Online Olympiad Preparation Packages
(iii) Option 3: Option 2 Features + Online Olympiad Mock Test Packages
Choose the option that you want to opt for and click on “CONTINUE”.
6th Step: Enter your details – Name, Father’s Name, Mobile Number, E-mail, Address, School Name, Place and Board. Now, tick mark the box which says “I agree to the terms and conditions*” and click on “SUBMIT”.
7th Step: After that, it will take you to the payment page. Submit the fee and download the receipt. The accepted modes of payment include Debit Cards, Credit Cards and Net Banking.
8th Step: Download your NSTSE Application Form preview for your reference.
First of all, let’s look at the NSTSE Exam Pattern for 1st Class students:
Subjects | Total Questions | Total Marks |
Mathematics | 15 | 15 |
General Science | 25 | 25 |
Total | 40 | 40 |
NSTSE Syllabus for Class-1 students is given below:
Subjects | Syllabus |
Mathematics | Numbers Addition and Subtraction Multiplication and Division Shapes |
General Science | Living and Non-living Things (Basic) Plants and Animals Air and Water Universe and Planets |
Given below is the NSTSE Exam Pattern for 2nd Class stude
Syllabus for Classes 2 is given as under:
Subjects | Syllabus |
Mathematics | Numbers Basic Operations (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division) Fractions Time and Money Length, Mass and Capacity 2D and 3D Shapes Pictographs |
General Science | Living and Non-living Things (Basic) Plant Life and Animal Life Human Body Air and Water Safety and First Aid Universe and Planets Rocks and Minerals Housing and Clothing |
NSTSE Exam Pattern for Classes 3rd to 5th can be found as under:
Subjects | Total Questions | Total Marks |
Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
General Science | 30 | 30 |
Critical Thinking | 5 | 5 |
Total | 60 | 60 |
Given below is the detailed NSTSE Exam Pattern for Class 6 – 8.
Subjects | Total Questions | Total Marks |
Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
Science | 30 | 30 |
Critical Thinking | 5 | 5 |
Total | 60 | 60 |
NSTSE Syllabus for students in Class 6 – 8 is given as under.
Subjects | Syllabus |
Mathematics | Rational Numbers Linear Equations in One Variable Comparing Quantities Data Handling Squares and Square Roots Understanding Quadrilaterals and Practical Geometry Cubes and Cube Roots Algebraic Expressions and Identities Visualising Solid Shapes Mensuration Direct and Inverse Proportion Exponents and Powers Factorisation Introduction to Graphs |
Science | Force and Pressure Synthetic Fibres and Plastics Friction Sound Chemical Effects of Electric Current Food Production and Management Metals and Non-metals Coal and Petroleum Cell Structure and Functions Combustion and Flame Microorganisms |
Critical Thinking | Decision Making Logical & Inductive Reasoning Tactics and Strategy |
Find the NSTSE Exam Pattern for Class 9 – 10 below.
Subjects | Total Questions | Total Marks |
Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
Physics | 10 | 30 |
Chemistry | 10 | 10 |
Biology | 10 | 10 |
Critical Thinking | 5 | 5 |
Total | 60 | 60 |
NSTSE Syllabus for students in Class 9 – 10 is given below in the tabular format.
Subjects | Syllabus |
Mathematics | Real Numbers Polynomials Pair of linear equations in two variables Quadratic equations Arithmetic Progressions Triangles Coordinate Geometry Introduction to Trigonometry Some Applications of trigonometry Circles Constructions Areas related to circles Surface areas and volumes Statistics Probability |
Physics | The Human Eye and the Colourful World Light Electricity Magnetic Effects of Electric Current Sources of Energy |
Chemistry | Chemical Reactions and Equations Acids, Bases and Salts Metals and Non-metals Carbon and its Compounds Periodic Classification of Elements |
Biology | Life Processes Control and Coordination Reproduction Heredity and Evolution Our Environment Management of Natural Resources |
Critical Thinking | Decision Making Logical & Inductive Reasoning Tactics and Strategy |
The NSTSE Exam Pattern for 11th and 12th under PCM category is given.
Subjects | Total Questions | Total Marks |
Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
Physics | 15 | 15 |
Chemistry | 15 | 15 |
Critical Thinking | 5 | 5 |
Total | 60 | 60 |
NSTSE Syllabus for students in Classes 11 – 12 is given below in the tabular format.
Subjects | Syllabus |
Mathematics | Number System Quadratic equations Arithmetic Progressions Percentages Triangles Coordinate Geometry Introduction to Trigonometry Some Applications of trigonometry Circles Constructions Areas related to circles Surface areas and volumes Statistics Probability |
Physics | Work and Energy Light Motion and Force Sound Electricity Magnetic Effects of Electric Current Sources of Energy |
Chemistry | Physical and Chemical Changes Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Acids, Bases and Salts Metals and Non-metals Carbon and its Compounds Chemical Reactions and Equations Periodic Classification of Elements |
Critical Thinking | Decision Making Subjective & Objective Analysis Conscious Application in Real Life Logical & Inductive Reasoning Tactics and Strategy |
Find the NSTSE Exam Pattern for 11th and 12th (PCB category) below.
Subjects | Total Questions | Total Marks |
Physics | 15 | 15 |
Chemistry | 15 | 15 |
Biology | 25 | 25 |
Critical Thinking | 5 | 5 |
Total | 60 | 60 |
Subjects | Syllabus |
Biology | Some Common Diseases Human Body Carbon and its Compounds Our Environment Reproduction Air Cellular Level of Organisation Life Processes Water Structure of Atom Micro-organisms Diversity in Living Organisms Plant and Animal Nutrition Soil Food Production & Management Heredity and Evolution S |
Physics | Same as PCM category |
Chemistry | Same as PCM category |
Critical Thinking | Same as given in the PCM category |
It is important to pay the application fee in order to successfully register for NSTSE. The exam fee structure for NSTSE 2022 is INR 354 (Including GST). These include examination fee + student’s performance report (SPR)+ 2 previous question papers + online payment service charge
Students of class 3 to 12 have to answer the section on Critical Thinking along with the other sections which test them on the basis of reasoning, strategic planning and application, decision making, objective/ subjective analysis as well as logical and inductive reasoning. Maths and Science will be based on 75% of the syllabus of CBSE. It is also suitable for students studying in ICSE/ ISC or any other State Board.
NSTSE Exam Pattern 2023
Class | No. of Questions | Marks | Sections-wise number of questions |
1 | 40 | 40 | Mathematics: 25 General Science: 15 |
2 | 50 | 50 | Mathematics: 25 General Science: 25 |
3-5 | 60 | 60 | Mathematics: 25 General Science: 30 Critical Thinking: 05 |
6-10 | 60 | 60 | Mathematics: 25 Physics: 10 Chemistry: 10 Biology: 10 Critical Thinking: 05 |
11-12 (PCM) | 60 | 60 | Mathematics: 25 Physics: 15 Chemistry: 15 Critical Thinking: 05 |
11-12 (PCB) | 60 | 60 | Biology: 25 Physics: 15 Chemistry: 15 Critical Thinking: 05 |
Students of class 3 to 12 have to answer the section on Critical Thinking along with the other sections which test them on the basis of reasoning, strategic planning and application, decision making, objective/ subjective analysis as well as logical and inductive reasoning. Maths and Science will be based on 75% of the syllabus of CBSE. It is also suitable for students studying in ICSE/ ISC or any other State Board.
NSTSE Exam Pattern 2023
Class | No. of Questions | Marks | Sections-wise number of questions |
1 | 40 | 40 | Mathematics: 25 General Science: 15 |
2 | 50 | 50 | Mathematics: 25 General Science: 25 |
3-5 | 60 | 60 | Mathematics: 25 General Science: 30 Critical Thinking: 05 |
6-10 | 60 | 60 | Mathematics: 25 Physics: 10 Chemistry: 10 Biology: 10 Critical Thinking: 05 |
11-12 (PCM) | 60 | 60 | Mathematics: 25 Physics: 15 Chemistry: 15 Critical Thinking: 05 |
11-12 (PCB) | 60 | 60 | Biology: 25 Physics: 15 Chemistry: 15 Critical Thinking: 05 |
First of all, let’s look at the NSTSE Exam Pattern for 1st Class students:
Subjects | Total Questions | Total Marks |
Mathematics | 15 | 15 |
General Science | 25 | 25 |
Total | 40 | 40 |
NSTSE Syllabus for Class-1 students is given below:
Subjects | Syllabus |
Mathematics | Numbers Addition and Subtraction Multiplication and Division Shapes |
General Science | Living and Non-living Things (Basic) Plants and Animals Air and Water Universe and Planets |
Given below is the NSTSE Exam Pattern for 2nd Class stude
Syllabus for Classes 2 is given as under:
Subjects | Syllabus |
Mathematics | Numbers Basic Operations (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division) Fractions Time and Money Length, Mass and Capacity 2D and 3D Shapes Pictographs |
General Science | Living and Non-living Things (Basic) Plant Life and Animal Life Human Body Air and Water Safety and First Aid Universe and Planets Rocks and Minerals Housing and Clothing |
NSTSE Exam Pattern for Classes 3rd to 5th can be found as under:
Subjects | Total Questions | Total Marks |
Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
General Science | 30 | 30 |
Critical Thinking | 5 | 5 |
Total | 60 | 60 |
Given below is the detailed NSTSE Exam Pattern for Class 6 – 8.
Subjects | Total Questions | Total Marks |
Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
Science | 30 | 30 |
Critical Thinking | 5 | 5 |
Total | 60 | 60 |
NSTSE Syllabus for students in Class 6 – 8 is given as under.
Subjects | Syllabus |
Mathematics | Rational Numbers Linear Equations in One Variable Comparing Quantities Data Handling Squares and Square Roots Understanding Quadrilaterals and Practical Geometry Cubes and Cube Roots Algebraic Expressions and Identities Visualising Solid Shapes Mensuration Direct and Inverse Proportion Exponents and Powers Factorisation Introduction to Graphs |
Science | Force and Pressure Synthetic Fibres and Plastics Friction Sound Chemical Effects of Electric Current Food Production and Management Metals and Non-metals Coal and Petroleum Cell Structure and Functions Combustion and Flame Microorganisms |
Critical Thinking | Decision Making Logical & Inductive Reasoning Tactics and Strategy |
Find the NSTSE Exam Pattern for Class 9 – 10 below.
Subjects | Total Questions | Total Marks |
Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
Physics | 10 | 30 |
Chemistry | 10 | 10 |
Biology | 10 | 10 |
Critical Thinking | 5 | 5 |
Total | 60 | 60 |
NSTSE Syllabus for students in Class 9 – 10 is given below in the tabular format.
Subjects | Syllabus |
Mathematics | Real Numbers Polynomials Pair of linear equations in two variables Quadratic equations Arithmetic Progressions Triangles Coordinate Geometry Introduction to Trigonometry Some Applications of trigonometry Circles Constructions Areas related to circles Surface areas and volumes Statistics Probability |
Physics | The Human Eye and the Colourful World Light Electricity Magnetic Effects of Electric Current Sources of Energy |
Chemistry | Chemical Reactions and Equations Acids, Bases and Salts Metals and Non-metals Carbon and its Compounds Periodic Classification of Elements |
Biology | Life Processes Control and Coordination Reproduction Heredity and Evolution Our Environment Management of Natural Resources |
Critical Thinking | Decision Making Logical & Inductive Reasoning Tactics and Strategy |
The NSTSE Exam Pattern for 11th and 12th under PCM category is given.
Subjects | Total Questions | Total Marks |
Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
Physics | 15 | 15 |
Chemistry | 15 | 15 |
Critical Thinking | 5 | 5 |
Total | 60 | 60 |
NSTSE Syllabus for students in Classes 11 – 12 is given below in the tabular format.
Subjects | Syllabus |
Mathematics | Number System Quadratic equations Arithmetic Progressions Percentages Triangles Coordinate Geometry Introduction to Trigonometry Some Applications of trigonometry Circles Constructions Areas related to circles Surface areas and volumes Statistics Probability |
Physics | Work and Energy Light Motion and Force Sound Electricity Magnetic Effects of Electric Current Sources of Energy |
Chemistry | Physical and Chemical Changes Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Acids, Bases and Salts Metals and Non-metals Carbon and its Compounds Chemical Reactions and Equations Periodic Classification of Elements |
Critical Thinking | Decision Making Subjective & Objective Analysis Conscious Application in Real Life Logical & Inductive Reasoning Tactics and Strategy |
Find the NSTSE Exam Pattern for 11th and 12th (PCB category) below.
Subjects | Total Questions | Total Marks |
Physics | 15 | 15 |
Chemistry | 15 | 15 |
Biology | 25 | 25 |
Critical Thinking | 5 | 5 |
Total | 60 | 60 |
Subjects | Syllabus |
Biology | Some Common Diseases Human Body Carbon and its Compounds Our Environment Reproduction Air Cellular Level of Organisation Life Processes Water Structure of Atom Micro-organisms Diversity in Living Organisms Plant and Animal Nutrition Soil Food Production & Management Heredity and Evolution S |
Physics | Same as PCM category |
Chemistry | Same as PCM category |
Critical Thinking | Same as given in the PCM category |