Junior Science Talent Search Examination (JSTSE) – A definitive guide

Oh blog, I've missed you. Oh non-existent readers of my blog, I've missed you guys too. It's 2013, so happy new year to everybody and yeah, happy new ear to Vincent Van Gogh.

I finally returned a couple of days back to find that over 9000 people have been fortunate enough to have come across this weblog, a celebratory dance ensued.

Back to normal now.

So basically, I've been approached by a lot of clueless ninth graders asking me what exactly the JSTSE is, and so I've decided that it needs it's own little post. There are previous year (including last year's) question papers at the end, so if you're here for only that, feel free to scroll down.

The Junior Science Talent Search Examination, although held on a *state level, is an extremely prestigious examination as it basically proves that you were among the top 150 students in your batch in the entire state of Delhi. Also, it's pretty good preparation for NTSE, which will only be round the corner in a few months. Continuing.

Students from the IX standard from schools across Delhi are eligible to attempt the examination, provided that they secured above 65% in class VIII examinations. Until last to last (2011) year, the examination was conducted in two parts:

1. The written first round
2. The interview

But then last (2012) year, the Directorate of Education of Delhi decided that the interview stage is redundant because all of those who qualified the first round were almost certain to qualify the interview as well. So now, the examination consists of only one level – The written stage.

The paper (until last year (2012)) consists of 200 questions divided into two segments:

• The scholastic-aptitude-test (SAT) consisting of a 150 questions
• The General Knowledge section, consisting of 50 questions.

Last year, as a pleasantly surprising change, the general knowledge paper was entirely Multiple-Choice-Question based, and is expected to be that way the coming years as well, so that should be a relief to all those guys who wouldn't be able to tell me what India's Vice President's name is.

Now, the pattern of the question paper is ever-changing, so the number of questions from each subject in the SAT section change each year, but the subjects are fixed: Physics, Chemistry, Math and Biology. When I took the exam, there were expectations that the questions would generally range from class X to class XI syllabus, but the paper, yet again, pleasantly surprised us – questions were a mix of challenging class IX level and class X NCERT level, with only a certain few testing higher concepts.

What I'd advise anybody attempting the exam is that make sure you cover all subjects equally, so that you can attempt each section confidently and coolly. Also make sure you're very thorough with your class IX topics, only then should you venture onto higher classes. And your next step should be class X NCERTs.

As for the GK Section, if you think you're in touch with the current affairs, along with the most basic knowledge of politics and the history of out great country, then you should feel confident; if not – then I'd recommend maybe a Manorama or the like, to make sure you don't miss out just because of the GK Section. Although you shouldn't really need these books. But still.

As promised, previous year papers:

• JSTSE-SAT(2006-07)
• JSTSE-SAT(2008-09)
• JSTSE-SAT(2009-10)
• JSTSE-GK(2007-08)
• JSTSE-GK(2009-10)
• JSTSE-SAT(2011-12)
• JSTSE-GK(2011-12)

*Delhi isn't a state, but writing 'held on NCT region' sounds, well, weird.

DISCLAIMER: The facts, figures and advice mentioned in this article come with no guarantee of being absolutely correct and relevant and in no event whatsoever shall the author be liable for any damages suffered by any person because of referring to them.

Always wanted to make up my own legal disclaimer :')