Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) Exam
Complete guide to the prestigious KVPY fellowship program for students pursuing basic science courses and research careers. Get all information about eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation tips, and application process.
5,000+ Fellows
Selected annually across India
₹4,700-₹7,000
Monthly fellowship amount
Prestigious
National level scholarship program
3 Streams
SA, SX, and SB for different educational levels
About KVPY Fellowship
The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) is a national program of fellowship in Basic Sciences, initiated and funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The aim of the program is to encourage students to take up research careers in Science.
Key Objectives
- Identify and encourage talented students with aptitude for research in basic sciences
- Provide fellowships and contingency grants to pursue education in basic sciences
- Stimulate interest in scientific research and development among young minds
- Build a strong foundation for research and development in the country
Note: The KVPY fellowship is awarded to students studying in the 1st year of undergraduate program in Basic Sciences (B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S.) and also to students enrolled in XI Standard to 1st year of undergraduate program.
Eligibility Criteria
KVPY fellowship has different streams with specific eligibility requirements. Choose the appropriate stream based on your educational level.
Stream SA – For Students in Class XI
Students enrolled in Class XI (Science subjects) with minimum 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in Class X.
Fellowship: During 1st to 3rd years of B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S. program
Monthly Fellowship: ₹5,000
Annual Contingency Grant: ₹20,000
Stream SX – For Students in Class XII
Students enrolled in Class XII (Science subjects) with minimum 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in Class X and minimum 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in Class XI.
Fellowship: During 1st to 3rd years of B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S. program
Monthly Fellowship: ₹5,000
Annual Contingency Grant: ₹20,000
Stream SB – For UG Students
Students enrolled in the 1st year of B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S. program with minimum 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in Class XII.
Fellowship: Up to the pre-final year of B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S. program
Monthly Fellowship: ₹5,000
Annual Contingency Grant: ₹20,000
Important: The fellowship is provided up to the pre-final year of the undergraduate program. For integrated Masters programs, the fellowship continues during the Masters years with enhanced amounts.
Exam Pattern
The KVPY exam consists of two stages: Aptitude Test (Stage 1) and Interview (Stage 2). The Aptitude Test is conducted in multiple streams.
Aptitude Test Structure
Duration: 3 hours for all streams
Medium: English and Hindi
Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Stream SA (Class XI):
- Part I: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology – 80 questions (20 each)
- Part II: Questions from Biology – 40 questions
- Total Questions: 120 (You need to answer only 80 questions from Part I and all 40 from Part II)
Stream SX (Class XII):
- Part I: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology – 80 questions (20 each)
- Part II: Questions from Mathematics – 40 questions
- Total Questions: 120 (You need to answer only 80 questions from Part I and all 40 from Part II)
Stream SB (1st Year UG):
- Part I: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology – 80 questions (20 each)
- Part II: Questions from Biology – 40 questions
- Total Questions: 120 (You need to answer only 80 questions from Part I and all 40 from Part II)
Marking Scheme: +1 mark for correct answer, -0.25 mark for incorrect answer. No negative marking for unattempted questions.
Interview Process
Shortlisted candidates from the aptitude test are called for an interview. The interview assesses:
- Basic understanding of concepts in science/mathematics
- Analytical ability
- Research aptitude
- General awareness of scientific developments
- Communication skills
The final selection is based on performance in both the aptitude test and interview.
Syllabus
The KVPY syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum of Class X, XI, and XII. The questions test conceptual understanding and application rather than rote learning.
Physics
- Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Electromagnetism
- Optics
- Modern Physics
- Waves and Oscillations
Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Biomolecules
- Polymers
Mathematics
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Coordinate Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Probability and Statistics
- Vectors
Biology
- Diversity in Living World
- Cell Biology
- Genetics and Evolution
- Plant Physiology
- Human Physiology
- Ecology and Environment
Important: The syllabus is not limited to the topics mentioned above. Questions may also include applications of basic concepts to real-world problems and current developments in science.
Preparation Tips
Effective preparation for KVPY requires a strategic approach focusing on conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.
General Preparation Strategy
- Understand the Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and marking scheme.
- Concept Clarity: Focus on understanding fundamental concepts rather than memorization.
- NCERT Books: Start with NCERT textbooks as they form the foundation.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests.
- Time Management: Learn to manage time effectively during the exam.
- Analytical Skills: Develop logical and analytical thinking abilities.
Subject-wise Preparation Tips
Physics:
- Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing formulas
- Practice numerical problems regularly
- Pay special attention to mechanics, electromagnetism, and modern physics
Chemistry:
- Balance between physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry
- Understand reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry
- Memorize important compounds and their properties
Mathematics:
- Practice a variety of problems from different topics
- Focus on algebra, calculus, and coordinate geometry
- Learn shortcut methods for calculations
Biology:
- Focus on diagrams and their labeling
- Understand processes rather than memorizing facts
- Pay attention to genetics, physiology, and ecology
Cut-off Trends
While specific cut-off marks vary each year based on difficulty level and number of applicants, here are the general trends observed in KVPY cut-offs.
General Cut-off Trends
The cut-off marks for KVPY vary across different categories and streams. Generally:
- Stream SA: The cut-off usually ranges between 55-65 marks out of 100
- Stream SX: The cut-off usually ranges between 60-70 marks out of 100
- Stream SB: The cut-off usually ranges between 50-60 marks out of 100
SC/ST/PWD categories typically have lower cut-offs, usually 15-20 marks less than the general category.
Note: These are approximate ranges and actual cut-offs may vary each year based on the difficulty level of the exam and number of applicants.
Factors Affecting Cut-off
- Difficulty Level: Tough papers generally have lower cut-offs
- Number of Applicants: Higher competition may increase cut-off
- Number of Fellowships: Available seats affect cut-off
- Performance: Overall performance of candidates
Recommended Books
Choosing the right study material is crucial for KVPY preparation. Here are some highly recommended books.
NCERT Textbooks
Class X, XI, and XII Science textbooks form the foundation for KVPY preparation.
View DetailsKVPY SA/SX/SB Solved Papers
Previous years’ solved papers by Arihant or other reputable publishers.
View DetailsConcepts of Physics
H.C. Verma (Part 1 & 2) for in-depth understanding of physics concepts.
View DetailsPro Tip: Focus on understanding concepts from NCERT books first, then move to advanced reference books. Practice previous years’ papers to understand the exam pattern.
Online Platforms
Several online platforms offer quality resources for KVPY preparation. Here are some recommended ones.
Khan Academy
Free video lessons on physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics concepts.
Visit WebsiteNote: Many of these platforms offer free trials or limited free content. Choose according to your learning style and budget.
Study Plan
A well-structured study plan is essential for effective KVPY preparation. Here’s a suggested study plan.
Foundation Phase (2-3 months)
- Complete NCERT textbooks of Class X, XI, and XII
- Focus on understanding basic concepts
- Make concise notes for quick revision
- Solve chapter-end exercises
Advanced Study Phase (2 months)
- Refer to advanced books for deeper understanding
- Focus on problem-solving techniques
- Practice numerical problems
- Learn shortcut methods
Practice Phase (1.5 months)
- Solve previous years’ question papers
- Take mock tests regularly
- Analyze performance and identify weak areas
- Work on time management
Revision Phase (1 month)
- Revise all concepts and formulas
- Go through your notes
- Solve a few more mock tests
- Focus on weak areas
Pro Tip: Adjust this plan according to your strengths and weaknesses. Dedicate more time to subjects you find difficult. Regular revision is key to retention.
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