KVPY Preparation - SA

    KVPY is one of the most prestigious exams in India for higher 

    secondary students. The exam offers admission to IISC, one of

    the world's best institutes for scientific research. I hope that all 

    of you are appearing for this exam. 

    I cleared KVPY - SA stream with an AIR of 112. In this post, i

    will be providing some tips which helped me clear the exam.

    The KVPY exam consists of two levels - 

    1. Level 1 - Aptitude Test

    2. Level 2 - Interview

    This post will discuss tips and techniques which will ensure that

    you maximize your score in Level 1.

    Why is Level 1 important ?

    The final KVPY marks are decided by taking 75% of Level 1

    marks and 25% of Level 2 marks. This clearly shows the 

    importance of a good aptitude test score.

    The paper consists of 4 subjects - Mathematics, Physics,

    Chemistry and Biology. Each subject paper is divided into two

    sections. Section A consists of 15 question with 1 mark for a

    correct answer and -1/4 for a wrong answer. Section B consists 

    of 5 questions with 2 marks for a correct answer and -1/2 for

    a wrong answer.

    

    Mathematics -

    Maths has been the toughest subject in the aptitude test for a

    long time. The questions in maths are from a variety of topics

    ranging from algebra to plane geometry. JEE preparation counts

    for very little while tackling this math paper. 

    1. Do not waste time studying calculus and coordinate geometry.

        These have absolutely no weigthage in the aptitude test. The 

        maths paper will be similar to an Olympiad paper. For those of

        you who have written the AMTI exam, you can expect a 

        similar paper. In case you have been preparing for math 

        olympiads and are comfortable with the fundamentals of

        geometry, aim to score above 17 in this section. In case you

        have not appeared for math olympiads and are not competent

        in geometry, try to strengthen your concepts in algebra and

        aim to score above 12.

       

    2. The aptitude test is for a duration of 3 hours. The questions in

         maths are generally tricky and time consuming. Maintaining

         one's temperament is very important. It is advisable to   

         allocate atleast 80 min for maths.

     Physics -   

     Physics is relatively easy in the SA stream paper. I would advise
     all of you to go through the class 10 and class 11 physics 
     textbooks. Problem solving skills are not particularly important.
     The paper tests you more on your conceptual understanding. 
     Concentrate on waves, fluids and thermodynamics. Read 
     HC Verma and Halliday for these chapters. Personally, i found
     the questions from geometric optics very difficult and i would
     advise you to go through HC Verma for this chapter.

     Spend 30-40 min on physics and try to score above 17.


     Chemistry - 

     The Chemistry paper is generally straightforward. I would 
     advise you all to read NCERT books of class 10 and 11 
     thoroughly. Organic chemistry constitutes an important part
     of the paper and cannot be neglected. Most institutes do not
     complete class 11 syllabus before KVPY. Hence, i would advise
     all of you to go through the NCERT textbook for hydrocarbons
     and GOC. Further, i will be uploading notes on these chapters
     within the next 2 weeks. 

    Spend 20-25 min on chemistry. Chemistry is the easiest of the
    three subjects and one must try to score above 20.

    PS - Go through the experimental procedures in organic 
    chemistry. It is advisable to have some knowledge of qualitative
    analysis.


    Biology - 

    It is important to understand that there is no subject wise cutoff 
    in KVPY. Hence, my personal advice is to spend limited time on
    biology. A few topics which have been important in the past 
    are genetics, photosynthesis and the human respiratory system. 
    
    It is important to read the class 10 NCERT textbook as this will
    ensure that you get atleast 4-5 questions right. Further, read the
    above mentioned topics from the class 12 biology textbook.

    Spend 10-15 min on biology. It would be great if one scores 
    above 10. Attempt only questions that you are familiar with as 
    this will maximize your score.

  
    Miscellaneous - 

    1. Remain calm during the exam.

    2. Manage your time well.

    3. Be prepared for a difficult paper. Do not be misled by past 
        papers and cutoffs.

    4. Solve atleast 5 old papers. Aim to score above 70 in all these
        papers.

    5. Have confidence in yourself.   

               

                                        ALL THE BEST