Tomorrow is the second date for National Science Olympiad (NSO) by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF); the previous date being November 11. With hours, rather than days to go for the exam, students can do better by keeping some last minute preparation tips in mind.
The first and foremost things to know is the exam pattern. NSO 2019 is for classes 1st to 12th. The precise exam pattern for each class is given on the exam pattern page of SOF website. As per it, there is a different pattern for classes 1st to 4th, 5th to 10th, and 11th-12th.
NSO for classes 1st to 4th will have three sections – logical reasoning with 5 questions of 1 mark each, science with 25 questions of 1 mark, achievers section with 5 questions of 2 marks each. The paper will overall have 35 questions of 40 marks.
For classes 5th to 10th, the paper will have these three sections – logical reasoning with 10 questions of 1 mark each, science with 35 questions of 1 mark, achievers section with 5 questions of 3 marks each. Papers for these classes will overall have 50 questions of 60 marks.
Class 11th and 12th students will get papers with following sections – physics and chemistry with 25 questions of 1 mark each, achievers section with 5 questions of 3 marks each, and mathematics or biology with 20 questions of 1 mark each. Overall there shall be 50 questions of 60 marks.
The syllabus for each class is detailed on the NSO exam page of SOF world website. All questions shall be from there.
However what is more important in the last minute is to go through the sample papers, which are also available officially, online. Students are advised to try and solve sample papers in a simulated exam environment, that simply translates to sitting on a study table, without disturbances, and attempt the exam in as much time as one will get tomorrow.
It is also recommended to not burn the midnight oil one night before the exam. Doing so will lead to tiredness during exam, and that automatically falters one’s speed and accuracy, two things that are most important in an olympiad.
Going through self-written notes (for higher classes) is also a good idea, to revise formulae and theorems. This can also be done in a quiz fashion wherein an elder in the house or sibling can quiz random questions on formulae and theorem and student can recall them and answer.
If there is any nagging doubt in one’s mind, related to any topic, it could be a good idea to ask a teacher or mentor about it over a quick call. Sometimes students leave a particular topics because they could not understand it, and when question comes on the very same thing, they regret later.
Now this one thing that is being mentioned towards the end, is actually the most important – to be confident. The whole purpose of olympiads is to help students identify their strengths and take informed decisions about their future. The National Science Olympiad will help you assess your inclination towards science, and the student performance report will also help you analyse the way ahead.
All said and done, best of luck for NSO 2019!
