About KVPY

The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) is a national-level scholarship program in India. It is conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, to encourage students to take up scientific research careers in various fields such as basic sciences, engineering, and medicine.

KVPY aims to identify talented and motivated students and provide them with financial support and encouragement to pursue their scientific aspirations. The program selects students through a rigorous examination process that includes a written test and an interview. Successful candidates receive a monthly scholarship along with an annual contingency grant to cover their academic expenses.

KVPY offers different categories of scholarships based on the students’ academic background and aspirations. These categories include the SA (Class 11), SX (Class 12), and SB (undergraduate) streams. The program also provides opportunities for KVPY scholars to participate in research projects and summer camps to further enhance their scientific knowledge and skills.

Advantage

  • Financial Support: KVPY provides a monthly scholarship and an annual contingency grant to selected students. This financial support helps cover their educational expenses, allowing them to focus on their studies and research without the burden of financial constraints.
  • Prestigious Recognition: Being selected as a KVPY scholar is considered a prestigious achievement. It serves as a recognition of the student’s academic excellence and scientific aptitude. This recognition can open doors to future opportunities, including admission to top colleges and universities, internships, and research programs.
  • Mentorship and Guidance: KVPY offers mentorship and guidance to its scholars. They are assigned mentors who are experts in their respective fields. These mentors provide valuable guidance, advice, and support to the scholars, helping them navigate their academic and research journeys effectively.
  • Research Opportunities: KVPY scholars are provided with various research opportunities. They have the chance to work on research projects, attend summer camps, and participate in scientific conferences and workshops. These experiences allow them to gain practical exposure to the scientific research process and develop essential skills for a career in science.
  • National and International Exposure: KVPY provides a platform for students to interact with like-minded peers and renowned scientists from across the country. This exposure helps broaden their perspectives, fosters collaboration and encourages the exchange of ideas. KVPY scholars also have the opportunity to represent India in international science events and competitions.

Eligibility

Nationality: The applicant must be a citizen of India.

Stream and Category: KVPY offers three streams – SA, SX, and SB, corresponding to different educational levels. The eligibility criteria vary based on the stream and category as follows:

  • Stream SA: Students enrolled in Class 11 (Science stream) during the academic year.
  • Stream SX: Students enrolled in Class 12 (Science stream) during the academic year.
  • Stream SB: Students enrolled in the first year of undergraduate courses in Basic Sciences (B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./Int. MS) during the academic year.

Minimum Marks: The applicant must have scored a minimum aggregate of 75% (65% for SC/ST/PwD) marks in the qualifying examination (Class 10 for Stream SA and Class 12 for Stream SX/SB) in the subjects relevant to the stream they are applying for.

Fellowship: Applicants who have already received any other fellowship or are planning to avail themselves of any other fellowship are not eligible to apply.

Application Process: Interested students must apply online through the official website of KVPY and follow the instructions provided in the application form.

Application Form

    1. Online Registration: Visit the official website of KVPY (kvpy.iisc.ernet.in) during the application period. Look for the registration link and create an account by providing the necessary details like name, email address, and contact information. You will receive login credentials to access your account.

    2. Fill out the Application Form: Log in to your account and fill out the application form with accurate personal, academic, and other required details. Make sure to double-check the information before submitting the form.

    3. Uploading Documents: Upload scanned copies of the necessary documents, such as your recent photograph, signature, and caste/category certificate (if applicable). Follow the guidelines provided on the website for file formats and size limits.

    4. Payment of Application Fee: Pay the prescribed application fee using the available online payment options. The fee amount and payment details will be specified on the website. Keep a record of the payment transaction for future reference.

    5. Selection of Exam Center: Choose the preferred exam center from the list of available options. KVPY conducts the examination in various cities across India.

    6. Review and Submit: Before final submission, review all the information you have entered in the application form. Make any necessary corrections and ensure everything is accurate. Once you are satisfied, submit the application form.

    7. Admit Card: After successful submission, the admit card will be generated. Download and print the admit card, as it is a crucial document for appearing in the KVPY examination. It contains details such as the exam date, time, and venue.

    8. Examination: On the scheduled date, appear for the KVPY examination at the designated exam center mentioned on the admit card. Follow the instructions provided and complete the examination within the specified time.

    9. Results and Further Process: After the examination, the KVPY authorities will announce the results on their official website. Candidates who qualify the written exam will be called for an interview. The final selection is based on the performance in both the written exam and interview.

Syllabus

  • Stream SA (Class 11 level):
  1. Physics: Laws of Motion, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Work, Energy, and Power, Physical World and Measurement, Kinematics, Reflection, Refraction, Basics of Magnetism and Electricity, etc.
  2. Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Periodic Classification of Elements, Chemical Reactions, Acids, Bases, and Salts, States of Matter, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, Thermodynamics, Environmental Chemistry, etc.
  3. Mathematics: Real Numbers, Polynomials, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Progressions, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics, Probability, Coordinate Geometry, etc.
  4. Biology: Diversity in Living Organisms, Cell Structure and Function, Human Physiology, Plant Physiology, Genetics and Evolution, Reproduction, Ecology, etc.
  • Stream SX (Class 12 level):
  1. Physics: Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction, Optics, Electromagnetic Waves, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation, Electronic Devices, etc.
  2. Chemistry: Solid State, Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements, p-Block Elements, d-Block and f-Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Haloalkanes and Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers, Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen, etc.
  3. Mathematics: Sets, Relations, and Functions, Algebra, Calculus, Mathematical Reasoning, Statistics and Probability, Matrices and Determinants, Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry, Linear Programming, Mathematical Induction, etc.
  4. Biology: Reproduction in Organisms, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology, Ecology and Environment, Human Physiology, Cell Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, Diversity in Living Organisms, etc.
  • Stream SB (Undergraduate level): The syllabus for Stream SB includes topics from the basic sciences such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics at the undergraduate level.

Exam Pattern

  • KVPY Exam Pattern for SA Stream:

    • Morning Shift (9:30 am to 12:30 pm)
    • Duration: 3 hours
    • Total Questions: 80
    Subject Part I (60 questions) Part II (20 questions) Marks
    Physics 15 questions 5 questions (15 x 1) + (5 x 2) = 25
    Mathematics 15 questions 5 questions (15 x 1) + (5 x 2) = 25
    Biology 15 questions 5 questions (15 x 1) + (5 x 2) = 25
    Chemistry 15 questions 5 questions (15 x 1) + (5 x 2) = 25
    Total 60 questions 20 questions 100 marks

    Note:

    • All questions in each subject are mandatory.
    • Questions are provided in English and Hindi.
    • Negative marking: Part I – 0.25 marks deduction for each wrong answer, Part II – 0.5 marks deduction for each wrong answer.

KVPY Exam Pattern for SB/SX Stream:

  • Afternoon Shift (2 pm to 5 pm)
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Total Marks: 160
Subject Part I (80 questions) Part II (40 questions) Marks
Physics 20 questions 10 questions (20 x 1) + (10 x 2) = 40
Chemistry 20 questions 10 questions (20 x 1) + (10 x 2) = 40
Mathematics 20 questions 10 questions (20 x 1) + (10 x 2) = 40
Biology 20 questions 10 questions (20 x 1) + (10 x 2) = 40
Total 80 questions 40 questions 160 marks

Note:

  • Students need to attempt 80 questions in total (any 3 sections from Part I and any 2 sections from Part II).
  • Negative marking: Part I – 0.25 marks deduction for each wrong answer, Part II – 0.5 marks deduction for each wrong answer.

Examination and Selection Process

The KVPY selection procedure consists of an aptitude test and an interview round. Here are the details regarding each stage:

Aptitude Test:

  • The aptitude test is conducted in both Hindi and English languages.
  • It evaluates candidates’ reasoning and analytical abilities.
  • The test is held at various centers across the country on the specified exam date.
  • Candidates must achieve a minimum aggregate of 75% marks to be eligible for further stages of the selection process.

Interview:

  • Shortlisted candidates from the aptitude test are invited for the interview round.
  • The interview aims to gather additional information about the candidates’ knowledge, abilities, and aptitude in the field of science and research.
  • Candidates are allocated a specific venue for the interview.
  • The dates, times, and venues for the interview will be communicated through email or announced on the official website.
  • During the interview, candidates are advised to carry certain documents, including the category certificate, self-appraisal form, teacher recommendation form, attested copies of mark sheets of class X and XII, interview call letter, study certificate form, and any requested medical certificate.

Scholarship Provision:

  • After the completion of the aptitude test and interview round, successful candidates are offered the KVPY scholarship.
  • The scholarship details, such as the amount and duration, will be provided to the selected candidates.