NSEB-2019

Analysis

NSEB - 2019
A Detailed Analysis by Resonance
INTRODUCTION

On 24th November 2019, NSEB (National Standard Examination in Biology) – 2019 exam was conducted
by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) at many centers all over the country. NSEB is the
stepping stage for selection of aspiring and talented students in the Biology Olympiad Program. The student
can move forward to other stages only after clearing this stage.

Eligibility: Only Indian citizens with date of birth between 1 July 2000 and 30 June 2005, both days
inclusive and studying in Class XII or lower as of November 30, 2019, can apply and appear for NSEB
2019. The student has to himself re-assure his eligibility. At any stage if the student is found to be not
eligible for the exam, he/she may be disqualified from the program.

Syllabus: The syllabus for National Standard Examination in Astronomy (NSEB) is almost similar as the
curriculum of senior secondary level (Class XI and Class XII) of CBSE. However, only basic guideline for
the course is mentioned. No detailed syllabus is given for NSEB. There is greater emphasis on Botany and
Zoology.

Question Paper: The medium of test was English and it comprised of 80 objective type questions, each
with only one of the four options correct with 3 marks each and -1 negative marking for incorrect answer.

Qualifying for the Second Stage: The basic objective of conducting this test is not focusing on merit but
to involve as many students from the country to participate in the exam and try to show and expose their
talent. Hence the selection to the stage II examinations i.e. Indian National Olympiad Examinations (INOs)
is based on the following scheme.

 Cutoff: To be eligible to get to the next level, i.e. the second stage, it is necessary that a student scores
atleast a Minimum Admissible Score (MAS) which is 50% of the average of the top ten scores in that subject.

 Proportional Representation Clause: The maximum number of students that can get to Stage II (INO)
in each subject is around 300. These many students are not selected only on the merit basis but also on
proportionate basis. This proportion is decided on the base of the number of candidates who appeared for
NSE in the previous year from that center in each State or Union Territory (UT). In case there is a tie at the
last position, then all the students competing for the last position will be eligible to move to stage II. However
it’s necessary that the selected students fulfill the eligibility clause laid out above. The total number to be
selected from centers in each State for each subject will be displayed on the IAPT and HBCSE website.

 Minimum Representation Clause: Notwithstanding the proportional representation clause the number
of students selected for INO from each State and UT must be at least five, provided that the eligibility clause
is satisfied.

Pre Medical Division : CG Tower - 2, A-51(A), IPIA, Behind City Mall, Jhalawar Road, Kota (Raj.)-324005
Website : www.resonance.ac.in | E-mail : [email protected]
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 NSEB-2019
Analysis
 Merit Clause: As stated above, approximately 300 students are to be selected for second stage. If this
does not happen according to MAS, then after selection as per merit, the shortfall from 300 students will be
selected based purely on merit without further consideration to proportional representation and minimum
representation clauses. In the event of a tie at the last position in the list all students with the same marks
at this position will qualify to appear for the Stage II examination. There will be no other criterion or provision
for selection to the Indian National Olympiad Examinations (INOs). All students who qualify to appear for
the INPhO get a certificate of merit from IAPT.

OVERALL MARKS DISTRIBUTION

The paper pattern was same as last year. The paper had 80 questions each worth 3 marks. All questions
were objective type with single correct option. The class wise breakup is given below.

Class 11 Class 12 Total

SUBJECT No of No of No of
Total Marks Total Marks Total Marks
Questions Questions Questions
Biology 45 135 35 105 80 240

OVERALL DIFFICULTY LEVEL ANALYSIS

In this analysis we have rated every question on a scale of 1 to 3. The ratings are done by expert faculty
of Resonance. The individual ratings are then averaged to calculate overall difficulty level.

 1: Easy  2: Moderate  3: Difficult

Difficulty Level Count of Question No. Sum of Marks

Easy 23 69
Moderate 30 90
Difficult 27 81
Grand Total 80 240 .
Aggregate Difficulty 2.05
Questions Wise Difficulty Breakup

Overall, it is felt by Resonance Faculty Team that paper was on easier side compared to last year.

Pre Medical Division : CG Tower - 2, A-51(A), IPIA, Behind City Mall, Jhalawar Road, Kota (Raj.)-324005
Website : www.resonance.ac.in | E-mail : [email protected]
Toll Free: 1800 258 5555 | CIN: U80302RJ2007PLC024029
 NSEB-2019
Analysis
TOPIC WISE ANALYSIS

2019 Olympiad Test Paper Analysis

No of
Unit & Topic Name Class Total Marks % Weightage
S.No. Questions
BIOLOGY 80 240 100.00%
1 Animal Behaviour XI 5 15 6.25
2 Animal Kingdom XI 3 9 3.75
3 Biomolecules XI 4 12 5.00
4 Body fluid & circulation XI 2 6 2.50
5 Breathing & exchange of gases XI 1 3 1.25
6 Cell Biology XI 8 24 10.00
7 Cell divisions XI 1 3 1.25
8 Chemical coordination & integration XI 4 12 5.00
9 Digestion & absorption XI 2 6 2.50
10 Excretory Product & its elimination XI 4 12 5.00
11 Mineral nutrition XI 1 3 1.25
12 Transport in plants XI 2 6 2.50
13 Photosynthesis XI 3 9 3.75
14 Neural control & coordination XI 1 3 1.25
15 Plant Anatomy XI 2 6 2.50
16 Morphology XI 2 6 2.50
17 BIHW-Strategy for enhancement and food production XII 1 3 1.25
18 Ecology XII 11 33 13.75
19 Evolution XII 2 6 2.50
20 Genetics XII 12 36 15.00
21 Human reprouduction XII 1 3 1.25
22 Reproduction in flowering plants XII 6 18 7.50
23 Molecular basis of inheritance XII 1 3 1.25
24 Plant Breeding XII 1 3 1.25
Grand Total 80 240 100.00%

EXPECTED CUTOFF

To be eligible to get to the next level, i.e. the second stage, it is necessary that a student scores
at-least a Minimum Admissible Score (MAS) which is 50% of the maximum score. However, all students
scoring 80% of the average of top 10 students will be considered qualified (Merit Clause).

Pre Medical Division : CG Tower - 2, A-51(A), IPIA, Behind City Mall, Jhalawar Road, Kota (Raj.)-324005
Website : www.resonance.ac.in | E-mail : [email protected]
Toll Free: 1800 258 5555 | CIN: U80302RJ2007PLC024029