NAEST

The National Anveshika Experimental Skill Test (NAEST) is an annual competition in India that focuses on assessing and nurturing students’ observational, analytical, and experimental skills in physics. It is organised by The National Anveshika Network of India (NANI), a unit of Indian Association of Physics Teachers, in association with Shiksha Sopan. NAEST is open to two groups of participants. The Junior category is for students in grades 9 to 12, while the Senior category is for college students studying pure sciences at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The aim and objective of the NAEST are:

• National Anveshika Network of India in collaboration with the Centre of Continuing Education, IIT Kanpur conducts National Anveshika Experimental Skill Test (NAEST) every year to encourage the culture of doing experiments since 2014.
• NAEST conducted to be aimed to inculcate the culture of doing physics experiments.

Participation Fee

No participation fee.

Stages

These are conducted in 4 stages spread across the period of almost a year.

Screening:

•  Video-based Round: The Screening Test is an exciting video-based round. Instead of traditional text-based questions, you will be presented with captivating videos that depict various situations from day-to-day life or intriguing observations in laboratory settings. They offer you a chance to witness physics principles in action.
• Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Following each video, you will face a series of multiple-choice questions. These questions are designed to assess your understanding of the physics concepts portrayed in the videos.
• Testing Physics Concepts: The MCQs delve into the core principles of physics, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and application of key concepts. You will be required to analyze the situation or observation presented in the video and apply your understanding of physics to choose the most appropriate answers.
• Number of Videos and Questions: The Screening Test comprises ten videos, each accompanied by a set of thought-provoking multiple-choice questions. In total, you can expect around 18-20 questions that test your comprehension of the physics concepts showcased in the videos.
• Marking Scheme: For every correct option you select, you will be awarded marks. Marks will be deducted for every wrong option selected. This emphasises the significance of thoughtful reasoning and careful consideration while attempting the MCQs.
• Entry to Prelims Round: Your performance in the Screening Test serves as the gateway to the next stage of the competition: the prelims. Based on your score and how well you demonstrate your grasp of physics concepts in the video-based round, you will qualify to progress further in the competition.
  Mode: Online

Prelims:

• Document Verification: After qualifying in the screening round, you will be asked to submit your documents (Adhaar and marksheets) which will be verified to ensure eligibility for the subsequent round.
• Experimental Write-ups: You will receive experimental write-ups in your email box. These write-ups will contain detailed instructions for three experiments that you need to perform.
• Apparatus Setup: Using the materials available at home, you will set up the apparatus according to the instructions provided in the write-ups. This step requires your creativity and resourcefulness.
• Observations and Reporting: Once the apparatus is set up, you will take observations and make measurements. Proper calculations and interpretation are to be written in pdf form. Extra credit is given if you think of extension of the experiment with your set up.
• Visual Documentation: You are encouraged to include 2-3 photos of your apparatus setup in and a maximum of 2 videos (about a minute each) showing the most vital part of your measurements. This adds depth and visual evidence to your submission.
• Creativity and Logical Thinking: The entire process of performing the experiments and reporting requires your creativity, skills, and logical thinking. You will apply your knowledge and problem-solving abilities to obtain accurate results.
• Timeline for Each Experiment: You will receive the experimental write-ups one by one, and for each experiment, you will have a dedicated time frame of 4-5 days to perform the experiment, gather data, and submit the report.
• Semifinal Round Entry: Based on your reports on Prelims experiments, your performance will be evaluated, and successful participants will enter the semifinal round of the NAEST competition, progressing further in the exciting journey.
• Mode: At home

Semifinal:

• The semifinal round at Sopan Ashram combines the expertise of Dr. Verma, the engaging experiments, and a supportive learning environment to provide participants with an enriching and rewarding experience.
• Venue: The semifinal round takes place at Sopan Ashram, a unique science hub in Kanpur, known for its natural surroundings, open laboratories, and residential quarters.
• Dr. H. C. Verma: Sopan Ashram is the abode of renowned physicist Dr. H. C. Verma, who personally designs new and innovative experiments for the participants.
• Experiment Setup: Participants are provided with apparatus already set up for three specific experiments designed by Dr. Verma and his team.
• Experimental Write-ups: Detailed write-ups for each experiment are provided to guide participants through the procedures and objectives.
• Focus on Understanding: The semifinal round ensures that every participant understands and performs all the experiments. Training is provided if participants face difficulties with any new apparatus.
• Time Flexibility: Participants are given ample time to complete the experiments. The emphasis is on learning and understanding rather than rushing through the tasks.
• Personal Monitoring: Dr. Verma himself monitors and evaluates the participants’ performance, providing valuable guidance and feedback.
• Hands-on Experience: The semifinal round offers participants a unique opportunity to gain practical knowledge, apply physics concepts, and overcome challenges through hands-on experimentation.
• Showcasing Competence: Successful completion of the semifinal round demonstrates participants’ competence in performing complex experiments and understanding their underlying principles.

Final:

• The final round of NAEST awaits you at the captivating Sopan Ashram in Kanpur.
• Fresh Challenges: Brace yourself for three brand-new mind-bending experiments that will push your physics skills to the limit.
• Rigorous Evaluation: Renowned physicist Dr. Verma and his esteemed team meticulously assess your observations, calculations, and analysis, recognising excellence in both accuracy and innovation.
• Quest for Understanding: Beyond evaluation, the team is committed to ensuring your comprehensive grasp of all assigned experiments, enriching your knowledge and fostering deeper insights.
• Double Triumph: 3 top National winners, separately from Junior category (school students) and Senior category(college students), are announced.
• Unforgettable Experience: The final round at Sopan Ashram weaves together excitement, the thrill of discovery, creating lifelong memories and sparking a profound love for the wonders of physics.

Awards

Certificate of participation and merit

National Prizes

Senior Group
First Prize: 25,000/-
Second Prize: 13,000/-
Third Prize: 7,000/-

Junior Group
First Prize: 15,000/-
Second Prize: 8,000/-
Third Prize: 5,500/-

Regional Prizes

Junior & Senior Group
1st Prize: 1,000/-
2nd Prize: 750/-
3rd Prize: 500/-

Scholarship

₹ 3,20,000

Distributed in four years
Foundation for four consecutive year for the
top three winners in class 9-12 group who go
for higher studies