National Standard Examination in Biology

National Standard Examination in Biology

The National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB) is a nationwide competitive examination in India conducted to identify and nurture young talents in the field of biology. NSEB is one of the stages in the selection process for forming the Indian team that represents the country at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO), an international competition for biology enthusiasts. Here are some key points about the National Standard Examination in Biology:

Objective: The primary objective of NSEB is to assess and identify students with a strong aptitude for biology and provide them with an opportunity to excel at the international level. It aims to promote a deeper understanding and passion for biology.

Eligibility: NSEB is open to Indian students who are in the 11th or 12th grade. Eligibility criteria may vary from year to year, and students must meet certain age requirements.

Exam Format: NSEB is a written examination that typically consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and more in-depth, descriptive questions. The examination covers various topics in biology, including cell biology, genetics, ecology, physiology, and more.

National Selection: NSEB serves as the first stage in the selection process for forming the Indian team for the International Biology Olympiad (IBO). Top-performing students in NSEB are selected to attend a training camp and undergo further evaluation.

Training Camp: After the NSEB exam, selected students are invited to participate in a training camp where they receive specialized coaching, guidance, and exposure to advanced topics in biology.

International Representation: The students who perform exceptionally well at the training camp are chosen to represent India at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO). IBO is an international competition involving students from around the world.

Benefits: Participation in NSEB offers several advantages, including the opportunity to represent India at the international level through IBO, recognition for excellence in biology, access to specialized training and mentorship, and the potential for further academic and career opportunities in the life sciences.

Preparation: Preparing for NSEB involves a deep understanding of biology concepts, problem-solving skills, and a passion for the subject. Students often engage in self-study, receive guidance from mentors, and practice with past NSEB question papers to excel in the competition.

Promotion of Biology Education: NSEB plays a significant role in promoting the study of biology among young students in India and encourages them to pursue higher education and careers in biology-related fields.

Official Body: NSEB is typically organized and administered by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a national center for research and development in science and mathematics education in India.

Participating in NSEB and representing India at IBO can be a prestigious achievement for students interested in biology. It provides them with a valuable platform to showcase their knowledge and skills and opens doors to further educational and career opportunities in the field of biology.

Syllabus for NSEB 

The NCERT Biology textbook, which is a component of the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) curriculum, will serve as the foundation for the majority of the NSEB curriculum. 

Topics Included

1. Diversity Of Living

The Living World

Biological Classification

Plant Kingdom

Animal Kingdom

2.Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants

Morphology and anatomy of Flowering Plants

Structural Organisation in Animals

3.Cell: Structure and Function

Cell theory and cell as the basic unit of life

Biomolecules

Cell Cycle and Cell Division

4.Plant Physiology

Transport In Plants

Mineral Nutrition

Photosynthesis and Respiration in Higher Plants

Plant - Growth and Development

5.Human Physiology

Digestion & Absorption

Breathing & Exchange Of Gas

Body Fluids and Circulation

Excretory Products and Their Elimination

Locomotion and Movement

Neural Control and Coordination

Chemical Coordination and Integration

6.Reproduction In Organisms

Types, modes, and the process of reproduction

Asexual reproduction 

Sexual reproduction

Pre-fertilization events 

Fertilisation and post-fertilization events

7.Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants

Flower Structure

Morphology Of Flower

The process of sexual reproduction in flowering plants.

Development of male and female gametophytes

Pollination

Double fertilisation

Post fertilisation Events-Development of endosperm and embryo

Development and significance of seed and formation of fruit

8.Human Reproduction

Male and female reproductive systems

Microscopic diagram elaborating anatomy of testis and ovary

Gametogenesis − Spermatogenesis, Oogenesis

Menstrual cycle

Fertilisation, implantation pregnancy, and placenta formation 

Parturition and Lactation

9. Reproductive Health

The need for reproductive health 

Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STD)

Birth control − need and methods, contraception, Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP)

Amniocentesis

Infertility and assisted reproductive technologies

10.Principles Of Inheritance And Variation

Covers the topics of Genetics and Evolution

Similarity and variation between the parents and offspring 

Mendel”s law of inheritance 

Sex determination

Mutations genetic disorders 

11.Molecular Basis of Inheritance

DNA as genetic material

Structure of DNA and RNA

DNA- packaging, replication, fingerprinting

Central dogma, Transcription, genetic code, translation

Gene expression and regulation − Lac Operon

Genome and human genome project 

12.Evolution

Darwin's contribution

Modern Synthetic Theory of Evolution

Mechanism of evolution − Variation, Natural Selection and types of natural selection

Gene flow and genetic drift

Hardy - Weinberg's principle

Adaptive Radiation

13.Human Health And Diseases

Maintenance of optimum health, 

Diseases- types, treatment, and prevention

Immunity and its types 

Adolescence, drug and alcohol abuse

14.Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production

Improvement in food production techniques 

Plant breeding, Tissue culture, 

Single-cell protein,

Biofortification, Apiculture, 

Animal husbandry 

15. Microbes in Human Welfare

In household food processing and industrial production

Sewage treatment

Energy generation 

Biofertilizers

Antibiotics-  Production and judicious use

16.Biotechnology - Principles and Processes

Principles and processes involved in biotechnology like genetic engineering (Recombinant DNA technology).

17 .Biotechnology and Its Applications

The application processes of Biotechnology in health and agriculture 

18.Organisms and Populations

Organisms and environment- Habitat, Niche, Population and Ecological adaptations

Population interactions- Mutualism, Competition, Predation, Parasitism

Population attributes

19.Ecosystem

Ecological Patterns, components, productivity, decomposition

Energy flow in the ecosystem 

Pyramids of number, biomass, energy

Carbon and Phosphorous Nutrient cycles

Ecological succession and services

20 .Biodiversity And Its Conservation

Concept, Patterns, Importance, and loss  of biodiversity

Biodiversity conservation ways 

21.Environmental Issues

Air and water pollution and its control methods 

Agrochemicals and their effects

Solid waste management

Radioactive waste management

Greenhouse effect and climate change 

Ozone layer depletion

Deforestation

NSEB Examination Pattern 

Students must understand the exam format in addition to performing well on the test. The NSEB examination format is simple to comprehend and will aid in effective preparation.

The total Number of Questions that need to be attempted by students

80 questions for 240 marks

Types of Question 

Multiple-choice Questions (MCQs)

Core language/ Medium of Paper

English/Hindi (To have opted during registration)