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)
Frequently Asked Questions
NSEB is a competitive examination conducted in India to assess and identify students with a strong interest and aptitude for biology. It serves as the first stage in the selection process for forming the Indian team that competes at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO).
Eligibility for NSEB typically includes Indian students who are in the 11th or 12th grade. Specific eligibility criteria may vary from year to year and are determined by the organizing body, often the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE).
NSEB is a written examination that includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and descriptive questions. It covers various topics in biology, such as cell biology, genetics, ecology, physiology, and more, to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the subject.
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, seek guidance from mentors, and practice with past NSEB question papers to perform well in the competition.
Participating in NSEB offers several benefits, 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.
Please note that specific details about NSEB, including eligibility criteria, exam formats, and registration procedures, may change from year to year. To get the most up-to-date and detailed information about NSEB, including specific guidelines and schedules, it is advisable to visit the official website of the organizing body (HBCSE) or contact them directly.