KAMP NASTA: Objectives of this exam

Competitions and tests not only encourage students but also strengthen their resolve in finding their interests in this world. Now, numerous tests, competitions, and exams take place worldwide, each with its own purpose and value. One of the tests that determines aspects such as cognitive abilities and problem-solving capabilities is KAMP NASTA. But what is it about? This article will give you a bird’s eye view of it.

A. What is it?

The National Assessment for Scientific Temperament and Aptitude (NASTA) is an initiative by the Knowledge and Awareness Mapping Platform (KAMP) that aims to encourage scientific temperament in younger generations, from classes 3^rd to 12^th. A few of its goals are to identify students with innovative ideas, problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and the ability to grasp concepts on a much higher level.

B. Origin:

This test is the result of a collaboration between three institutions: the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), and M/S Narayana Communications Private Limited. It was launched on April 3, 2019.

C. Features:

Here are some interesting features about KAMP NASTA and the way the test is designed:

a. Scientific outline:

The exam patterns and their logistics are discussed and created using scientific standards. The test evaluates an individual’s abilities in aspects of their thinking to understand something and how they react to the problem and figure out a solution. It tests their scientific aptitude, reasoning skills, and critical thinking across subjects like mathematics, science, and even digital literacy—but most importantly, it tests three skills: grasping the problem, applying a solution, and reasoning, each being tested with a long test through eight cognitive sub-skills.

b. Format:

The format and syllabus for the exam are also according to the child’s schooling and are according to the individual level. For eclasses 3^rd and 4^th, they will have to answer 40 questions, and for classes 5^th to 12^th, 80 questions.

c. Encourage scientific thinking:

This test aims to nurture interest in science and prepare a child for the methodologies in the scientific world, and what sort of temperament they should possess in order to succeed in fulfilling their dreams and ambitions. KAMP also promotes creative and critical thinking that coincides with the goals of the New Education Policy (NEP) in 2020.

d. Hybrid mode:

This means that the exam can be taken both online and offline, which increases accessibility for students who can’t make it to the offline location for various reasons. It also allows children from remote places to take the test.

D. Eligibility:

So, who is eligible to participate in this exam? The NASTA test is created for students in classes 3rd- 12th. Though regional schools can also participate with permission, it mostly focuses on English and Hindi mediums all across India, and foreign schools that follow the Indian Curriculum. So, even a few international schools can have their children take part.

E. Pattern:

The pattern varies for classes 3^rd-4^th and then for 5^th-12^th. Here are the variations and exam pattern for NASTA. It also takes place in a multiple-choice question format. The questions will focus on Knowing (recognition, observation, and classification), Applying (problem-solving, prediction, and precision), and Reasoning (critical thinking and interpretation), according to the official website. Each of these concepts will have one question from all the subjects that will be listed below. (Example: science will have 8 questions focusing on all the listed aspects)

a. 3^rd-4^th classes: Students of this category will have to answer 40 questions in 60 minutes. The subjects covered for them are science, mathematics, earth and universe, aptitude, and digital literacy knowledge. Each question is for 6 marks, and that makes the total of 240 marks for the exam.

b. 5th- 10th classes: Students belonging to this category have the same syllabus as the first category (science, mathematics, earth and universe, aptitude, and digital literacy knowledge), and here, each question is for 6 marks. But here, the total number of questions will be 80. And each concept in italics above will have 2 questions from each subject (one subject, two questions, each having 6 marks). The total marks here are 480, and students have to finish the exam within 120 minutes.

c. 11th- 12th classes: Students of this category also have to answer 80 questions in 120 minutes. Also, the subjects focused on are only aptitude and reasoning. Here, each subject will have 10 questions (focusing on the italicised concepts), and each question will be of 6 marks.

One more noteworthy detail is that the eligible students should focus on both their current year’s syllabus and the previous year’s syllabus. So, a 5th-class student taking the test should study both the 5^th and 4th-class syllabi.

Now, all of that might be confusing. Here is a table to simplify the pattern:

F. Resources:

Here is a list of resources that can help in your preparation:

a. For 3rd-4th class students:

• NCERT Textbooks (For science and maths)
• Computer textbooks
• Brain Quest Puzzle books
• Science Olympiad sample papers
• Khan Academy Science books
• MTG Olympiad Workbooks
• Encyclopedias for Earth and the Universe

b. For 5th- 10th class students:

• NCERT Textbooks for Science, Geography, Math, and other core concepts
• MTG Foundation series
• Science Olympiad Sample Papers for practising questions
• National Geographic channel and resources, for learning facts about Earth and the universe
• Educational apps like Vedantu, BYJU’S, and more

c. For 11th- 12th class students:

• For Reasoning: RS Agarwal for reasoning (verbal and non-verbal)
• For analytical reasoning: Try MK Pandey’s workbooks and sample papers
• For logical reasoning: Try Khan Academy workbooks
• MTG Workbooks
• Arihant’s Quantitative Aptitude

G. Guidelines:

Here are some regulations and guidelines one has to keep in mind before and while taking the exam:

• Students can either register through their school administration and a coordinator or can register individually on the KAMP portal.
• The participation fee is 400/-, but it could change (for more information, visit the website)

• The required details and documents for registration are: the student’s full name recorded at their school, date of birth, class and section, school name, and its UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education) code, parent/guardian’s signature, and a passport-size photo of the student. Any mismatch of information can cause disqualification.
• After finishing the procedures, each student will receive a registration number or ID.
• Admit cards will be provided by the school before the exam.
• Each student should follow the syllabus given on the KAMP Website for their class.
• As for the syllabi, a student should focus on both the current year syllabus (which accounts for 60% of the exam) and the previous class syllabus (which accounts for 40% of the exam)
• The duration for the exam is 60-120 minutes, according to the student’s class.
• Students can take the exam in English or Hindi.
• Students are not prohibited from having any electronic gadgets while writing the exam.
• Rough paper will be provided in both offline and online exam scenarios.
• Students must be present at the exam centre 30 minutes before, and in online mode, they should log in 10-15 minutes before the exam.
• Any digital discrepancies must be reported to the school beforehand.
• The exam format will be in MCQ format and will have no negative marks.

G. Awards:

• Participants: All students who wrote the exam will receive a digital certificate of participation and an Assessment Report, which will provide a student’s performance and analytics across the tested subjects.
• School-level awards: The top three students will be awarded certificates and medals based on their scores. Even the schools may receive recognition and awards like the ‘Best Participating School’ certificate and the ‘Best KAMP Nodal Officer’ certificate for teachers.
• District-level awards: Best performing students at the district level are awarded District Topper Certificates and signed Merit Certificates.
• State-level awards: Best performing students at the state level will be awarded with State Rank Certificates, Commendation letters (digital or printed), and access to KAMP webinars and workshops.
• National-level awards: The top rankers across the country in the three categories will receive gold, silver, and bronze medals, National Excellence Certificates, and further opportunities in KAMP-related projects.

H. FAQs:

Here are some frequently asked questions about the KAMP NASTA exam:

• What is KAMP NASTA?

It is a national-level Scientific Assessment test created with the aim of encouraging scientific temperament among the young generation.

• What subjects does the exam assess?

The exam focuses on five subjects: science, mathematics, earth and universe, digital literacy, and aptitude and reasoning (the only subject for 11^th to 12^th classes)

• Who is eligible for the exam?

All students between 3^rd-12^th classes across all educational boards like CBSE, ICSE, State board, JNV, KV, and others.

• Are there negative marks?

No, the exam does not have negative marks.

• Will there be a mock test?

Yes, schools are encouraged to do a mock test before the exam, so the students are familiar with the procedures.

• What is a KAMP Assessment Report?

This report will show the strengths and weaknesses of students across the stated subjects, and also show their aptitude levels and help them understand what areas of study they should improve in.

To conclude, KAMP NASTA is a beneficial test that can allow young students to understand the value of science and hard work. It inculcates such values as perseverance and determination at a young age and nurtures future talents. It acts as a platform for students to showcase their skills and add honour and recognition to their schools. Hence, such a good opportunity should not be missed. For more information about the syllabus, important dates, and resources, one can visit the official website, https://kamp.org.in

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