Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition is conducted by Greater Bombay Science Teachers’ Association since 1981.
Aim –To encourage students to take interest in science, to inculcate scientific attitude and to search science talent in students and motivate them towards basic sciences as well as to clear the scientific concepts among them
This unique four stage competition aims at arousing curiosity, problem solving attitude along with development of precision in observational and motor skills in young scientists.
This exam, named after the renowned Indian scientist Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, holds significant value for young aspiring scientists.
Best platform tonurture science talent-It serves as a platform to identify and nurture talent in the field of science from a young age. By participating in this exam, students not only showcase their knowledge and aptitude but also gain exposure to various scientific concepts and methodologies beyond their regular curriculum.
Structure of Homi Bhabha Junior Scientist exam
- Who can participate in Homi Bhabha Jr. Scientist Exam: –Students studying only in 6th std. and 9th std.
- Medium :-English and Marathi
( Note :- Students from Semi-English section can go for English or Marathi medium as per their comfort level. Selected medium will remain the same for ALL further stages of the competition. NO CHANGE IN THE SELECTED MEDIUM IS PERMITTED BY GBSTA). - Boards :-All Boards ( Maharashtra SSC / CBSE / ICSE / IB / OTHER STATE boards Students of all boards can appear for Homi Bhabha Jr. Scientist Exam.
This exam is conducted in four stages.
- Stage 1-Theory competition
- Stage 2-Practical competition
- Stage 3-General interview
- Stage 4-Evaluation and interview on action research project
Stage 1- Written Objective Theory Competition.
Stage 1 of Homi Bhabha Jr. Scientist Exam is Written Objective Theory Competition.
Written test consists 100 multiple choice questions based on science & General Knowledge in science as per standard for 100 marks. Students will get 90 min to solve 100 questions. Written test is conducted at local center in the month of October or November
Selection for phase II – Merit wise Top 7.5% students per region per Marathi medium, English medium (Maharashtra SSC Board, English Medium (All other Boards) will be selected for phase II. They will get Merit Certificate.
Remaining passed students will get Passing certificate.
Stage 2- Practical Test
For VI std.:
Stage 2 of Homi Bhabha Jr. Scientist Exam is practical test. Students hav to perform 5 experiments of 6 marks each based on general science.
Practical test will be conducted for 30 marks and students will get 30min(6 min per experiment )to perform the practical.
For IX std. :
a) Physics: 1 experiment, Marks-10, Time 10 min
b) Chemistry: 1 Experiment for marks 10, Time-10 min
c) Biology – 10 questions based on 10 specimens,Marks-10,Time-10 min
Selection for phase III and phase IV – 30% of the marks obtained in phase I + marks obtained in phase II will be considered.
Merit wise Top 10 % students will be selected for phase III and IV.
Stage 3-General interview
Marks 30, Time-5 to 7 min
Here the student has to face a personal interview based on general science (not project).
Stage IV-Evaluation of action research project and interview on action research work.- Marks 30, Time-5 to 7 min
Here the student has to present a report about his project and explanation of the project. This is followed by a question answer session with the examiners.
Selection for Medal : Considering 30% marks of Phase I, + Marks score of (Phase II + Phase III + Phase IV)
- Merit wise Top 10% candidates will get Gold Medal, certificate and scholarship of Rs. 3000/-.
- Next 60% candidates will get Silver Medal, certificate and scholarship of Rs. 2000/-
- Remaining all candidates will get Bronze Medal, certificate and scholarship of Rs. 1000/-
Enrollment for Homi Bhabha Jr. Scientist Exam-
Students can Enroll for Homi Bhabha Junior Scientist Exam through school or through website www.msta.in
Fees-
- For All regions & All types of schools (With Regular Fee) Rs. 320 /-
- For Individual student registration ( Students who are not able to register his /her name through school.) Rs. 500 /-
Syllabus for Homi Bhabha Jr. Scientist Exam
Syllabus for 6th standard
Syllabus For 6th std.- Textbooks of 4th ,5th and 6th std. of Maharashtra State Board and Content related to the above from ICSE, IB and CBSE books
a)Approximately 10 % questions on 4th std. syllabus,
b) Approximately 20 % questions on 5th std. syllabus,
c) Approximately 60 % questions on 6th std. syllabus,
d) Approximately 10 % questions on General knowledge in science.
Physics-Measurement,Motion,Work and energy,Simple machines, Force and types of force,Atmospheric pressure,Magnets, Sound, Heat, Electricity,Light, Universe and solar system.
Chemistry-Matter, Changes around us, Natural resources(Air,water,soil and rocks), Elements,compounds and mixtures,Seperation of substances, Substances in daily use,Structure of an atom,Acids,bases and salts,Metals and non metals,Carbon and allotropes of carbon,Chemical bonding and chemical reactions.
Biology-Living world, Adaptation in plants and animals,Parts of plants, Biodiversity(Classification of plants and animals),Nutrition in plants and animlas,Food- Components,Source, storage and safety,Health and diseases,Human systems,Environmenet management,Cell-Structure of cell,Tissue,Reproduction in plants and animals,Disaster management.
Syllabus for 9th standard
Syllabus For 9th std.- Textbooks of VII ,VIII and IX std of Maharashtra State Board and Content related to the above from ICSE,IB and CBSE books.
a)Approximately 10 % questions on 7th std. syllabus
b) Approximately 20 % questions on 8th std. syllabus,
c) Approximately 60 % questions on 9th std. syllabus,
d) Approximately 10 % questions on General knowledge in science
Physics- Measurement,Motion, Force and laws of motion,Work ,energy and power,Reflection of light, Refraction of light,Lenses,Sound , Heat, Electricity, Magnetic effect of electric current,Evolution of stars and telescopes, Space missions.
Chemistry-Matter around us, Matter pure or impure, Structure of atom, Atoms and molecules,Elements,compounds and mixtures, Acids ,bases and salts, Periodic classification of elements, Metals and non metals and metallergy,Carbon and carbon compounds, Substances in daily use.
Biology-Cell- Structure of cell, Tissue, Bio diversity-Classification of plants and animals, Life processes, Control and coordination, Heredity and evolution, Energy flow in an ecosystem, Disaster management, Environment management, Reproduction, Micro-organisms, Pollution.
Benefits of Participating in Homi Bhabha Jr. Scientist Exam
Homi Bhabha Jr. Scientist Exam is an excellent way to clear the science concepts and make a strong foundation for students. Dr. Homi Bhabha Exam for 6th std and 9th std also helps in preparation for IIT and NEET entrance Exam.
It also helps in preparation of school level competiion exams in science and maths field such as Sir C.V.Raman Science Talent Hunt , Mathex, Olympiads etc..Students studying for this exam understand science concepts much better compared to other students.Since science base becomes strong it helps students to clear IIT or medical exam.
Participating in Homi Bhabha Jr. Scientist Exam benefit students in many ways.
Develops Skill Of Problem Solving
The Homi Bhabha Junior Scientist Exam helps students get better at solving problems by giving them tricky questions and hands-on experiments. When students try to answer these questions, they have to think hard, use what they know, and come up with clever solutions.
Doing experiments also teaches them how to tackle problems in real life using science. Sometimes, the exam even has questions with more than one right answer, so students have to think creatively and explain their ideas.
Overall, the exam helps students become really good at solving all kinds of problems, not just in science, but in everyday life too.
Fosters A Spirit Of Curiosity And Innovation Among Students
The Homi Bhabha Junior Scientist Exam makes students curious and encourages them to be innovative. When they see interesting questions and get to do experiments, they want to learn more about science.
Trying to solve these challenges sparks their curiosity and makes them want to explore and discover new things.
Also, because the exam sometimes has questions with no one right answer, it pushes students to think in new ways and come up with creative solutions. This makes them feel excited to learn and try new ideas, fostering a spirit of curiosity and innovation that stays with them beyond the exam.
Encourages Students To Develop Critical Thinking
The Homi Bhabha Junior Scientist Exam helps students become better at thinking critically by giving them tricky problems to solve, hands-on experiments to try, and questions that make them connect different parts of science. They don’t just memorize facts—they learn how to think deeply about the information they have.
The exam also asks them to apply what they know to real-life situations, teaching them how science can help solve everyday problems. Sometimes, there are questions with no one right answer, which makes students think creatively and explain their ideas.
Overall, the exam helps students become good at solving problems and thinking for themselves in science.
Instill A Passion For Scientific Explorations Among Participants
The Homi Bhabha Junior Scientist Exam helps kids get excited about science and exploring new things.
When they see interesting questions and get to do experiments, they start to really enjoy learning about science. It’s like going on an adventure! Trying to solve these challenges makes them want to learn more and keep exploring. Even when they face tough questions with no easy answers, it encourages them to keep trying and come up with their own ideas.
This makes them feel passionate about science and wanting to keep discovering new things, not just for the exam but for fun too!
Hands On Exprimentations and Practical Applications Of Scientific Principles
The Homi Bhabha Junior Scientist Exam helps students develop hands-on experimentation skills and apply scientific principles practically in a few ways.
First, it often includes practical tasks where students have to conduct experiments or investigations, giving them a chance to get hands-on experience with science.
Second, by facing real-world problems in the exam, students learn how to apply what they’ve learned to solve practical challenges, which is a crucial skill in science.
Finally, when students encounter questions with multiple correct answers or open-ended tasks, it encourages them to think creatively and apply scientific principles in different ways, fostering a deeper understanding of how science works in the real world.
Overall, the exam provides valuable opportunities for students to practice and refine their skills in hands-on experimentation and the practical application of scientific principles.
Learning opportunities
Participating in the Homi Bhabha Junior Scientist Exam opens up valuable learning opportunities for students by introducing them to a wide range of scientific concepts and principles.
Through the exam’s challenging questions and tasks, students engage in hands-on problem-solving, which deepens their understanding of various scientific disciplines such as physics, chemistry, and biology. By grappling with these concepts in a practical context, students not only acquire knowledge but also develop critical thinking and analytical skills essential for academic success and real-world applications.
Overall, the Homi Bhabha Exam serves as a platform for students to actively explore and learn about the fascinating world of science, nurturing their curiosity and passion for discovery.
Recognition And Prestige
Participating in the Homi Bhabha Junior Scientist Exam can bring recognition and prestige to students as they achieve success in the competition.
Winning or performing well in the exam can earn students praise and acknowledgment from their peers, teachers, and schools. This recognition boosts students’ confidence and motivation, making them feel proud of their accomplishments.
Additionally, being recognized for their scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills can enhance students’ reputations within their academic communities, potentially opening up further opportunities for academic and personal growth.
Overall, success in the Homi Bhabha Exam not only showcases students’ abilities but also earns them respect and admiration from those around them.
Preparation For Competitive Exams
Participating in the Homi Bhabha Junior Scientist Exam serves as valuable preparation for future competitive exams in the fields of science and mathematics by helping students develop essential skills and knowledge in various scientific disciplines.
The exam challenges students with complex questions and tasks, requiring them to apply critical thinking and problem-solving strategies. By engaging in this rigorous academic exercise, students become better equipped to tackle similar challenges they may encounter in other competitive exams.
Furthermore, the diverse range of topics covered in the Homi Bhabha Exam exposes students to a breadth of scientific concepts, providing a solid foundation for further study and exploration.
Overall, the skills and knowledge acquired through participation in the Homi Bhabha Exam can significantly enhance students’ readiness for future academic challenges and competitive exams.
Preparation Tips For Homi Bhabha Jr, Scientist Exam
1.Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the exam syllabus thoroughly. The exam typically covers topics in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and General Knowledge. Make a list of all the topics and subtopics included in the syllabus.
2.Create a Study Schedule: Plan your study schedule according to the topics and allocate sufficient time to cover each subject. Make sure to include regular breaks to avoid burnout.
3.Study Material: Gather study material such as textbooks, reference books, previous years’ question papers, and online resources. Choose reliable sources that cover the entire syllabus comprehensively.
4.Conceptual Understanding: Focus on building a strong conceptual understanding of each topic rather than rote memorization. Try to understand the underlying principles and theories behind each concept.
5.Practice Regularly: Practice solving problems regularly to improve your problem-solving skills and speed. Solve sample papers and previous years’ question papers to get acquainted with the exam pattern and type of questions asked.
6.Time Management: Develop effective time management skills by practicing solving problems within the stipulated time frame. This will help you manage your time during the actual exam.
7.Revision: Regularly revise the topics you have studied to reinforce your learning and retain information better. Create concise notes or flashcards to revise important formulas, concepts, and key points.
8.Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with the latest developments in the field of science and technology. Stay informed about current affairs and general knowledge topics by reading newspapers, magazines, and online resources.
9.Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly to assess your preparation level and identify areas where you need improvement. Analyze your performance in mock tests and work on strengthening your weak areas.
10.Stay Positive and Confident: Maintain a positive attitude towards your preparation and believe in yourself. Stay focused, confident, and motivated throughout your preparation journey