Scholarship Exams You Should Know About

Scholarships can give the much-needed boost to help youngsters launch themselves into the competitive academic world. You may think that scholarships are only for higher studies, but this is far from true. There are many scholarships and exams available for students in school. Besides, the scholarships also are extremely beneficial in helping the child in monetary matters to complete and better his/her education. Classes 6 to 12 is the age when your child is old enough to identify their strengths. Scholarships and examinations give them the right platform to unfold their talents.

Here is taking a look at some of the popular scholarships and exams that are undertaken throughout the year for school going students.

1. Scheme for Early Attraction Talent or SEATS – Applicable for students of Class 6 to 12 this scholarship is provided by the Ministry of Science and Development under the INSPIRE program. The best technological and innovative ideas can win the scholarship which is open for students of both government and private schools. The school needs to nominate the name of the student that wishes to apply. The chosen students get Rs. 5000 for making their project. For details visit the official website at http://www.inspire-dst.gov.in/award.html

2. Velammal Science Talent Search Exam (VSTS) – The Velammal Educational Trust conducts this examination, which is open to students of Class 1 to 12 in Tamil Nadu. This six-level exam checks the problem-solving skills of the students. The exam is usually held in September –October and the scholarship awarded is Rs. 4 lakhs. For details visit  http://www.velammalsciencetalenttest.com/ 

3. National Talent Search Exam (NTSE) – Students studying in Class 10 are eligible for this examination. The NCERT conducts this examination that helps students to pursue their higher studies. It is a written examination and is conducted at both the state and national level. Log in to http://www.ncert.nic.in/programmes/talent_exam/talent_srch_exam.html    for more details.

4. Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) - Conducted for students of Class 11 and 12 this scholarship exam is organized by the Department of Science and Technology. There is an aptitude test followed by an interview round. Candidates selected in the exam and awarded a scholarship for their education up to the Ph. D level. Visit   http://kvpy.iisc.ernet.in/ for details.

5. Tata Building India English Essay Competition- This essay writing competition is for students from Class 6 to 12 who are given topics related to nation building to write on. The word limit for the essay is 1000 words and the essay is tested at the school, state and national level. Winners at each of the testing levels are awarded various prizes and certificates. Log into http://tatabuildingindia.com/New-Site/index.php/tbi-online for more details.

6. CSIR Innovative Award for School Children (CIASC) – Conducted by the CSIR, Government of India, this competition is open to children below the age of 18. The students can take part individually or in groups to present innovative technological ideas. The winners get prize money of Rs. 1 lakh, whereas, other rewards and certificates are also given to the best ideas. Visit http://www.csir.res.in for details.

Other scholarship programs include the Jio Scholarship, Pre-matric and Post-matric scholarship, Saraswati Academy Scholarship Test, Vidhyabhan Scholarship, National Science Olympiad, Maths Talent Search Exam, International Olympiad of English Language and many more. Depending on the interests and skills of your child, you can do an online search or speak to the school Principal to help enroll and participate your child in any of these scholarship programs. These exams provide good exposure to the child and their certificates also add weightage to their CV while pursuing further studies or vocations.