KVPY 2025
Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana
IMPORTANT: KVPY fellowship has been discontinued by the government since 2022. The page is retained for reference. Students are advised to explore alternative fellowship programs like PMRF, INSPIRE, and other research scholarships.
1.5+ Lakhs
Annual Applicants
2%
Qualification Rate
3,000 fellowships
Available Seats
2%
Success Rate
About the Examination
Everything you need to know about this prestigious examination
What is KVPY?
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) fellowship program has been officially discontinued by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) since 2022. No new KVPY exams are being conducted. Students interested in research careers should explore alternative programs such as INSPIRE Scholarship, PM Research Fellowship (PMRF), NTSE, and other science scholarships offered by IISc, IISERs, and other institutions.
Purpose & Scope
To identify students with talent and aptitude for research; help them realize their academic potential; encourage them to take up research careers in Science.
National level fellowship for students pursuing undergraduate courses in Basic Sciences (B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./M.S.) in India.
Recognition & Prestige
One of the most prestigious science fellowships in India, providing access to top research institutes and summer programs.
Eligibility Criteria
Make sure you meet all the requirements before applying
Educational Qualification
Students enrolled in Class 11, 12, or 1st year of undergraduate program in Basic Sciences.
Age Limit
No specific age limit mentioned.
Number of Attempts
Once per stream (SA, SX, SB).
Nationality
Indian Nationals only.
Additional Requirements
- •SA Stream: Class 11 students with Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics).
- •SX Stream: Class 12 students with Science subjects.
- •SB Stream: 1st year B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math. students.
- •Must have secured minimum 75% (65% for SC/ST/PwD) in aggregate in Maths and Science in Class 10.
- •For SX/SB: Must secure 60% (50% for SC/ST/PwD) in Class 12/1st year.
Exam Pattern
Understanding the examination structure and marking scheme
3 hours
Duration
100
Total Marks
80
Questions
2+
Languages
Section-wise Breakdown
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 20 | 25 | -0.25 to -0.5 for incorrect |
| Chemistry | 20 | 25 | -0.25 to -0.5 for incorrect |
| Mathematics | 20 | 25 | -0.25 to -0.5 for incorrect |
| Biology | 20 | 25 | -0.25 to -0.5 for incorrect |
Correct Answer
Part I: +1, Part II: +2
Incorrect Answer
Part I: -0.25, Part II: -0.5
Unattempted
0 marks
Syllabus
Comprehensive topic list for your preparation
Physics Topics
Important Dates
Mark your calendar with these crucial deadlines
KVPY Fellowship Discontinued
2022 onwards
Alternative: INSPIRE Scholarship
Ongoing
Alternative: PM Research Fellowship (PMRF)
Ongoing
Alternative: NTSE
November annually
IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)
June annually
NEST Exam
June annually
CMI Entrance Exam
May annually
ISI Admission Test
May annually
Preparation Tips
Expert strategies to help you excel in the examination
Focus on Conceptual Understanding
KVPY tests deep conceptual understanding. Don't just memorize formulas - understand the derivations and applications.
Practice Application-Based Questions
KVPY questions are application-based and often trickier than board exams. Practice analytical and reasoning questions.
Study Beyond NCERT
While NCERT is the base, KVPY requires additional knowledge. Refer to advanced books like Irodov for Physics.
Solve Previous Year KVPY Papers
Practice at least 10 years of KVPY papers. This will help you understand the unique pattern and difficulty level.
Prepare for Interview
The interview carries 25% weightage. Be prepared to explain concepts, your projects, and your interest in research.
All Four Subjects are Important
Even if you're a PCM student, don't ignore Biology. KVPY requires proficiency in all four subjects.
Top Institutes
Premier institutions accepting KVPY scores
IISc Bangalore
IISER Pune
IISER Kolkata
IISER Mohali
IISER Bhopal
IISER Thiruvananthapuram
IISER Tirupati
IISER Berhampur
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the examination
KVPY fellows receive monthly scholarships (₹5,000 for UG, ₹7,000 for PG) and annual contingency grants (₹20,000/₹28,000). They also get direct admission to IISc and IISERs, summer camps, and access to research facilities.
KVPY scholars have direct admission to IISc and IISERs. For other colleges, they need to follow the respective admission process. However, KVPY scholars get preference in many institutions.
The difficulty level is comparable but different. KVPY focuses more on conceptual understanding and application, while JEE has more numerical problems. KVPY also includes Biology for all streams.
Yes, you can appear for the SX stream in Class 12 or SB stream in the 1st year of your B.Sc. program.
Selection is a two-stage process: 1) Aptitude Test (75% weightage) - objective test in PCMB, 2) Interview (25% weightage) - tests scientific temper and research aptitude.
Official Resources
Important links and resources for your preparation
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