Frequently Asked Questions
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ISTSE Online - Summer 2025
Olympiad Exam Registration
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Is there any school level online olympiad exam?
ISTSE is a single level examination, open to all the students of class 1 to 10. Quetion paper will comprise of Mental & Logical Ability, Mathematics, Science and English questions. ISTSE exam is conducted separately online for direct/individual candidates and paper-based only through schools.
ISTSE - Online (For direct/individual candidates): Indian School Talent Search Exam (ISTSE) online is India’s
favourite and most popular online olympiad examination.
This exam is conducted for the students of class 1 to 10. Any student can participate in this exam as it is open to all.
ISTSE - Online / Paper-based (Only through Schools): Paper-based ISTSE exam is conducted through school. Students have to
fill the form in the school and exam will be conducted inside-school campus during school hours.
If you are a student and want to participate in the paper-based ISTSE exam, please contact your school teacher. They will be able to provide you examination form.
If you represent a school and want to conduct ISTSE exam at your school, please register your school by clicking HERE.
Why should student participate in ISTSE Exam?
Participating in the ISTSE (Indian School Talent Search Examination) offers several benefits for students:
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Skill Development: Participating in ISTSE aids in developing various skills such as time management,
critical thinking, and application-based learning, which are valuable in academic and real-life situations.
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Comprehensive Assessment: ISTSE evaluates students' knowledge across multiple subjects, providing a
holistic understanding of their strengths and weaknesses in Mental & Logical Ability, Mathematics, Science,
and English.
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Enhanced Learning Experience: Preparing for ISTSE encourages students to delve deeper into subjects
beyond their regular curriculum, promoting a more profound understanding of fundamental concepts and principles.
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Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: ISTSE's diverse question patterns challenge students to think
critically and solve problems creatively. Engaging with these questions helps develop analytical
and problem-solving skills.
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Global Benchmarking: Participating in ISTSE allows students to compete on a global platform,
benchmarking their performance against peers from different cities, states, and countries.
This exposure offers a global perspective and an understanding of academic standards.
Convenience:
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Online Exam Format: The online format of the ISTSE exam enables students to take the test
from home, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
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Open to All Individuals: Students from classes 1 to 10 can participate in the ISTSE exam directly,
without school intervention.
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Mock Tests for Practice: Each student receives 3 online mock tests for practice, providing
an opportunity to understand the exam setup, standard, and pattern.
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Physical Certificate: Medals, shields, and certificates are couriered to all
eligible students at their provided address without additional charges.
Awards and Recognition:
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Scholarship Opportunities: ISTSE offers unique opportunities for top-performing students,
as the top three participants from each class receive monthly scholarships for one year,
rewarding academic excellence and motivating further achievement.
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Recognition and Awards: ISTSE recognizes high achievers at different levels with certificates and awards,
boosting students' confidence and encouraging further excellence.
Overall, participating in the ISTSE Olympiad offers a multifaceted learning experience that extends beyond academic knowledge, focusing on skill development, global exposure, and recognition, all of which can significantly benefit students in their academic journey and beyond.
How to regsiter for online scholarship olympiad exam?
ISTSE Online Scholarship Olympiad is open for all the students studying in classes 1 to 10. Students can register online for the exam directly. To register for ISTSE Scholarship Olympiad, please click HERE.
How do I register for Olympiad exam?
Any student studying in classes 1 to 10 can appear in ISTSE Scholarship Olympiad Exam. You can directly register for ISTSE olympiad exam by visiting Olympiad Exam Registration Page.
What is the last date of Olympiad registration 2024-25?
The ISTSE Scholarship Olympiad - 2024-25 will be conducted on 11th, 17rd and 18th May 2025. There are limited seats for each class. So, please hurry us before seats get over.
How do I give Olympiad without school?
You can participate in ISTSE Scholarship Olympiad conducted by Educational Excellentia by directly registering on the website. The eligibility criteria for appearing in ISTSE Scholarship Olympiad is that you must be studying in classes 1 to 10 and have access to a laptop/desktop/tablet/smartphone with a fast internet connection.
Which class should I register for the ISTSE online exam?
Winter Exam Registration (November):
Register for the class you are currently attending, i.e., the one you began between January and July.
Please avoid registering for the class you've already completed.
Summer Exam Registration (May):
Register for the class you completed between December and June.
Do NOT register for the class into which you were promoted between January and July.
Still unsure? Reach out to our support team for further clarification.
If Indian School Talent Search Exam (ISTSE) - Online is an online exam, can I give this exam from my home?
Yes, this is the best part of ISTSE - Online exam. You can directly register and give the exam from your home. To give ISTSE exam, you need a desktop or laptop or tablet with webcam and internet connection.
How can I check if I can use my computer/tablet to appear in the ISTSE Online exam or not?
To participate in the ISTSE-online exam, it is compulsory for you to have access to a computer(laptop or desktop) / tablet with a web camera and internet(speed > 512kbps) connection. Click HERE to check if your computer/tablet can be used to appear in ISTSE Online Exam. Please run this test on the computer/tablet you are planning to use for giving the ISTSE Online exam.
Important instruction about the exam is provided in the “ISTSE Online Exam - Detailed Instruction” document.
Is there any level - 2 exam for ISTSE?
It is not exactly level -2 exam but, 30 minutes video interview of 100 marks will be conducted for top 10 marks holders to decide the top 10 ranks.
I am among the top 10 marks holder. Does this mean I will be in the top 10 rank holders also?
No. There can be a situation when more than one student can get the same marks. It may result in more than ten students getting top 10 cut-off marks. There can be 10 / 11 / 15 / 18 / 25 students in the top ten marks holders
We will be conducting an interview/viva for all the students who have scored greater than or equal to the top 10 cut-off marks.
The final rank will be decided based on their written + interview marks. For example, if 15 students are there as top 10 marks holder, then, in the most probable cases, these students will get their rank from anything between 1 to 15.
If students give ISTSE exam from the house, then kids can do cheating. How will they ensure the fair exam conduction?
Indian School Talent Search Exam(ISTSE) - online is committed towards the fair conduction of the examination. We are the first and only online talent exams for school kids with AI-enabled anti-cheating tools to prevent any malpractice during the exam. ISTSE exam system is equipped with an advanced AI-based anti-cheating module, advanced software tools and manual monitoring to support fair conduction of the examination.
30 minutes video interview of 100 marks will be conducted for top 10 marks holders to decide the top 10 ranks.
What is the interview evaluation criteria?
30 minutes video interview of 100 marks will be conducted for top 10 marks holders to decide the top 10 ranks. Apart from general questions, student will be asked 20 academic questions from maths, science, english and reasoning.
In Interview, marks will be awarded for:
quality of the answer
ability to interpret the question.
faster response time for answering each question.
Note: Every question did not carry the same weightage.
In Interview, marks will be deducted for:
incorrect or shortness or vagueness of answer.
malpractice or cheating or prompt by other person during the interview
Note: Marks will not be affected by fluency in English or poor internet.
Note: Appearing in the interview/viva does not guarantee that you will get a top 10 rank. If 20 students are there as top 10 marks holder, then, in the most probable cases, these students will get any rank between 1 to 20.
How do you evaluate/mark subjective questions during interview?
To evaluate subjective questions, we look for keywords in the answer. The answer to each subjective question should contain these keywords.
For example, if the question is 'What is photosynthesis?" then, keywords will be "sunlight", "carbon dioxide", "chlorophyll", "oxygen".
If the student uses only two keywords, he/she will get marks only for those keywords. Some keywords have more weightage than others based on their importance.
I am a top 10 marks holder and selected for viva / interview. Is it compulsory for me to appear in the viva/interview?
Yes, attendance is indeed compulsory for all selected candidates. Failure to attend the viva/interview will result in the cancellation of
your participation in the exam. This cancellation means that you will not be eligible for any certificates, medals, or rewards.
We strongly encourage you to attend the viva/interview as scheduled to avoid any unfavourable consequences.
Please Note:The fee paid by you will be forfeited if you do not attend the viva/interview. We regret to inform you that we will not issue any refunds in this scenario.
Why are some ranks in the toppers list marked as "disqualified"?
Top Ten Scorers Rule::
This interview aids in finalizing the rankings for the top ten positions.
We also conduct a thorough document verification to maintain the examination's fairness and integrity.
Disqualification Procedure::
Typically, if a disqualification is identified, we invite the next highest scorer for the top 10 interview process. However, if the disqualification is discovered at the last minute and we can't conduct additional interviews, that particular rank may remain vacant. This is because all top 10 students must undergo the mandatory interview/viva.
We are dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of examination fairness and integrity. Rest assured, the final rankings are always accurate and justified.
I am already getting the scholarship, can I get the scholarship again for next exam?
No. The student is not eligible to receive the scholarship for the same class again. For example, if a student
is getting a scholarship for class 4(through Winter Online Exam), she/he will not be eligible for the Class
4 Summer online exam scholarship.
Note:
Appearing in the next exam is a student's choice. They can appear in the exam to evaluate their preparation,
but they are not eligible for the top 10 Interviews or Scholarships. We will not be displaying the name of these students
in top 10 list on the site.How to register for Indian School Talent Search Exam(ISTSE)?
Indian School Talent Search Exam (ISTSE) is conducted separately online for direct/individual candidates and paper-based only through schools.
Register for ISTSE-Online (for direct/individual candidates): Click HERE to register for online olympiad exam.
Register for ISTSE-Paper-based (only through schools):
If you are a student and want to participate in the paper-based ISTSE exam, please contact your school teacher. They will be able to provide you examination form.
If you represent a school and want to conduct ISTSE exam at your school, please register your school by clicking HERE.
During my kid's participation in one of the ISTSE exams, it was observed that a few questions were difficult and looked beyond the prescribed syllabus. Why is it so?
We are a talent search examination aimed at promoting 360-degree holistic development among participants. Our primary objective is to
cultivate critical thinking skills and facilitate the acquisition of knowledge that goes beyond the limitations of conventional textbooks.
As an organisation, we recognise and reward exceptional efforts made by students. Kindly be informed that our talent search examinations
differ from regular school unit tests. As a result, certain questions are intentionally crafted to go beyond what you would typically
find in your standard syllabus or prescribed textbooks.
Most of the questions asked in the exam take into consideration the syllabus, age group and awareness. However, since it is an international
examination, certain questions are intentionally designed to test higher-order thinking skills and test the participants' knowledge as
keen observers of the world. These questions serve the dual purpose of identifying high-potential and well-rounded students, as well as these
questions play a significant role in determining the ranking of participants.
The ISTSE exam is designed to assess students' knowledge and intellectual skills. It aims to identify exceptional talent and encourage
participants to think critically and expand their horizons.
It's important to note that all participants in a specific class receive the same question paper. Thus, regardless of the difficulty level,
the standard remains consistent for all students in that class.
To ensure fairness, we offer an "Answer Key Challenge Window". During this period, we publish the provisional answer key along with the results,
and participants can challenge any answers they believe to be incorrect. Students are permitted to challenge multiple questions, as long as they
provide a logical explanation supporting their answer. Our educational team diligently reviews each challenge and responds accordingly.
In the past, we have revised our answer key when a student's reasoning was found to be valid. Unlike many other examinations that either
do not offer this option or charge a fee for it, we provide this service completely free of charge.
Can I take the exam for a class higher than or lower than my designated class?
No, you should register only for the class that corresponds to the session in which the exam is being conducted.
Registering and participating in exam for the class other than your designated class will lead
to the cancellation of your exam participation. This means you will not receive any certificate,
medal, or reward associated with the exam.
Please Note:The fee paid by you will be forfeited if you do not attend the viva/interview. We regret to inform you that we will not issue any refunds in this scenario.
When can my registration for the exam can stand cancelled?
Your exam registration will be deemed invalid if you fall under any of the following cases:
Registering multiple times for the same exam: This is considered misleading
information and may result in the rejection of your exam registration. Registering for more than one class simultaneously: A student cannot register
for more than one class simultaneously. If we find that you have done so, your exam registration will be nullified. Incorrect Class Appearance: If you are qualified to appear in Class 3 but instead
take the exam for any other class for example Class 2 or Class 4, your registration will be nullified.
Your registration will stand cancelled if you cannot provide a valid ID
and study proof. We require the student's government-issued
ID proof, like Aadhaar Card or Passport, to validate the registration. To prove the student is registering for the
appropriate class, we require school issued ID card, fee receipt or letter from the school with the student's name,
session, and class mentioned.Please Note:The fee paid by you will be forfeited if you do not attend the viva/interview. We regret to inform you that we will not issue any refunds in this scenario.
If there any school level scholarship exam in India?
You can win a scholarship of ₹1500/- per month by participating in ISTSE. Click Award Details.
Why does the Indian School Talent Search Exam (ISTSE) have negative marking?
We understand that negative marking in exams might seem unconventional, especially at the primary and middle school levels. However, we believe it's a crucial element in preparing your children for future academic and professional success, and in fostering critical thinking skills.
Below is the reasoning behind introducing negative marking in our Indian School Talent Search Exam (ISTSE). We understand that this might raise some concerns, so we want to provide a clear and thoughtful explanation.
We have introduced negative marking in our IS exam for several important reasons:
Promoting Critical Thinking and Informed Decision-Making:
In today's world, students encounter an overwhelming amount of information,
some of which may be inaccurate. Negative marking encourages them to think
critically about their knowledge, distinguish between what they know and
what they are unsure of, and make informed decisions before answering.
It helps them develop the valuable skill of discerning reliable information
from unreliable sources.
Encouraging In-Depth Learning:
Negative marking motivates students to delve deeper into subjects and gain a thorough
understanding, rather than relying on superficial knowledge or guesswork. It fosters a
culture of academic rigor and excellence.
Preparing for Future Competitive Exams:
Most competitive exams incorporate negative marking to ensure fairness and accuracy.
By familiarizing students with this format early on, we equip them with the skills
and strategies needed to succeed in these exams, giving them a significant advantage
in their academic and professional journeys.
Promoting Fair Assessment:
Negative marking reduces the chances of students scoring well through random guessing,
ensuring a more accurate reflection of their knowledge and abilities. It rewards those
who have truly mastered the subject matter.
Reflecting Real-World Consequences:
In many aspects of life, making uninformed decisions can have negative consequences.
Negative marking teaches students to weigh their options carefully, consider potential
risks, and make responsible choices – a valuable life skill that goes beyond academics.
We understand that negative marking may be a new concept for some for school level exams, but we believe it plays a crucial role in nurturing critical thinking, in-depth learning, and sound decision-making among students, preparing them for success in academics and beyond.
How to preparare for Indian School Talent Search Exam (ISTSE)?
ISTSE exam is conducted on the defined syllabus, which is almost similar to your school syllabus. Please visit syllabus page to get the detailed syllabus.
OlympiadHelper.com is our official partner. You can visit OlympiadHelper.com for ISTSE preparatory material.
Is individual registration for olympiad is possible? How can I individually register for olympiad exams?
Yes, “Indian School Talent Search Exam - Online” (ISTSE-online) is an an online scholarship exam conducted for kids studying in class 1 to 10. This exam is open for all the students. You can directly / individually register yourself for visiting HERE.
I do not have a computer / tablet at home. How can I participate in the ISTSE-Online exam?
To participate in the ISTSE-online exam, it is compulsory for you to have access to a laptop or desktop or tablet with a web camera and internet(speed > 512kbps) connection. Click HERE for System Compatibility Check.
I have a computer and internet connection, but I do not have web-camera. Can I appear in the exam?
No. For taking the exam, you should have a computer/tablet, a web-camera and internet connection. If you do not have a web camera, you can rent it from your nearest cyber cafe for a day.
Can I take the examination from a mobile phone?
Yes, you can take the ISTSE exam through a smartphone with a Google Chrome browser. However, although you can take the exam on a smartphone, we prefer it should be taken through a desktop or laptop or tablet with a web camera and good internet connection.
Can I give this exam from a cybercafe?
Our first preference will be that you should appear for the exam from your home. If however, you plan on taking the exam from a cyber cafe, you must first make sure that the computer is eligible for taking up the exam. To check if you can appear in the exam through the machine, please click on the Check Your System link from the cybercafe computer. Register yourself only after getting the confirmation.
Can I appear in the mock tests on the date of exam?
Regrettably, mock tests cannot be provided on the exam day due to technical limitations.
Previously, we offered them the option of taking mock tests on the exam day, but many students got confused and took the mock test instead of the main exam.
So we have re-written the code to remove the mock tests on the exam day. Now the mock tests are not available on the day of the exam.
I am getting some error while running the system test. To whom I should contact?
In case you are facing issue while running the system test, please contact support at +91-95132-37104.
I want to participate in the paper-based exam. How can I participate, if my school is not participating?
Paper-based ISTSE exam is conducted through school. Students have to fill the form in the school and exam will be conducted inside-school campus during school hours.
If you are a student and want to participate in the paper-based ISTSE exam, please contact your school teacher. They will be able to provide you examination form.
If you represent a school and want to conduct ISTSE exam at your school, please register your
school by clicking HERE.
I am living outside India. Can I participate?
Yes. If you are studying or following the Indian syllabus and want to appear in ISTSE Online exam, you can do that.
If your school is not registered with us, please register as an individual/direct
student by visiting https://istse.org/olympiad-exam-registration
NOTE: We currently only ship certificates, medals, shields,
and books to addresses within India. For smooth shipping process, we require a
complete Indian address, including a valid Indian mobile number.
I want to participate in the paper-based exam. How can I participate, if my school is not participating?
Paper-based ISTSE exam is conducted through school. Students have to fill the form in the school and exam will be conducted inside-school campus during school hours.
If you are a student and want to participate in the paper-based ISTSE exam, please contact your school teacher. They will be able to provide you examination form.
If you represent a school and want to conduct ISTSE exam at your school, please register your
school by clicking HERE.
What is the last date of registration for the Olympiad Exams?
Below is the last date of registration for Olympiad exams:
Indian School Talent Search Exam - Online (For direct/individual candidates): Limited seats available
Indian School Talent Search Exam - Paper-based (Only through Schools): Last a few seats available
What is the exam date for Indian School Talent Search Exam (ISTSE)?
Indian School Talent Search Exam (ISTSE) Exam Dates:
ISTSE - Online (For direct/individual candidates):
Class 4 to 6: May 17th 2025
Class 7 to 10: May 11th 2025
ISTSE - Paper-based (Only through Schools): 4rd Feb 2025.
Can I pay registration fee through bank transfer or using UPI?
Our bank details:
- Account Name: Educational Excellentia
- Account No: 055105007001
- Bank Name: ICICI Bank
- Brach: ITPL, Bangalore
- IFSC: ICIC0000551
Interested in knowing your potential?
Online Olympiad Exam Date:
Class 4 to 6: May 17th 2025
Class 7 to 10: May 11th 2025
(Includes 3 Online Mock Tests. Mock tests will not be available on and after the exam date.)