National Anveshika Experimental Skill Test (NAEST)
by National Anveshika Network of India (NANI)
₹50,000 Scholarship
24,328 participants
NAEST is a national-level physics competition by NANI, promoting hands-on learning through video-based and practical experimental assessments. Open to Indian students from Class 9 to postgraduate levels, it fosters scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Approximately 4-5 months (June to September/October)
Eligibility
NAEST is open to Indian students in two categories: Junior (Classes 9–12) and Senior (B.Sc/M.Sc). Students must be from any recognized Indian board or college. Previous national toppers can't apply. Age: approx. 13–18 (Junior) and 18–26 (Senior).
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students studying in any class 9/10/11/12 from any State Board/Central Board of India are eligible for the Junior category. Students pursuing B.Sc/M.Sc from any affiliated Colleges/Universities of India are eligible for the Senior category. Previous NAEST national toppers are not eligible.
- Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of physics concepts relevant to their academic level.
- Access to a computer/smartphone with internet for online rounds.
- Ability to perform simple experiments at home using easily available materials.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹50,000 Scholarship
Top three winners in the Junior category (Class 9-12) are eligible for a scholarship of ₹50,000 per year for four years. This can be increased to ₹80,000 per year based on the student's economic condition. Additionally, cash prizes are awarded to national winners in both junior and senior categories, with the top prize being ₹20,000. Regional prizes at each centre of Prelims round are given as a token of appreciation First: Rs. 1,000 Second: Rs. 750 Third: Rs. 500
Prizes
Trophies & Medals
National winners are felicitated with trophies and medals at the National Convention of the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT).
Certificate
Certificate by IAPT & IIT Kanpur
Participation certificates are issued to all students who appear for the screening round. Excellence certificates are awarded at various stages, including for individual experiment toppers in the prelims round. National winners receive prestigious certificates.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
The significant scholarship for junior category toppers directly supports undergraduate education. National-level recognition in NAEST enhances applications to prestigious universities for higher studies in STEM fields.
Career pathways
Develops a strong foundation of practical and analytical skills that are highly valued in academic and industrial research settings, preparing students for successful careers in physics, engineering, and other scientific disciplines.
Recognition
National Recognition by IAPT
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Apr 2025
- Registration closed
- 20 May 2025
- Competition
- 5 Jun 2025 to 30 Sept 2025
- Results
- 31 Oct 2025
How to apply
- 1Register online at naest.shiksha-sopan.org.
- 2Provide personal details and educational information.
- 3Create an account on the platform.
- 4Appear for the online screening test on the scheduled date.
- 5Shortlisted students from the screening round will undergo verification of eligibility through Aadhaar and marksheets for later rounds.
Rules and guidelines
- The competition is conducted in two categories: Junior (Classes 9-12) and Senior (B.Sc/M.Sc).
- NAEST national toppers of previous years are not eligible.
- The Screening round is online and video-based with multiple-choice questions.
- The Prelims round requires participants to perform experiments at home and submit comprehensive reports with observations, analysis, and videos.
- Semifinal and Final rounds are conducted in physical mode at Sopan Ashram, Kanpur.
- Experiments are designed to be performed using easily available materials.
- Innovation and logical thinking are highly encouraged in experimental setups and reports.
- Participants are given ample time for experiments, emphasizing learning over rushing.
- Collaboration with books, internet, parents, and teachers is allowed for knowledge acquisition.
- The Screening round is online and video-based with multiple-choice questions, where videos are typically less than a minute long.
- The Prelims round requires participants to perform experiments at home and submit comprehensive reports with observations, analysis, and videos. Participants are encouraged to include 2-3 photos of their apparatus setup and a maximum of 2 videos (about a minute each) showing vital parts of their measurements.
- Innovation and logical thinking are highly encouraged in experimental setups and reports, with extra credit for extensions of experiments.
Technology requirements
- Stable internet access for online registration and screening round.
- Device (computer/laptop/smartphone) with internet connectivity for online rounds.
- Ability to record and upload videos (approx. 1 minute each) and photos for the Prelims round.
About this opportunity
The National Anveshika Experimental Skill Test (NAEST) is an annual, unique physics competition organized by the National Anveshika Network of India (NANI), a unit of the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), in collaboration with Shiksha Sopan and the Centre of Continuing Education, IIT Kanpur. Led by the eminent physicist and Padma Shri awardee Dr. H. C. Verma, NAEST aims to foster a culture of experimentation and scientific inquiry among Indian students.
The competition is designed to assess and nurture keen observational, analytical, and experimental skills in physics, aligning with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes joyful, experiential, and competency-based learning.
It is open to students across India, from Class 9 to postgraduate levels, providing a unique platform to explore physics beyond textbooks and develop a deep understanding through practical application.
NAEST has been conducted annually since 2014, evolving to include online and offline rounds to maximize participation and accessibility across the nation.
Rounds and format
Screening Round (Online): A 90-minute video-based multiple-choice question test (10 videos, 18-20 questions) assessing observation and basic physics concepts. Prelims (Online): Participants perform three unique experiments at home based on provided write-ups, submitting comprehensive reports with observations, analysis, and videos. Each experiment has a 4-5 day timeline for completion and submission. Semifinal Round (Offline, Kanpur): Selected students perform three new experiments with apparatus provided at Sopan Ashram, Kanpur, under the direct guidance and monitoring of Dr. H. C. Verma and his team. Final Round (Offline, Kanpur): Qualifiers from semifinals face three new, challenging experimental setups at Sopan Ashram, where national winners are declared based on their observations, calculations, and analysis. Bonus points are awarded for innovative approaches.
How entries are judged
Observation skills, understanding of physics concepts, experimental performance, accuracy of data analysis, logical thinking, creativity in experimental setups, and quality of reports. Emphasis is placed on the ability to think imaginatively and solve problems rather than rote memorization.
Selection process
Performance in each preceding round. Screening round shortlists based on scores. Prelims shortlists based on the quality of experimental reports. Semifinalists are selected from prelims toppers, and finalists from semifinalists.
How to prepare
- Previous years' NAEST video solutions and questions available on the official website.
- Collaborative learning on the MOOKIT platform of IIT Kanpur (for early registrants).
- Videos of live demonstrations and expert comments from resource persons.
- The official NAEST website (naest.shiksha-sopan.org) provides brochures, posters, and contact information for queries.
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced (as it involves experimental design, analysis, and innovative problem-solving).
What's covered
The experiments are not strictly tied to a specific syllabus or textbooks, encouraging students to apply fundamental physics concepts to real-world observations and innovative setups. The focus is on conceptual understanding and experimental skills rather than rote learning.
Frequently asked questions
How can a participant best prepare for the unique experimental format of NAEST?
Focus on understanding fundamental physics concepts rather than memorization. Practice observing everyday phenomena, analyzing them, and designing simple experiments. Reviewing previous years' problems on the official website is highly recommended.
What are the key evaluation criteria judges look for in the prelims and final rounds?
Judges prioritize keen observation, logical analysis, creativity in the experimental setup, and the ability to draw accurate conclusions from data. A well-documented report that clearly communicates the process and findings is crucial.
How does NAEST help in developing skills beyond the regular school curriculum?
NAEST encourages hands-on learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills often underdeveloped in a theory-focused curriculum. It bridges the gap between textbook knowledge and real-world application, fostering a true scientific temper.
What kind of support is available for participants during the online rounds?
The organization provides detailed write-ups for experiments. Participants are encouraged to use books, the internet, and consult with teachers to understand the underlying concepts for their experiments, promoting self-learning.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
HPE CodeWars
by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) India
HPE CodeWars is India's largest online coding competition for students in Grades 8-12. It challenges young minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by having them solve real-time coding challenges. This competition aims to inspire and develop future tech innovators.
What your child could gain:
National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB) - Gateway to International Biology Olympiad
by Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT)
NSEB is the crucial first stage for Indian students aspiring to represent India at the International Biology Olympiad, focusing on advanced biology concepts from Class 11-12 syllabus.
What your child could gain:
Vigyan Jyoti Programme for Meritorious Girls in STEM
by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
A government initiative by the Department of Science & Technology to empower meritorious girls from Class 9-12 to pursue careers in STEM.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app