NSTC FAQs

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General

What is the NSTC?

National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) is designed to find and reward gifted students in science. The competition consists of a Screening Test followed by multiple Training Camps to choose the top 4-6 students who represent Pakistan in International Science Olympiads.

What is the NSTC Preparations?

NSTC Preparations is a first-of-its-kind online platform dedicated to helping students succeed in the National Science Talent Contest. Our goal is to provide students with the best resources, guidance, and support to reach their full potential and secure their place as top performers in the NSTC. Read more

What is the NBTC?

The NBTC stands for the National Biology Talent Contest, a competition for students who have selected Biology as their primary subject. It is synonymous with NSTC (Biology domain). The Pakistan team of four students participating in the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is chosen through the NBTC. Read more

What is the NPTC?

The NPTC specifically refers to the National Physics Talent Contest for those who choose Physics as their main subject. It is simply another name for NSTC (Physics domain). The Team Pakistan of five students who participate in the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is selected through NPTC. Read more

What is the NCTC?

The NCTC stands for the National Chemistry Talent Contest, a competition for students who have selected Chemistry as their primary subject. It is simply another name for NSTC (Chemistry domain). The Pakistan team of five students competing in the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) is selected via the NCTC. Read more

What is the NMTC?

The NMTC refers to the National Mathematics Talent Contest, a contest for students who have chosen Mathematics as their main subject. It is simply another name for NSTC (Mathematics domain). The Pakistan team of six students participating in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is chosen through the NMTC.

Registration

Who is eligible to participate in NSTC?

The participant must:

• be enrolled in Pre-9^th, 9^th, 10^th, or 11^th grade (Matric, O Level, F.Sc Part-I, or AS Level).
• have a minimum aggregate of 60% in core subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics) in the last exam.
• be under 20 years old on 30th June of the Olympiad year

How to apply for NSTC Screening Test?

Apply online through the STEM Careers Programme website.
Registration can be completed in five steps:

1. Complete the online registration on the STEM website.
2. Print out the fee challan.
3. Deposit the fee (PKR 1000) at the Askari Bank Limited (AKBL) or through Kuickpay Bill Payment.
4. Upload the paid fee receipt on the STEM website

What are key dates for registration of NSTC?

NSTC registration typically opens in December and closes in February. The deadline to apply for NSTC-21 is February 18, 2024.

Can students below Pre-9th grade participate in NSTC?

Exceptionally bright students can apply if nominated by their institution based on factors such as their class performance or exam scores.

How many students can an institution nominate?

The institution may nominate any number of students, who scored an aggregate of 60% or more in science subjects. Students can also apply online independently from anywhere.

What is the NSTC registration fee?

The registration fee for NSTC is PKR 1000.

Shall I receive an admit card for the NSTC Screening Test?

Yes, you will receive an admit card once your fee has been confirmed. You can download the admit card from the STEM Careers Programme website close to the test date.

How do O/A Level students enter their grades as percentages?

O/A Level students should convert their grades in core subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Math, Biology/Computer) to a percentage equivalent.
For example, A*= 90%,  A=85%,  B= 75%,  C=65%,  D=55%,  E=45%.

Is it possible for me to modify the subject in my registration form at a later time?

No. Once selected, the subject chosen during the registration process cannot be altered or changed.

Screening Test

Is it possible to participate in multiple subjects?

No, you can only participate in one subject.

Can I use calculator during Screening Test?

Yes, you can use non-progammable scientific calculator in the NSTC Screening Test.

Where will the NSTC Screening Test be held?

The test will be conducted in about 19 major cities throughout the country, including Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, Chitral, D.I.Khan, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Gujaranwala, Gujrat, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Muzaffarabad, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Sargodha, Sukkur, Swat, subject to a suitable number of candidates applying from that city.

What is the format of the NSTC Screening Test?

The test is divided into three sections, with the first two sections consisting of multiple-choice questions and the third section consisting of descriptive questions. Read more

Training Camps

What are NSTC Training Camps?

NSTC Training Camps are hosted by the respective subject's Home Institutions (HI) (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics). These camps are designed to select and train students to represent Pakistan in International Science Olympiads.

Who is eligible to attend Training Camps?

The top 50 students of each subject, chosen from the results of the Screening Test, are invited to participate in the first training camp. Subsequent camps have a smaller number of participants chosen through further selection.

Where are Training Camps held?

The NSTC Training Camps are held at designated Host Institutions (HI) for each subject:

• NPTC (Physics): Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad
• NCTC (Chemistry): H.E.J Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi
• NBTC (Biology): National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad
• NMTC (Mathematics): COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Lahore Campus

How many Training Camps are typically held?

Typically, there are four training camps:

• 1st camp has lectures & tests.
• 2nd camp also has lectures & tests.
• 3rd camp involves just a test.
• 4th camp focuses solely on practical training.

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