So, what are the best scholarship exams in India solely meant for Class 9 students? What are the eligibility criteria? What is the syllabus and pattern of questions? Find answers to all these important questions in this article that aims to provide an in-depth overview of the scholarship exams and tests available for Class 9 students in India.
Top Scholarship Exams and Tests for Class 9 Students: Important Details!
Scholarship exams for Class 9 pupils in India provide opportunities for financial support, academic recognition, and skill development. These assessments test a student’s aptitude, knowledge, and problem-solving skills. Here is a list of the top scholarship examinations along with crucial details to help you make the best decision.
Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan
Vidyarthi Vigyaan Manthan (VVM) is the initiative of Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), in collaboration
with National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. With an aim to ignite scientific temper among school students, it also identifies exceptional scientific aptitude in the student community.
Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan Stages
| Levels | Name | Selection | Reward |
| Level 1 | School Toppers | Top 3 rankers per class or 18 students from each school | Merit Certificate |
| Level 2 | District Toppers | Top 3 rankers per class or 18 students from each district | Merit Certificate |
| Level 3 | State Level Winners | Top 3 rankers per class will be state winners i.e. 18 students per state | State Camp Participation Certificate
• State Camp Memento • Cash prize of ₹5,000, ₹3,000 and ₹2,000 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rankers per class, respectively • Free visit to the nearest NCSM Unit for participants of State Level Camp |
| Level 4 | National Level Winners | Zonal winners (Top 3 rankers per class from a zone) | • Participation Certificate
• National Camp Memento
• Annual Membership of NCSM – Innovation Hub for one year |
| National winners (Top 3 rankers per class across the country) | • Participation Certificate
• National Camp Memento • Cash prize ₹25,000, ₹15,000, and ₹10,000 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd rankers per class respectively • Internship and Bhaskara Scholarship (₹2000 per month) for 1 year • Annual Membership of NCSM – Innovation Hub for one year |
Who Can Apply?
Students enrolled in Class 6 to 11 can apply for this examination.
Registration Process
The mode of registration for VMM is online. There are two types of registrations that are mentioned here.
Individual Student Registration:
- To register, the applicants have to first visit the official website and fill in the required details.
- After this, these details will be verified by the VMM admin via two different OTPs sent to the email id and mobile number of the applicants.
- Applicants will have to make an online payment of ₹200 to complete the registration process.
School/Institute Student Registration:
Bulk registrations are preferred if done on behalf of the school/Institute. For this, the authorities have to appoint an exam coordinator who will register the school and the candidates.
Registration of the School/Institute
The exam coordinator has to enter the required school details that will be verified. Once this is done, the school/institute will be provided with a Unique Referral Code, visible after logging on their dashboard.
The exam coordinator can provide the students with the Unique Referral Code and ask them to register individually. After registration, once the students log in to their account and enter the code, they will be added to the school dashboard.
The coordinator has 2 other options to register the students:
Online – Online entry of the student details one by one
Offline – Entry of student details in a prescribed excel format which has to be uploaded online. A payment of ₹170 per student has to be made to get the login credentials of the students which will be provided to the respective students.
*Check the official brochure for more details.
Exam Syllabus
Students appearing for this examination will be asked questions on the following topics:
- Science and mathematics from NCERT and State level text books.
- Indian contribution to science
- Life story of Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
- Logic and reasoning
Exam Pattern
Once the student is successfully registered, the VMM exam app will be available for download from the students profile page. The examination is conducted online.
There are 100 multiple choice questions of 1 mark each. There are two sections:
Section A: It consists of 40 questions which have to be answered in 30 minutes. These questions are asked from Indian contributions to science and the life story of Dr. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar.
Section B: It consists of 60 questions which have to be answered in 60 minutes. These questions are asked from science, mathematics, logic, and reasoning.
(Note: Section B will only be assessed only if a student secures equal to or more than 50% (i.e. equal to or more than 20 marks) in Section A.)
Unified Council Foundation for Success
The Unified Council is an educational organisation established in 1998 with a primary mission to strengthen the fundamental academic skills of students and enable them to excel in competitive environments. It is renowned for its diagnostic examinations including the National Level Science Talent Search Examination (NSTSE), Unified Cyber Olympiad (UCO), Unified International Mathematics Olympiad (UIMO), and Unified International English Olympiad (UIEO). These examinations assess understanding of core concepts rather than mere rote memorisation abilities of the students.
Who Can Apply?
All students enrolled in Class 1 to 10 are eligible to appear for these examinations.
Application Fee – ₹354 for each examination.
How to Apply?
- To apply for this scholarship, applicants have to first visit the website where they have to click on the registration tab as per their nationality.
- This will take students to the registration page where they have to select the class in which they are studying.
- This will take them to the page where they can apply for the scholarship of their choice and click on ‘Continue’ option. This will redirect them to the payment gateway where they can fill in all the details, make a payment and complete the application process.
National Science Talent Search Examination (NSTSE)
NSTSE examination focuses on preparing the students for higher education competitive exams like IIT-JEE, NEET, GMAT, CAT etc. where the questions are designed to test the fundamental concepts learned by a student. It is one of the top science scholarships for Indian students.
Exam Schedule:
Mock Test: 26/01/2025
Final Examination: 02/02/2025
Exam Pattern:
| Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 to 10 | |
| No. of Questions | 40 | 50 | 60 |
| Marks | 40 | 50 | 60 |
| Duration | 1 hour | ||
*Click here for a detailed exam syllabus.
Unified International Mathematics Olympiad (UIMO)
This examination is designed by highly experienced educational specialists who test the strength and weak areas of students in mathematics.
Exam Schedule:
Mock Test: 11/01/2025
Final Examination: 19/01/2025
Exam Pattern:
| Class 1 | Class 2 | Classes 3 to 10 | |
| No. of Questions | 40 | 50 | 50 |
| Marks | 40 | 50 | 60 |
| Duration | 1 hour | ||
*Click here for a detailed exam syllabus.
Unified International English Olympiad (UIEO)
The UIEO examination is designed for assessment of a student’s command over the English language.
Exam Schedule:
Mock Test: 29/12/2024
Final Examination: 05/01/2025
Exam Pattern:
| Class 1 – 4 | Class 5 – 10 | |
| No. of Questions | 35 | 50 |
| Marks | 35 | 50 |
| Duration | 1 hour | |
*The syllabus for this examination is mentioned here.
Unified Cyber Olympiad (UCO)
This exam aims to improve the knowledge of computer education, logical reasoning, and mental aptitude while also offering a platform for assessing the talents of students in IT-related areas. Participants answer the questions that not only test their comprehension of computer fundamentals, but also prepare them for real-world issues in software and decision-making.
Exam Schedule:
Mock Test: 05/01/2025
Final Examination: 12/01/2025
Exam Pattern:
| No. of Questions | 50 |
| Marks | 50 |
| Duration | 1 hour |
*Please refer to the detailed syllabus.
Note:
- Schedule and procedure will be informed to the candidate before 15 days of the exam.
- Results will be declared after 45 days of the exam.
- For every examination, there is a different question paper for each class.
- All the questions are objective-type with no negative marking for wrong answers.
- All examinations are conducted online via a device with a stable internet connection and a web camera.
Awards:
| Rank | Awards |
| 1st | STSE and UIMO – ₹20000 + Olympiad Coach Online Subscription worth ₹1998 + memento |
| UCO and UIEO – ₹10000 + Olympiad Coach Online Subscription worth ₹1998 + memento | |
| 2nd and 3rd | NSTSE and UIMO – Tablet PC + Olympiad Coach Online Subscription worth ₹1998 + memento to each |
| UCO and UIEO – ₹5000 + Olympiad Coach Online Subscription worth ₹1998 + memento to each | |
| 4-10 | NSTSE – ₹2000 + Olympiad Coach Online Subscription worth ₹1998 + memento to each |
| UCO – ₹1000 + Olympiad Coach Online Subscription worth ₹1998 each | |
| UIEO – ₹1500 + Olympiad Coach Online Subscription worth ₹1998 each | |
| UIMO – 1500 + Olympiad Coach Online Subscription worth ₹1998 each | |
| 11-25 | Olympiad Coach Online Subscription worth ₹3996, a Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation each |
| 26-50 | Olympiad Coach Online Subscription worth ₹2997, a Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation each |
| Zonal Toppers | Olympiad Coach Online Subscription worth ₹1998, a Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation |
Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) is a non-profit educational organisation founded in 1999. It is dedicated to promoting academic competition among school children. SOF conducts Olympiad tests for students in grades 1 to 12, with a focus on improving knowledge in disciplines such as science, mathematics, computer, and english. For the last 2 decades, SOF has worked towards cultivating a scientific mentality and critical thinking abilities through unique learning activities and examinations.
SOF conducts 8 examinations that are mentioned in a tabular format hereunder:
| Olympiad | Eligibility | Exam Schedule | Levels |
| International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) | Students from Class 1 to 10 enrolled in a school recognised by SOF | 20 December 2024
21 January 2025 |
Level 1 |
| National Science Olympiad (NSO) | Students from Class 1 to 12 enrolled in a school recognised by SOF | 18 October 2024
12 November, 2024 3 December, 2024 |
Level 1 and Level 2 (only for students of Class 3 to 12) |
| International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) | Students from Class 1 to 12 enrolled in a school recognised by SOF | 22 October 2024
19 November 2024 12th December, 2024 |
Level 1 and Level 2 (only for students of Class 3 to 12) |
| International English Olympiad (IEO) | Students from Class 1 to 12 enrolled in a school recognized by SOF | 26 September 2024
8 October 2024 8 November 2024 |
Level 1 and Level 2 (only for students of Class 3 to 12) |
| International Commerce Olympiad (ICO) | Students from Class 11 and 12 enrolled in a school recognised by SOF | 10 December 2024
23 January 2025 |
Level 1 |
| International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) | Students from Class 1 to 10 enrolled in a school recognised by SOF | 19 September 2024
4 October 2024 15 October 2024 |
Level 1 |
| International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) | Students from Class 3 to 10 enrolled in a school recognised by SOF | 10 December 2024
23rd January, 2025 |
Level 1 |
| International Hindi Olympiad (IHO) | Students fromClass 3 to 10 enrolled in a school recognised by SOF | 28 November 2024
17 December 2024 |
Level 1 |
Who Can Apply?
All students from classes 1 to 12 can appear for this examination.
Note:
- Students cannot submit their applications individually. Applications will only be submitted via the schools.
- All examinations are conducted in offline mode for a duration of 1 hour.
- The registration fee for every olympiad is ₹125 only.
- All the examinations are conducted in English except the International Hindi Olympiad (IHO).
- Schools should apply and submit the form for the SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) at least 30 days before the exam date.
Scholarship Award:
The scholarship recipients from each class will be the students having secured highest cumulative marks in any of the four olympiad examinations taken in a year. IEO, NSO, and IMO will take into consideration marks gained at Level 2, whilst IGKO, ISSO, IHO, and ICSO will consider scores secured at Level 1. They will be awarded the Academic Excellence Scholarship that includes:
- A trophy
- Cash award/scholarship of ₹5000 and a citation
*Click here for more details.
Mukhyamantri Vigyan Pratibha Pariksha (MVPP)
The Science Branch of the Directorate of Education in Delhi conducts the Mukhyamantri Vigyan Pratibha Pariksha, or MVPP scholarship exam held from January to March every year. This exam was previously known as the Junior Science Talent Search Examination (JSTSE). The primary goal of this exam is to identify and nurture potential talents. It is conducted at the state level.
Who Can Apply?
- Students pursuing studies in Class 9 in Govt., Govt. aided and unaided recognised private schools including the Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Schools run by the MCD, NDMC, DCB, etc. in GNCT of Delhi can apply.
- Applicants must have secured 60% marks in Class 8 (5% relaxation is applicable for the students belonging to SC/ST and PH category).
Exam Pattern:
The examination consists of two papers of 100 marks each. There are 100 questions in each paper without the provision of negative marking. The duration of the examination is 120 minutes.
Exam Syllabus:
- Paper l – Mental Ability Test (MAT) includes Verbal & Non Verbal Reasoning
- Paper ll – Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) includes Maths, Science and SST
Note: Qualifying marks for both the papers is 40% for General, EWS and OBC while it is 32% for C, ST and PH.
Scholarship Award:
Top 1000 meritorious students will receive an award of ₹5000.
IIT Bombay Maths Olympiad
The IIT Bombay Mathematics Olympiad is a prestigious talent hunt examination meant for the high school students. It has been organised since 1979. It serves as a national platform for students to challenge their mathematical skills and knowledge. It not only fosters mathematical acumen, but also provides participants with an opportunity to experience the academic environment of IIT Bombay. They are guided by an esteemed faculty from the Mathematics Department. The Olympiad is intended to help young students develop their mathematical intuition and spark their creativity.
Eligibility:
Students enrolled in Class 9 to 12 are eligible and encouraged to appear for this examination.
Exam Pattern:
There are 2 separate levels of the examination:
Level I – for Class 9 and 10
Level II – for Class 11 and 12
*Click here to view the detailed syllabus.
Application:
In its official brochure, IITB provides a code that has to be scanned in order to proceed to the official website where the applicant has to pay ₹350 to apply.
Scholarship Award:
It awards medals and certificates to students who perform well.
Top Scholarship Exams and Tests for Class 9 Students: FAQs
What is the primary purpose of top scholarship exams meant for Class 9 students?
The primary purpose of top scholarship exams meant for Class 9 students is to recognise and reward merit, provide financial support, and assess critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and general aptitude. These exams also help students evaluate their academic potential at regional, national, and international levels.
What is the primary goal of Vidyarthi Vigyaan Manthan (VVM)?
The primary goal of Vidyarthi Vigyaan Manthan (VVM) is to ignite scientific temper among school students and identify exceptional scientific aptitude within the student community. It is an initiative by Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) in collaboration with NCERT and NCSM.
What is the Unified Council known for?
The Unified Council is known for conducting diagnostic examinations like the National Level Science Talent Search Examination (NSTSE), Unified Cyber Olympiad (UCO), Unified International Mathematics Olympiad (UIMO), and Unified International English Olympiad (UIEO), which focus on assessing understanding of core concepts rather than rote memorisation.
How does the NSTSE examination benefit students?
The NSTSE examination benefits students by preparing them for competitive exams like IIT-JEE, NEET, GMAT, and CAT. It focuses on testing the fundamental concepts learned by the students, enabling them to strengthen their academic foundation for higher education.
How are NTSE and NSTSE different?
NTSE is a scholarship test conducted by NCERT for 10th class students. NSTSE is organized by Unified Council Foundation for class 1 -12 students to assess their understanding of concepts in science.
What is the cost of VVM examination?
In case a student is registering individually, the registration costs ₹200 whereas if the exam coordinator appointed by the school registers, then it is ₹170 per student.
What is the prize for VVM?
The cash awards for VVM ranges from an amount of ₹2000 and extend up to a maximum of ₹25,000.
How to find my missing SOF roll number?
In the case of lost roll numbers, students or parents can write to info@sofworld.org sharing their name, name and address of their school, class and the name of examination.
Does MVPP have negative marking?
No, there is no negative marking for wrong answers for attempting questions in MVPP.
Is the maths olympiad conducted by SOF tough?
The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO), conducted by SOF is quite competitive because the questions asked are not direct. To answer them, students need a deep and clear understanding of all the concepts.