How to ace the NTSE interview?

This post is a direct result of a number of emails received by a friend of mine who is an NTSE scholar (Year 2000) on preparation for the NTSE interview.

NTSE is an acronym for: National Talent Search Examination - a prestigious scholarship exam in India for standard 10th passouts leading to a scholarship funding upto postdoc level.

Here is what my scholar friend has to say about the interview:

Read the full story...

• Like any interview, the key is confidence. Be confident about your answers. 'May be' is not the way to go - you should be either right or wrong!
  
  
  


• The interview isn't long - thus, make your mark right at the outset, through your confidence and mannerisms. Impressing the interview panel with your knowledge comes as a secondary task. e.g. Knock at the door before entering, ask for permission to enter, sit (but do not be servile in your tone, exude confidence!), DO NOT be the FIRST to offer your hand for a shake, DO NOT shake your legs...
  
  
  


• Physics and History are two subjects that have enough theory material in them, to become interesting fodder for interview panel for their questions.
  
  
  


• But, do not delve into new theory material before the interview - revise what you learnt for the mains written exam.
  
  
  


• The questions are generally simple but tend to be tricky e.g. if an ice-cube floating on the surface of water (in a glass) melts, the water level increases or decreases? how would one measure the height of a building using only a barometer? ...and questions in a similar vein.
  
  
  

I guess, these guidelines would be of some help for prospective NTSE scholars.

Regards,
Prashant Gaharwar.
---------------------

Thank you Prashant for the helpful post!
If this post was useful to you, please DIGG IT! or Leave a comment.