The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) is an esteemed fellowship program aimed at stimulating the interest of students in pursuing a research career in the fields of basic sciences. The entrance exam's pattern is pivotal for aspiring candidates to understand as it directly impacts their preparation strategy.

The KVPY exam consists of two main parts: Part A and Part B. Each part contains multiple-choice questions that test the applicant's analytical and comprehension skills. Part A generally includes more questions but allocates fewer marks per question, whereas Part B contains fewer questions with a higher mark per question, allowing for in-depth responses. The subjects covered in the exam include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. The distribution of marks and the number of questions vary across the stream (SA, SX, and SB) and are suitably designed to evaluate the deep understanding and reasoning ability in students.

In terms of scoring, it's important for candidates to note that there is a negative marking scheme in place. Incorrect answers in Part A will result in a deduction of 0.25 marks while Part B responses attract a higher penalty per wrong answer. This makes accurate response strategy crucial for success in the KVPY exam.

Moreover, thorough preparation using previous year’s exam papers can give students a significant advantage. Analyzing these past papers helps in understanding the exam format, question styles, and the complexity level, which significantly aids in efficient preparation.

Stream SA: Students enrolled in XI Standard (Science Subjects) during the academic year 2019-20 and having secured a minimum of 75% (65% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects in the X Standard Board examination immediately in the preceding academic year are eligible to appear for Aptitude test.

The fellowship of the students selected under this stream will be activated only if they join an undergraduate course in Basic Sciences (B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./Int. M.S.) in the academic year 2021-22 after having secured a minimum of 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in Science subjects in the XII standard/(+2) Board Examination. During the interim period of one year they will be invited for the National Science (Vijyoshi) Camp and their travel expenses and local hospitality will be met by KVPY.

Stream SX: Students enrolled in XII Standard/ (+2) (Science subjects) during the academic year 2019–20 and aspiring to join undergraduate program in Basic Sciences namely Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics & Biology leading to B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./Int. M.S. for the session 2020–21 provided they have secured a minimum of 75% (65% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects (Physics/Chemistry/ Biology) in the X Standard Board Examination during the academic year 2017-18 are eligible to appear for the Aptitude test.

The fellowship of the students selected under this stream will be activated only if they join an undergraduate course in Basic science (B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./Int. M.S.) in the academic year 2020-21 after having secured a minimum of 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) in the XII standard Board Examination during academic year 2019-20.

Students in their 2nd year of study in Cambridge International Examination Board and aspiring to join an UG program (viz. B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./Int. M.S.)in Basic Sciences namely Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology in the Academic year 2019-20 are eligible to apply provided they have secured a minimum of 75% (65% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) in the X Standard Board Examination. They must secure 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) in the XII standard Board Examination before taking up the fellowship, if awarded.

Stream SB: Students enrolled in the 1st year of undergraduate program in Basic Sciences namely Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics & Biology leading to B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Int. M.Sc./Int. M.S. during the academic year 2019–20 and having secured a minimum of 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks in aggregate in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE subjects (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) in the XII Standard Board Examination are eligible to appear for the Aptitude test. In the 1st year final examination of B.Sc./B.S./B.Math./B.Stat./Int. M.Sc./Int. M.S. they must secure 60% (50% for SC/ST/PWD) marks before taking up the fellowship, if awarded.