How to Prepare for Stage 2

Biology

The 2 nd stage IJSO is also known as INJSO (Indian National Junior Science Olympiad) & conducted by HBCSE (Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education).
In this stage total 68 questions are asked, out of which 60 are multiple choice questions (1 mark each; total 60 marks) & 8 are subjective questions (5 mark each; total 40 marks).
The problems asked in this stage are usually non-conventional, experiment based and of high difficulty level, that is comparable to the International Olympiads.
In biology 19-21 questions are included in the section A (MCQ) & 2 in section B (subjective questions).

In 2009 the section A included questions from a variety of topics like Microscopy (cellular techniques) ; Nutrition ;  Immunity , circulation, Ecology, Sensory Organs ; Diseases (2 questions from each topic). Other topics covered were cell division, respiration; Genetics , Excretion, Adaptations, Transportation in plants (1 question from each topic).In section B questions were asked from respiration & genetics . The difficulty level of the questions was very high. Also many of the questions were based on experimental aspects..

In 2010 the main topics covered in section A were genetics (6 Ques.). Cell , transportation (3 Ques each) ; Respiration, cellular techniques (2 Ques each).  Questions were also included from topics like Immunity, Nutrition, Evolution, Plant anatomy and plant diversity (1 Ques. each). In section B Questions were based on control & coordination and environment . This year also many questions were experimental based with very high difficulty level, reaching up to XII standard.

During 2011 also the main topic in section A was Genetics (7 Ques). Followed by Ecology (4 Ques.). Also questions were included from topics like Proteins  & reproduction (2 Ques. each ). Sensory organs, Photosynthesis , plant diversity and Immunity (1 Ques each).

In section B topics asked were Transprotation in plants & Enzymology.  Like the previous years, this year also difficulty level was maintained & emphasis was  given at experimental application of the theoretical knowledge. Besides many questions were based on the knowledge of more than one topics.

By this analysis report we can say student who want to crack INJSO should emphasis on Genetics (specially DNA based questions), Immunity, Ecology, Life process (Nutrition, Respiration, Circulation) ,Cellular techniques (mainly microscopy) & Enzymology. In section B question are not usually asked from pure biology (they are interrelated with physics & chemistry) so, a student  should keep practical & analytical approach to solve them.

Physics

n II stage (INJSO) ,there are 20 objective and two subjective questions from Physics.
As our prime concern is about the preparation of Physics for ii stage, we should remind the following points here.
1.We should gather 5 year papers and practice them thoroughly
2.Light,Electricity,Magnetism ,Motion ,Heat ,Sound and Newtons' laws of motion are the main aspects of Physics part.
3. All the chapters are and revised from the NCERT VIII and IX books .Each line should be grasped on the conceptual basis.
4. If few topics give you challenge then accept them and provide your most productive time to beat your fear .
5. Graph practice for motion and for other relations between two physical quantities by any law should be done.
6.Numerical s should be given the consideration as they have their own major portion.
7. Short techniques can be achieved by practicing more and more questions.
   In 2009 paper major portion was from Electricity ,Heat and Motion ( four marks from each)
   In 2010 paper major portion was from Light( 7 marks ) ,Heat (6 marks) and Motion ,Circular motion (5 marks).
  In 2011 paper major portion was from Electricity (4 marks) ,Light (3 marks ) , Motion ( 4 marks ) , Force ( 4.5 marks ) ,Gravitation and fluid ( 7 marks ).Questions from light and motion were conceptual.
      For Subjective questions following chapters are important 
                Light , Heat, Electricity,Gravitation and fluid,Force.
Over all preparation must be based on practical and concepts.

Chemistry 

The paper of this exam contains total of 68 questions which covers the subjects physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology. Out of these 68 questions approx  20 questions  (year 2009 – 10, 2010-11, 2011-12) are asked from chemistry. About the topics, its not fixed that how many questions will be asked from each topic but as per the overall assessment of last year’s papers some topics that are surely asked are Mole concept, Periodic table, Thermodynamics, Acids – Bases and Salts, Metals and non-metals, Carbon, and Chemical  equilibrium. Students are also advised to study Nuclear chemistry, Structure of  atom, Oxidation no. concept and Chemical bonding once because these are also frequently asked.

While studying these topics give main emphasis on concepts, since conceptual and logical thinking questions are asked. Like in Mole concept give emphasis on stoichiometry based questions and on acid base neutralisation concept and numerical problems on pH, in Periodic Table on periodic properties, in Thermodynamics on enthalpy change in different kinds of reactions and in Chemical Equilibrium on Le - Chatelier's principle.

Mathematics

 In 2009  :  1 questions was asked in Section B of 5 marks. Topics covered were Mensuration. and Pattern based analytical question.
In 2010 :  2 questions were asked in Section B each of 5 marks. Topics covered were exponents, Trigonometry, Equation and Pattern based analytical question
In 2011 :  1 question in section A of 1 mark and 2 questions were asked in Section B each of 5 marks. Topics covered were unit digits in factorial, Euclids division lemma, Height and distance and analytical question.
In general questions are asked of basic approach. Student should prepare the basics of each topic of class IX and X. Students of class IX need to solve Class X NCERT. In section B there is no negative marking, so student should attempt all the questions.