NSTSE 2025 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

NSTSE 2025 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 19 PYQ-pattern questions in this set — freshly worded in that year's pattern, not the original questions. Answers and solutions open under each question.

1. Q1 · Real Numbers

   If 2^n ends with the digit 4, which of the following could be a possible value of n?

   • A. 7
   • B. 8
   • C. 9
   • D. 10
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   The powers of 2 cycle: 2, 4, 8, 6, 2, 4... with period 4. For 2^n to end in 4, n must be of the form 4k+2. Among options, 10 = 4(2)+2 satisfies this.

2. Q2 · Coordinate Geometry

   The coordinates of the point which divides the line segment joining A(3, 7) and B(9, 1) internally in the ratio 2:1 are:

   • A. (5, 5)
   • B. (7, 3)
   • C. (6, 4)
   • D. (8, 2)
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Using section formula: x = (2×9 + 1×3)/(2+1) = 21/3 = 7 and y = (2×1 + 1×7)/(2+1) = 9/3 = 3. Hence (7, 3).

3. Q3 · Constructions

   Which of the following tools is NOT required for constructing an angle of 60° using geometric methods?

   • A. Compass
   • B. Ruler
   • C. Protractor
   • D. Pencil
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   An angle of 60° can be constructed using only a compass and ruler by drawing an equilateral triangle, so a protractor is not required.

4. Q4 · Motion

   A car travels 120 km in 3 hours. What is its average speed?

   • A. 30 km/h
   • B. 40 km/h
   • C. 50 km/h
   • D. 60 km/h
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Average speed = total distance / total time = 120 km / 3 h = 40 km/h.

5. Q5 · Work, Energy and Power

   A cyclist applies brakes uniformly and comes to rest after covering 40 m. If the initial velocity was 20 m/s, what is the work done by the braking force if the mass of the cyclist and bicycle together is 60 kg?

   • A. −12000 J
   • B. −6000 J
   • C. −24000 J
   • D. −18000 J
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Work done equals change in kinetic energy. Initial KE = ½ × 60 × 20² = 12000 J, Final KE = 0. Work = 0 − 12000 = −12000 J.

6. Q6 · Magnetic Effects of Current

   A straight conductor carrying current of 5 A is placed perpendicular to a magnetic field of 0.4 T. If the length of the conductor in the field is 25 cm, what is the force experienced by it?

   • A. 0.25 N
   • B. 0.5 N
   • C. 1.0 N
   • D. 2.0 N
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Force F = BIL sinθ = 0.4 × 5 × 0.25 × sin90° = 0.4 × 5 × 0.25 = 0.5 N.

7. Q7 · Structure of the Atom

   An element X has atomic number 14. How many electrons are present in the outermost shell (valence shell) of element X?

   • A. 2
   • B. 4
   • C. 8
   • D. 14
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Element X with atomic number 14 has electronic configuration 2, 8, 4. Therefore, the outermost shell contains 4 electrons.

8. Q8 · Periodic Classification

   Elements in the same group of the periodic table have the same:

   • A. Number of electron shells
   • B. Number of valence electrons
   • C. Atomic mass
   • D. Physical state at room temperature
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons, which gives them similar chemical properties.

9. Q9 · Diversity in Living Organisms

   Which of the following organisms belongs to the phylum that includes animals with a water vascular system?

   • A. Earthworm
   • B. Starfish
   • C. Jellyfish
   • D. Leech
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Starfish belongs to phylum Echinodermata, which is characterized by the presence of a water vascular system used for locomotion and feeding.

10. Q10 · Natural Resources and Environment

    Which of the following practices helps in sustainable management of forests?

    • A. Clear-cutting all trees at once
    • B. Selective logging and reforestation
    • C. Overgrazing by livestock
    • D. Unrestricted hunting of wildlife
    Answer and solution

    Answer: B

    Selective logging removes only mature trees while preserving young growth, and reforestation ensures forest regeneration, promoting sustainable forest management.