Bhavans Scholarship Exam Syllabus: Class-Wise Topics for Classes 3 to 12

Bhavans Scholarship Exam Syllabus: Class-Wise Topics for Classes 3 to 12

Students preparing for the Bhavans Scholarship Exam need to know which subjects and topics to study for their class. The Bhavans Scholarship Exam syllabus is best understood by reviewing the All Kerala Bhavan’s Scholarship Examination (AKBSE) question papers published for different classes.

The available papers show that the questions change with the student’s grade. Younger students receive questions on basic English, arithmetic, everyday science and general awareness. Higher classes face more advanced questions in mathematics, science, social science and reasoning. Classes 11 and 12 also have stream-specific papers for Science, Commerce and Humanities.

One point needs to be made clear before using this guide: the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Kannur question-bank pages publish previous-year papers class by class, but we could not verify one consolidated official syllabus covering every class from 3 to 12. The topics below are therefore a study guide based on published AKBSE question papers, not a claim that every listed topic is part of the current official syllabus.

Students should also check the latest instructions or syllabus shared by their school or examination organiser.

Is There an Official Bhavans Scholarship Exam Syllabus?

The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Kannur website provides a question bank with previous-year AKBSE papers for different school classes. Its higher-secondary section also lists papers for separate academic streams.

These papers are useful for identifying the subjects, question styles and topics that have appeared in earlier examinations. However, a previous-year paper is not the same as a complete syllabus. A topic appearing in one paper does not guarantee that it will appear again, and the absence of a topic from one paper does not mean it is excluded.

For accurate preparation, use three sources together:

1. Your current class textbooks and subject syllabus.
2. Previous-year AKBSE question papers for your own class.
3. Any updated instructions or syllabus issued by your school or the examination organiser.

You can also read our guide to the Bhavans Scholarship Exam pattern to understand the question format, marks, duration and OMR instructions.

Bhavans Scholarship Exam Syllabus at a Glance

The following table gives a broad overview of the areas students should review. The exact topics depend on the class and the paper being used.

Class group	Areas to prepare
Classes 3–5	Basic English, arithmetic, number patterns, shapes, money, time, environmental studies and general awareness
Classes 6–8	English grammar and vocabulary, mathematics, science concepts, social studies, logical reasoning and general awareness
Classes 9–10	Advanced English, algebra, geometry, probability, physics, chemistry, biology, social science and reasoning
Classes 11–12 Science	Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology, according to the stream and paper
Classes 11–12 Commerce	Economics, Business Studies, Accountancy and related commercial concepts
Classes 11–12 Humanities	English, Economics, History, Political Science and general awareness, depending on the paper

Treat this as a starting checklist. Check the previous-year paper for your specific class before deciding how much time to spend on each area.

Bhavans Scholarship Exam Syllabus for Classes 3 to 5

Students in Classes 3, 4 and 5 should concentrate on basic concepts from their school subjects. Questions at this level can test whether students understand words, numbers, everyday situations and simple scientific facts.

1. English

Revise the following areas:

• Nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives.
• Singular and plural forms of words.
• Common and collective nouns.
• Prepositions and simple sentence formation.
• Correct word usage and basic vocabulary.
• Spelling and rearranging letters to form words.
• Animal names, sounds and groups.
• Reading and understanding short sentences.

The November 2023 Class III paper included questions on nouns, pronouns, plurals, collective nouns, prepositions and word arrangement. These examples show the level of basic English questions students may encounter.

2. Mathematics

Focus on number skills and simple problem-solving:

• Place value and face value.
• Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Number patterns and sequences.
• Basic calculations using money.
• Simple word problems.
• Reading a clock and calculating time.
• Basic shapes and three-dimensional objects.
• Number operations and simple mathematical puzzles.

For example, the 2023 Class III paper asked students to identify a cube, read the time from a clock, complete a number sequence and calculate the cost of an item after receiving change.

3. Environmental Studies and Basic Science

Revise familiar topics from everyday life, nature and the environment:

• Plants, roots, leaves and their uses.
• Animals, their movements and habitats.
• Living and non-living things.
• Basic facts about the Earth.
• Water and the water cycle.
• Weather, clouds and common environmental features.
• Everyday observations about plants and animals.

The 2023 Class III paper included questions about fibrous roots, animal movement, the Equator, plant leaves and condensation. Students should use their class textbooks to revise related concepts.

4. Reasoning and General Awareness

Practise simple questions involving:

• Number and letter patterns.
• Identifying the odd one out.
• Rearranging letters.
• Recognising patterns in numbers.
• Everyday facts and common observations.

Preparation tip for Classes 3–5: Build accuracy before speed. Practise a small set of English, maths and basic science questions every day. Ask students to explain how they reached an answer instead of memorising answer choices.

Bhavans Scholarship Exam Syllabus for Classes 6 to 8

For Classes 6, 7 and 8, students should revise concepts in greater depth. Questions can require them to apply grammar rules, solve multi-step calculations and understand subject concepts rather than simply recall facts.

1. English

Review these topics:

• Nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs.
• Tenses and correct verb forms.
• Subject-verb agreement.
• Articles and prepositions.
• Modal auxiliary verbs.
• Synonyms and antonyms.
• Correct spelling and word meanings.
• Sentence completion and error identification.
• Phrases, idioms and basic literary devices.
• Reading comprehension.

The published Class VI and Class VII papers include questions on verb forms, word meanings, spelling, articles, prepositions and sentence construction. Use the paper for your own class to identify the level of difficulty.

2. Mathematics

Give attention to:

• Whole numbers and integers.
• Fractions and decimals.
• Factors and multiples.
• Basic algebra and number operations.
• Ratio and proportion.
• Percentages and simple applications.
• Geometry and measurement.
• Time and related calculations.
• Data interpretation and logical number problems.

Students should practise both direct calculations and word problems. A question may test the same mathematical idea through a real-life situation rather than a textbook-style exercise.

3. Science

Revise the science concepts taught in your current class. Depending on the paper and grade, useful areas to review include:

• Plants and their functions.
• Human body and health.
• Living organisms and their surroundings.
• Matter and its properties.
• Force, motion and energy.
• Light, sound and electricity.
• Environment and natural resources.

Do not assume that every topic will appear in every class paper. Use your textbook and previous-year paper together to decide which chapters need more practice.

4. Social Studies, Reasoning and General Awareness

Students should also review relevant school-level topics in history, geography and civics. Practise logical questions involving number sequences, patterns, comparisons and everyday situations.

General-awareness questions may involve science, geography, important institutions, national events and other factual topics. Check earlier papers for the style of questions rather than relying on a random list of general-knowledge facts.

Preparation tip for Classes 6–8: Make a separate revision list for English, mathematics and science. Solve questions without looking at the answers, then review mistakes and revise the underlying concepts.

Bhavans Scholarship Exam Syllabus for Classes 9 and 10

Classes 9 and 10 require more detailed preparation. The November 2023 Class X AKBSE paper is a useful example because it includes questions from English, mathematics, science, social science, general awareness and logical reasoning.

1. English

Prepare:

• Advanced vocabulary and word meanings.
• Synonyms and antonyms.
• Tenses and subject-verb agreement.
• Articles and sentence correction.
• Direct and reported speech.
• Phrasal verbs and idioms.
• Spelling and grammatical accuracy.
• Figures of speech and literary devices.
• Sentence completion and comprehension.

The 2023 Class X paper included reported speech, subject-verb agreement, articles, vocabulary and personification. Students should practise applying grammar rules to complete sentences, not just memorise definitions.

2. Mathematics

Important areas to review include:

• Algebraic expressions and equations.
• Exponents and powers.
• Trigonometric identities and applications.
• Probability.
• Coordinate geometry.
• Triangles and similarity.
• Circles and sectors.
• Mensuration and geometric measurements.
• Number-based reasoning.

The published Class X paper contains questions involving exponential equations, trigonometry, probability with dice, coordinates, similar triangles and the area of a sector. These examples make previous-year papers useful for identifying the level of mathematical application.

3. Science

Revise the main concepts from Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Physics

• Light and reflection.
• Human vision and the eye.
• Electricity and related concepts.
• Force, motion and energy.

Chemistry

• Elements, compounds and salts.
• Chemical reactions.
• Properties of substances.
• Basic chemical bonding and reactions.

Biology

• Human body systems.
• Control and coordination.
• Plant growth and responses.
• Cells and basic life processes.
• Health and the environment.

The 2023 Class X paper includes questions on the pupil’s response to light, plant growth, salts and chemical properties. These are examples from that paper, not a complete list of the science syllabus.

4. Social Science and General Awareness

Review relevant school-level topics in:

• Indian history and important historical events.
• Geography of India and the world.
• Natural resources and minerals.
• Civics and government.
• Economics and basic financial concepts.
• National and international developments.

The 2023 Class X paper included a question on India’s iron ore belts, a question about Chandrayaan-3 and an applied question involving bank loans. Students should therefore practise both textbook-based concepts and factual application.

5. Logical Reasoning

Practise questions based on:

• Number series.
• Ranking and positions.
• Age-related calculations.
• Patterns and sequences.
• Logical comparisons.
• Multi-step word problems.

Preparation tip for Classes 9–10: Do not revise only definitions. Solve questions that require calculations, comparisons and application of concepts. Practise with a timer after you are comfortable with the topics.

Bhavans Scholarship Exam Syllabus for Classes 11 and 12

The higher-secondary examination needs a different approach because the published question banks include separate papers for Science, Commerce and Humanities. Students should select papers that match their own class and stream.

1. Science Stream

Science students should prepare according to their Mathematics or Biology track and the subjects included in the relevant question paper.

Physics topics to review

• Electric circuits and resistance.
• Current electricity.
• Electromagnetic and alternating-current concepts.
• Wave optics and light.
• Photoelectric effect.
• Atomic spectra and related concepts.

The 2023 higher-secondary Science papers include questions on electrical circuits, resonance, total internal reflection, Young’s double-slit experiment and photon energy.

Chemistry topics to review

• Solutions and colligative properties.
• Chemical reactions and reaction conditions.
• Organic chemistry.
• Inorganic chemistry.
• Acids, bases and pH.
• Chemical equilibrium and related concepts.

The published Science paper includes questions on vapour pressure, organic reactions, chemical ions and reaction conditions.

Biology topics to review

• Cell structure and cell division.
• Genetics and molecular biology.
• Plant groups and classification.
• Plant reproduction and development.
• Human physiology.
• Immunity and disease.
• Evolution and related biological concepts.

A previous Class XII Science Biology paper includes questions on DNA, chromosome changes, plant groups and immunity. Students should also revise the relevant chapters from their current Biology textbooks.

Mathematics

Students following the Mathematics track should revise the relevant chapters from their current higher-secondary Mathematics syllabus. Practise formulas, calculations, algebraic methods and problem-solving questions. Use the Mathematics paper listed for your class rather than assuming that a Biology-track paper covers the same subject areas.

2. Commerce Stream

Commerce students should focus on the subjects and concepts shown in the Commerce question papers.

Economics

• Demand and supply.
• Price elasticity of demand.
• Complementary and substitute goods.
• Cost and production concepts.
• Scarcity and resource allocation.
• Statistics and sampling.
• Money, banking and monetary policy.
• National and international economic concepts.

Business Studies

• Forms and functions of business.
• Banking and insurance.
• E-commerce and digital transactions.
• Management functions.
• Marketing and product decisions.
• Business finance.
• Business ethics and social responsibility.

Accountancy

• Accounting concepts and principles.
• Cost concept.
• Assets and liabilities.
• Accounting records and entries.
• Basic financial calculations.

The published Commerce papers contain questions on economics, business services, banking methods, insurance, management and accountancy. These are useful indicators of the subject areas students should review.

3. Humanities Stream

Humanities students should prepare for the subjects included in their relevant paper. Published AKBSE Humanities papers include English, Economics and History, while the higher-secondary question bank also lists Humanities-Politics papers.

Areas to review include:

English

• Vocabulary and word usage.
• Grammar and sentence correction.
• Phrasal verbs and idioms.
• Literary devices and comprehension.

Economics

• Demand and supply.
• Scarcity and economic choices.
• Cost and production.
• Statistics and sampling.
• Economic policies and public goods.

History

• Ancient and medieval civilisations.
• Historical personalities and events.
• Important developments in world history.
• Historical chronology and terminology.

Political Science and Civics

• Political institutions.
• Government and public policy.
• Constitutional and political concepts.
• Rights, responsibilities and democratic systems.

Students should also revise general awareness and logical reasoning where these appear in their class paper.

Preparation tip for Classes 11–12: Start with the subjects listed in your own stream’s question paper. Do not spend the same amount of time on every subject if your paper is organised into separate subject sections.

How to Find the Correct Syllabus for Your Class

Because the available papers are organised by class, students should avoid preparing from a question paper intended for another grade.

The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Kannur website provides class-specific question-bank pages. Start with the page matching your class:

• Class III question bank
• Class V question bank
• Class VI question bank
• Class VII question bank
• Class VIII question bank
• Class IX question bank
• Class X question bank
• Class XI question bank
• Class XII question bank

For higher-secondary students, select the paper for the correct stream as well as the correct class. A Science paper should not be used as the only preparation source for a Commerce or Humanities student.

You can also use our Bhavans Scholarship Exam sample papers guide to find previous-year papers and practise with the available question sets.

How to Prepare Using the Bhavans Scholarship Exam Syllabus

A topic list is useful only when students turn it into a regular study plan. The following method can help:

Step 1: Start with your current textbooks

Revise the chapters taught in your current class. Do not replace your school syllabus with a topic list taken from an older examination paper.

Step 2: Solve previous-year question papers

Attempt papers written for your class. Notice which subjects appear, how questions are worded and what level of knowledge is expected.

Step 3: Create a topic checklist

Write down the topics you find difficult. Divide them into three groups:

• Comfortable: Topics you can answer correctly.
• Needs revision: Topics where you understand the basics but make mistakes.
• Needs practice: Topics where you cannot solve questions without help.

Spend more time on the last two groups.

Step 4: Practise mixed questions

After revising individual topics, solve questions from different subjects in one sitting. This helps students switch between English, mathematics, science and other areas without losing focus.

Step 5: Take timed practice tests

Once you understand the syllabus areas, practise using the time allowed in the relevant question paper. Read our Bhavans Scholarship Exam pattern guide for details about the published question format and OMR instructions.

Step 6: Review every mistake

Do not simply check the final score. Identify why an answer was wrong. The mistake may be due to a forgotten formula, a misunderstood word, a calculation error or a gap in subject knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bhavans Scholarship Exam Syllabus

1. Is the Bhavans Scholarship Exam syllabus the same for Classes 3 to 12?

No. The topics and difficulty level vary by class. Higher-secondary papers also differ by academic stream. Students should use the paper and instructions intended for their own class.

2. Where can I download the official Bhavans Scholarship Exam syllabus?

The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Kannur website provides previous-year question papers through its class-wise question bank. We could not verify one consolidated official syllabus document covering Classes 3–12. Check the question bank for your class and ask your school or examination organiser for any updated syllabus or instructions.

3. What subjects should students in Classes 3 to 5 prepare?

Students should revise basic English, mathematics, environmental studies and general awareness. Previous papers show examples involving grammar, spelling, money, number patterns, shapes, animals, plants and simple environmental concepts.

4. What should students in Classes 6 to 8 study for AKBSE?

Students should revise English grammar and vocabulary, mathematics, science concepts, school-level social studies and reasoning. The exact areas should be checked against previous-year papers for the relevant class.

5. Does the Bhavans Scholarship Exam have separate papers for Science, Commerce and Humanities?

The published higher-secondary question bank includes separate papers for Science, Commerce and Humanities. Students should choose the paper that matches their class and stream.

6. Are previous-year question papers enough to cover the syllabus?

Previous-year papers are useful for understanding question styles and identifying topics that have appeared. They should not replace the current class syllabus or any updated instructions issued by the examination organiser.

7. How should students prepare for the Bhavans Scholarship Exam?

Students should revise their current textbooks, practise previous-year papers, identify weak topics and take timed mock tests. They should also become familiar with the examination and OMR instructions before the test.

Final Preparation Advice

The best way to prepare for the Bhavans Scholarship Exam is to combine the current class syllabus with previous-year AKBSE question papers. Begin with the subjects taught in your class, use the published papers to understand the question style, and give extra practice to topics you find difficult.

For question-paper practice, visit our Bhavans Scholarship Exam sample papers guide. For details about marks, duration, question format and OMR rules, read the Bhavans Scholarship Exam pattern guide.

Always follow the latest instructions provided by your school or examination organiser, especially when they issue an updated syllabus or examination notice.