What's It Like to Take the JBNSTS Junior Scholarship Interview?

In this article, I will share my experience of taking the JBNSTS Junior Teacher Selection Test (JTST) interview, which I was fortunate enough to be selected for. The experience was a mix of preparation, nerves, and valuable insights.

Preparation and Selection

Qualifying for the interview came just a week before the scheduled date, on a Saturday, November 30th at 2:45 PM. The interview panel I was assigned to was 'H', located on the ground floor of the institute. Much like a film set, the entire experience was meticulously organized, from the signing of personal information to the distribution of refreshments.

As this was an interview for a selective scholarship, the initial steps involved signing a statement confirming the recording of the interview on camera. After being given a Swiss roll and juice, we waited for about ten to fifteen minutes before being accompanied to the auditorium, where we would wait for further instructions.

The Interview Process

Once in the auditorium, the atmosphere was tense but managed to be as informal as possible, with the interview being conducted in Bengali. The interview commenced with a warm welcome from the professors, who asked me about my hobbies, my school, and my areas of academic interest. They also inquired about my goals and favorite subjects, with a particular focus on mathematics.

Mathematics Section:
When asked about my strongest chapters in mathematics, I mentioned sequence and series, quadratic equations, and conic sections. The interview proceeded with a detailed explanation of the concept of sequence and series, which I elaborated on quickly. The professors then asked me to calculate the sum of an arithmetic progression (AP) formula and used a hypothetical scenario to test my understanding without the formula. I explained the series reversal technique, which impressed them.

Physics Section:
Transitioning to the physics section, I was asked about my strong chapters, with mechanics and gravitation being my focus. I explained the conservation of linear momentum using a real-life example (gun-bullet scenario). Then, the interview took an interesting turn with a question on angular momentum and the effect of changing hand positions on angular velocity. Lastly, I addressed the concept of pressure in a detailed manner, explaining how our blood pressure and body pressure balance the atmospheric pressure.

Chemistry Section:
Concluding the interview, the chemistry professor asked straightforward questions regarding atomic structure and angular momentum conservation in the Rutherford model. The questions were simple but required a detailed explanation, which I provided fully.

Conclusion and Advice

The interview concluded on a positive note, with the professors smiling and handing me a chocolate, their smiles clearly indicating my selection. The experience taught me that the interview should be taken with ease and confidence. Prepare well by focusing on a few key concepts, and remember that your demeanor and ability to answer questions can significantly impact the outcome. I faced no major nervousness due to the formal yet warm atmosphere, and my experience gives me a strong sense of what to expect and how to approach the interview with ease.

Moral of the Story

The key takeaway is to approach the interview with confidence and prepare as much as possible, making sure to cover the most relevant and important concepts thoroughly. Whether you are a topper or not, confidence and preparation are your best weapons. Good luck with your interview!

BEST OF LUCK!!