National Standard Examinations - path to International Olympiads

National Standard Examinations (NSEP in Physics, NSEC in Chemistry, NSEB in Biology, NSEA in Astronomy and NSEJS in Junior Science) are nationwide examinations organized by IAPT (Indian Association of Physics Teachers) and HBCSE-TIFR (Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education - Tata Institute of Fundamental Research).

NSEP, NSEC, NSEB and NSEA are at CBSE class XII level while NSEJS is at CBSE class X level.

These NSEs are the First stage and THE ONLY SCREENING TESTS in India leading towards International Olympiads in the respective science subjects.

Students will have to appear for NSEP (or NSEC/NSEB/NSEA/NSEJS) and then through the Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO or INChO or INBO or INAO or INJSO). They may be selected for the further stages of the respective International Olympiad Programme.

Key Dates for NSE (Stage-1)

Student registration will start on 21 Aug 2025 and close on 14 Sep 2025

Date of NSEP: 23-11-2025, 8:30AM-10:30AM

Date of NSEC: 23-11-2025, 11:30AM-01:30PM

Date of NSEB: 23-11-2025, 2:30PM-04:30PM

Date of NSEA: 23-11-2025, 2:30PM-04:30PM

Date of NSEJS: 23-11-2025, 2:30PM-04:30PM

Relevant for: Class 8, 9, 10, 11 Non-Medical, 11 Medical, 12 Non-Medical, 12 Medical,

Level of Questions

For NSEP/NSEC/NSEB/NSEA: Is broadly equivalent to senior secondary level (up to and including Class XII) of CBSE India.

For NSEJS: Is broadly equivalent to Secondary school level (up to and including Class X) of CBSE India. All the basic subjects of science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) with equal emphasis. 

Check complete details about Eligibility, Selection criteria, Test pattern, Syllabus, Previous papers etc before registering.