Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO)

INPhO is a scholarly Oympiad instituted to sift through India's exceptionally able pre-university students and foster their talents in the science of Physics. Such competitions mark a big stepping stone toward participation at the highest level in this activity at the International Physics Olympiad, IPhO.

The Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education comes under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. It guides INPhO, which is a process of shortlisting the team to appear and represent India in the International Physics Olympiad. At the same time, it allows the students to better learn the material and, in the process, enhance the teaching-learning experience of the concerned teacher.

1.0Stages in the INPhO Program

The INPhO Exam typically involves multiple stages.

• National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP): This is the first round, a multiple-choice test open to thousands of students nationwide.
• Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO): Those students who qualify through performance in NSEP are nominated to take part in the INPhO, the more challenging theoretical test.
• Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp, OCSC: The best candidates from the INPhO are called to an orientation-cum-selection camp held at HBCSE. There, they are theoretically and experimentally trained in physics to finalize the teams for India for IPhO.
• International Physics Olympiad (IPhO): The future select Indian team will participate in an international competition where selected students from all over the world compete.

The INPhO program consists of a very rigorous selection procedure, with an emphasis on building critical thinking and problem-solving and experimental skills. It is a special chance to pursue one's interest in physics and work through challenging scientific principles.

2.0Eligibility

• Indian citizenship or Indian passport holder.
• Born between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2011.
• Residing and studying in India since November 30, 2023.
• Studying in Class X, XI, or XII.
• Not passed Class XII before November 30, 2025.

3.0Exam Dates

• NSEP (National Standard Examination in Physics): 22 November 2025 (Tentative)
• INPhO (Indian National Physics Olympiad): 31 January 2027 (Tentative)

4.0Exam Centers

5.0Selection Process

NSEP:

• Multiple-choice questions (48) with single correct answers.
• Multiple-choice questions (12) with one or more correct alternatives.

INPhO:

• Based on NSEP performance, a target of 400 students (200 from Group A (Class XII) and 200 from Group B (Class XI or X)) will be selected for INPhO.
• Selection criteria include:
• • Minimum Admissible Score (MAS)
  • Merit Index (MI)
  • Proportional Representation Clause (state-wise quota)
  • Minimum Total Number Clause
  • Super-numerary Quota for Female Students
  • Previous International Representation Clause

OCSC (Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp):

• 40 students will be selected for OCSC based on INPhO performance.
• OCSC includes theoretical and experimental training.
• Based on OCSC performance, a team of 5 students will be selected to represent India at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO).

6.0INPhO Examination 2027 Overview

INPhO provides and enables promising children with an opportunity to achieve their aspirations by representing their nation in the International Physics Olympiad.

Here, the Separate INPhO 2027 Registration Process is not covered and qualifying for NPEC 2026 is the initial phase of the IPhO Exam. For this registration, one has to obtain their respective examination admit card. Application fee for the INPhO Exam is INR 300/-For a quick glance, go to the overview table for the Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (INPhO 2027).

7.0Exam Pattern for INPhO

Here is the Exam Pattern for the Upcoming INPhO:

8.0Syllabus for INPhO 2027

9.0Training

Selected students will undergo rigorous training at HBCSE before the IPhO.

• IPhO(International Physics Olympiad) 2026: To be held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, from July 4th to 12th, 2026.
• IPhO 2027 will be held in Hungary in the month of July 2027.

Also Explore: International Olympiad of Science

10.0Key features of the Indian National Physics Olympiad

Academic Excellence

• Fosters Scientific Talent: INPhO seeks to identify and nurture exceptionally talented pre-university students in physics.
• High-Level Competition: It helps Indian students participate in the highly competitive International Physics Olympiad (IPhO).
• Long selection procedure including NSEP, INPhO, and an orientation-cum-selection camp focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and experimental skills.

Eligibility and Participation

• Open for Indian Citizens: The applicant students should hold Indian citizenship or a passport.
• Born between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2011.
• Educational Qualifications: Class X, XI, and/or XII studies.

Exam Details

• NSEP: Stage I, multiple choice test.
• INPhO: Second stage; a slightly more difficult theoretical exam.
• Exam Centres: Held across major cities in India.
• Syllabus: A wide syllabus covering everything in physics - mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and quantum physics.

Training and Support

• OCSC: The selected students would attend an intensive theoretical and experimental course at HBCSE.
• Mentorship: HBCSE offers mentorship and assistance to students during and after the selection process.

International Representation

IPhO Participation: Top-level students of OCSC get selected to represent India in the International Physics Olympiad.