National Standard Examination in Biology
The National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB) is the beginning for Indian students who wish to represent India at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO). Organised by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), NSEB is the first of five rounds of tests culminating at the international level.
1.0What is NSEB?
NSEB is a national-level competitive examination conducted for students of Class XII and below who wish to pursue Biology. Every year, thousands of students appear for this examination, and the top-performing candidates qualify for the Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO).
2.0NSEB 2025–26 Important Dates
NSEB Previous Year Papers with Answer Key -
3.0NSEB 2025–26 Exam Pattern
4.0NSEB 2025–26 Syllabus
The NSEB 2025–26 syllabus encompasses topics of Class XI and XII Biology as per the CBSE curriculum, covering areas like Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Physiology, and Biotechnology. The topic-wise syllabus in detail is given below.
5.0Eligibility Criteria for NSEB 2025-26
Before registering for the National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB) 2025–2026, students must confirm that they meet the necessary eligibility requirements. IAPT established these guidelines to ensure consistency and fairness in the Biology Olympiad program's selection procedure. An overview of the essential eligibility requirements is provided below, which each prospective applicant should carefully read over before submitting an application.
- Have an Indian passport.
- Be born between 1st July 2006 and 30th June 2011.
- Be enrolled and pursuing studies in India as of November 30, 2023, or earlier.
- Not having. cleared Class 12 board examinations before November 30, 2025.
- Not having been admitted to a university or equivalent college earlier than June 01, 2025.
- Not appear for NSEJS 2025-26 simultaneously
Also Read: National Standard Examination in Chemistry
6.0How to Register for NSEB 2025-26?
NSEB 2025–26 registration is a must since it is the sole means of entering the Biology Olympiad scheme. By not registering, candidates cannot attend the examination or proceed to subsequent levels such as INBO, OCSC, or IBO.
- Visit the official registration website at (iapt.org.in/)
- Choose the option for registration.
- Enter all the details in the student registration form and click on 'Generate OTP.'
- Then, after successful registration, log in again using the provided credentials and enter all the details as requested.
- Upload the necessary documents and fill in the required information.
- Finally, submit the registration form.
- Thus, your registration for the National Standard Examination in Biology 2025-26 is guaranteed.
7.0Registration Fee for NSEB 2025-26
Students can register through the IAPT-listed authorized exam centers or their individual schools. On the official website, the precise cost, method of payment, and due dates will be disclosed.
- Fee: ₹300 per student per subject
- Mode: Paid online at the time of enrollment
- Refund: Non-refundable
- Students moving to subsequent stages are not required to pay any additional fees until the international stage.
8.0Pathway to IBO: The Five Stages
India's International Biology Olympiad (IBO) journey consists of five competitive stages, ranging from NSEB to the international level. Each stage tests a student’s deep conceptual understanding, practical knowledge, and analytical skills in biology. With professional mentoring, targeted study materials, and preparation strategies created especially for the Biology Olympiad pathway, ALLEN helps students at every level.
- NSEB 2025-26: First stage, conducted throughout the country in November 2025
- INBO 2026: Organised in January/February 2026 for shortlisted students
- OCSC: Orientation-cum-Selection Camp for the best ~35 students of Chemistry
- Pre-Departure Camp: In-depth theory and experiment training
- International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026: To be organised in July 2026
9.0Awards and Recognition
Prominent certificates and merit awards from IAPT and HBCSE are given to students who perform well on the NSEB and advance through the Biology Olympiad program's later stages. Top performers who earn INBO medals are recognised for their outstanding talent and open the door to potential selection to represent India at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) after qualifying for the OCSC (Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp).
- Gold Medals and Merit Certificates are awarded to OCSC participants for their exemplary performance.
- National and state-level toppers are rewarded for distinction in the NSEB and INBO levels.
- The first 4 students of INBO are chosen to participate on behalf of India for the International Biology Olympiad (IBO).
(Note: Asian Biology Olympiad is not included in the biology Olympiad stream in India; rather, selection directly goes to IBO.)
10.0How ALLEN Modules Help in Exam Preparation for International Olympiads
ALLEN's Biology study modules are carefully crafted to build up students who are appearing for high-level competitions such as the National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB) and later rounds of the International Biology Olympiad (IBO). These modules are ideally suited to the current NSEB syllabus and carefully compiled to be at par with the concept depth and analytical levels demanded at the Olympiad level.
- Structured According to the Syllabus
ALLEN modules are systematically mapped to the official NSEB syllabus, covering all major domains of Biology from Class 11 and 12, including:
- Cell Biology
- Genetics and Evolution
- Plant and Human Physiology
- Ecology and Environment
- Biotechnology, and more
Each chapter includes:
- Topic-wise segmentation for easy navigation
- Identification of high-weightage areas
- Step-wise concept-building from foundational to advanced level
- Progressive Topic Flow
The material is structured in a coherent learning order, allowing students to:
- Complete the whole syllabus in good time
- Spend more time on the difficult and high-weightage chapters
- Strengthening understanding by scaffolded learning
- NCERT-Aligned with Olympiad Depth
Although based on NCERT fundamentals, ALLEN modules go beyond the textbooks to encompass:
- Concept boosters following each topic
- Real-world biological applications and images
- HOTS (High Order Thinking Skills) and assertion-reasoning-based MCQs
- Previous Year Question Practice
ALLEN modules come equipped with:
- NSEB and INBO's previous year questions
- Detailed, step-by-step solutions and answer keys
- Mock tests modelled after the actual exam difficulty and pattern
- Olympiad-Level Reference Support
Every module is enhanced with contributions from top Olympiad guidebooks to assist students:
- Solve challenging, interdisciplinary Biology issues
- Get exposure to international Olympiad-type question patterns
- Develop confidence through repeated experience with competitive formats
11.0NSEB 2025–26 Preparation Strategy
It takes more than just textbook knowledge to perform well on NSEB 2025–26; it also calls for a thorough comprehension of the material, critical thinking, and constant practice. Students can increase their confidence for the Biology Olympiad journey, stay focused, and cover key topics quickly with a well-thought-out preparation plan.
- Begin with NCERT: Construct a solid groundwork by studying well Class 11 and 12 NCERT Biology textbooks. These are essential for concept clarity as well as factual correctness.
- Study Previous Year Papers: Read previous NSEB and INBO question papers in order to understand the recurring topics, question patterns, and areas that require special attention.
- Use the Right Resources: Supplement your NCERT study with reliable Olympiad reference texts and ALLEN's higher Biology modules, which provide topic-based questions, HOTS, and conceptual explanations.
- Know the Syllabus: Divide the syllabus into topic groups such as Genetics, Cell Biology, Ecology, and Physiology. Identify known vs. unknown regions and start with the weightage-chapter chapters.
- Create a Smart Study Timetable: Begin early and set a realistic schedule that enables regular study, revision of topics, and practice tests. Try to complete the syllabus at least one month prior to the exam.
Also Read: National Standard Examination in Physics
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