Yes, individual students can register through the IAPT website if their school is not a registered examination center, as long as they fulfill all the eligibility criteria.
The syllabus is in accordance with the CBSE Class 11 and 12 Biology curriculum, including important topics like genetics, physiology, ecology, biotechnology, and evolution.
Students should be born between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2012, and should have a valid Indian passport, and must meet the academic criteria set by IAPT.
Registration fee is ₹300 per student per subject. It is one-time, non-refundable.
Around 300–350 high-scoring students are chosen to sit for the Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO).
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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 2026–27 Important Dates
Event
Tentative Date s
Start of Centre Registration
August 01, 2026
End of Centre Registration
August 20, 2026
Start of Student Registration
August 21, 2026
End of Student Registration
September 14, 2026
NSEB 2026–27 Exam Date
November 22, 2026
NSEB 2026–27 Result/Score Card
December 25, 2026
Exam Time
2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
NSEB Previous Year Papers with Answer Key -
3.0NSEB 2026–27 Exam Pattern
Details
Exam Information
Total Questions
60
Maximum Marks
216
Duration
120 Minutes
Mode
Offline
Type of Questions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Sections
A1: 48 Single correct (3 marks each) B1: 12 Multiple correct (6 marks each)
Negative Marking
A1: -1 for wrong answers B1: No negative marking
Medium of Paper
English, Hindi and other regional languages (if opted by ≥ 300 students)
Centre Eligibility
School must have ≥ 30 enrolled students to become a centre
4.0NSEB 2026–27 Syllabus
The NSEB 2026–27 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.
Class
Topic
Subtopics
Class 11
Diversity of Living Organisms
• The Living World • Biological Classification • Plant Kingdom • Animal Kingdom
Class 11
Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants
• Morphology and anatomy of flowering plants • Animal tissues and systems
Class 11
Cell Structure and Function
• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells • Cell organelles and biomolecules • Cell cycle and division
Class 11
Plant Physiology
• Transport in plants • Mineral nutrition • Photosynthesis and respiration • Plant growth and development
Class 11
Human Physiology
• Digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, locomotion, nervous and endocrine systems
Class 12
Reproduction
• Asexual and sexual reproduction • Reproduction in flowering plants • Human reproduction and health
Class 12
Genetics and Evolution
• Mendelian inheritance • Molecular basis of inheritance • Evolution and population genetics
Class 12
Biology and Human Welfare
• Human health and diseases • Strategies for food production • Microbes in human welfare
Class 12
Biotechnology
• Principles of genetic engineering • Applications in health and agriculture
Class 12
Ecology and Environment
• Organisms and populations • Ecosystems • Biodiversity and conservation • Environmental issues
5.0Eligibility Criteria for NSEB 2026–27
Before registering for the National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB) 2026–27, 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 2007 and 30th June 2012.
Be enrolled and pursuing studies in India as of November 30, 2024, or earlier.
Not having. cleared Class 12 board examinations before November 30, 2026.
Not having been admitted to a university or equivalent college earlier than June 01, 2026.
NSEB 2026–27 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 2026-27 is guaranteed.
7.0Registration Fee for NSEB 2026–27
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 2026–27: First stage, conducted throughout the country in November 2026
INBO 2027: Organised in January/February 2027 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) 2027: To be organised in July 2027
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:
Get exposure to international Olympiad-type question patterns
Develop confidence through repeated experience with competitive formats
11.0NSEB 2026–27 Preparation Strategy
It takes more than just textbook knowledge to perform well on NSEB 2026–27; 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.
