IAPT National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS)
by Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT)
National & International Recognition
80,000 participants
NSEJS is a national science exam by IAPT for Class 10 students and below, serving as the first stage for the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO). It tests advanced Physics, Chemistry, and Biology skills.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹300
Participation format
Individual
Duration
2 hours (120 minutes)
Eligibility
NSEJS is an elite national science exam for students in Class 8–10. It is the first step toward the International Junior Science Olympiad. Eligible Indian citizens must meet age criteria and cannot attempt other NSE subjects in the same year.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 10
- Age range
- 13 to 15 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be enrolled in Class 10 or below during and should not have passed Class 10 board examination. Must be studying in an Indian school system.
- Prerequisites
- Strong foundation in Class 9 and 10 Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and Mathematics based on CBSE/NCERT curriculum.
- Cannot appear for any other National Standard Examination (NSEA, NSEB, NSEC, or NSEP) in the same academic year.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Medals
Medals awarded to students selected for the Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp (OCSC).
Certificate
IAPT & HBCSE Certificate
Participants receive certificates and merit awards from the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) and Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE).
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Qualifiers for the IJSO may gain academic advantages and opportunities at prestigious scientific universities.
Recognition
National & International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 21 Aug 2026
- Registration closed
- 14 Sept 2026
- Competition
- 22 Nov 2026
- Results
- 25 Dec 2026
Centre Registration Start
Registration for examination centres begins. Centres must register to host the NSEJS examination. (5:00 PM IST)
Centre Registration End
Last date for recognised schools and institutions to register as examination centres. (5:00 PM IST)
Student Enrolment Opens
Individual student enrolment begins through the IAPT portal or registered centres. (9:00 AM IST)
Student Enrolment Closes
Final deadline for students to complete their registration and fee payment. (5:00 PM IST)
Examination Date
The National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) will be conducted across India from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM IST.
Expected First-Stage Result
Anticipated date for the announcement of NSEJS results on the official IAPT website.
Designated Exam Centers, Nationwide, Multiple States
How to apply
- 1Visit the official IAPT registration portal.
- 2Choose NSEJS from the Olympiad list.
- 3Fill in student details and complete the form.
- 4Upload necessary documents (age/class proof).
- 5Pay the registration fee.
- 6Download the admit card.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must adhere to the specified age and class eligibility criteria.
- Students cannot appear for any other National Standard Examination (NSEA, NSEB, NSEC, NSEP) in the same academic year.
- The examination is conducted offline at designated centers across India.
- Late submissions or incomplete application forms will not be accepted.
- The registration fee is non-refundable.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee for NSEJS is ₹300 per student. This non-refundable fee can be paid online during registration. No additional fee is charged for subsequent Olympiad stages.
Refund policy
The registration fee is non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) is the initial stage of India's Junior Science Olympiad program, conducted by IAPT and HBCSE. This exam identifies and nurtures young scientific talent, serving as a crucial gateway to the prestigious International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) by assessing deep understanding in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
Students in Class 10 or below, meeting specific age and residency criteria, are eligible to participate. Successful qualifiers gain national recognition, expert mentorship, and advanced academic training, with the ultimate opportunity to represent India at the IJSO.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 216
- Duration
- 120 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), including single correct and multiple correct options.
- Language
- English, Hindi
Rounds and format
NSEJS is the first stage of a five-stage Olympiad journey. Students who qualify NSEJS proceed to the Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO), followed by the Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp (OCSC), Pre-Departure Training Camp, and finally the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO).
How entries are judged
Evaluation is based on a multiple-choice question paper covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. The exam has two sections: 48 single correct answer MCQs (+3 for correct, -1 for incorrect) and 12 multiple correct answer MCQs (+6 only if all correct options are marked). Selection for the next stage (INJSO) is based on a Minimum Admissible Score (MAS) and proportional representation from states/UTs, with approximately 300 students selected.
Selection process
Selection for the Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO) is based on achieving a Minimum Admissible Score (MAS), which is 50% of the average of the top ten scores. Additionally, a proportional representation clause ensures selection from each state/union territory, with a minimum of one student per state/UT, provided eligibility is met. Approximately 300 students are selected for Stage II.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The syllabus is broadly based on the CBSE/NCERT curriculum for Classes 9 and 10, covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. It focuses on conceptual understanding, analytical reasoning, and interdisciplinary application.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively manage exam-related stress during the NSEJS competition?
Students can manage stress by practicing mindfulness, maintaining a balanced study schedule, ensuring adequate sleep, and engaging in physical activity. Regular mock tests help build confidence and familiarize students with the exam environment, reducing anxiety on the actual day.
What are the common mistakes students make during the NSEJS exam and how can they be avoided?
Common mistakes include misinterpreting questions, poor time management, and negative marking errors. Students should read questions carefully, allocate time per section, and practice with negative marking schemes to minimize errors and optimize scores.
Beyond the immediate competition, how does participation in NSEJS benefit students in their long-term academic journey?
Participating in NSEJS fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper conceptual understanding of science. It provides early exposure to competitive environments, which is invaluable for future academic pursuits and competitive exams, enhancing overall academic profile.
What strategies can students employ to improve their analytical reasoning skills specifically for the NSEJS competition?
To enhance analytical reasoning, students should focus on understanding the 'why' behind scientific phenomena, practice complex multi-concept problems, and engage in logical puzzles. Regularly solving previous year papers with a focus on analytical questions is also highly beneficial.
How do students typically prepare for the advanced level of questions in NSEJS, which often go beyond standard school curriculum?
Students typically prepare by thoroughly mastering their Class 9 and 10 CBSE/NCERT syllabus and then delving into advanced concepts through specialized Olympiad study materials and coaching. Focusing on application-based questions and interdisciplinary topics is crucial for success.
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