Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO)
by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)
Path to International Physics Olympiad
Stage 2 of the Indian Physics Olympiad: a 3-hour theory exam by HBCSE-TIFR for top NSEP qualifiers competing for a spot in the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) team.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
3 hours
Time needed
3-hour exam
Eligibility
Open to Indian students of classes 11 and 12 (and exceptional younger students) who clear NSEP. Specific birth-date and class-progression rules are published by HBCSE each cycle.
- Grade level
- Grade 11 to 12
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must qualify the National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP) conducted by IAPT (Stage 1) to be eligible for INPhO.
- Prerequisites
- Qualified NSEP (Stage 1)
- Strong foundation in class 11–12 physics (mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, optics, modern physics)
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Certificate & Books
HBCSE awards merit certificates and book prizes to top INPhO performers. OCSC selectees receive a stipend during the camp.
Certificate
HBCSE Merit Certificate
Merit certificate issued by HBCSE-TIFR for qualifying performance in INPhO.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Top INPhO performers are invited to the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp at HBCSE Mumbai, leading to selection of the five-member Indian team for the International Physics Olympiad.
Recognition
National-level physics recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 21 Aug 2026
- Registration closed
- 14 Sept 2026
- Exam
- 31 Jan 2027
- Results
- 15 Apr 2027
NSE Centre Registration Start
Online registration for schools/colleges to become NSE centres on the IAPT website.
NSE Centre Registration End
Last date for schools/colleges to register as NSE centres for the 2026 examinations.
NSE Student Enrolment Start
Student enrolment for National Standard Examinations (NSEs) 2026 begins on the IAPT website.
NSE Student Enrolment End
Last date for students to enrol for NSEP 2026 and other NSE examinations.
NSEP 2026 Exam Date
National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP) 2026 will be conducted from 08:30 AM to 10:30 AM IST.
NSEP (Stage I) exam
08:30 to 10:30; only NSEP qualifiers sit INPhO
INO Selection List Publication
List of students selected for Indian National Olympiad (INO) examinations, including INPhO 2027, will be published on the IAPT website.
OCSC Dates Announcement
Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC) dates for top INPhO performers will be announced on the HBCSE website.
INO selection list
Published by this date on iapt.org.in; selected students then register on the HBCSE website
INPhO 2027 Registration Start
Mandatory online registration for NSEP 2026 qualifiers on the HBCSE portal to appear for INPhO 2027.
Admit Card Release (Tentative)
Admit cards for INPhO 2027 are typically released after mandatory INO registration is completed.
INPhO 2027 Registration End
Final deadline for eligible students to complete their INPhO 2027 registration and secure their admit card.
INPhO 2027 Exam Date
Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO) 2027 examination will be conducted from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM IST.
INPhO 2027 Result Announcement (Tentative)
Tentative date for the announcement of INPhO 2027 results and selection for OCSC.
OCSC (Orientation-cum-Selection Camp) Start (Tentative)
Tentative start of the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp for top INPhO performers at HBCSE Mumbai.
International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2027
The International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2027 will be held in Hungary in July (exact dates to be confirmed).
Designated Examination Centre, To be announced, To be announced
How to apply
- 1Register and clear NSEP (Stage 1) conducted by IAPT in November
- 2Complete mandatory INO registration on the HBCSE portal in the registration window
- 3Download admit card / hall ticket from HBCSE portal
- 4Appear for INPhO at the allotted centre on the exam date
Rules and guidelines
- Theory-only paper of 3 hours duration
- Question paper available in English and Hindi
- Alternative scientifically valid solutions are awarded full credit
About this opportunity
The Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO) is the second stage of India's five-stage Physics Olympiad programme conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a National Centre of TIFR, on behalf of the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). Only students who clear the National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP) — Stage 1, conducted by IAPT in late November — are eligible to write INPhO.
INPhO is a 3-hour written theory examination covering the full senior secondary physics syllabus (mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, optics, modern physics) with problems designed at a level comparable to the International Physics Olympiad. The paper is available in English and Hindi. Students who clear INPhO advance to the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC) at HBCSE Mumbai (typically held in April–May), from which the five-member Indian team for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is finalised. INPhO results, merit certificates and awards are announced by HBCSE; top performers receive merit certificates and book prizes, and OCSC participants receive a stipend during the camp.
INPhO is one of the most prestigious physics examinations for school students in India. Selection through this pathway is recognised by leading institutions and signals exceptional aptitude in physics.
Exam format
- Duration
- 180 minutes
- Format
- Theory (long-answer / problem-solving)
- Language
- English, Hindi
Rounds and format
Single 3-hour theory paper at designated centres across India.
How entries are judged
Correctness, rigour and clarity of solutions; alternative scientifically valid methods receive full credit.
Selection process
Top performers in INPhO are invited to the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC) at HBCSE Mumbai.
How to prepare
- HBCSE Olympiads website — past papers and solutions
- IAPT NSEP archives
- Standard physics olympiad references (Irodov, Krotov, HC Verma)
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
Class 11–12 senior secondary physics — mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, waves, optics, and modern physics — at International Physics Olympiad depth.
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of qualifying INPhO for a student's academic journey?
Qualifying INPhO is a significant achievement, demonstrating exceptional aptitude in physics at a national level. It opens the pathway to the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC) and potential selection for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) team, which is highly valued by leading academic institutions for higher education in science and engineering.
How should students approach preparation for the INPhO examination to maximize their chances of success?
Effective preparation involves a deep understanding of the Class 11-12 physics syllabus, focusing on conceptual clarity and advanced problem-solving techniques. Regular practice with past INPhO and IPhO papers, along with standard olympiad reference books, is crucial for developing the necessary analytical skills and time management.
What are the key differences between the NSEP and INPhO examinations that students should be aware of?
NSEP is primarily a multiple-choice question exam designed to screen a large number of participants, while INPhO is a 3-hour written theory examination with long-answer and problem-solving questions. INPhO problems are more complex and require rigorous derivation and detailed explanations, comparable to the International Physics Olympiad level.
Are there any specific strategies for managing time effectively during the 3-hour INPhO examination?
Students should allocate time judiciously across problems, starting with those they are most confident in. It is advisable to read through the entire paper once to gauge difficulty and plan the approach. Practicing under timed conditions with past papers helps in developing efficient time management skills for the actual exam.
What support or resources does HBCSE provide to students who qualify for INPhO and proceed to the OCSC stage?
Students who qualify for INPhO and are invited to the OCSC receive intensive training at the HBCSE campus in Mumbai. This camp provides advanced theoretical and experimental physics instruction, mentorship from expert faculty, and a stipend to cover their expenses during the camp, preparing them for the IPhO.
What is the typical timeline from INPhO results to the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)?
After INPhO results are announced, top performers are invited to the OCSC, usually held in April-May. Following intensive training and further selection at OCSC, the final team undergoes a pre-departure training camp before representing India at the IPhO, typically held in July.
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