Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO)
by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)
Path to International Physics Olympiad
Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO) is an exam by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) for students in Grade 11 to 12, open to students across India. It is free to take part.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Grade 11 to 12
Fee
Free
Duration
3 hours
Format
Individual
Time needed
Single 3-hour examination; serious preparation typically spans 6–12 months alongside class 11–12 studies.
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.
Eligibility
- Grade level
- Grade 11 to 12
- Age range
- Up to 0 years
- Location
- Nationwide
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)
Additional requirements
- Indian citizen residing and studying in India (or recognised Indian schools abroad as per HBCSE rules)
- Must hold a valid Indian passport for IPhO selection eligibility
- Must not have completed (or be due to complete) class 12 board examinations before the cycle ends
- Mandatory INO registration on the HBCSE portal in addition to NSEP registration
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.
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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.
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
Highlights
- Official pathway to the International Physics Olympiad
- Bilingual paper (English and Hindi)
- Theory-only national-level examination
Exam format
- Duration
- 180 minutes
- Format
- Theory (long-answer / problem-solving)
- Language
- English, Hindi
Rounds & 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 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
How to prepare
- HBCSE Olympiads website — past papers and solutions
- IAPT NSEP archives
- Standard physics olympiad references (Irodov, Krotov, HC Verma)
Fees & financial support
Fee details
INPhO itself has no separate registration fee for students who have qualified NSEP; NSEP registration fees are charged by IAPT at Stage 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO) free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO)?
Students in Grade 11 to 12. Children up to age 0.
What will my child gain from Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO)?
Pathway to International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). HBCSE-TIFR merit certificate. OCSC training camp at HBCSE Mumbai for selectees. Book prizes for top performers.
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