PhysicsBowl
by American Association of Physics Teachers
International physics recognition
International high-school physics competition with a 40-question multiple-choice exam in 45 minutes, organised by AAPT and open to schools worldwide including India.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Registration fee applies
Participation format
Individual
Duration
45 minutes
Time needed
45-minute exam
Eligibility
Open to high school students worldwide who are currently studying physics. Participation is through schools whose physics teacher registers as the contest manager.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 19 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Currently enrolled high school student studying physics; Division 1 for first-year physics students, Division 2 for second-year or AP/advanced physics students.
- Prerequisites
- Currently studying physics at school
- School physics teacher willing to register and proctor the exam
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
AAPT certificate
Recognition certificates from AAPT are issued to top-scoring students, schools, and regions in each division.
Recognition
Global physics ranking
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 15 Jan 2026
- Registration closed
- 23 Feb 2026
- Exam
- 18 Mar 2026 to 3 Apr 2026
How to apply
- 1School physics teacher registers the school on aapt.org as a PhysicsBowl contest manager
- 2Teacher orders the required number of student exam packets before the registration deadline
- 3School proctors the exam in-person during the official two-week testing window
- 4Teacher returns answer sheets to AAPT for scoring
Rules and guidelines
- 40 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 45 minutes
- Students compete in Division 1 (first-year physics) or Division 2 (second-year or AP physics)
- Calculators permitted as specified in the AAPT exam instructions
- Exam must be proctored by the registered school physics teacher
Fees and financial support
Fee details
AAPT charges a per-student fee paid by the registering school; exact amount is set by AAPT each year and confirmed at registration.
About this opportunity
PhysicsBowl is a 40-question multiple-choice physics exam administered annually by the American Association of Physics Teachers. Students complete the exam in 45 minutes under the supervision of their school physics teacher.
The competition is open to high school students worldwide and is divided into two divisions: Division 1 for students in their first year of physics study, and Division 2 for students in their second year of physics or studying AP Physics or equivalent advanced physics.
Schools register and participate through their physics teacher; the exam is taken at the student's own school during a designated two-week window. Top-scoring students, schools, and regions receive recognition certificates and awards.
Indian schools regularly participate in PhysicsBowl as part of their international physics enrichment.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 40
- Duration
- 45 minutes
- Format
- Multiple-choice
- Language
- English
Selection process
Top scorers in each division are ranked at school, regional, and international levels based on raw score.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
Aligned with first-year high school physics (Division 1) and second-year/AP-level physics (Division 2).
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively prepare for the PhysicsBowl exam?
Students can prepare by reviewing high school physics concepts, practicing with previous year's exam papers, and focusing on problem-solving techniques. Consistent study and understanding fundamental principles are key to success.
What strategies can participants use to manage time during the 45-minute exam?
Participants should practice answering questions under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy. It is advisable to quickly scan the exam, answer easier questions first, and then return to more challenging ones, ensuring all 40 questions are attempted within the time limit.
How do the two divisions (Division 1 and Division 2) differ in terms of content and difficulty?
Division 1 is designed for students in their first year of physics study, covering foundational topics. Division 2 is for students in their second year or those studying advanced physics (e.g., AP Physics), featuring more complex problems and concepts.
What are the long-term benefits for students who perform well in the PhysicsBowl?
High performance in PhysicsBowl offers international recognition, strengthens a student's academic profile for college applications, and enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for STEM fields. It also provides a benchmark of physics knowledge against global peers.
What should students do if they encounter a challenging question during the exam?
If a student encounters a challenging question, it is recommended to make an educated guess if time is running out, as incorrect answers do not incur penalties. Students should avoid spending too much time on a single question and move on to others they can answer confidently.
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