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Sir Isaac Newton Exam (SIN)
International Physics Recognition
Sir Isaac Newton Exam (SIN) is an exam by University of Waterloo for students in Class 12, open to students across India.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Class 12
Fee
C$Varies by school
Duration
90 minutes
Format
Individual
Time needed
One 90-minute exam sitting; preparation typically several weeks of past-paper practice
About This Opportunity
The Sir Isaac Newton Exam (SIN) is an annual physics contest administered by the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo, Canada. Aimed at students in their final year of secondary school (Grade 12 in Canada, Year 13 / Class 12 internationally), the contest tests deep conceptual understanding and problem-solving in physics at a level beyond the standard high-school curriculum. The 90-minute paper consists of 12 multiple-choice questions (5 marks each, totalling 60 marks) followed by 3 long-answer questions (worth approximately 40 marks combined), so the total is 100 marks. Topics span mechanics, waves, optics, electricity and magnetism, modern physics and general problem-solving. The exam is written in person at participating schools under teacher supervision; students at schools in India and other countries can write the exam if their school registers as an SIN contest centre with the CEMC. Top performers earn certificates of distinction and medals, and strong results are recognised by the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Science for admissions and entrance scholarships. Past papers and solutions are freely available on the CEMC website for preparation.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 12
- Age Range
- 16 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Currently enrolled in Grade 12 studying physics. Strong grasp of senior-secondary physics is recommended.
Prerequisites
- Senior-secondary physics (mechanics, electricity & magnetism, waves, optics, modern physics)
- Strong mathematical problem-solving skills
Additional requirements
- Must be registered through a participating school whose teacher has signed up the school as an SIN contest centre with CEMC
- School-based supervised writing on the official contest day
Open to Grade 12 students worldwide, including India, who can write the exam at a school registered as a CEMC contest centre. Teacher/school registration required.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
Mechanics, waves and sound, optics, electricity and magnetism, modern physics, with emphasis on problem-solving beyond the standard high-school syllabus.
Rewards & Recognition
Prizes
Medals & Distinction Certificates
Top performers receive medals and certificates of distinction from the CEMC, University of Waterloo.
Certificate
CEMC Certificate (University of Waterloo)
All participants receive a CEMC certificate; top scorers receive certificates of distinction.
Opens doors to
Strong SIN results are recognised by the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Science for admissions and entrance scholarship consideration.
Recognition
International Physics Recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Administered by University of Waterloo's CEMC
- Internationally written contest
- Recognised by Waterloo Faculty of Science for admissions and scholarships
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 90 minutes
- Format
- 12 multiple-choice (5 marks each) + 3 long-answer questions
- Language
- English
Selection process
Ranked by total score; medals and certificates of distinction awarded to top performers globally and within each region/school.
How to apply
- 1School/teacher registers the school as an SIN contest centre on the CEMC website before the registration deadline
- 2Teacher orders contest copies and pays the per-student contest fee
- 3Eligible Grade 12 students are enrolled by the teacher
- 4Students write the supervised 90-minute exam on the official contest date in May
- 5Teacher returns answer sheets to CEMC for marking; results and certificates are issued by CEMC
How to prepare
- Past SIN papers and solutions on the CEMC website
- CEMC Problem of the Week
- Standard Class 12 / Grade 12 physics textbooks
Fees & financial support
Fee details
Per-student contest fee is set and collected by the participating school as part of CEMC's contest fee structure; exact amount varies and is set by CEMC each year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sir Isaac Newton Exam (SIN) free?
C$Varies by school registration
Who can participate in Sir Isaac Newton Exam (SIN)?
Students in Class 12. children aged 16-18.
What will my child gain from Sir Isaac Newton Exam (SIN)?
Medals and certificates of distinction for top performers. Certificate of participation from CEMC, University of Waterloo. Recognition in University of Waterloo Faculty of Science admissions and scholarships. International benchmark of physics ability against students worldwide. Strengthens problem-solving skills useful for JEE, IIT, NEET and undergraduate physics.
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