Sir Isaac Newton Exam (SIN)
Up to $5,000 University Scholarship
Sir Isaac Newton Exam (SIN) is an exam by University of Waterloo for students in Grade 9 to 12, open to students across India.
Mode
Online
Eligibility
Grade 9 to 12
Fee
Registration fee applies
Duration
2 hours
Format
Individual
Time needed
2-3 hours/week for 2-3 months for preparation
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
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Strong academic foundation in Physics and Mathematics
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 all high school students (Grades 9-12, typically ages 14-18) with a strong interest and academic foundation in Physics and Mathematics. Participants must register through a participating school and write the online exam under teacher supervision.
Know in seconds if your child qualifies.
The app checks eligibility for you.
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 and recognition
Prizes
Medals & Book Prizes
Top performers receive medals and book prizes for their outstanding achievement in physics.
Certificate
Certificates of Distinction & Participation
Certificates of Distinction are awarded to top performers, while all participants receive Certificates of Participation, recognizing their engagement in this international physics contest.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Strong performance can lead to eligibility for significant entrance scholarships at the University of Waterloo, including the Sir Isaac Newton Contest Scholarship and the Faculty of Science Contest Award, for students pursuing science or physics degrees.
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
- 1Student approaches their physics teacher or guidance counsellor to express interest
- 2Teacher registers students on behalf of the school with the CEMC
- 3School receives login information for the online exam
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?
No, a registration fee applies. Check the organizer's official page for the current amount.
Who can participate in Sir Isaac Newton Exam (SIN)?
Students in Grade 9 to 12. Children aged 14 to 18.
What will my child gain from Sir Isaac Newton Exam (SIN)?
Up to $5,000 CAD scholarship for top physics students at University of Waterloo. $1,000 CAD Faculty of Science Contest Award at University of Waterloo. Medals and book prizes for top performers. Certificates of Distinction for high achievers. Certificates of Participation for all entrants. International recognition for physics aptitude. Develops advanced physics problem-solving and conceptual reasoning skills.
Is this the right fit for your child?
Your child is not a list entry. WiWit matches opportunities to who they already are.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Don't miss what your child actually qualifies for
WiWit checks 1,222 opportunities like this one. The app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
Akshaya Patra Foundation Scholarship Program
by The Akshaya Patra Foundation
Akshaya Patra’s scholarship begins from Class 11 and continues through Class 12 up to graduation. Students are selected on a merit-cum-need basis, ensuring long-term, uninterrupted educational support.
Digjyoti Scholarship
by Digjyoti Educational Trust
Annual scholarship for meritorious orphan, distressed, and differently-abled students entering Class 11 (+2) in India.
Government Flying Training School PPL Training Program
by Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Government of Karnataka
Government-run Private Pilot License training at Jakkur Aerodrome, Bangalore — 12 months, DGCA-aligned, with subsidized fees for Karnataka residents.
What your child could gain: