Standard Examination in High School Science (SEHSS)
by Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT)
₹20,000 Cash Prize
A national science exam by IAPT for students in Class 10 or lower, assessing aptitude in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Maths for national recognition.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹300
Participation format
Individual
Duration
2.5 hours (150 minutes)
Time needed
One day, 150-minute exam
Eligibility
Age: 13-16 years. Grades: 8, 9, 10. Open to all students studying in India from any educational board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, etc.). No specific academic percentage is required.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 10
- Age range
- 13 to 16 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No minimum percentage is required for participation.
- Prerequisites
- A strong conceptual understanding of Class 9 and 10 science and mathematics is recommended.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹20,000
The top 5 students in India are awarded a cash prize of ₹20,000 each. Additionally, the top three performers in each of the five zonal Orientation Camps for Science Excellence (OCSE) also receive cash prizes.
Prizes
Gold Medals & Book Prizes
The top 5 national performers receive a Gold Medal and a merit certificate. Book prizes are awarded to the top 1% of students at the national level.
Certificate
Certificate of Merit from IAPT
Certificates are awarded to the top 10% of students at each exam center. Special merit certificates are given to the top 1% at the state and national levels, recognized by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT).
Opens doors to
Recognition in a prestigious national exam like SEHSS significantly strengthens a student's profile for admissions into competitive science programs, scholarships, and top universities in India.
Career pathways
Performing well in SEHSS demonstrates a strong aptitude for science, which is a valuable credential for students aspiring to careers in STEM fields like engineering, medicine, and research.
Recognition
National Level Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 21 Sept 2026
- Registration closed
- 5 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 29 Nov 2026
- Results
- 10 Jan 2027
Online Registration Opens
The online registration portal for SEHSS 2026 will open at 6:00 AM IST. Ensure all details are accurately filled.
Online Registration Closes
The deadline for online registration and fee payment is 6:00 PM IST. No applications will be accepted after this date.
Admit Card Release
Admit cards will be available for download from the official IAPT website approximately two weeks before the examination.
Examination Date
The SEHSS 2026 examination will be conducted nationwide from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM IST.
Answer Key Release
The complete solution and answer key will be released on the IAPT website at 6:00 PM IST, allowing students to self-evaluate their performance.
Result Declaration
The results for SEHSS 2026 will be declared on the official IAPT website. Individual scorecards will be downloadable.
IAPT Examination Centers, Nationwide, Multiple States
How to apply
- 1Enrollment is done online through the official IAPT website (iapt.org.in) during the specified registration period.
- 2Students must complete the registration form and pay the examination fee online to finalize their application.
Rules and guidelines
- The examination is OMR-based, and students must mark their answers on the provided sheet.
- The use of calculators is not permitted during the exam.
- Students must be in Class 10 or a lower grade on the date of the examination.
- The decision of the IAPT regarding results and awards will be final.
- Decisions made by the IAPT regarding results, awards, and selections are final and binding.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The examination fee for students in India is ₹300. For overseas students, the fee is $20 USD. The fee must be paid online during registration.
Refund policy
The examination fee is non-refundable once the application is submitted.
About this opportunity
The Standard Examination in High School Science (SEHSS), by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), is a national exam designed to identify young science talent. It offers a platform for students to test their knowledge and analytical skills in a stress-free environment, fostering academic excellence in science.
This examination is open to students in Class 10 or lower from any educational board in India, making it widely accessible. Top performers receive national recognition, certificates, medals, and cash prizes, with the best students invited to a special Orientation Camp for Science Excellence (OCSE).
Exam format
- Total marks
- 216
- Duration
- 150 minutes
- Format
- MCQ (Single & Multiple Correct)
- Language
- English, Hindi, Gujarati, Bangla, Kannada
Rounds and format
Round 1 (Written Exam): A national-level test with multiple-choice questions in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
How entries are judged
Performance is based on the marks obtained in the written examination. The selection for the Orientation Camp for Science Excellence (OCSE) is based on national and state-level rankings.
Selection process
Top 10% of candidates at each exam center receive a 'Center Topper' certificate. The top 1% at the state level receive a 'State Topper Merit Certificate', and the top 1% at the national level are recognized as 'National Toppers'. Based on performance, the top 25 students from each of the five national zones are invited to the Orientation Camp for Science Excellence (OCSE).
How to prepare
- Past year papers of science olympiads
- NCERT textbooks for Class 9 and 10
- Online mock tests
- Reference books for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The syllabus is based on the CBSE Class 10 curriculum, covering topics from NCERT textbooks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
Frequently asked questions
How do students typically manage competitive pressure during the SEHSS examination?
Students can manage competitive pressure by focusing on their preparation, practicing time management with mock tests, and understanding that the exam is also a learning experience. Emphasizing conceptual clarity over rote memorization can build confidence.
What are common mistakes participants make during preparation for science competitions like SEHSS?
Common mistakes include neglecting certain subjects, not practicing multi-correct questions, and failing to analyze previous year papers. A balanced study plan and regular self-assessment are crucial to avoid these pitfalls.
How does participation in SEHSS contribute to a student's long-term academic and career goals in science?
Participating in SEHSS provides national-level exposure, strengthens foundational science and math concepts, and develops critical problem-solving skills. This experience is valuable for future Olympiads, competitive exams, and STEM career aspirations.
What strategies can students employ to improve their ranking in a national-level competition like SEHSS?
To improve ranking, students should aim for a strong understanding of Class 9 and 10 NCERT syllabus, practice a variety of question types including multi-correct MCQs, and work on speed and accuracy through timed mock tests. Consistent effort and performance analysis are key.
How does the SEHSS exam pattern, particularly the multi-correct questions, prepare students for higher-level science competitions?
The SEHSS exam's inclusion of multi-correct questions challenges students to think critically and deeply about concepts, requiring a comprehensive understanding rather than just recall. This format is excellent preparation for advanced competitive exams like JEE Advanced and various science Olympiads.
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