National Standard Examination (NSE)

The First Step Towards International Olympiad Glory

What is the NSE?

The National Standard Examinations (NSE) are the first stage of the prestigious Indian National Olympiad program. Conducted by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), these exams serve as the primary screening test to select students for further stages of the Olympiad, ultimately leading to international representation.

Key Features

Official Government-Recognized First Stage
Objective-type (MCQ) format
Conducted annually around November

The NSE Suite of Examinations

National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP)

The first stage for selecting students for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO).

Syllabus: Primarily based on CBSE Class 11 & 12 syllabus.Next Stage: Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO)

National Standard Examination in Chemistry (NSEC)

The qualifier for the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO).

Syllabus: Covers topics from the CBSE Class 11 & 12 curriculum.Next Stage: Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (INChO)

National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB)

The entry point for the International Biology Olympiad (IBO).

Syllabus: Aligned with the CBSE Class 11 & 12 Biology syllabus.Next Stage: Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO)

National Standard Examination in Astronomy (NSEA)

The first step towards the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA).

Syllabus: Syllabus includes Physics and Mathematics up to Class 12 and basic astronomy concepts.Next Stage: Indian National Astronomy Olympiad (INAO)

National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS)

A comprehensive science exam for junior students, leading to the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO).

Syllabus: Covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology up to the CBSE Class 10 level.Next Stage: Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO)

Key Details at a Glance

Registration DateTypically starts from August 1st and ends in mid-September.
Exam DateUsually conducted on a Sunday in the last two weeks of November.
Mode & LocationOffline (Pen and Paper based) exam conducted at registered centers across India.

Eligibility Criteria

NationalityMust be an Indian Citizen.
Date of BirthSpecific date ranges apply for each exam, announced yearly.
Education (NSEP/C/B/A)Must be enrolled in Class 12 or lower. It is highly recommended for Class 11/12 students due to the syllabus level.
Education (NSEJS)Must be enrolled in Class 10 or lower.
Prior QualificationMust not have passed the Stage 2 (INO) exam in a previous year.

Note: Eligibility criteria are subject to change. Always refer to the official IAPT student brochure for the specific year.

Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Syllabus

The syllabus is broadly equivalent to the CBSE curriculum of Class XI & XII for senior exams (NSEP/C/B/A) and up to Class X for NSEJS. However, the questions are non-conventional, require deep conceptual understanding, and test analytical skills.

Exam Pattern

The exam is an objective-type test with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). It typically includes single-correct and may include multiple-correct questions.

Negative marking is applicable.

Eligibility Criteria for NSE 2025

For Senior Olympiads
(NSEP, NSEC, NSEB, NSEA)

Eligible ClassesStudents of Class 12, 11, or 10 as of November 30, 2025.
Date of BirthBorn between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2011 (both days inclusive).
SyllabusSyllabus is broadly equivalent to the CBSE curriculum of Class XI & XII.

For Junior Science Olympiad
(NSEJS)

Eligible ClassesStudents of Class 10, 9, or 8 as of November 30, 2025.
Date of BirthBorn between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2012 (both days inclusive).
SyllabusPhysics, Chemistry, and Biology equivalent to the CBSE curriculum up to Class X.

Note: Eligibility criteria are strictly followed. Always refer to the official IAPT student brochure for the specific year.