International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)
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International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is a competition by IJSO Executive Committee for students in Class 8–10, open to students across India. Registration closes 14 Sept 2026.
Mode
Hybrid
Eligibility
Class 8–10
Fee
₹300
Duration
Multi-stage process spanning several months, culminating in a 10-day international event.
Format
Individual · Teams of 6
Time needed
Significant preparation time for each stage, including self-study, coaching, and participation in residential camps and training sessions.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 21 Aug 2026
- Registration closes
- 14 Sept 2026
- Competition
- 29 Nov 2026
- Results
- 20 Dec 2026
NSEJS Exam Center, Multiple Cities, Nationwide
About This Opportunity
The International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is a prestigious global competition held annually to inspire scientific curiosity and promote advanced problem-solving abilities among young students. It focuses on an interdisciplinary understanding of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, encouraging participants to think critically across scientific domains. The competition not only fosters a strong foundation in science but also provides a platform for international exposure and recognition.
In India, the selection process for IJSO is conducted through a well-structured five-stage system coordinated by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) and the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE). The stages begin with the National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS), followed by the Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO) for shortlisted candidates. Those who clear INJSO attend the Orientation cum Selection Camp (OCSC), where they undergo intensive academic training. This is followed by the Pre-departure Training Camp (PDT) for the final team selected to represent India at the IJSO. The journey concludes with participation in the international round, where students compete on a global stage.
The syllabus for the initial stages broadly aligns with the CBSE Class X curriculum, but the questions are designed to test conceptual understanding and real-world application. Participation in IJSO not only builds academic strength and confidence but also opens doors to future opportunities in STEM fields, enhancing a student’s overall academic profile.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 8–10
- Age Range
- 10 - 15 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Must be studying in Class 10 or below as of November 30 of the exam year for INJSO. Must have at least 60% aggregate marks in Class IX and the current academic year up to the end of the first semester for INJSO. Must not have previously participated in IJSO or undergone higher-level science training programs.
Prerequisites
- Qualify through the National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS).
Additional requirements
- Must be eligible to hold an Indian passport (OCIs are not eligible).
- Must not be enrolled in university education during the competition.
- Must agree with and accept the conditions stated in the IJSO statutes.
- Must be eligible to hold an Indian passport (OCIs are not eligible for the final team selection, but can participate in initial stages).
Open to Indian students aged 10-15 (typically Grades 8-10) who are studying in Class 10 or below. Participants must hold an Indian passport and meet academic performance criteria, including a minimum of 60% in the current academic year. Nationwide participation is allowed through a multi-stage selection process. Students must not have previously participated in IJSO.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The syllabus broadly covers topics equivalent to the CBSE Class X level in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with a strong emphasis on fundamental general scientific concepts and interdisciplinary content. It also includes elements of Mathematics relevant to solving science problems. The questions are designed to test conceptual understanding and application rather than rote memorization.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹5,000 Cash Prize
Top six students selected for the Indian team at the Orientation cum Selection Camp (OCSC) stage receive cash prizes and books worth ₹5,000.
Prizes
Gold, Silver, Bronze Medals
Winners at the international IJSO receive gold, silver, or bronze medals. Top six students selected for the Indian team at the OCSC stage also receive books.
Certificate
Certificates of Merit
Certificates of merit are awarded to qualifying students at various stages, including the top 10% of students at each NSEJS center, state-wise top 1%, and nationwide top 1%. Participants in the OCSC and the final IJSO team also receive certificates, recognized by IAPT and HBCSE.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Participation significantly boosts prospects for admission to top universities and research institutions globally, demonstrating exceptional academic prowess and a strong commitment to science, highly valued for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions in science and engineering programs.
Career pathways
Provides a strong foundation and competitive edge for careers in scientific research, engineering, medicine, and other STEM-related fields, opening doors to advanced scientific careers and research opportunities.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Only international academic exam covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology simultaneously.
- Emphasizes interdisciplinary content and real-life application of scientific concepts.
- Includes rigorous practical/experimental tests as a team event.
- Fosters international cooperation and understanding among young scientists.
Exam format
- Duration
- 180 minutes
- Format
- Multiple-choice questions, theoretical questions, practical/experimental tasks.
- Language
- English, Hindi
Rounds & format
Stage I: National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) - Objective type, multiple-choice questions. Stage II: Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO) - Objective and descriptive questions. Stage III: Orientation cum Selection Camp (OCSC) - Theoretical and experimental assessments over 2-3 weeks. Stage IV: Pre-departure Training Camp (PDT) - Rigorous theoretical and experimental training. Stage V: Participation in International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) - Includes MCQs, theory, and practical exams.
How entries are judged
Performance in theoretical and experimental tests, problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding, and application of scientific principles. For OCSC, 60% weightage for theory and 40% for experiments.
Selection process
Based on merit list from each preceding stage. Top 300 from NSEJS qualify for INJSO. Top 35 from INJSO qualify for OCSC. Top 6 from OCSC form the Indian team for IJSO.
How to apply
- 1Indian students must first register for the National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) through the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) website (www.iapt.org.in).
- 2Subsequent stages (INJSO, OCSC, PDT) are invitation-based for qualified students.
- 3Students can register for NSEJS either through their school (if it's a registered center) or directly online.
- 4Ensure all required documents and fees are submitted by the deadlines.
How to prepare
- NCERT textbooks for Classes 9 and 10 Science and Mathematics.
- Previous year question papers of NSEJS, INJSO, and other science Olympiads.
- Reference books for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at an advanced secondary level.
- Online resources and coaching programs specializing in Olympiad preparation.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
A registration fee of ₹300 is typically required for the National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS), which is the first stage. This is a one-time fee for the initial registration. Participation fees for the international event for selected teams are usually covered by the host country or national organizations (HBCSE).
Financial support
While there isn't a direct scholarship, the top performers in the national selection stages receive cash prizes and books, which can help offset preparation costs.
Refund policy
Registration fees for NSEJS are generally non-refundable once paid.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)?
The registration deadline is 14 Sept 2026.
Is International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) free?
₹300 registration
Who can participate in International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)?
Students in Class 8–10. children aged 10-15.
What will my child gain from International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)?
Opportunity to represent India on an international platform.. Winners receive gold, silver, or bronze medals at the international level.. Top performers in the national selection stages receive cash prizes and books.. Gain global exposure and interact with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds.. Develop advanced scientific knowledge and problem-solving abilities.. Enhance critical thinking, analytical, and experimental skills.. Receive certificates recognized by leading Indian science education bodies.. Boost confidence and foster a growth mindset in scientific pursuits.. Build a network with young scientists from around the world..
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