Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO)
by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)
₹5,000 Cash Award for OCSC
Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO) is a competition by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) for students in Class 10–12, open to students across India. It is free to take part.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Class 10–12
Fee
Free
Duration
2-3 hours
Format
Individual
Time needed
Requires several months of intensive preparation, focusing on advanced biology concepts beyond the standard school curriculum.
About This Opportunity
The Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO) is the critical second stage for selecting the Indian team for the International Biology Olympiad (IBO). Organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), this exam tests deep conceptual understanding, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills in biology.
Participation is exclusively for students who qualify through the National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB). Top performers advance to the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC), with the ultimate goal of representing India on a global stage.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 10–12
- Age Range
- 14 - 19 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Students must be enrolled in Class 10, 11, or 12 in an Indian school.
Prerequisites
- Must qualify the National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB).
Open to Indian citizens in Classes 10-12 who have qualified through the National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB). Students must be studying in India and meet the age criteria for the International Biology Olympiad.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The syllabus is broadly equivalent to the senior secondary level (Class XI and Class XII) of the CBSE Biology curriculum, but questions are non-conventional and of a higher difficulty level, requiring a deeper understanding of concepts.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹5,000 Cash Award
Cash awards of ₹5,000 are provided to students who are selected for and perform well at the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC), which is the stage after INBO.
Prizes
Medals for OCSC Qualifiers
Medals are awarded to students who are selected for and perform well at the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC), the stage after INBO.
Certificate
Certificate of Merit from HBCSE
A certificate of merit is awarded to all students who qualify for and participate in the INBO, issued by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE).
Opens doors to
Significantly strengthens applications for admission to premier Indian institutions like IISc, IISERs, and top international universities for life sciences, providing a competitive edge.
Career pathways
Participation opens doors to promising careers in scientific research, medicine, biotechnology, and academia, recognized by top research institutions.
Recognition
International & National Recognition
Skills your child builds
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 120 minutes
- Format
- The paper consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and detailed questions, covering both theoretical and analytical problems.
- Language
- English
Rounds & format
The Indian Biology Olympiad programs is the 2nd stage. below are five-stage process: Stage 1: National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB) Stage 2: Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO) Stage 3: Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC) Stage 4: Pre-departure Training (PDT) Stage 5: International Biology Olympiad (IBO)
How entries are judged
Selection is based on the marks obtained in the written examination. A merit list is prepared, and the top students are selected for the next stage.
Selection process
Students are selected based on their performance in the INBO exam. A merit list is prepared, and approximately the top 35-40 students are invited to the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC).
How to apply
- 1Students are not required to apply for INBO directly. Selection is based on performance in the National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB). Top performers from NSEB are automatically eligible to appear for INBO.
How to prepare
- NCERT textbooks for classes 11 and 12.
- Advanced biology textbooks like 'Campbell Biology'.
- Previous years' INBO and NSEB question papers available on the HBCSE website.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
There is no separate fee for the Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO). The fee is applicable only for the first stage exam, the National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB).
Frequently asked questions
Is Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO) free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO)?
Students in Class 10–12. children aged 14-19.
What will my child gain from Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO)?
Opportunity to represent India at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO).. Receive a Certificate of Merit from HBCSE, a prestigious recognition.. Cash awards and medals for students selected for the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC).. Gain a significant competitive edge for NEET and other medical entrance exams.. Strengthens academic profile for admissions to top science universities globally.. Interact with a peer group of the brightest biology students in the country.. Receive training and mentorship from leading scientists and educators at OCSC.. Cash awards of ₹5,000 and medals for students selected for the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC).. Strengthens academic profile for admissions to premier Indian institutions like IISc, IISERs, and top international universities.. Develop advanced critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills in biology..
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