HBBVS 2025 Exam Pattern, Stages, and Registration Details
Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition (HBBVS) 2025-26 is a renowned science olympiad in India, conducted by the Greater Bombay Science Teachers’ Association (GBSTA) since 1981.
Open to students of Standards 6 and 9 (both English and Marathi mediums), this olympiad focuses on developing scientific curiosity, practical skills, and research abilities through a multi-stage competition including written, practical, and project rounds. HBBVS serves as a foundation for young science talent and is a springboard for higher-level science olympiads and research.
HBBVS Important Dates
HBBVS Eligibility Criteria
Students studying in Standard 6 or 9 during the academic year 2025-26 (any recognized school).
Open to both English and Marathi medium students.
No specific age limit, but students must be enrolled in the mentioned standards in 2025-26.
Must register through school/institute or individually via the official portal.
HBBVS Syllabus & Subjects
Stage 1: Written Exam – Science syllabus aligned with school curriculum (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science), and General Knowledge in Science, including reasoning and application-based questions.
Stage 2: Practical Exam – Practical tasks and experiments relevant to the respective standard; Class 6 includes basic measurements and observations; Class 9 includes advanced experimental science.
Stage 3: Action Research Project – Submission of an original scientific project/research report on a chosen topic, demonstrating experimental approach and scientific thinking.
Stage 4: Project & General Interview – Viva and oral defense focused on the research project and general science aptitude.
Refer to the official syllabus updates and past papers on the MSTA website for latest subject coverage and topic clarification.
HBBVS Exam Pattern
HBBVS Stage 1: Written Competition
Consists of 100 multiple-choice questions on science concepts, logic, and recent developments. Top scorers progress to the practical round.
HBBVS Stage 2: Practical Competition
Selected students perform experiments based on observation, measurement, and hands-on application. The level of tasks is appropriate for each standard.
HBBVS Stage 3: Action Research Project
Candidates submit a unique, original research or science project online, demonstrating creativity, investigation, and reasoning abilities.
HBBVS Stage 4: Project & General Interview
Finalists present their project to a panel and answer scientific queries to assess depth of understanding and communication skills.
HBBVS Registration Process
Visit the official registration portal: registration.msta.in.
Select your grade and fill out the student details (choose school or individual category).
Upload required information, including student and school details as relevant.
Pay the registration fee: Rs. 300 per student (add Rs. 25 late fee if after July 31, 2025 for schools).
Save and print the confirmation slip or acknowledgement for future reference.
HBBVS Preparation Tips
Solve previous year HBBVS question papers and sample MCQs for pattern familiarity.
Practice conceptual and practical science using everyday materials to build experimental skills.
Revise standard school science syllabus, focus on application, and update yourself about current science GK.
Take online mock tests or enroll in Vedantu's Science Olympiad Programs for guided practice and project mentorship.
Participate in school science fairs and similar olympiads to strengthen competitive approach.
For research/project stage, select a topic you are passionate about, develop clear hypotheses, document experiments carefully, and practice your presentation.
HBBVS Details Mentioned in the Admit Card
Candidate’s Name, Roll Number, and Standard (6 or 9)
Medium (English/Marathi)
Exam Date, Slot/Time, and Center/School Address
Instructions/guidelines for written/practical stages
School Name (if applicable)
HBBVS Results & Cut-Off Announcement
All results for each stage — written, practical, and project — are announced online at www.msta.in as per the published schedule. Medalists receive Gold, Silver, or Bronze based on cumulative marks across stages. Every registered participant receives a certificate, making it valuable for school records and science portfolios.
What to Do After the HBBVS Exam
Check official stage-wise results and qualify for the next round (practical/project/interview) as relevant.
Download and save your participation or achievement certificates for future use.
If qualified, prepare for higher rounds with focused practical work and research skills.
Explore and enroll in advanced olympiads like NSEJS – National Standard Examination in Junior Science to further your scientific journey.
- Continue regular science practice using worksheets mapped to the olympiad syllabus for ongoing skill development.
Use this expert-verified HBBVS 2025-26 guide to understand the latest eligibility, syllabus, important dates, exam pattern, and step-wise registration process. Follow the tips, use linked resources, and stay updated for each stage so you can maximize your chance to excel and secure awards in the Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition with confidence.
FAQs on Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition (HBBVS) 2025–26 Exam Guide
1. What is the Dr Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition?
The Dr Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition (HBBVS) is a leading science Olympiad for students of Class 6 and Class 9, organized by the Greater Bombay Science Teachers' Association (GBSTA) since 1981. It aims to assess and nurture scientific understanding through multiple offline rounds, including a written test, practical competition, action research project, and interview/viva. The competition is open to both English and Marathi medium students, and winners earn medals and certificates at the state level.
2. Who is eligible for the Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition?
Students currently studying in Standard 6 or 9 (during the 2025–26 academic year) are eligible for the HBBVS exam. Both English and Marathi medium students can participate, and there is no minimum or maximum age as long as the student is enrolled in the relevant class during registration.
3. What are the 4 stages of the Homi Bhabha Competition?
The HBBVS is held in four main stages for comprehensive assessment:
- Written Competition (MCQ-based offline exam)
- Practical Competition (science experiments and hands-on tasks)
- Action Research Project Submission (original scientific project report)
- Interview & Viva (oral defense of your project and general science interview)
4. What is the HBBVS syllabus for Class 6 and 9?
The HBBVS syllabus is based on the respective school syllabus for Class 6 and Class 9, and also tests science aptitude and general knowledge. The stages include:
- Written Round: Classwise science concepts (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science) and science GK
- Practical Round: Basic (Class 6) or advanced (Class 9) experiments related to school curriculum
- Research Project: Scientific investigation and reporting skills
- Interview: Science reasoning, logic, and project defense
5. How can I register for the Homi Bhabha exam in 2025–26?
Registration for the HBBVS 2025–26 can be completed online:
- For Schools: Between 1st July and 31st July 2025 (regular fees)
- With Late Fee: 1st–18th August 2025
- For Individuals: Up to 18th August 2025
- Registration Fee: ₹300 per student
6. Where can I find HBBVS previous year papers and solutions?
You can access HBBVS previous year papers and solutions directly from the official event or recommended science olympiad websites. Practice materials typically include:
- MCQ written exam papers from recent years
- Sample practical test sheets
- Answer keys and solutions for practice
7. What rewards and awards are given in the Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition?
Winners and participants of HBBVS receive recognition for their efforts. The awards include:
- Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals for overall toppers and stage achievers
- Certificates of merit for stage qualifiers
- Participation certificates for all registered candidates
8. How can I prepare effectively for HBBVS?
To excel in Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition, use a systematic preparation strategy:
- Study school science concepts and GK relevant to your class
- Practice past HBBVS papers and sample MCQs
- Do simple experiments and record observations for practical rounds
- Start early on your action research project for uniqueness
- Join online mock tests or science olympiad courses, such as those from leading platforms
9. Where are the HBBVS results published and how to check them?
HBBVS results for each stage (written, practical, project, and interview) are published online at the official MSTA website. Follow these steps:
- Visit the results section after official announcement dates
- Check using your roll number or school code
10. Is the competition same for English and Marathi medium students?
Yes, the HBBVS exam format is identical for English and Marathi medium students. Question content, marking, rounds, and awards remain uniform across both mediums to ensure fairness.
11. Do I have to work in a team for the action research project round?
No, all action research projects must be completed and submitted individually. Team work is not accepted. Each student must select a scientific problem, conduct research, document the findings, and submit their own original project report for evaluation.
12. Will every participant get a certificate in HBBVS?
Yes, all registered participants in HBBVS receive an official participation certificate. In addition, those qualifying for advanced stages or winning medals will be awarded stage/merit certificates and medals as per the competition guidelines.
