IJSO 2025 Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Application Process Explained
International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2025 is the 22nd edition of the world’s leading science competition for students under 16. Focusing on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, IJSO tests both theoretical knowledge and experimental problem-solving at a junior secondary level. The event brings together young science enthusiasts from over 70 countries, fostering scientific thinking and international camaraderie.
IJSO 2025 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| IJSO 2025 Exam Dates | November 23 – December 2, 2025 |
| Location | Sirius Educational Center, Russia |
| National Qualifier Registration (India - NSEJS 2025) | July – August 2025 (Tentative) |
| National Selection Camp (India – OCSC) | May – June 2025 (Tentative) |
| International Event Team Finalization | September 2025 (Tentative) |
IJSO 2025 Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Student must be 15 years or younger as of December 31, 2025 (born on or after Jan 1, 2010)
- Academic Status: Must not have entered university or college before exam dates
- Country Nomination: Only students nominated by their country’s official selection process (e.g., NSEJS route for India)
- Each country submits up to 6 students and 3 mentors/team leaders
IJSO 2025 Syllabus & Subjects
- Physics: Mechanics, Waves & Sound, Light, Electricity & Magnetism, Thermodynamics, Physical Measurements
- Chemistry: Structure of Matter, Elements & Compounds, Basic Reactions, Periodic Table, Laboratory Methods
- Biology: Cell Biology, Genetics, Physiology, Plant Sciences, Ecology, Classification
- Mathematics: (Auxiliary) Graph/data interpretation, simple calculations for experiments
- For topic-wise details and downloads, refer to official and trusted pages like IJSO Syllabus and Sample Papers.
IJSO 2025 Exam Pattern
| Stage | Type | Subjects | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice Exam | Individual | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 3 hours | Conceptual MCQs across all subjects |
| Theory Test | Individual | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 3 hours | Analytical, descriptive and problem-based questions |
| Experimental/Practical Test | Team | Integrated Sciences | 3 hours | Lab experiments, data handling, teamwork |
Aggregate score across these three rounds decides international rankings and medal distribution.
IJSO 2025 Exam Stage Details
- Round 1: Multiple-choice test individually in all three sciences
- Round 2: Theory test (open-ended questions) individually
- Round 3: Experimental/practical investigation in teams of three (per country)
IJSO 2025 Registration Process
- Check your eligibility (age, educational status) per national norms
- Register for your country’s official science olympiad (e.g., NSEJS in India)
- Qualify national rounds; be shortlisted for IJSO training/camp
- Final team selection by national organizers (usually 6 students)
- Coordination and nomination to the international organizing committee
IJSO 2025 Preparation Tips
- Master fundamentals across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as per junior secondary curriculum
- Practice with authentic IJSO previous year papers and sample questions with solutions
- Build strong practical/lab skills; practice interpretation of data/tables/diagrams
- Take timed mock tests; analyze your strengths and weaknesses
- Explore live online coaching, subject workshops, and mock series from platforms like Vedantu (Olympiad Courses)
IJSO 2025 Details Mentioned in the Admit Card
- Candidate’s full name and date of birth
- Nationality and official team/mentor names
- Event dates, venue (Sirius Educational Center, Russia)
- Subject session schedule and instructions
- Exam roll number/identification code
IJSO 2025 Results & Cut-Off Announcement
IJSO 2025 results, including country-wise medal tallies and individual scores, will be published on the IJSO official website after the conclusion of the event. Selection cut-offs for each country’s team (e.g., India via NSEJS/OCSC) vary annually and are released by local organizers. For official Indian cut-off trends and results, visit IJSO Results and Medal Tally.
What to Do After the IJSO 2025 Exam
- Review your performance with official answer keys and solutions
- Check for international or national recognition, medals, or awards
- Stay connected with mentors for guidance toward higher-level Olympiads such as IBO
- Explore progression in senior olympiads; continue research or lab projects
- Share your experience and inspire peers in your academic network
This comprehensive guide to the IJSO 2025 Olympiad provides accurate updates on exam dates, eligibility, syllabus, format, and national selection links such as NSEJS and sample papers. With clear steps on registration and expert preparation tips, students can plan effectively and track official announcements via trusted resources—ensuring a seamless Olympiad journey.
FAQs on International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2025: Complete Student Guide
1. What is the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)?
The International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is an annual global competition for students aged 15 or younger, testing theoretical and experimental knowledge across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Key highlights include:
- Open to students under 16 years, from over 70 countries
- Features three exam rounds: MCQ, Theory, and Practical
- Promotes analytical, real-world science skills
- Selection through national-level Olympiad exams
2. What is the eligibility criteria for IJSO 2025?
To be eligible for IJSO 2025, students must meet specific age, education, and selection requirements.
Eligibility details:
- Must be born on or after January 1, 2010 (aged under 16 by December 31, 2025)
- Must not have entered university or college by the Olympiad date
- Typically studying in Class 8, 9, or 10 (or equivalent)
- Selected through national science Olympiad routes (e.g., NSEJS in India)
- Each country can send up to 6 students and 3 mentors
3. How can a student from India qualify for IJSO?
Students from India qualify for IJSO through a multi-stage national selection process.
The path typically involves:
- Appearing for the NSEJS (National Standard Examination in Junior Science)
- Shortlisted students attend the OCSC (Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp)
- The top six are selected as the Indian team for IJSO
4. What is the exam pattern for IJSO 2025?
The IJSO 2025 exam consists of three main rounds covering all major science subjects.
Exam structure:
- Multiple Choice Exam: Individual, 3 hours – Conceptual MCQs in Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Theory Test: Individual, 3 hours – Long and short answer questions, analytical focus
- Experimental/Practical Test: Team, 3 hours – Laboratory experiments, data analysis, integrated sciences
5. What is the syllabus of IJSO 2025?
The IJSO 2025 syllabus covers junior secondary (middle school) topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with emphasis on practical skills.
Syllabus highlights:
- Physics: Mechanics, Waves, Light, Electricity & Magnetism, Thermodynamics, Measurement
- Chemistry: Structure of Matter, Atoms, Chemical Reactions, Periodic Table, Acids/Bases/Salts, Lab Techniques
- Biology: Cell Biology, Genetics, Human & Plant Physiology, Ecology, Microorganisms
- Mathematics: Basic algebra and quantitative skills integrated into science problems
6. Are previous year IJSO question papers and solutions available?
Yes, previous years' IJSO question papers and solutions are available for download to help students prepare effectively.
You can usually find:
- Official IJSO papers (MCQ, Theory, Practical) from recent years
- Answers and detailed solutions from Olympiad coach websites
- Sample papers for specific subjects and formats
7. What is the age limit for IJSO 2025?
The age limit for IJSO 2025 is 15 years or younger, as of December 31, 2025.
- Students must be born on or after January 1, 2010
- Those turning 16 before December 31, 2025 are not eligible
- Eligibility is verified during national and international selection
8. What prizes and recognition are awarded at IJSO?
IJSO awards multiple forms of recognition for outstanding student performance.
In each Olympiad:
- Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals for top achievers (usually to top 60% participants)
- Certificates of participation for all finalists
- Special and team awards for experimental excellence
9. Is mathematics required for the IJSO exam?
Yes, basic mathematics is essential for the IJSO exam, though the focus is on science.
Expect to use:
- Simple algebra and arithmetic calculations
- Graph and table interpretation
- Quantitative reasoning in experiments and data analysis
10. How do I prepare for IJSO effectively?
Effective IJSO preparation combines theory study, experimental skills, and practice with previous papers.
Suggested steps:
- Study the full syllabus for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at the junior secondary level
- Practice with past year question papers and sample tests
- Develop lab, analytical, and data interpretation skills
- Participate in mock tests and timed practice sessions
- Consider joining online coaching or Olympiad-specific courses
11. Can class 7 or 8 students participate in IJSO?
Class 7 or 8 students may participate in IJSO if they meet the age and academic eligibility criteria.
Conditions include:
- Must be under 16 as of December 31, 2025
- Meet national team selection standards (may vary by country)
- Ready for the junior secondary syllabus as per IJSO scope
12. Does IJSO only include theory tests?
No, IJSO includes both theory and practical exams.
IJSO features:
- MCQ (multiple choice) – theory
- Theory test – written long/short answer
- Experimental test – group lab work and data interpretation
13. What is the registration process for IJSO in my country?
Registration for IJSO takes place via your country's national science Olympiad program.
General process:
- Confirm eligibility (age, class, nationality)
- Register for the official junior science Olympiad exam (e.g., NSEJS for India)
- Clear selection/camp rounds to qualify for the national IJSO team
- Coordinate with national mentors for the international event
