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INPhO Exam Date 2026: Eligibility, Registration, Syllabus and Pattern

INPhO Exam Date 2026: Eligibility, Registration, Syllabus and Pattern

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What is the INPhO Exam and Who Can Apply?

The INPhO, or Indian National Physics Olympiad, is an important exam for students who want to represent India at the International Physics Olympiad. It tests strong Physics concepts, problem-solving ability, and analytical thinking.

Conducted under the guidance of HBCSE, TIFR, the INPhO exam is a key stage after NSEP in the Physics Olympiad selection process. Students preparing for the INPhO exam date 2026 can check this page for details on eligibility, syllabus, pattern, registration, admit card, results, and preparation tips.

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InPhO Exam 2026-27

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InPhO Exam Previous Year Question Paper

Stages in the INPhO Programme

The INPhO exam is part of a step-by-step Physics Olympiad selection process that helps identify India’s most talented students in Physics. Each stage tests a student’s conceptual understanding, problem-solving ability, and readiness for higher-level national and international competition.

1. National Standard Examination in Physics NSEP

NSEP is the first stage of the Physics Olympiad journey in India. It is a multiple-choice exam attempted by students across the country. Students who perform well in the NSEP become eligible for the next stage: the INPhO exam.

2. Indian National Physics Olympiad INPhO

INPhO is the second stage and is more advanced than NSEP. It mainly tests deep Physics concepts, theoretical understanding, and the ability to solve challenging problems. Only students shortlisted through NSEP can appear for INPhO.

3. Orientation Cum Selection Camp OCSC

Top-performing students from INPhO are invited to the Orientation Cum Selection Camp conducted at HBCSE. At this stage, students receive advanced training in both theoretical and experimental Physics. Their performance in the camp helps decide the final Indian team for the International Physics Olympiad.

4. International Physics Olympiad IPhO

The selected students represent India at the International Physics Olympiad. At this global competition, students from different countries compete by solving advanced theoretical and experimental problems in Physics.

INPhO Eligibility 2026

Students must meet the required INPhO eligibility criteria before appearing for the Indian National Physics Olympiad. The exam is meant for eligible school students who have qualified through the earlier stage of the Physics Olympiad selection process.

To be eligible for INPhO, a student must:

Be an Indian citizen or hold an Indian passport.
Be born between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2011.
Be residing and studying in India from November 30, 2023, or earlier.
Be studying in Class 10, Class 11, or Class 12.
Not have passed Class 12 before November 30, 2025.

INPhO Exam Date 2026

Students preparing for the INPhO exam should keep track of the important dates for the Physics Olympiad selection process. The exam schedule includes both NSEP and INPhO, as NSEP is the first qualifying stage before students move to the Indian National Physics Olympiad.

Exam	Full Form	Exam Date (Tentative)
NSEP	National Standard Examination in Physics	22 November 2025
INPhO	Indian National Physics Olympiad	31 January 2027

NOTE: The INPhO exam date 2026 mentioned above is tentative, and students should regularly check the official updates for the final confirmed schedule.

INPhO Physics Olympiad Exam Centres

Students appearing for the INPhO Physics Olympiad are allotted exam centres across different cities in India. The final centre details are usually mentioned on the admit card or official exam notification.

S. No	INPhO Exam Centre
1	Ahmedabad
2	Bengaluru
3	Ranchi
4	Bhopal
5	Bhubaneshwar
6	Chandigarh
7	Chennai
8	Delhi
9	Guwahati
10	Hyderabad
11	Mumbai
12	Jaipur
13	Kochi
14	Kolkata
15	Kota
16	Lucknow
17	Nagpur
18	Patna

INPhO Physics Olympiad Selection Process

The selection process for the INPhO Physics Olympiad is conducted in several stages. Students first appear for NSEP, and based on their performance, selected candidates move to the Indian National Physics Olympiad. The best performers then qualify for the Orientation Cum Selection Camp, where the final Indian team for the International Physics Olympiad is selected.

NSEP Stage

NSEP is the first qualifying stage for students who want to appear for the Indian National Physics Olympiad. The exam includes:

48 multiple-choice questions with one correct answer.
12 multiple-choice questions with one or more correct answers.

Students must perform well in the NSEP to become eligible for the next stage, the INPhO exam.

INPhO Stage

Based on NSEP performance, around 400 students are selected for the INPhO Physics Olympiad. This usually includes:

200 students from Group A, which includes Class 12 students.
200 students from Group B, which includes Class 11 or Class 10 students.

The selection for the Indian National Physics Olympiad is based on different criteria, such as:

Minimum Admissible Score or MAS.
Merit Index or MI.
State-wise proportional representation.
Minimum total number of clauses.
Super-numerary quota for female students.
Previous international representation clause.

These rules help ensure a fair selection process for students from different classes, regions, and categories.

OCSC Stage

After the INPhO exam, around 40 top-performing students are selected for the Orientation Cum Selection Camp, also known as OCSC. This camp includes advanced theoretical and experimental training in Physics.

Students are evaluated on their performance during the camp. Based on this, a final team of 5 students is selected to represent India at the International Physics Olympiad.

The INPhO Physics Olympiad selection process is highly competitive and tests a student’s Physics concepts, problem-solving ability, experimental understanding, and readiness for international-level competition.

INPhO Exam 2026 Overview

The INPhO 2026 exam is an important stage in the Physics Olympiad selection process for students aiming to represent India at the International Physics Olympiad. Students are usually shortlisted for INPhO based on their performance in the earlier qualifying stage, NSEP. There is no separate open registration for INPhO for all students, as only shortlisted candidates become eligible to appear for the exam.

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	Indian National Physics Olympiad
Short Name	INPhO
Conducting Body	Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education
Exam Level	National Level Physics Olympiad
Purpose of Exam	To shortlist talented students for the next stages of the International Physics Olympiad selection process
INPhO Exam 2026	Indian National Physics Olympiad 2026
Registration Dates	After candidates are shortlisted through the qualifying stage
INPhO Exam Date 2026	01 February 2026
INPhO Exam Date 2027	31 January 2027 (Tentative)
Application Fee	Rs. 300
Application Mode	Online
Eligibility Route	Students must qualify through the earlier Olympiad selection stage

INPhO Exam Pattern

The INPhO exam pattern helps students understand the structure of the Indian National Physics Olympiad. The exam is designed to test advanced Physics concepts, analytical thinking, and problem-solving ability at the senior secondary level.

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	Indian National Physics Olympiad
Duration	3 hours
Syllabus Level	Similar to senior secondary Physics level up to Class 12 CBSE
Language	English and Hindi
Language Selection	Students can choose the language during registration
Number of Questions	6 questions
Maximum Marks	80 marks

INPhO Syllabus 2027

The INPhO syllabus covers advanced Physics topics up to the senior secondary level. Students should focus on strong conceptual understanding, numerical problem-solving, and application-based learning across mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electricity, magnetism, optics, quantum physics, and relativity.

S. No	Topic	Subtopics
1	Mechanics	• Kinematics of a point mass • Newton’s laws and inertial systems • Closed and open systems • Momentum and energy • Work and power • Conservation of energy • Impulse • Conservation of linear momentum • Elastic force • Law of gravitation • Friction • Potential energy • Work done in a gravitational field • Centripetal acceleration • Kepler’s laws
2	Mechanics of Rigid Bodies	• Statics • Torque • Centre of mass • Translation of rigid bodies • Angular velocity and rotation • Angular acceleration • Conservation of angular momentum • Motion of a rigid body about a fixed axis • Kinetic energy of a rotating body • Moment of inertia • External and internal forces • Accelerated reference systems • Inertial forces
3	Hydromechanics	• Elementary concepts of pressure • Continuity law • Buoyancy
4	Thermodynamics and Molecular Physics	• Internal energy • First law of thermodynamics • Second law of thermodynamics • Work and heat • Model of a perfect gas • Pressure and molecular kinetic energy • Equation of state of a perfect gas • Avogadro’s number • Absolute temperature • Work done by an expanding gas • Isothermal expansion • Adiabatic expansion • Carnot cycle • Reversible and irreversible processes • Thermodynamic efficiency • Entropy with statistical approach • Boltzmann factor
5	Oscillations and Waves	• Harmonic oscillations • Equation of harmonic oscillation • Harmonic waves • Transverse and longitudinal waves • Propagation of waves • Linear polarisation • Sound waves • Classical Doppler effect • Superposition of harmonic waves • Interference • Coherent waves • Standing waves • Beats
6	Electric Charge and Electric Field	• Conservation of charge • Coulomb’s law • Electric field • Gauss’s law • Electric potential • Dielectric constant • Energy density of the electric field • Capacitors • Capacitance
7	Current and Magnetic Field	• Ohm’s law • Internal resistance of a source • Kirchhoff’s laws • Joule’s law • Direct current and alternating current concepts • Magnetic field due to current • Lorentz force • Current in a magnetic field • Ampere’s law • Electromagnetic induction • Lenz’s law • Magnetic flux • Self-induction • Energy density of magnetic field • Inductance • Permeability • Voltage and current in AC circuits • Series and parallel resonance • Resistors, inductors, and capacitors in AC circuits
8	Electromagnetic Waves	• Generation of electromagnetic waves by feedback and resonance • Frequency of oscillation • Oscillatory circuits • Wave optics • Diffraction grating • Diffraction by a single slit and a double slit • Bragg reflection • Resolving power of a grating • Line spectra of gases • Dispersion spectra • Diffraction spectra • Electromagnetic waves as transverse waves • Polarisers • Polarisation by reflection • Resolving power of imaging systems • Black body radiation • Stefan-Boltzmann law
9	Quantum Physics	• Momentum of a photon • Photoelectric effect • Energy of a photon • de Broglie wavelength • Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle
10	Relativity and Nuclear Physics	• Principle of relativity • Doppler shift in special relativity • Composition of velocities • Energy and momentum • Relation between energy and mass • Conservation of energy and momentum • Relativistic motion • Simple applications of the Bragg equation • Energy levels of atoms and molecules • Absorption and emission spectra of hydrogen-like atoms • Alpha, beta, and gamma decay • Half-life • Exponential decay • Absorption of radiation • Components of nuclei • Nuclear reactions • Mass defect • Energy levels of nuclei

Key Features of the Indian National Physics Olympiad

The Indian National Physics Olympiad is an important exam for students passionate about Physics who want to advance in the Olympiad selection process. Here are the main features of the exam in a simple format.

1. Academic Excellence

INPhO helps identify students with strong talent in Physics.
It encourages students to go beyond regular school-level learning.
The exam focuses on deep conceptual understanding and advanced problem-solving.

2. Pathway to IPhO

INPhO is a key stage in the selection process for the International Physics Olympiad.
Students first appear for NSEP, then INPhO, followed by the Orientation Cum Selection Camp.
Top performers get the opportunity to represent India at the International Physics Olympiad.

3. Eligibility and Participation

The exam is open to eligible Indian students.
Students must be Indian citizens or Indian passport holders.
Eligible students are usually from Class 10, Class 11, or Class 12.
Students must also meet the required age and academic conditions.

4. Exam Details

NSEP is the first stage and consists of multiple-choice questions.
INPhO is the second stage and includes more advanced theoretical questions.
The exam is held in major cities across India.
The syllabus covers important topics in physics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, quantum physics, and modern physics.

5. Training and Support

Students selected after INPhO are invited to the Orientation Cum Selection Camp at HBCSE.
The camp includes advanced theory sessions and experimental Physics training.
Students also receive guidance and mentorship during the selection process.

6. International Representation

The best students from the Orientation Cum Selection Camp are selected for the final Indian team.
These students represent India at the International Physics Olympiad.
This makes INPhO a valuable opportunity for students who want to test their Physics skills at the national and international level.

FAQs on INPhO Exam Date 2026: Eligibility, Registration, Syllabus and Pattern

1. What is the INPhO exam?

The INPhO exam, or Indian National Physics Olympiad, is a national-level Physics Olympiad for talented school students. It is an important stage for students who want to move closer to representing India at the International Physics Olympiad.

2. What is the purpose of the Indian National Physics Olympiad?

The Indian National Physics Olympiad is designed to identify students with strong conceptual understanding of Physics, analytical thinking, and problem-solving ability. It helps shortlist students for the next stages of the international Olympiad selection process.

3. Who is eligible for the INPhO Exam?

Students must satisfy the required INPhO eligibility criteria, including age, citizenship, academic class, and qualification through the previous selection stage. Generally, eligible students are from Class 10, Class 11, or Class 12 and must meet the official rules.

4. What is the INPhO exam date 2026?

The INPhO 2026 exam date has been announced in the official Olympiad schedule. Students should check the latest notification regularly for the confirmed exam date, admit card release, and reporting instructions.

5. Where can students check the INPhO exam date?

Students can check the INPhO exam date through the official Olympiad website and Vedantu. It is important to follow only up-to-date sources because dates may change with official announcements.

6. What is included in the INPhO syllabus?

The INPhO syllabus mainly covers Physics topics up to the senior secondary level. Important areas include mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, waves, quantum physics, relativity, and nuclear physics.

7. Is the INPhO syllabus based on Class 11 and Class 12 Physics?

Yes, the syllabus is largely based on Class 11 and Class 12 Physics concepts. However, the questions are more advanced than regular school exams and require a deeper understanding and application-based problem-solving.

8. What is the exam pattern of INPhO?

The INPhO usually includes theoretical Physics questions that test concepts, calculations, and logical reasoning. The paper is generally of 3 hours and is more challenging than the first-stage NSEP exam.

9. Is the INPhO physics olympiad difficult?

Yes, the INPhO physics olympiad is considered difficult because it tests advanced conceptual clarity and problem-solving skills. Students need regular practice, strong fundamentals, and the ability to solve unfamiliar Physics problems.

10. How are students selected for INPhO?

Students are selected for INPhO based on their performance in NSEP. After INPhO, top-performing students are shortlisted for the Orientation Cum Selection Camp, where the final team for the International Physics Olympiad is chosen.

11. What is the difference between NSEP and INPhO?

NSEP is the first stage of the Physics Olympiad selection process and usually has multiple-choice questions. INPhO is the next stage and includes more advanced theoretical questions for shortlisted students.

12. Is there a separate registration for INPhO?

Usually, there is no open registration for all students. Students who qualify through NSEP are shortlisted for INPhO, and further instructions are shared with eligible candidates.

13. How should students start INPhO preparation?

For effective INPhO preparation, students should first build a strong foundation in Class 11 and Class 12 Physics concepts. They should solve Olympiad-level problems, revise formulas, practise previous year questions, and work on speed and accuracy.