INPhO Exam Eligibility, Pattern & Registration Details
FAQs on Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO) 2025 Guide
1. What is INPhO?
INPhO (Indian National Physics Olympiad) is a prestigious national-level physics competition for pre-university students in India, usually from Classes 11 and 12. It is conducted by IAPT and HBCSE to identify top physics talents and select the Indian team for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The exam covers challenging concepts in mechanics, electricity, magnetism, optics, thermodynamics, modern physics, and experimental skills, going beyond the regular school curriculum.
2. What is the eligibility for INPhO 2025?
To be eligible for INPhO 2025, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Class: Usually enrolled in Class 11 or 12 (exceptional Class 10 students may be considered).
- Qualification: Must clear the National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP) with a score above the Minimum Admissible Score (MAS).
- Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen (special rules may apply for NRI/OCI students).
- Age: Typically born on or after July 1, 2004 for the 2025 cycle.
3. What is the exam pattern for INPhO?
The INPhO exam pattern is designed to assess deep understanding and problem-solving skills in physics:
- Part 1: Objective (MCQ) – 40 questions, 180 marks
- Part 2: Subjective (short/long answer) – 5–6 questions, 60 marks
- Total Duration: 3 hours
- Marking Scheme: MCQs have single correct option; partial marking is possible in subjective section
- Medium of Exam: English
4. What is the syllabus for INPhO 2025?
The INPhO 2025 syllabus aligns with advanced CBSE Physics for Classes 11 and 12, with additional focus on Olympiad-level problems:
- Mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, rotational motion)
- Oscillations and Waves
- Thermodynamics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Optics (geometrical, physical)
- Modern Physics (quantum, atomic, nuclear)
- Experimental Physics (data analysis, error estimation)
Recommended books: H.C. Verma, I.E. Irodov, Halliday-Resnick-Walker, D.J. Griffiths (Electrodynamics) and similar advanced texts.
5. What is the most prestigious physics Olympiad?
The International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is widely regarded as the most prestigious physics Olympiad worldwide. It brings together top high school physics students from over 80 countries, promoting excellence in theoretical and experimental physics. In India, INPhO is the key national stage for selection to IPhO.
6. How to qualify for IPhO from India?
Qualifying for the IPhO from India is a multi-stage process:
- Register and appear for the NSEP (National Standard Examination in Physics).
- Clear NSEP with marks above the Minimum Admissible Score (MAS).
- Perform well in INPhO and get shortlisted for the Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp (OCSC).
- Be among the top students in OCSC to represent India in the Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) and then in IPhO.
7. How to check INPhO result?
You can check your INPhO result by visiting the official HBCSE website around March 2025:
- Go to the HBCSE results portal after announcement.
- Enter your roll number, date of birth, and captcha/verification code.
- View or download your result and scorecard online.
8. Where can I find INPhO previous papers?
You can download INPhO previous year papers with solutions from reliable Olympiad preparation portals or academic websites. Practicing past papers (2022, 2023, 2024 cycles) will help you understand the exam pattern, boost confidence, and identify important topics. Always prefer PDFs and keys from official or trusted sources.
9. Does INPhO syllabus overlap with JEE Physics?
Yes, there is significant syllabus overlap between INPhO and JEE Physics, especially in fundamentals of mechanics, electricity & magnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics. However, INPhO includes more challenging problems and advanced topics, such as experimental data analysis and deeper conceptual questions beyond most JEE-level problems.
10. What is the Minimum Admissible Score (MAS) in INPhO?
The Minimum Admissible Score (MAS) is the minimum score required in the NSEP to become eligible for INPhO:
- MAS is typically set at 50% of the average of the top 10 NSEP scores for a given year.
- Candidates meeting or exceeding MAS can proceed to INPhO selection, with top scorers further qualifying via the Merit Index.
- For 2025, official MAS announcement will be made by HBCSE after NSEP results are declared.
