IOQJS Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Registration Details 2025
FAQs on IOQJS 2025 Exam Guide: Eligibility, Syllabus, and Preparation
1. What is IOQJS?
IOQJS (Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Junior Science) is a national-level science Olympiad exam for students of Class 10 and below, conducted by IAPT and HBCSE. It is the first stage of selection for India's team to the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO).
Key highlights:
- Covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as per Class 10 CBSE/NSEJS standards.
- Open for students up to Class 10, meeting the specified age and eligibility conditions.
- Selection is based on a two-paper exam evaluating conceptual clarity and scientific reasoning.
2. Who can apply for IOQJS 2025?
Eligibility for IOQJS 2025 includes specific academic, age, and citizenship criteria.
To apply, you must:
- Be enrolled in Class 8, 9, or 10 in an Indian school as of 30 Nov 2023.
- Be born between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2007.
- Hold Indian citizenship (NRIs, OCIs not eligible as per latest rules).
- Have studied in India since November 2022 or earlier.
- Not appear for IOQP, IOQC, IOQB, or IOQA in the same year.
3. What is the exam pattern of IOQJS 2025?
IOQJS 2025 consists of two consecutive papers on the same day:
- Paper 1: 1 hour, Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), ~36–40 questions, +3 for correct, -1 for wrong.
- Paper 2: 2 hours, Subjective/Descriptive, ~6–8 questions, partial marking allowed.
4. What is the syllabus for IOQJS?
The IOQJS syllabus is based on the CBSE/NCERT Class 10 Science curriculum and covers:
- Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Light, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism, basics of Modern Physics
- Chemistry: Atomic structure, Periodic table, Chemical reactions, Acids, Bases & Salts, Metals and Non-metals, Carbon compounds
- Biology: Cell biology, Physiology, Genetics, Health, Plants & Environment
- Mathematics: Foundational math needed for science applications (arithmetic, algebra, geometry)
5. How many levels are there in the Science Olympiad for IOQJS?
The Science Olympiad pathway via IOQJS includes several stages:
- IOQJS Exam (Stage 1): National qualifying round (two papers).
- OCSC (Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp): For top qualifiers, with training and tests.
- Pre-Departure Training Camp: For final Indian team selection.
- IJSO (International Junior Science Olympiad): Global competition.
6. When is the IOQJS 2025 exam held?
The IOQJS 2025 exam is expected to be conducted in January 2025 (mid-to-late January).
Official dates will be announced on IAPT and HBCSE portals, so check regularly for updates and notice releases.
7. What are the registration dates for IOQJS 2025?
Registration for IOQJS 2025 is likely to open in November–December 2024.
Students must complete the online application via the official iaptexam.in portal within the given window. Stay updated with the portals for deadlines.
8. Where can I download IOQJS previous year question papers and solutions?
You can download IOQJS previous year papers and solutions from official sources and trusted portals:
- IAPT and HBCSE official websites for authentic exams and answer keys.
- Vedantu and similar educational platforms provide solved papers and practice material for IOQJS and past NSEJS.
9. Are IOQJS and NSEJS the same?
IOQJS (Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Junior Science) has replaced the earlier NSEJS (National Standard Examination In Junior Science) as the first stage for IJSO selection in India.
Now, IOQJS combines both MCQ and subjective components, updating formats post-pandemic, but covers a similar syllabus and selection purpose.
10. What happens after qualifying IOQJS?
After qualifying IOQJS:
- Candidates are invited to the OCSC (Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp) with intensive training and further selection rounds.
- The best performers are chosen for the Pre-Departure Training Camp.
- A final team represents India at the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO).
11. What is the IOQJS result date and how to check it?
The IOQJS 2025 results will be published 4–6 weeks after the exam on official sites (iaptexam.in).
Check your result by:
- Visiting the official website
- Entering your roll number or registration details
- Viewing marks, cut-offs, and selection status for both Paper 1 and Paper 2
12. What is the IOQJS cut-off and selection criteria?
The IOQJS cut-off marks vary each year depending on paper difficulty and student performance.
Selection highlights:
- Around 35–40 students are shortlisted for OCSC.
- Only candidates crossing the Paper 1 cut-off may have their Paper 2 evaluated.
- Combined performance in both papers decides final selection.

















