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INAO Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern: Topics, Date, and Preparation Guide

INAO Syllabus 2026 outlines key topics from Physics, Mathematics, and Elementary Astronomy for Class 11 and 12 students. Conducted by HBCSE, the INAO Exam 2026 is scheduled for 31st January 2026. Understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is essential for effective preparation and success.
authorImagePriyanka Dahima12 Jan, 2026
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INAO Syllabus

INAO Syllabus 2026: The Homi Bhabha Science Education Centre (HBSEC) organizes the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad, a national-level examination for Class 11 and 12 students. INAO Syllabus 2026 includes topics from Physics Mathematics and Elementary Astronomical notions.

To do well in the examination and prepare accordingly, it is essential to be aware of the INAO Exam Pattern and Syllabus. The INAO Exam 2026 is scheduled for 31st January 2026. To help you organize your study schedule and increase your chances of success, we have included all the necessary information on the INAO Exam Pattern and Syllabus in this post.

INAO Previous Year Question Paper

INAO Syllabus 2026

The INAO Syllabus 2026 should be kept close at hand by candidates studying for the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad. This will assist them in creating a successful study plan and allow them to nurture their interest for Astronomy. Understanding the Syllabus serves as a preparatory road map, enabling them to keep track of the subjects they have previously studied and those they still need to study.
The blog contains all the information candidates need to know about the INAO Syllabus and Exam Pattern. In the below table you can get the overview of the INAO Syllabus 2026:
INAO Syllabus 2026 Overview
Organization Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (affiliated with the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research – HBCSE)
Exam Name Indian National Astronomy Olympiad (INAO)
INAO Exam Date 2026 31st January 2026
Mode of Exam Pen and Paper Mode
Type of Questions Multiple Choice Questions
Official Website https://www.iapt.org.in/

INAO Exam Pattern 2026

The INAO Exam consists of questive that are descriptive in nature.
  • There will be total 6 Questions in the INAO Examination. Maximum marks are indicated in front of each sub-question.
  • The total marks for INAO 2026 is 100.
  • Also 1/3 marks is penalized for each wrong answer.
  • The INAO question paper language is available in English and Hindi. For INAO registration 2026, students must select one language of their choice.
  • Duration of INAO Exam is 3 Hours (180 Minutes).

 

INAO Syllabus

The Syllabus for INAO Examination is broadly equivalent to NSEA Examination and consists of three part namely - Physics, Mathematics and Elementary Astronomical notions. The subject-wise important concepts that are covered in the syllabus for the INAO exam are detailed below.
INAO Syllabus 2026
Subjects Topics
Physics
  • Units and Measurements
  • Motion in a Straight Line
  • Motion in a Plane
  • Laws of Motion
  • Work, Energy and Power
  • System of Particles and Rotational Motion
  • Gravitation
  • Mechanical Properties of Solids
  • Mechanical Properties of Fluids
  • Thermal Properties of Matter
  • Thermodynamics
  • Behaviour of Perfect Gases and Kinetic Theory of Gases
  • Oscillations and Waves
  • Electrostatics- Electric Charges and Fields, Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance & Current Electricity
  • Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
  • Optics
  • Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
  • Atoms and Nuclei
  • Electronic Devices
Mathematics
  • Sets And Functions
  • Algebra
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Calculus
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Statistics & Probability
  • Vectors And Three-dimensional Geometry
  • Linear Programming
Elementary Astronomical Notions
  • Basic knowledge of Solar System and associated phenomena: Sun, Planets and their moons, Comets, Asteroids, Diurnal motion of Earth, Phases of the Moon, Seasons, Eclipses, Tides.
  • Familiarity with structural elements of the Universe: Stars, Galaxies, Clusters of galaxies.
  • Familiarity with the night sky: Brightest stars, Common constellations, Milky Way, paths of solar system objects in the night sky, rising and setting of stars.
  • Working principle of Telescopes.
  • Major historical landmarks in the development of Astronomy.

INAO Exam Preparation Tips 2026

Here are the preparation tips for INAO Examination 2026 given below:
  1. Understand the INAO Syllabus : Familiarize yourself with the INAO syllabus and topics covered in the examination. This will help you focus your studies on the relevant areas.
  2. Study Resources : Use a variety of study materials, including textbooks, online courses, and astronomy websites.
  3. Practice Problems : Solve INAO Previous Years Question Papers and sample problems. This will help you understand the exam pattern and improve your problem-solving skills.
  4. Join Study Groups : Collaborate with students who are also preparing for the INAO. Discussing concepts and solving problems together can enhance your understanding.
  5. Online Resources : Utilize online platforms like Olympiad Wallah, or Olympiad Wallah YouTube for video lectures and tutorials on astronomy and related topics.
  6. Stay Updated : Follow recent developments in astronomy by reading articles, watching documentaries, and following reputable astronomy websites.
  7. Time Management : Create a study schedule that allocates time for each topic. Ensure you balance your preparation with breaks to avoid burnout.
  8. Mock Tests : Take mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify areas that need improvement.
  9. Focus on Concepts : Ensure you have a strong grasp of fundamental concepts in physics and mathematics, as they are crucial for solving astronomy problems.
  10. Stay Curious : Cultivate a genuine interest in astronomy. Explore the night sky, visit planetariums, and engage in discussions about astronomical phenomena.

INAO Syllabus 2025 FAQs

Q1. Where can I get the INAO Syllabus 2025?

Ans. You can get the comprehensive and accurate details of the INAO Syllabus 2025 as per the Syllabus of Class 11 and 12 at the PW Blog.

Q2. What is the mode and duration of INAO Exam 2025?

Ans. The INAO Exam 2025 is conducted through Pen and Paper Mode for the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad.

Q3. What is the difficulty level of INAO 2025?

Ans. The difficulty level of INAO 2025 will be moderate.

Q4. Which subjects are included under INAO Syllabus 2025?

Ans. The subjects included under INAO Syllabus 2025 are Physics, Mathematics and Elementary Astronomical notions.
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