INBO 2026 Exam: Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern

INBO 2026: Indian National Biology Olympiad is a national-level olympiad organised by the HBCSE. The olympiad is organised every year for the candidates. The purpose is to conduct the olympiad, testing the Biology-related concepts of the candidates. Candidates who have qualified for the NSEB Olympiad are eligible to participate in the INBO 2026 exam. HBCSE will announce the registration dates on the official portal soon. 

Also Read: INBO Previous Year Question Paper

INBO 2026 Overview

Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO) is the second stage of the olympiad organised for the candidates who have qualified the NSEB. 

 INBO 2026 Important Dates

Candidates who are interested in the Biology concepts and want to participate in the reputed national-level. They can track the INBO 2026 Important Dates for reference, provided in the table

INBO 2026 Registration Process

Candidates need to qualify for NSEB in the same academic year. They become eligible to participate in the INBO 2026 registration process when the dates are announced in December and January 2026.

• First, clear the NSEB exam in the same academic year.

• Visit the HBCSE website to check when the INBO invite and registration details are announced (usually in December–January).

• Log in with your NSEB roll number or other required details.

• Fill out the INBO online form carefully with correct personal and academic information.

• Upload the required documents (like birth certificate, passport details, or school ID).

• Submit the form and save a copy or an acknowledgement for future use.

• Download the INBO admit card when it is released and check if all your details are correct.

INBO 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who are interested in participating in the INBO 2026 Olympiad. Some eligibility requirements have been decided by the authority that allows the candidates to participate in the Biology Olympiad. 

• Candidates should pass the NSEB (National Standard Examination for Biology). 

• Indian nationals should have completed their studies in India. 

• The eligibility criteria are a class 12th pass. Students who have passed the NSEB olympiad in classes 10th and 11th are eligible to apply. 

• Candidates who have applied for the National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) Olympiad in the same year. They are not eligible for the INBO. 

• OCI students will not be selected for the INBO. 

• Candidate must have an Indian citizenship and a passport. 

INBO 2026 Syllabus 

The INBO Syllabus has been designed to test the conceptual knowledge of the candidates. The topics are covered based on the class 11 and 12 Biology syllabus. 

• Cell Biology & Biochemistry

• Genetics and Evolution

• Plant and Animal Physiology

• Ecology, Environment & Biodiversity

• Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Biotechnology

• Anatomy, Reproduction, and Behaviour

• Data Interpretation, Analytical Reasoning in Biology

INBO 2026 Exam Pattern

INBO 2026 Exam Pattern comprises the details related to the test pattern, marking scheme, question format, and time. 

• Candidates get 2 hours to solve INBO questions in the paper. 

• INBO questions asked in the exam carry 100 marks. 

• It includes the class 11 and 12 advanced Biology questions in objective and descriptive formats.