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INChO 2026: Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern

InChO 2026 is the second step in a multi-stage course of instruction for chemistry students who are pursuing their studies in classes 11 and 12. Tentative registration for InChO 2026 will take place in December 2025, and the actual examination will be held on 31 January 2026
authorImageNazish Fatima28 Nov, 2025
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INChO 2026

InChO 2026: InChO is considered a highly regarded opportunity for aspiring chemists in India to get on the path to an international career in chemistry by giving them the chance to develop the skills necessary for success in the international chemistry competitions and to become part of India's very best students who are going to compete for an IChO medal.

InChO 2026 Key Dates and Registration

Keeping track of important dates is crucial for any competitive examination, and the upcoming Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (InChO) 2026 is no exception.

InChO 2026 Key Dates and Registration

Event

Date

Registration Starts

December, 2025 (Tentative)

InChO Exam Date

31 January 2026 

Result Announcement

February/March 2026 (Tentative)

 

InChO 2026 Eligibility

To partake in the demanding InChO 2026, candidates must fulfill a set of specific eligibility criteria that ensure a fair and competitive environment. 

  • Nationality: Candidates must hold an Indian passport.

  • Age: Applicants must be born between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2010.

  • Educational Status: Participants must be studying and residing in India, without being enrolled in any degree program.

  • Qualification: A prerequisite for InChO is clearing the current year’s National Standard Examination in Chemistry (NSEC).

  • Restriction: Students cannot appear for NSEJS (Junior Science) in the same academic year.

  • Academic Status: Candidates must not have completed their Class 12 board examinations before the InChO date.

  • Class: Eligible students are typically in Class 11 or 12, and must not have joined college or university.

InChO 2026 Syllabus

The InChO syllabus extends beyond conventional school curricula, delving into advanced topics designed to assess a deep understanding of chemical principles.

Syllabus breakdown:

  • Physical Chemistry: Encompasses atomic structure, chemical bonding, equilibrium, thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, solutions, solid state, and surface chemistry.

  • Inorganic Chemistry: Covers the periodic table, p-block, d & f-block elements, coordination compounds, and metallurgy.

  • Organic Chemistry: Explores reaction mechanisms, nomenclature, isomerism, hydrocarbons, carbonyls, aromatics, biomolecules, polymers, alkanes/alkenes/alkynes, alcohols, carbonyls, amines, and environmental chemistry.

  • Analytical & Practical Chemistry: Includes titration, gravimetry, qualitative, and instrumental analysis.

InChO 2026 Exam Pattern

The InChO 2026 exam pattern focuses on a descriptive format, requiring students to articulate their knowledge and problem-solving methodologies with clarity and precision.

InChO 2026 Exam Pattern

Paper Element

Details

Type of Questions

Descriptive (detailed written answers; no MCQs)

Marks

~100 (as per official pattern)

Exam Duration

3 hours

Medium

English or Hindi (option chosen at registration)

Marking Scheme

No negative marking; marks awarded for correct steps and logical reasoning

Mode

Offline, descriptive, at designated centers

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INChO 2026 FAQs

What is the Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (InChO)?

The Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (InChO) is a national-level chemistry exam for Class 11 and 12 students in India who qualify through NSEC. It acts as Stage 2 of the Chemistry Olympiad selection process, enabling students to vie for international representation at IChO, and is organised by IACT & HBCSE.

Who can appear for InChO 2026?

To be eligible for InChO 2026, students must meet specific criteria based on age, educational status, and prior qualification. This includes being in Class 11th or 12th (not yet joined college/university), born between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2010, holding an Indian passport, residing and studying in India, and having cleared the current year’s NSEC. Additionally, candidates cannot appear for NSEJS in the same academic year

What is the syllabus for InChO 2026?

 The InChO 2026 syllabus covers advanced chemistry concepts derived from CBSE/NCERT Class 11 and 12 topics, incorporating higher-order concepts crucial for Olympiad-level rigor.

When will InChO 2026 registration and exam take place?

Registration for InChO 2026 is tentatively scheduled to open in December 2025. The InChO exam date is set for 31 January 2026, with result announcements expected in February/March 2026.

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