
INChO 2026 Paper Solutions: The Indian National Olympiad (INO) 2026 exam is a key competition for science and math students. HBCSE organizes it to find young talent. INO helps students prepare for international Olympiads. The INChO 2026 exam, focusing on theoretical chemistry, is held on January 31, 2026. :
The Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (INChO) 2026 exam took place on January 31, 2026. HBCSE organized this theoretical chemistry paper. Official INChO 2026 Paper Solutions will be release soon.
| INChO 2026 Exam Details | |
| Exam Name | Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (INChO) 2026 |
| InChO Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Mode | Pen & Paper |
| Conducting Body | HBCSE |
| Medium | English |
| Level | National Olympiad |
INChO stands for Indian National Chemistry Olympiad, the Stage 2 exam in India's selection process for the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO). Organized by the Indian Association of Chemistry Teachers (IACT) and Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), it targets top performers from the National Standard Examination in Chemistry (NSEC, Stage 1). it's for Class 11-12 students born July 1, 2005–June 30, 2010, with Indian citizenship. The Solution PDF will soon be available here to download.
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Focus on core concepts for problem-solving in exams like INChO. Solutions will be available soon. The key topics are as follows-
Master state functions (ΔU, ΔH, ΔG, ΔS) and laws: zeroth (thermal equilibrium), first (energy conservation), second (entropy increase), third (absolute zero). Solve cycles (Carnot, Otto) using
q=nCpΔT
q=nCpΔT, Hess's law, and spontaneity via
ΔG=ΔH−TΔS
ΔG=ΔH−TΔS. Key: path independence for reversible processes.
Understand rate laws (rate=k[A]m[B]n rate=k[A]m[B]n), order/molecularity, Arrhenius equation (k=Ae−Ea/RTk=Ae−Ea/RT). Cover mechanisms (elementary/complex), catalysts, steady-state approximation. Practice half-life (t1/2=0.693kt1/2=k 0.693 for first-order) and temperature effects.
Grasp Nernst equation (E=E∘−RTnFlnQ E=E∘−nFRT lnQ), Faraday's laws (mass = ItMnFnF ItM), cells (galvanic/electrolytic). Conductance (specific/molar), Kohlrausch law for weak electrolytes. Emphasize equilibrium constants from EMF.
Emphasize mechanisms and stereoisomerism. Solutions will be available soon here.
Classify: homolytic/heterolytic cleavage, types (SN1/SN2, E1/E2, addition/elimination). Arrow pushing for carbocation rearrangements, electrophilic/nucleophilic attacks. Predict products via Hammond postulate.
Chirality (R/S via Cahn-Ingold-Prelog), enantiomers/diastereomers, meso forms. Conformations (Newman projections), optical activity. Fischer/Haworth for sugars.
Core: Aldol, Cannizzaro, Clemmensen, Diels-Alder, Grignard, Heck, Hofmann, Reimer-Tiemann, Sandmeyer, Williamson. Know reagents, conditions, stereoselectivity.
This section contains Periodic properties and bonding. Solutions PDF will be available soon here.
Crystal Field Theory (splitting: Δ_o > Δ_t), isomerism (geometrical/optical), nomenclature. Stability (chelate effect), spectroscopy (d-d transitions). VBT vs CFT limitations.
Atomic radius (decreases across period), ionization energy (increases), electronegativity (Pauling scale), metallic character. Exceptions: anomalies in groups 2, 13, 15.
VSEPR (AX_nE_m), Valence Bond Theory (hybridization: sp, sp2, sp3d), Molecular Orbital Theory (bond order = ½(σ - π*)). Hydrogen bonding, lattice energy (Born-Haber).
The INO answer key is crucial for candidates. It helps students understand their performance and ensures fairness in the evaluation. It also allows for challenging any discrepancies found.
Performance Analysis – Candidates can evaluate their expected score.
Transparency – Ensures a fair and unbiased evaluation process.
Error Correction – Allows students to challenge incorrect answers.
INChO 2026 Paper Solutions offer significant advantages to students. They serve as a vital tool for academic growth and future preparation.
Understand correct problem-solving approach.
Useful for IChO preparation.
Helpful for future chemistry olympiads.
After the INChO 2026 exam, candidates should be aware of the subsequent stages. The evaluation process leads to further selection.
Evaluation process.
Shortlisting for Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC).
PW provides Olympiad exam content, including Olympiad Exams Updates, sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more. Also, enroll today in the Olympiad Online Batches for preparation.