INPhO 2026: Indian National Physics Olympiad

INPhO 2026 : Guided by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) through Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, INPhO seeks to identify and develop extremely talented pre-university students in Physics and prepare these students for the high-level challenge of competing internationally at the IPhO, where they will gain substantial experience to advance their knowledge and skills in science.

Stages in INPhO 2026 Program

INPhO 2026 program encompasses a multi-stage selection process, each designed to progressively narrow down the pool of candidates while fostering their scientific aptitude. These sequential examinations culminate in the selection of a national team.

• National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP): This initial round serves as a broad entry point, featuring a multiple-choice test accessible to numerous students across the country.

• Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO): Candidates who successfully qualify through their performance in the NSEP are invited to participate in this more advanced, theoretical examination.

• Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp (OCSC): The highest-scoring individuals from INPhO proceed to an intensive camp held at HBCSE. Here, they receive comprehensive theoretical and experimental training in physics, preparing them for international competition.

• International Physics Olympiad (IPhO): The final selected team proudly represents India at this global competition, challenging themselves against students from around the world.

INPhO 2026 Key Dates 

The INPhO 2025 program involves specific timelines, and candidates must meet defined criteria to proceed through its competitive stages.

INPhO 2026 Eligibility

To be considered for the INPhO 2025, students must fulfill the following essential eligibility conditions:

• Hold Indian citizenship or possess an Indian passport.

• Be born between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2010.

• Have resided and studied in India continuously since November 30, 2022.

• Currently be studying in Class X, XI, or XII.

• Must not have passed Class XII before November 30, 2024.

INPhO 2026 Exam Date 

The Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO) features a structured examination format designed to rigorously assess participants' understanding and application of physics principles. The exam date is scheduled to be held on 1 February 2026.

INPhO Syllabus 2026

The INPhO syllabus is comprehensive, covering physics topics typically taught up to the senior secondary level (Class XII) in India:

1. Mechanics: Encompassing kinematics, Newton's Laws, conservation principles (momentum, energy), gravitation, and rotational dynamics.

2. Mechanics of Rigid Bodies: Focuses on statics, torque, center of mass, angular motion, moment of inertia, and accelerated reference systems.

3. Hydromechanics: Basic principles of pressure, continuity, and buoyancy.

4. Thermodynamics and Molecular Physics: Covers laws of thermodynamics, perfect gas models, molecular kinetic energy, Carnot cycle, and entropy.

5. Oscillations and Waves: Includes harmonic oscillations, wave propagation, interference, sound waves, and the Doppler effect.

6. Electric Charge and Electric Field: Explores conservation of charge, Coulomb's law, Gauss’ Law, potential, dielectrics, and capacitors.

7. Current and Magnetic Field: Details Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Law, Joule's Law, magnetic fields, Lorentz force, electromagnetic induction, and AC circuits.

8. Electromagnetic Waves: Addresses generation, oscillatory circuits, wave optics (diffraction, polarization), and black body radiation.

9. Quantum Physics: Introduces the impulse of the photon, photoelectric effect, De Broglie wavelength, and Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle.

10. Relativity: Discusses the principle of relativity, Doppler shift, energy-mass relation, and conservation laws.