INPhO Syllabus 2026-27: Physics Topics & Exam Pattern

The INPhO Syllabus 2026-27 is broadly equivalent to the senior secondary level up to and including Class 12 of the CBSE curriculum. The syllabus covers major areas of Physics, while knowledge of Mathematics up to the same level is also expected. 

INPhO is the Stage II examination of the Science Olympiad Programme. The official INPhO 2026-27 schedule lists the examination for January 31, 2027, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Since Olympiad problems can be non-conventional and highly challenging, students need more than textbook-level preparation. 

INPhO Syllabus 2026-27 Highlights

The INPhO syllabus 2026-27 is broadly based on the senior secondary Physics syllabus, up to Class 12 CBSE. However, INPhO questions are usually more challenging and focus on conceptual understanding, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.  

INPhO Physics Syllabus 2026-27

The INPhO Physics syllabus is broadly equivalent to the senior secondary level, covering concepts from Classes 11 and 12. However, students should focus on understanding the concepts and applying them to unfamiliar problems rather than simply memorizing formulas.

The major INPhO syllabus topics are given below.

1. Mechanics

Mechanics is one of the core areas of the INPhO syllabus. Students should be comfortable with both basic and advanced applications of the following concepts:

• Kinematics of a particle

• Newton's laws of motion

• Inertial reference systems

• Momentum and energy

• Work, power and energy

• Conservation of energy

• Impulse and conservation of linear momentum

• Elastic forces

• Friction

• Gravitation

• Gravitational potential energy

• Work done in a gravitational field

• Centripetal acceleration

• Kepler's laws

2. Mechanics of Rigid Bodies

This section focuses on rotational motion and the behavior of rigid bodies.

Important topics include:

• Center of mass

• Statics

• Torque

• Translation

• Angular velocity

• Angular acceleration

• Rotation of rigid bodies

• Conservation of angular momentum

• Moment of inertia

• Kinetic energy of a rotating body

• Motion around a fixed axis

• Internal and external forces

• Accelerated reference frames

• Inertial forces

3. Hydromechanics

Hydromechanics does not usually form a major standalone section, but students should know its basic concepts.

The important areas include:

• Pressure

• Buoyancy

• Continuity equation

• Basic properties of fluids

4. Thermodynamics and Molecular Physics

This part of the INPhO olympiad syllabus covers the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and molecular physics.

Students should prepare:

• Internal energy

• Heat and work

• First law of thermodynamics

• Second law of thermodynamics

• Perfect gas model

• Molecular interpretation of pressure

• Kinetic energy of gas molecules

• Equation of state of an ideal gas

• Avogadro's number

• Absolute temperature

• Isothermal processes

• Adiabatic processes

• Carnot cycle

• Reversible and irreversible processes

• Efficiency of heat engines

• Entropy

• Boltzmann factor

5. Oscillations and Waves

Students should have a strong understanding of periodic motion and wave phenomena.

The INPhO syllabus topics include:

• Simple harmonic motion

• Equation of harmonic oscillation

• Harmonic waves

• Transverse and longitudinal waves

• Wave propagation

• Sound waves

• Linear polarization

• Doppler effect

• Superposition of waves

• Interference

• Coherent waves

• Standing waves

• Beats

6. Electric Charge and Electric Field

Electrostatics is another important part of the INPhO Physics syllabus.

Key topics include:

• Conservation of charge

• Coulomb's law

• Electric field

• Electric potential

• Gauss's law

• Dielectrics

• Energy density of an electric field

• Capacitors

• Capacitance

• Energy stored in a capacitor

7. Current Electricity and Magnetic Field

This section combines important concepts from current electricity and magnetism.

Students should prepare:

• Ohm's law

• Resistance

• Internal resistance

• Kirchhoff's laws

• Joule's law

• Electrical work and power

• Magnetic field due to current

• Lorentz force

• Force on a current-carrying conductor

• Ampere's law

• Magnetic flux

• Electromagnetic induction

• Lenz's law

• Self-induction

• Inductance

• Energy stored in a magnetic field

• Permeability

• AC circuits

• Series and parallel circuits

• Resonance

• Resistors, inductors and capacitors in AC circuits

8. Electromagnetic Waves and Optics

Students should also cover electromagnetic waves and wave optics thoroughly.

Important topics are:

• Oscillatory circuits

• Generation of electromagnetic waves

• Frequency of oscillations

• Wave optics

• Diffraction

• Single-slit and double-slit diffraction

• Diffraction grating

• Bragg reflection

• Resolving power of a grating

• Dispersion

• Spectra

• Electromagnetic waves as transverse waves

• Polarization

• Polarization by reflection

• Resolving power of optical systems

• Blackbody radiation

• Stefan-Boltzmann law

9. Quantum Physics

The quantum physics section introduces students to the basic ideas of modern physics.

The important INPhO important topics include:

• Photon momentum

• Photoelectric effect

• Photon energy

• de Broglie wavelength

• Heisenberg's uncertainty principle

10. Relativity

Students should understand the fundamental ideas of special relativity and their applications.

Topics include:

• Principle of relativity

• Relativistic Doppler effect

• Addition of velocities

• Relativistic energy

• Relativistic momentum

• Mass-energy relation

• Conservation of energy and momentum

• Relativistic motion

11. Atomic and Nuclear Physics

The syllabus also covers selected concepts from atomic and nuclear physics.

Students should prepare:

• Bragg equation and its applications

• Energy levels of atoms and molecules

• Hydrogen-like atoms

• Absorption and emission spectra

• Nuclear composition

• Alpha, beta and gamma decay

• Half-life

• Radioactive decay

• Absorption of radiation

• Nuclear reactions

• Mass defect

• Nuclear energy levels

INPhO Exam Pattern 2027

The INPhO examination is a three-hour Stage II examination in the Science Olympiad Programme. The paper is broadly at the senior secondary level, up to Class 12 CBSE.

Students should not prepare only for direct formula-based questions. The INPhO is designed to test how well students can apply Physics concepts to challenging problems.

How to Prepare for INPhO 2027?

Preparing for INPhO requires more than completing the syllabus. Students need to develop the ability to understand a problem, identify the relevant concepts and apply them logically.

Build Strong Concepts

Start with the fundamentals of Class 11 and 12 Physics. Make sure you understand the meaning behind each formula instead of memorising it.

Practice INPhO Previous Year Papers

Solving previous-year papers is one of the best ways to understand the type and difficulty of questions asked in the examination. It also helps students identify topics that need more practice.

Focus on Problem Solving

After completing each chapter, solve a variety of numerical and conceptual problems. Try to solve unfamiliar questions without immediately looking at the solution.

Revise Important Formulas

Maintain a short formula and concept sheet for quick revision. However, focus on understanding the conditions under which a formula can be applied.

Work on Time Management

The paper can include challenging problems that require careful thinking. Practice solving questions within a fixed time so that you can manage the exam effectively.

Strengthen Mathematical Skills

Good mathematical skills can make it easier to handle Olympiad-level Physics problems. Practice algebra, graphs, vectors, trigonometry, and basic calculus as needed.

A clear understanding of the INPhO syllabus is the first step toward effective preparation. Students should cover all major INPhO syllabus topics, but give extra time to conceptual problem-solving and previous-year questions. With consistent practice and a well-planned study schedule, students can build the skills needed to perform well in the Indian National Physics Olympiad.

Related Resources:

• INPhO Question Paper

• INPhO Previous Year Question Papers