International Junior Science Olympiad 2026: The International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is a globally recognised international-level competition for students. Students who are interested in Science can participate in the competition. INJSO includes the questions covered from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects. This time, INJSO will be organised in Sofia, Bulgaria.
A proud moment for the Physics Wallah team as our two students, Sanchit Patel and Arnav Khandelwal, have been selected to represent India in the INJSO. The dedication, efforts and mentors' support of the students helped them achieve the milestone for participating in INJSO and representing the country.
Sanchit Patel Will Represent India at IJSO 2026
INJSO involves multiple stages of the competition, evaluating the knowledge and skills of the students.
Stage I: National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS)
It is an initial stage is organised by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT).
The examination broadly covers science topics equivalent to the secondary school level (up to Class 10) in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
The top 300 students from this stage progress to the next level, the INJSO.
Stage II: Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO)
Conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE).
The INJSO syllabus mirrors that of NSEJS, featuring both objective and descriptive questions.
From this stage, the top 35 students are selected for further training.
Stage III: Orientation cum Selection Camp (OCSC) in Junior Science
HBCSE organises the OCSC, which provides intensive theoretical and experimental training.
A final team of six students is chosen here for advanced preparation.
The OCSC Junior Science 2026 was successfully held at IISc Bangalore from May 14 to 25.
Stage IV: Pre-departure Training Camp (PDT) for IJSO
It focuses on advanced theoretical concepts and experimental skills.
Students should prepare for the olympiad.
Stage V: Participation in International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)
The final team, consisting of six students and three teacher leaders, represents India at the IJSO.
It includes multiple-choice questions, theoretical exams, and laboratory tests, each typically lasting 3-4 hours.
INJSO Key Highlights regarding the olympiad and important dates have been compiled in the table.
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INJSO Key Highlights |
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|---|---|
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Exam Conducting Body |
Host Country of the Year |
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Test Name |
International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) |
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Level of Exam |
International |
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Mode of Exam |
Online |
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IJSO 2026 Host Country |
Sofia, Bulgaria |
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IJSO 2026 Date |
December 2026 |
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Official Website |
https://ijsoweb.org/ |
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IJSO 2026 Country Pre-Registration |
To be released |
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IJSO 2026 Registration |
To be released |
Candidates need to meet the minimum requirements to participate in INJSO.
Required Age: Participants must be 15 years old or younger on December 31st of the competition year.
Educational Level: Generally, students in Grades 8, 9, and 10 are eligible. However, the exact class level can vary depending on individual country regulations.
Nationality: Eligibility often necessitates citizenship or residency in the country the student represents, though specific rules may differ by nation.
Compliance: All participating students must adhere to the IJSO statutes and the organisational guidelines established by the Organising Committee (OC).
INJSO Registration Process follows a structured process of pre-registration, final registration, and fee payment. New users need to register online with the details properly entered in the system. Existing users can use their previous accounts.
Pre-Registration: This initial phase involves submitting essential personal and contact details, along with the participating country.
Final Registration: Upon receiving login credentials, participants are required to complete a detailed registration form. It includes comprehensive information, such as passport details if necessary.
Payment: Registration fees must be paid based on the category of participation, whether it's for a team, observer, or visitor.
The International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) Syllabus a curriculum for the students to start with the olympiad preparation. Students should check the details mentioned in the syllabus properly to prepare for the olympiad.
The INJSO Exam Pattern includes the questions asked from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
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Exam Details |
Multiple Choice (MCQ) |
Theory Examination |
Practical Examination |
|---|---|---|---|
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Duration |
3-4 hours per paper |
3-4 hours |
3-4 hours |
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Participants |
Individual |
Individual |
Team (3 students per team) |
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Total Questions |
30 (10 Physics, 10 Biology, 10 Chemistry) |
May include sections in all three subjects |
An experimental test combining all three subjects |
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Pattern of Questions |
Four options, one correct answer |
More complex, multidisciplinary questions |
Experimental, combining subjects in equal proportions |
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Marking Scheme |
1 mark for a correct answer, -0.25 for the wrong answer |
Marking scheme not provided |
Marking scheme not provided |
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Total Marks |
30 |
30 |
40 |
International Junior Science Olympiad Previous Year Papers are considered as one of the valuate resource in exam preparation. These papers provide insights into the exam format, question types, and topic distribution. The official IJSO website offers a comprehensive collection of past question papers and solutions.
INJSO Previous Year Papers PDF Download

