NSEJS 2026: The National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) 2026 is conducted by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) as the first stage of the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) selection process. As per the latest schedule, the NSEJS 2026 exam will be conducted on 22 November 2026 (Sunday) from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Centre registration will be open from 1 August to 20 August 2026, while student enrolment will remain open from 21 August to 14 September 2026 through the official website iapt.org.in.

The examination is open to eligible students studying in Class 8, 9 or 10 who satisfy the prescribed age and eligibility conditions. The paper tests concepts from Physics, Chemistry and Biology based broadly on the CBSE Class 10 curriculum.

NSEJS Full Form

Check: How to Prepare for NSEJS?

NSEJS 2026 Overview 

The National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) 2026 is a national-level examination conducted for secondary school students to identify and nurture young scientific talent in India. For a quick overview of the NSEJS 2026 examination, refer to the table below.

NSEJS 2026 Important Dates

NSEJS 2026 Exam Date

The National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) will be conducted on 22 November 2026 at various exam centres across the country by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT).

The examination includes multiple-choice questions, and one mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. Students who qualify for the NSEJS exam become eligible to move forward to the next stages of the International Junior Science Olympiad selection process.

NSEJS Eligibility Criteria 

A candidate must satisfy all of the following conditions:

• Must be studying in Class 8, Class 9 or Class 10 as on 30 November 2026.
• Date of Birth must be between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2013 (both dates inclusive).
• Must be eligible to hold an Indian Passport.
• Must have been residing and studying in India since 30 November 2024 or earlier.
• Must be studying in an Indian school system since 30 November 2024 or earlier.
• Must not have completed or be scheduled to complete Class 10 Board Examination before 30 November 2026.
• Must not appear for NSEA, NSEP, NSEB or NSEC 2026.

NSEJS 2026 Registration Link 

The NSEJS 2026 registration process will be conducted through the IAPT official website (iapt.org.in).

The registration takes place in two stages.

• Centre Registration: 1 August to 20 August 2026 (Recognised schools, junior colleges and colleges only)
• Student Enrolment: 21 August to 14 September 2026

Students can register either:

• Through their Centre In-charge, or
• Individually through the online portal.

Official Website: https://www.iapt.org.in

NSEJS 2026 Application Fee

The application fee for NSEJS 2026 is:

₹300 per student (per examination).

Students registering through schools pay the fee to the Centre In-charge, while online applicants can pay through digital payment methods available on the portal.

Note: The registration fee is non-refundable.

Steps for NSEJS 2026 Registration

1. Visit https://www.iapt.org.in
2. Complete student enrolment during 21 August–14 September 2026.
3. Enter personal and academic details.
4. Select the preferred examination language.
5. Pay the examination fee.
6. Submit the application.
7. Download the confirmation for future reference.

Online Coaching for NSEJS Exam 2026

NSEJS Batch 2026

Stages After NSEJS

Stage 1: Every year, over 80,000 people from all over the country take the exam to be shortlisted for the merit list, from which around 300 students are selected based on their performance. If the final position is tied, all students with the same score qualify for the second level test or stage of the exam.

Stage 2: This part of the exam is more difficult and those who qualify will advance to the second stage by achieving 50% of the maximum score or MAS (minimum admissible score). The top 35 candidates from the Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO) are invited to participate in a two week program. A team of six is ​​then selected to represent India in the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO).

Stage 3: Orientation cum Selection Camp (OCSC) is organized by HBCSE. To train and select students for IJSO through theoretical and experimental tests. The top 6 students are selected for IJSO.

Stage 4: Pre-departure Training Camp (PDT) is organized by HBCSE for intensive training before IJSO.

Stage 5: Participation in International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is the final stage 

NSEJS Exam Pattern 2026

Section A

• 48 questions
• Single correct answer
• +3 marks for every correct answer
• -1 mark for every incorrect answer

Section B

• 12 questions
• One or more correct options
• 6 marks each
• Marks awarded only if all correct options and no incorrect options are selected.

NSEJS 2026 Language Options

The question paper will be available in:

• English
• Hindi
• Gujarati
• Bangla
• Kannada
• Tamil
• Telugu

Other Indian languages may also be offered if at least 300 students opt for that language during registration.

NSEJS Syllabus 2026

NSEJS Previous Year Question Paper

Awards & Certificates

Every candidate will receive a downloadable report card through the IAPT portal.

Students also receive recognition based on their performance:

• Certificates for the Top 10% students at every examination centre.
• Merit Certificates for the Top 1% students in each state.
• Special Merit Certificates and a prize (book) for National Top 1% students in Junior Science.
• Gold Medals are awarded to students attending the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC).

Stages After NSEJS

1. National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS)
2. Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO)
3. Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC)
4. Pre-Departure Training Camp (PDT)
5. International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)