INPhO 2025: Indian National Physics Olympiad (by HBCSE)

What is INPhO?

The Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO) is the second stage in India’s national physics Olympiad pathway, organized by HBCSE. Students first clear the National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP) before competing in this advanced theoretical examination. Top performers progress to the Orientation Cum Selection Camp (OCSC) and eventually, the Indian team is selected for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) .

Eligibility & Selection Process

1. Stage I – NSEP (November):

   • 60 single-correct + 12 multiple-correct MCQs over 2 hours; +3/–1 for singles and +6/no penalty for multiples.
   • Top ~300–450 qualifiers, including state quotas and Merit Index, advance to INPhO.

2. Stage II – INPhO (Late Jan/Feb):

   • Around 300–400 students write this exam.
   • Questions are fully subjective: typically 5–6 challenging problems in 3 hours .

3. Selection for OCSC:

   • Top ~35 students (split into Class XI/XII and younger) qualify.

4. OCSC & IPhO Selection:

   • Top 35 attend OCSC; final 5–6 are trained for IPhO.

Exam Pattern & Marking

• Calculators: Basic non-programmable scientific allowed.

Syllabus

• Based on CBSE Class XI–XII physics, but problems are non-conventional and conceptually deep.
• Topics include Mechanics, Thermodynamics, EM, Optics, Modern Physics, Waves – up to IPhO standards .
• Practical awareness also plays a role during OCSC.

Prep Cheat Sheet 🎯

NSEP Prep

• Focus on speed & accuracy in MCQs – hone problem-solving from CBSE plus JEE-level questions.
• Practice older NSEP papers first.

INPhO Prep

• Build strong theory: try Halliday–Resnick–Krane, Griffiths, and Pathfinder for Olympiad depth.
• Practice past INPhO papers with solutions from HBCSE website.
• Join peer groups, focus on written, stepwise problem-solving.

OCSC Preparation

• Intensive training in both theoretical and experimental challenges.
• Learn advanced topics: Relativity, Thermodynamics, Quantum.
• Revise with mock tests and previous OCSC papers.

Rewards & Recognition

• Qualification-based medals and certificates across NSEP and INPhO levels.
• OCSC attendees receive training, honor, and IIT/CMI admissions.
• IPhO qualifiers gain national acclaim and potential career opportunities.

Quick Facts Table