International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)

The International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is one of the most-anticipated competitions for young students passionate about science. It aspires to unite some of the brightest young scientists worldwide to compete, exchange knowledge and skills, and have a passion for science.

The competition aims to encourage young students to pursue careers in science and technology, recognise talented students in the science field, and promote science education as well as scientific awareness among young students. The Olympiad also fosters international cooperation and understanding among students.

• You must be born on or after 1 January 2003, i.e you must not be older than 15 years of age.
• You are eligible to represent your country if you hold a valid passport of that country or are in the education system of that country for at least one academic year.

The Junior Science Olympiad program has 5 stages:

• Stage I: National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS)
• Stage II: Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO)
• Stage III: Orientation cum Selection Camp (OCSC) in Junior Science
• Stage IV: Pre-departure Training Camp (PDT) for IJSO,
• Stage V: Participation in International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)


Stage I : National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS)

• NSEJS is the first stage of IJSO. To proceed to the further stages, you need to enrol for NSEJS.
• Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) organises NSEJS.
• Out of all the applicants, the top 300 qualify for the second stage, INJSO.
• The qualifying students receive a certificate.

NSEJS Exam Date : November 26, 2023
Time of Exam : 02.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Level of Question Paper : Is broadly equivalent to Secondary school level (up to and including Class X) of CBSE India. All the basic subjects of science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) with equal emphasis.
Language of Question Paper : Question paper will be in English & Hindi (Option during registration)


Stage II : Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO)

• INJSO is the second stage of IJSO.
• It is organized across the country at 15 centres, by HBCSE.
• The date and timing of the exam will be sent to you by post, if you have qualified NSEJS.
• The syllabus of INJSO is similar to NSEJS.
• Out of all the applicants, top 35 will qualify for the third stage, OCSC.


Stage III : Orientation Cum Selection Camp (OCSC) in Junior Science

• OCSC in Junior Science is the third stage of IJSO.
• It is organized by HBCSE.
• The date of the exam is announced with the list of selected students for OCSC.
• Theoretical and experimental tests will be included in the camp, which is conducted for duration of 2-3 weeks.
• Orientation will be provided to students especially in experiments.
• The merit list will be made based on your score in theory and experiments, aggregated over all tests conducted in camp.
• Your performance in the earlier stages will not be taken into consideration for the merit list and awards of OCSC.
• These 6 students will form the team that proceeds to IJSO, as long as they meet all the criteria’s like: age limit, valid passport, parent consent, medical fitness etc.


Stage IV : Pre-departure Training (PDT) Camp for IJSO

• Before leaving, there is another stage called PDT, which is the fourth stage.
• The 6 member team goes through a rigorous programme on theory and experiment at HBCSE.
• HBCSE is developing special laboratories for the purpose of experimental training.
• Experts from HBCSE and various institutions across the country train the 6 member team.


Stage V : Participation in International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)

The 6 member student team and 3 teacher leaders will constitute the delegation to represent India at the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO).


• The IJSO competition has three types of tests: MCQs, theory and practical, given on three separate days.
• The exams are usually 3-4 hours long and are conducted in English, with translations available in each country's native language.
• The MCQ test has 30 questions, with 10 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• One mark is awarded for each correct answer, while each wrong answer carries a penalty of 0.25 marks.
• Unanswered questions are awarded 0 marks.

• Only those countries, which have participated in one or more earlier IJSOs may register using the login ID and password sent by IJSO.
• If some country is planning to participate for the first time or if that country has not been sent the login ID and password, they can contact them at the IJSO official website http://www.ijsoweb.org/ for receiving the login ID and password.

"If you are a student or a teacher, willing to participate in Olympiad, Please contact the website of your country."
Website : http://olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in/