NSEJS guide
The Junior Science Olympiad for Classes 8 to 10, from IAPT’s own 2026 brochure — who can sit NSEJS, what the paper looks like, and what comes after it.
- Conducted by
- IAPT (NSEJS and INJSO)
- Classes
- 8, 9 or 10
- Subjects
- Physics, Chemistry and Biology, with equal emphasis
- Paper
- 60 multiple-choice questions, 216 marks
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Level
- Up to and including CBSE Class 10
What is NSEJS?
NSEJS, the National Standard Examination in Junior Science, is the first stage of the Junior Science Olympiad, set at Class 10 level. IAPT conducts it, and students who do well sit INJSO, which IAPT also conducts.
IAPT describes the National Standard Examinations as the first stage and the only screening tests in India leading to the International Olympiads in their subjects.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: iapt.org.in (official document)
Who can sit NSEJS?
For NSEJS 2026: any student of Class 8, 9 or 10 on 30 November 2026, born 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013, not having completed (or scheduled to complete) Class 10 boards before 30 November 2026.
IAPT’s NSE 2026 page gives the class and birth-date rule; the board, residence and nationality rules below are from its student brochure.
| Class | Class 8, 9 or 10 on 30 November 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | Between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2013, both days inclusive |
| Nationality | Eligible to hold an Indian passport |
| Residence | Residing and studying in India, or studying in an Indian school system, since 30 November 2024 or earlier |
| Class 10 board | Must not have completed (or be scheduled to complete) the Class 10 board examination earlier than 30 November 2026 |
| Other NSEs | Must not be appearing in NSEA, NSEB, NSEC or NSEP 2026 |
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: iapt.org.in
What is the NSEJS exam pattern?
A two-hour paper of 60 multiple-choice questions for 216 marks: 48 with one correct option, at +3 and −1, and 12 worth 6 marks each with one or more correct options.
| Part | Questions | Marking |
|---|---|---|
| Single correct option | 48 | +3 for the correct choice, −1 for an incorrect choice |
| One or more correct options | 12 | 6 marks each; credit only when every correct option and no incorrect option is marked |
| Total | 60 | 216 marks |
Time: 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the student’s NSE centre.
Language: English, Hindi, Gujarati, Bangla, Kannada, Tamil or Telugu — or another Indian language if 300 students opt for it at registration.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: iapt.org.in (official document)
What is the NSEJS syllabus?
IAPT sets NSEJS broadly at secondary-school level, up to and including CBSE Class 10, covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics with equal emphasis.
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: iapt.org.in (official document)
What comes after NSEJS?
Students selected on their NSEJS scores sit INJSO, the Indian National Junior Science Olympiad, also conducted by IAPT. Further selection stages lead to the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO).
- NSEJSIAPT
Selection for INJSO is by NSEJS score. IAPT’s brochure sets a target of 300 students for INJSO, chosen through a minimum admissible score, a merit index and state-wise representation.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: iapt.org.in (official document)
- INJSOIAPT
The Indian National Junior Science Olympiad. HBCSE’s 2026–27 page states that NSEJS and INJSO are conducted entirely by IAPT and are not administered by HBCSE.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in
- Further selection stages
The official sources describe this step differently this cycle, so this guide does not name who runs it or when. Check IAPT’s announcements after INJSO.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in
- IJSO
IJSO has been held in December.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in (official document)
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in
When is NSEJS 2026?
IAPT holds NSEJS on the same Sunday as NSEP, NSEC and NSEB, after a student enrolment window. Both are listed below with their status as of today; INJSO 2027 has no announced date yet.
Next: NSEP, NSEC, NSEB, NSEJS — 22 November 2026 (Upcoming)
| Exam | Date | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSE student enrolmentExtended by IAPT. A student is enrolled by their centre in-charge or enrols individually. | 21 August – 16 September 2026 | Held | IAPT |
| NSEP, NSEC, NSEB, NSEJS | 22 November 2026 | Upcoming | IAPT |
Checked against the official sources on 14 September 2026. Confirm on the conducting body's site before you rely on a date.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: iapt.org.in
Where can a student find past NSEJS papers?
IAPT sells booklets of the past ten years’ question papers with solutions or answers, one per subject, Junior Science included; its brochure explains how to order them.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: iapt.org.in (official document)
NSEJS at Zigyan
NSEJS is one of the Olympiads listed for the Class IX Foundation and Class X Excellence programmes.
NSEJS, answered
Can a Class 8 student sit NSEJS?
Yes, if they fall within the birth-date window. For 2026, IAPT opens NSEJS to any student of Class 8, 9 or 10 on 30 November 2026 born between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2013.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: iapt.org.in
Is there negative marking in NSEJS?
Yes, in the 48 single-answer questions: an incorrect choice loses 1 mark. The 12 multiple-answer questions score only when every correct option, and no incorrect one, is marked.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: iapt.org.in (official document)
Can a student sit NSEJS and NSEP in the same year?
No. A student sitting NSEJS 2026 must not be appearing in NSEA, NSEB, NSEC or NSEP 2026.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: iapt.org.in (official document)
How does a student enrol for NSEJS?
Through their school or another registered NSE centre, whose in-charge enrols them, or individually online on IAPT’s website during the enrolment window.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: iapt.org.in
Who conducts NSEJS and INJSO?
The Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). HBCSE’s 2026–27 page states that both are conducted entirely by IAPT and are not administered by HBCSE.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in
Official sources
Every fact in this guide was read from the conducting bodies’ own pages and documents. Confirm on them before you rely on a date or rule — they change from cycle to cycle.
Preparing for Olympiads?
Sit the scholarship test and talk to a mentor about which programme fits.