NSEJS / IOQJS (Classes 9–10) — 2025–26
What it is: India’s official Junior Science Olympiad entry test. NSEJS is the current first stage conducted by IAPT. The earlier name IOQJS (2020–22) is still seen on some sites.
📄 IAPT Student Brochure 2025 (Official)
📝 Student Login / Enrollment
🌐 HBCSE Science Olympiad Page
🔗 Junior Science (JSO) Updates
📅 Key Dates (2025–26)
| Event | Date & Time | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NSEJS 2025 exam | Sunday, 23 November 2025 | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM | IAPT Student Brochure 2025 |
| Hall ticket download | From 1 November 2025 | IAPT Student Brochure 2025 |
| Enrollment window | 21 August – 14 September 2025 (student/centre) | IAPT Student Brochure 2025 |
| Data correction window | 25 – 27 September 2025 | IAPT website |
| Stage‑II (INJSO) | Announced by IAPT/JSO (follow jso.indapt.org.in) | HBCSE brochure & IAPT |
🎯 Eligibility (Classes 9–10)
- Citizenship: Must be eligible to hold an Indian passport. (OCI policy as per latest HBCSE note.)
- Age/DOB: As per IAPT rules for NSEJS 2025 (DOB window printed in the Student Brochure).
- Class rule: Must be studying in Class 10 or below as of 30 Nov 2025; must not have passed Class 10 board earlier than that date.
- Residency: Studying & residing in India since the specified cut‑off date (see HBCSE page).
- Single‑subject rule: For NSE 2025, a student who appears in NSEJS cannot appear in NSEA/NSEB/NSEC/NSEP of the same year, and vice‑versa.
📝 Exam Pattern (NSEJS 2025)
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Total Marks: 216
- Sections: A) 48 single‑correct MCQs (+3 / –1) B) 12 multi‑correct MCQs (full marks only if all correct options, no incorrect marked)
- Syllabus: Broadly up to secondary level (Classes 9–10) across Physics, Chemistry, Biology & Mathematics; conceptual, application‑oriented.
- Language: English & Hindi (and other Indian languages where offered; see enrollment options).
➡️ Pathway to the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)
- NSEJS 2025 (IAPT) → selection based on MAS/MI, State quota etc. (details on brochure)
- INJSO 2026 (IAPT) – Stage‑II national exam for shortlisted students
- OCSC‑JS (Selection‑cum‑training camp)
- IJSO 2026 – India team selected from OCSC
How to Apply
- Check eligibility carefully (DOB window, class, residency, passport).
- Find/confirm your NSE centre or enroll online via the IAPT Student portal.
- Keep a valid photo ID, school details and a clear photograph ready; complete payment as per portal instructions.
- Download hall‑ticket from 1 Nov 2025 and reach the centre early with original ID.
Preparation Tips (Quick)
- Master NCERT Class 9–10 science & maths; practice past NSEJS and IOQJS papers in timed conditions.
- Focus on conceptual reasoning, quick calculations, units/dimensions, graphs and multi‑concept problems.
- Simulate Section‑B “multi‑correct” practice: avoid guessing; mark only when fully sure.
Official Links
- IAPT (NSE hub): iapt.org.in • Student Brochure 2025: Download PDF
- HBCSE Science Olympiad 2025–26: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in • Brochure (English): Download PDF
- JSO Updates (Stage‑II/OCSC lists etc.): jso.indapt.org.in
📝 Disclaimer
Dates and rules are taken from the IAPT Student Brochure 2025 and the HBCSE 2025–26 Science Olympiad brochure. Always verify on the official portals before applying.