International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2026-27: Exam Pattern, Eligibility & Preparation Tips
The International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is one of the most prestigious science competitions globally for young scholars. Student between the ages of 15 or younger who participate in IJSO will be tested on the three core sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, in theoretical and practical ways. IJSO promotes scientific curiosity, critical thinking skills, and support young talent’s innovation. Our blog will provide you with everything you need to know about IJSO 2025, including exam pattern, eligibility, selection processes and preparation considerations.
What Is IJSO All About?
IJSO is one of the International Science Olympiads, conducted every year for students fifteen years or younger. In 2004, IJSO launched in Jakarta, Indonesia, hosting approximately 50 countries with each country sending a team of six students with teacher leaders and observers.
It aims not only to test theoretical knowledge but to set participants up for hands-on experimentation, problem-solving, and teamwork. The exam will require students to take the examinations in three parts, MCQ, theory and practicals. Each examination should be about 3 to 4 hours long
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for IJSO 2025, students must:
- Be 15 years or younger on December 31, 2025
- Be studying typically in grade 10 or lower (country-dependent )
India has a very strict set of rules that the participants must follow, and they have to go through a very rigorous selection process for the national representation. Note: Students must have valid citizenship/residency in their respective countries as per the IJSO rules
Selection Process in India
India has a standardized five-stage selection process for selecting their IJSO team:
- NSEJS – National Standard Examination in Junior Science by IAPT (open to Class 10 or below). The top ~300 students qualify.
- INJSO – Indian National Junior Science Olympiad by HBCSE (selects ~ 35 from NSEJS)
- OCSC – Orientation Cum Selection Camp. They will do a combination of theory plus lab based tests which will decide the finalists.
- PDT Camp – Pre-Departure Training Camp at the HBCSE. The training is based on both theory and practical and provides the final team preparation.
- International Round – Representing India at the IJSO, where they will do an MCQ round, and a theory plus a practical (team) round
This four or five stage process ensures that ultimately only the strongest students represent the country on the global level.
IJSO 2025 Exam Pattern
The IJSO exam has three major rounds:
MCQ Round (Individual)
- There are 30 questions in total, 10 on each discipline: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- The wrong answers will get minus marks of -0.25, while a correct answer will earn them +1.
- Duration is 3-4 hours of time
Theory Written Round (Individual)
- Questions from all sciences. All are descriptive and application questions.
- Considering questions about deeper nature of understanding, logic, reasoning and explanation of processes.
- Duration is 3-4 hours.
Practical Exam (Team-based)
- In teams of three
- Laboratory experiment and applied problem-solving
- Time Limit: 3–4 hours
IJSO takes a holistic view so they are assessing individual conceptual strength and procedural experience.
Syllabus Overview
Building upon Class 10 science, the IJSO determines concepts through three area of focus, including:
Physics
- Mechanics
- Properties of Matter & Thermal Physics
- Waves, Sound, Light & Optics
- Electricity & Magnetism
- Fundamental Modern Physics
Chemistry
- Atomic Structure & Periodic Table
- Bonding & Chemical Reactions
- States of Matter, Solutions
- Acids & Bases, Introductory Organic Chemistry
Biology
- Cell Biology & Heredity
- Human & Plant Physiology
- Ecology, Microorganisms, Evolution & Biodiversity
Important Dates for IJSO 2026-27
- Team Finalization (India): Yet to be determined, expected by September 2026
- IJSO 2026 Date: November 23 – December 2 (Sirius Educational Center, Russia)
- Registration deadlines, as of this writing, include pre-registration (July 30) and final registration (October 15) in India
Why Participate in IJSO?
Holistic Learning Experience
Comes under three major sciences, giving a real-world awareness, interconnectivity, and appreciation of all sciences and their part in everyday life.
Early Exposure to Competition
Develops the patience of the exam temperament a long time before one faces a competition at school level.
Global Platform
Meet some of your competitors and collate personal experiences with people from varied backgrounds around the globe and forms part of the international rapport of science engagement.
Academic & Personal Growth
Develops your ability to work through scientific reasoning, where clarity of concepts will assist you through your own exams and more confidently.
Future Impact
The experience of an Olympiad makes your academic record stand-out; a valid addition for possible scholarship opportunities when participated in the IJSO provides a grounding for developing a scientific temperament.
Preparation Tips for IJSO 2025
Know the Syllabus
Have a solid understanding of Class 10 work across Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Conceptual Mastery
You need to be absolutely clear about the key concepts in each science; do not memorise the concept; be true to the reason behind the concept.
Use Past Papers
Use guides provided previously with MCQs and descriptive questions as reference, to help construct an exam-style approach.
Practice Speed & Precision
Complete MCQs from previous years the relevant syllabus and then time yourself when you complete attempts able to measure performance under a time constraint.
Hone Theory Writing Skills
Verify your own answer writing to check clarity and coherence – perhaps even employ a guiding written response for this practice.
Master Practical Skills
Develop a theoretical understanding of the experiments, and if you can, simulate a practical lab task.
Use Quality Resources
Utilize suitable notes, mock tests, and help/pilot schemes like “A Guide to the IJSO”.
Revision & Strategy
Implement a Retrieval strategy based on regular revision plans that are progressive, not cramming, similar to having regular plans for good memory of concepts.
Additional Resources to Help You Prep
- Official IJSO papers, and sample papers (if available).
- Math Olympiad and Science Olympiad coaching sites especially for IJSO & NSEJS.
- Books & online guides specifically for experiments, concepts with quick understanding, and question pattern of past exam.
- Engagement sites, e.g., Olympiad community, peer groups, and teachers for doubt-clearing.
Conclusion
2026 International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) provides a platform for young science enthusiasts to put their skills to the test on an international stage. By weighing both theoretical science against practical experimentation, IJSO enriches students’ lives by allowing them to become innovative thinkers and practitioners.
If you’re planning to participate, then the window of opportunity for structured preparation starts now, by unlearning their basics, practice & almost like developing real exam conditions (simulate), and ask for mentorship. IJSO awards the student not only participation but also the experience to discover their own science being in Science space.
Recovering Forgotten JEE Main Application Number
If you’ve lost your application number, or forgot it, here’s how to recover it:
- Visit the official JEE Main portal
- Click on the admit card download link
- Click on “Forgot Application Number”
- Provide the required information,
- Your full name
- Father’s and mother’s name
- Date of birth
- State of eligibility
- Security pin (captcha)
- Your application number will be sent to your registered mobile and email
FAQs – JEE Main 2026 Admit Card & Exam Guidelines
The exact release date of the JEE Main 2026 admit card will be announced on the official website — jeemain.nta.ac.in. Usually, admit cards are made available about a week before the exam.
In case of any error in your admit card (name, DOB, category, etc.), immediately contact NTA via the helpline numbers 7703859909 / 8076535482 or email at jeemain-nta@gov.in.
No, carrying a printed copy of the JEE Main 2026 admit card is mandatory. Without it, you will not be allowed to enter the exam hall under any circumstances.
Along with the admit card, candidates must carry a valid photo ID, a passport-size photo, and if applicable, a PwD certificate. Diabetic students may also carry permitted food items.
Visit the official website and click on ‘Forgot Application Number’. You’ll need to enter your name, parents’ names, DOB, state of eligibility, and captcha. Your application number will be sent to your registered email and mobile.
Quick Links
- National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP)
- National Standard Examination in Chemistry (NSEC)
- Internatinal Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)
- Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO)
- Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (INChO)
- Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO)
- Internatinal Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)
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