NSEP 2026-27: National Standard Examination in Physics
The National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP) is one of India’s earliest and most coveted exams for school students who wish to demonstrate considerable proficiency in physics and represent India in the International Olympiads. NSEP has been organised by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) since 1987 and is the first step towards the Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO), and finally the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). Each year, close to 2 lakh students across 1500+ centres across India participate in this exam. Ultimately, the NSEP is not just an exam, but a recognition of an individual’s talent, passion, and commitment to physics.
The dates are set for the academic year of 2026-27 for the NSEP on 23rd November 2025 (Sunday) from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM across India.
What is NSEP?
NSEP is the acronym for the National Standard Examination in Physics, started in 1987 as a measure to find and cultivate youthful talent in physics. The exam is conducted in English, Hindi, and various regional languages for the accessibility of students across the nation.
The NSEP is the first stage of the Physics Olympiad programme in India, and students who qualify are allowed to appear in the INPhO (Indian National Physics Olympiad), followed by training and the opportunity to take part in the International Physics Olympiad.
Important Dates for NSEP 2025-26
Event | Dates |
Centre Registration Start | 1st August 2025 |
Centre Registration End | 20th August 2025 |
Student Enrollment Start | 21st August 2025 |
Student Enrollment End | 14th September 2025 |
NSEP Exam Date | 23rd November 2025 (Sunday) |
NSEP Eligibility Criteria 2025-26
Before applying, students must check that they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Must hold a passport from India.
- Date of birth, inclusive: The date of birth should be between 1st July 2007 and 30th June 2012.
- Must studying in Class XI or XII in India in the academic year 2026-27.
- Must have not already passed Class XII board exams before 30th November 2024.
- Must not have joined or have any plans of joining an undergraduate course before June 2026.
- Students appearing in NSEJS 2026-27 are not eligible.
NSEP Registration Process 2026-27
The NSEP 2026 registration will be conducted online from the IAPT official NSEP account.
Steps to Apply:
- Go to iapt.org.in.
- Click the NSEP 2026-27 Registration link.
- Fill out required details and generate OTP.
- Log in again and upload the documents.
- Pay the ₹200 application fees.
- Submit the application and print the application.
NSEP Exam Pattern 2026-27
The exam format evaluates conceptual understanding as well as problem-solving ability.
- Mode: Pen & Paper
- Duration: 2 hours (8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)
- Marks: 216
- Components:
- Part A: 48 Single-Answer MCQs
- Part B: 12 Multiple-Answer MCQs
- Marking Criteria (3, -1 in case of wrong answers).
- Language: English, Hindi, Regional language (in case requested and selected by 300+ students).
NSEP 2026 Syllabus
NSEP syllabus is usually based on Class XI and XII CBSE Physics but with a focus on conceptual knowledge and practice as opposed to memorization.
Important Topics Include:
- Mechanics / Motion, Gravity, Newton’s laws.
- SHM
- Electrodynamics – current electricity, magnetism, AC circuits.
- Optics -geometrical optics, wave optics.
- Photoelectric effect, X-rays, semiconductors, modern physics.
- Thermodynamics and Heat transfer.
- Oscillations & Waves
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Theory of Engineering, surface tension.
Stages After NSEP
The route between NSEP and IPhO is the following:
- NSEP- National Standard Examination Physics (Stage 1).
- INPhO- Indian National Physics Olympiade (Stage 2).
- OCSC – Orientation cum Selection Camp (Stage 3).
- PDT – Pre-Departure Training Camp (Stage 4).
- IPhO – International Physics Olympiad (Stage 5).
NSEP Scholarship 2026-27
IAPT provides the NSEP Scholarship to students who perform amongst the top ten, so that deserving students can receive the scholarship while they study physics under an undergraduate program.
Benefits:
- Gold Medals for the Top 35 Students
- Meritorious certificates for the Top 1%
- First call for interview for DAE (Department of Atomic Energy)
- Also a scholarship while pursuing B.Sc. Physics.
NSEP Results 2026-27
- The results will be declared in January 2027 on the IAPT official portal
- Students will be able to see the results by using their Roll Number / Date of Birth
- Topper is entitled to represent the state in the Indian National Olympiad (INPhO)
Why Choose Origin Educare for NSEP Preparation?
At Origin Educare, we aim to develop students for Olympiads like NSEP with the help of a fantastic faculty, structured programs, personal mentoring, and ensure every student gets the right direction.
- All-inclusive syllabus (Class XI & XII [Particular units are chosen individually but will also have their own distinctions as Olympiad] )
- Interactive LIVE Classes + Recorded Lectures.
- Daily practice problems & assignments
- Mock tests & hard copy of past year papers
- 1-1 mentoring regarding weak areas
Origin Educare is committed not only to exam success. Our commitment is to the student for a love of Physics.
Students of Class XI & XII having valid Indian passports, born between 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2011, are eligible.
Exam will be conducted on 23 November 2026 (Sunday) from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
Typically, 300 students (on merit basis for each state) will qualify for the INPhO level.
Yes, there is a negative marking with -1 mark for each wrong answer.
Yes, NSEP gives scholarships to the top 10 students when they undertake their undergraduate studies in physics.
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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