Learn about the International Junior Science Olympiad, discover the exam pattern, preparation tips and important updates. Everything you need to know about IJSO, you will find here, your complete guide.
International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is a distinguished global opportunity for students across different countries aged 15 and under, showcasing their understanding and experimental skills. The main purpose of the IJSO OLYMPIAD is to foster scientific thinking and international interaction among students from across the globe. IJSO OLYMPIAD is a unique combination of theory and practical knowledge. About 50 countries across the globe participate in the International Junior Science Olympiad.
The IJSO exam is designed to test how students apply their theoretical and practical knowledge in physics, chemistry and biology in the real world. With a mix of hand-written and practical tasks, the IJSO Exam promotes smart thinking, creativity and observation. The exam includes a rigorous selection process at the national level in each participating country followed by the international round hosted by a different country each year.
The International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is a prestigious science olympiad for students aged 15 or below. It is designed to promote interest in science education and problem-solving among young minds across the globe. The olympiad provides the opportunity for students to showcase their theoretical and practical knowledge in physics, chemistry and biology.
In order to participate in the IJSO Exam 2025, the participant must clear the first four stages that are NSEJS, INJSO, OCSC, and PDT. After clearing these stages, one is eligible to participate and register for IJSO 2025. The IJSO Exam is divided into three main rounds, that are: multiple choice questions, theory test and practical test. The MCQ round tests the clarity in concepts, the theory test evaluates deep thinking and explaining ability. The last round, practical test focuses on experimental and lab skills and also promotes team work.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| IJSO | An international science olympiad for students aged 15 or below, aiming to promote science education and problem-solving at a young age. |
| Syllabus | Physics, Chemistry, Biology - includes both theoretical understanding and practical application. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Participants must qualify through four national stages: 1. NSEJS 2. INJSO 3. OCSC 4. PDT |
| Exam Structure | The final IJSO exam consists of three rounds: - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) - Theory Test - Practical Test |
| Stages | MCQ Round: Tests clarity of basic concepts Theory Round: Evaluates reasoning and explanation skills Practical Round: Tests lab work and teamwork |
There are 4 stages before the IJSO Exam, which are to be cleared by the participant in order to take part in the IJSO Exam. These stages are listed below:
Step-by-Step Stages of IJSO 2025
| Stage | Name | Conducted By | Details | Selection Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) | Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) | Multiple choice test covering science up to Class 10 | Top 300 students qualify for Stage 2 |
| Stage 2 | Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO) | Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) | Advanced national-level exam | Top 35 students qualify for Stage 3 |
| Stage 3 | Orientation Cum Selection Camp (OCSC) | HBCSE | Theoretical and experimental training + evaluation | Top 6 students selected for the international team |
| Stage 4 | Pre-Departure Training Camp | HBCSE | Intensive training in theory and experiments | Final preparation before the international round |
| Stage 5 | International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) | IJSO Host Country | International competition with MCQ, Theory, and Practical exams | Team of 6 students represents India with 3 teacher-mentors |
There are three rounds of the IJSO Exam 2025, these are mcq, theory test and practical test. Each round is different-one tests your speed and accuracy, while another focuses on analytical and practical skills. Understanding the exam format helps students study smarter and feel more comfortable on the day of the exam.
Detailed Exam Structure of IJSO 2025
| Round | Name | Format | Duration | Key Features | Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Multiple Choice Test (MCQ Round) | 30 MCQs (10 each from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), individual test, 4 options per question, 1 correct | 3–4 hours | +1 mark for correct answers, -0.25 for incorrect ones (negative marking) | Conceptual understanding, accuracy, speed |
| Round 2 | Theory Test (Written Round) | Descriptive questions requiring detailed answers and calculations, individual test | 3–4 hours | Questions based on real-world scientific problems | Analytical thinking, problem-solving, explanation clarity |
| Round 3 | Practical Test (Experimental Round) | Group-based (teams of 3), perform science experiments and solve related problems | 3–4 hours | Focus on lab work, measurements, observations, and conclusions | Teamwork, critical thinking, hands-on experimental skills |
The IJSO syllabus is designed to reflect the core science concepts typically taught up to Grade 10 (or equivalent) internationally. The syllabus for IJSO 2025 is as follows:
Complete IJSO 2025 Syllabus: Physics, Chemistry & Biology
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Physics | Mechanics, Properties of Matter, Thermodynamics, Waves and Sound, Light and Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, Basic Modern Physics |
| Chemistry | Atomic Structure, Periodic Table, Bonding, Reactions, States of Matter, Solutions, Acids & Bases, Basic Organic Chemistry |
| Biology | Cell Biology, Genetics, Human & Plant Physiology, Ecology, Microorganisms, Evolution, Biodiversity |
1. PHYSICS
2. CHEMISTRY
3. BIOLOGY
The International Junior Science Olympiad 2025 is expected to take place from November 23,2025 to December 2,2025 in the Sirius Federal Territory, Russia. The events and their respective dates are listed below.
Important Dates for IJSO Exam 2025
| Event | Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Last Date for Pre-Registration | July 30, 2025 | Confirmed |
| Last Date for Registration | October 15, 2025 | Confirmed |
| National Qualifier Registration (India – NSEJS) | July – August 2025 | Tentative |
| National Selection Camp (India – OCSC) | May – June 2025 | Tentative |
| International Event Team Finalization | September 2025 | Tentative |
| IJSO 2025 Exam Dates | November 23 – December 2, 2025 | Confirmed |
| Location | Sirius Educational Center, Russia | Confirmed |
| IJSO Result 2025 | To Be Notified | To Be Notified |
The registration for IJSO 2025 is now open through the official website. Follow the steps carefully to complete your application in time.
Steps to Register for IJSO 2025
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Registration | Applicants must register via the official website of IJSO 2025. |
| 2. Access Portal | Visit the homepage and click the direct link to the IJSO 2025 registration portal. |
| 3. Login Credentials | After registration, applicants will receive a password and login details to access the team dashboard. |
| 4. Team Application | The team leader/coach fills out the application form with full details of all 6 members (names, ages, academic info). |
| 5. Document Submission | Submit all required documents including passports, age proofs, and consent forms before the deadline. |
NOTE: Individual applications are not accepted. Only applications submitted by an official team coordinator or institution will be considered valid for IJSO 2025.
The eligibility criteria for the students to appear for the International Junior Science Olympiad 2025 are as follows:
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age Requirement | Must be 15 years old or younger on 31 December 2025 |
| Academic Status | Typically in Grade 10 or below |
| Nationality | Must hold a valid passport from their respective country |
NOTE: No collection of formulae from mathematics, physics, chemistry etc are allowed during the competition.
In order to prepare for the International Junior Science Olympiad, one needs a clear understanding of all the basics of science till class 10. Here are some tips that will help you to prepare for the IJSO EXAM 2025.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Know the Syllabus | Study Physics, Chemistry, and Biology topics from Class 10 and below. |
| Understand Concepts | Understand how and why things work. Clear concepts help with tough questions. |
| Practice Questions | Solve previous year question papers and sample questions regularly to get used to the exam format. |
| Work on Speed and Accuracy | Practice solving questions quickly and correctly, especially for the MCQ round. |
| Improve Writing Skills | Practice writing full, clear answers and showing steps in the theory round. |
| Learn Basic Experiments | Understand how to perform simple experiments and record results accurately. |
| Revise Regularly | Keep reviewing old topics to make sure you remember them well. |
The International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is a big chance for students who love science to show their skills. It helps you learn better, think smart, and solve problems. To do well in IJSO 2025, start early, understand all topics clearly, and keep practising. Focus on both theory and experiments. Be consistent and keep revising.
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