If you wish to qualify for the Indian National Olympiad 2026 exam, staying updated with every element of the exam is required. From the application procedure and eligibility to exam pattern, syllabus, and Important dates, this blog covers all important information in one place to make your INO 2026 preparation smooth.
About INO Exam 2026
INO Full Form Stands for Indian National Olympiad. The Indian National Olympiad, organized by HBCSE, is held every year for school-level students who aim to compete for different international Olympiads such as the IPhO (International Physics Olympiad), the IChO (International Chemistry Olympiad), the IBO(International Biology Olympiad), and the International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO) in the field of science. INO is the 2nd Stage exam of the national selection process. The INO exam 2026 will be held on Jan 31, 2026 and Feb 1, 2026.
Indian National Olympiad Registration Date
INO examination, Last enrollment date is January 17, 2026. INO exam 2026 registration is now closed. Registration is mandatory for all to appear for the INO Olympiad 2026.
Without successful registration, candidates will not be eligible to participate in any stage of the Olympiad selection process.
INO 2026 Important tentative dates for students who appear for the examination
| Registration for INO 2026 | Jan 06-17, 2026 |
| Hall Tickets download | Jan 23, 2026 |
| INO exam | Jan 31-Feb 01, 2026 |
| Question papers and provisional solutions on the HBCSE website: | Feb 03, 2026 |
| Comments on provisional solutions: | Feb 03-08, 2026 |
| INO marks and frozen solutions on the HBCSE website: | Feb 21, 2026 |
| Reevaluation request: | Feb 21-26, 2026 |
| INO final results and OCSC lists: | March 06, 2026 |
Tentative Exam Date Schedule For INO 2026
| Astronomy (INAO): | Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 | 09.00 a.m. – 12.00 noon |
| Chemistry (INChO): | Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 | 01.30 p.m. – 04.30 p.m |
| Junior Science (INJSO)** | Sunday, Feb 01, 2026 | 09.00 a.m. – 12.00 noon |
| Physics (INPhO): | Sunday, Feb 01, 2026 | 09.00 a.m. – 12.00 noon |
| Biology (INBO): | Sunday, Feb 01, 2026 | 01.30 p.m. – 03.30 p.m. |
Note: Candidates without a valid INO Admit card / Hall Ticket 2026 will not be allowed to appear for the exam.
Eligibility Criteria for INO exam 2026
Students must follow the INO Exam official guidelines by HBCSE
- Students must have qualified in the National Standard Examination (NSE) in the respective subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, or Junior Science) held in November 2025.
- Candidates must be born on or after July 1, 2006.
- Only Indian citizens or students living in India for at least the last 5 years are eligible to participate.
- Students who have previously participated in the Indian National Olympiad or have been selected for training camps in the past are eligible, but there are specific restrictions based on the number of attempts allowed.
- Candidates must be studying in Class 12 or lower. Students who have already appeared for Class 12 exams or are currently in Class 12 are eligible to participate.
Exam Pattern For INO 2026
| Duration | Each Subject exam is of 3 hours |
| Type of Questions | multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short-answer questions, and problem-solving questions |
| Difficulty Level | Main Focus on conceptual learning, theoretical understanding, and practical application. |
Expected Subject-Wise INO Exam Pattern
Subjects |
Paper Pattern |
| Astronomy (INAO) | astronomy and astrophysics, including celestial mechanics, star evolution, and observational astronomy.
Questions often require graph analysis and mathematical calculations. |
| Chemistry (INChO) | Conceptual and application-based questions in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry. |
| Junior Science (INJSO) | Multidisciplinary exam combining Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. |
| Physics (INPhO) | problem-solving and derivation-based questions on advanced theoretical problems in topics such as mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum physics. |
| Biology (INBO) | Cell biology, genetics, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology are Important Topic are covered in INO exam |
Syllabus For INO 2026 Examination
Topics mainly based on CBSE Class 11 and 12 curricula for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Astronomy, and Class 10 for Junior Science.
Astronomy
- Basic of astrophysics
- Night sky observation
- principles of astronomy
- Solar System and its components
- Astronomical instruments
- Celestial bodies, stars, and galaxies
- Space exploration and discoveries
Junior Science
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Mathematics up to Class 10.
- Basics of Scientific Method
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Environmental Studies
- Simple Machines and Laws of Motion
Chemistry
- Atomic structure and periodic table
- Chemical bonding and reactions
- Organic and inorganic chemistry
- Thermodynamics and equilibrium
- Acids, bases, and salts
Physics
- Mechanics: Motion, Forces, and Energy
- Thermodynamics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Optics and Waves
- Modern Physics (Quantum Theory, Atomic Models)
Biology
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Evolution and Classification of Organisms
- Plant and Animal Physiology
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
It is important for Students to entirely go through the syllabus and concentrate on the spirit concepts for sufficient preparation.
Preparation Tips : INO exam 2026
Tips to focus on INO 2026 exam:
- Master Subjective Solving: Unlike Stage 1, you must deliver logical, step-by-step derivations. Practice writing clear, structured answers to gain marks.
- Solve PYQs: Practice and solve the last 10 years of Official HBCSE Past Papers to understand the difficulty bounce and exam pattern.
- Concepts Clarity: Standard school books aren’t sufficient for preparation. Use advanced resources for Olympiad-level depth.
- Mock Tests: Practice mock exams to get a real-time experience of the exam format and to recognize areas that need improvement.
- Time Management: With exams on Jan 31 and Feb 1, use this week for practicing 3-hour mock sessions to build the mental energy required for lengthy, complicated questions.
FAQs
1.What is the eligibility criteria for INO 2026?
Candidates must be Indian citizens and should be currently enrolled in Class 12 or lower. Students must have qualified in the NSE and be born on or after July 1, 2006.
2.Do students need to register every year?
Yes. Fresh registration is required each academic year, even for students who have appeared earlier.
3.Can students register on the INO website without qualifying IOQM?
No. Registration is typically required after qualifying the preliminary stage such as IOQM or the respective subject’s screening exam.
4.Is INO 2026 Registration closed?
Yes, INO examination, Last registration date is January 17, 2026. Ino exam 2026 registration is now closed.
