NSEJS Eligibility Criteria 2025-26 – Age Limit, Qualification, Nationality

The National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) is the first stage of the prestigious Junior Science Olympiad Programme conducted in India. Organized by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), the NSEJS serves as the foundational platform for students aiming to represent India in the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO).

As per the tentative schedule, the NSEJS 2025-26 is expected to be conducted on November 23, 2025 (Sunday), from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM across registered exam centers. Before appearing for this competitive exam, it is crucial for students and parents to carefully understand the eligibility criteria, which govern who can participate in the exam.

Let’s take a closer look at the detailed NSEJS 2025-26 Eligibility Criteria to help aspirants check their qualification and proceed with registration confidently.

NSEJS 2025-26 Eligibility Overview

Below is a quick overview of the eligibility requirements for NSEJS 2025-26:

1. Age Limit and Date of Birth

One of the key requirements to appear in NSEJS is the age restriction. Candidates must be born on or after January 1, 2011, and on or before December 31, 2012. Students outside this age bracket will not be allowed to appear for the NSEJS 2025-26.

This age limit ensures that only junior-level students participate in the exam, in alignment with international norms of the IJSO.

2. Academic Qualification

The NSEJS 2025-26 is only open to students currently enrolled in Class 9 or Class 10 (academic year 2025–26). Students from other grades, including those in Class 8 or Class 11, are not eligible, regardless of their age.

It is mandatory for the school records to reflect the correct class details at the time of registration and exam.

3. Nationality Criteria

Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply for NSEJS. This criterion excludes Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and foreign nationals, as per the guidelines set by HBCSE and IAPT.

This requirement aligns with the Indian team selection protocol for international Olympiads.

4. Attempt Limit

Students can attempt NSEJS only once in their lifetime. If a student has appeared for the NSEJS exam in a previous year, they are not eligible to take the exam again. This ensures equal opportunity for fresh participants each year.

Parents and candidates must double-check this condition before registering.

5. Proof of Eligibility

During registration or later verification stages (especially for those qualifying for subsequent rounds), students may be required to submit:

• Proof of Date of Birth (Birth Certificate or Aadhaar Card)
• Proof of Academic Enrollment (School ID or Bonafide Certificate)
• Proof of Nationality (Passport, Aadhaar, or other valid government-issued ID)

Falsified documentation can lead to disqualification at any stage of the Olympiad process.

Why NSEJS Eligibility Matters?

Ensuring eligibility before registration is vital because only eligible students are allowed to appear for NSEJS and progress through the stages of:

• NSEJS → INJSO (Indian National Junior Science Olympiad)
• Orientation Cum Selection Camp (OCSC)
• International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)

A clear understanding of the eligibility criteria prevents last-minute disqualifications and confusion during the selection stages.

What’s Next After Checking NSEJS Eligibility?

Once you've confirmed eligibility, the next steps involve:

• Waiting for official registration to begin (tentatively August 2025)
• Filling out the student registration form through a registered exam center
• Preparing based on the syllabus prescribed by NSEJS
• Downloading the admit card from IAPT once available

For smooth registration, keep a close watch on announcements made by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) via their official website: www.iapt.org.in

Conclusion

The NSEJS 2025-26 is a golden opportunity for science-loving students of Classes 9 and 10 to showcase their potential at a national and international level. Verifying your eligibility is the first step toward your Olympiad journey.

Prepare early, ensure you meet all criteria, and stay tuned for the registration link and updates from IAPT.

NSEJS 2025-26 Eligibility Criteria FAQs

Q1. Who can apply for the NSEJS 2025-26 exam?
Answer: Students currently studying in Class 9 or 10 during the academic year 2025-26 and born between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2012, are eligible to apply. Additionally, they must be Indian citizens and should not have appeared in NSEJS in any previous year.

Q2. Can a student from Class 8 or Class 11 apply for NSEJS 2025-26?
Answer: No. Only students enrolled in Class 9 or 10 in the academic year 2025-26 are eligible. Students from other classes, even if they fall within the age range, are not eligible to appear.

Q3. Can a student appear for NSEJS more than once?
Answer: No. A student is allowed to appear for NSEJS only once in their lifetime. If a student has previously appeared for the exam, they are not permitted to apply again in subsequent years.

Q4. Are NRI or foreign students eligible to appear for NSEJS?
Answer: No. Only Indian nationals are allowed to participate in NSEJS. Students with NRI, OCI, or foreign nationality status are not eligible, as per IAPT and HBCSE guidelines.

Q5. What documents are required to prove eligibility for NSEJS 2025-26?
Answer: During registration or verification, students may need to submit:

• Proof of Date of Birth (e.g., Birth Certificate, Aadhaar)
• School ID or Bonafide Certificate showing Class 9 or 10 enrollment
• Proof of Indian Nationality (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Passport)