Indian Olympiad Qualifier (IOQ)

First Step towards International Olympiads in Science Subjects 2021-22

The National Olympiad Programme in science subjects for the year 2021 has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. In view of the prevailing situation, the examination has undergone a major change in its pattern, and the number of stages has reduced, as compared to previous years. 

Please Note: This page will be updated soon

A three-hour and two-part examination called the Indian Olympiad Qualifier (IOQ) will be jointly organised by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).

Categories of Indian Olympiad Qualifier 

1. Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Junior Science (IOQJS)
2. Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Astronomy (IOQA)
3. Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Chemistry (IOQC)
4. Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Physics (IOQP)
5. Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Biology (IOQB)
6. Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM)

Different Stages of Science Olympiad 

A usual five-stage procedure for the selection of the teams to represent India at the international Olympiads had been followed in previous years. The selection procedure for the 2021-2022 cycle has been changed to just a four-stage process (five-stage for Mathematics Olympiad) as a one-time exception only. 

Stage 1 – Indian Olympiad Qualifier (IOQ)

This IOQ (except IOQM) will be a 3 hrs examination which will be both objective and subjective. Paper 1 will be objective-type of 1 hour, and Paper 2 will be purely subjective of 2 hours. Only those students who clear the cut-off for Paper 1 will have their answer sheets checked for Paper 2. 

Stage 2 – Orientation Cum Selection Camps (OCSC)

In this stage, the student undergoes some theoretical and experimental sessions, and only 35-40 students from all over India compete against each to qualify for the Pre-Departure Camp. At these camps, orientation is provided to students for Olympiad level of theoretical, experimental and observational (for astronomy) tasks. Emphasis is laid on developing conceptual foundations and problem-solving skills. 

Stage 3 – Pre-Departure Camp 

In this stage, only 4-6 students who qualify from stage 2 undergo some rigorous training programme at HBCSE in theory and experiments before their departure to compete at the International level. Special laboratories have been developed in HBCSE for this purpose. Resource persons from different institutions across the country are invited to the training camps.

Stage 4 – International Olympiad 

The Olympiad programme culminates with the participation of Indian students (4-6 in each subject) in the International Olympiads. The students are accompanied by 2-4 teachers or mentors.

Eligibility for IOQ (Indian Olympiad Qualifier) 

Syllabus

Exam Date and Time 

Examination Pattern 

The paper pattern for IOQ (except IOQM) will consist of both subjective and objective questions. Paper 1 will be the objective-type (Multiple-choice Questions) of 1 hour, and Paper 2 will be subjective of 2 hours. Students will have to clear the minimum cutoff of paper 1 to be eligible for evaluation of paper 2 answer sheets. Only their performance in Paper 2 will make them qualify for OCSC (Orientation cum Selection Camp).

Paper Duration : 3 Hrs 

Mode: Offline 

Type of Exam: Subjective & Objective 

Negative Marking: -1 for Incorrect Answer in Part 1. 

Note – The No of Questions in both Paper 1 and Paper 2 will be updated as more information is updated on the official page of IAPT and HBCSE. 

Application Form 

Online enrolment for IOQ has already started, and interested candidates can visit the IAPT website (iaptexam.in) to register for the test.

Other National and International Level Olympiads