Complete Guide to National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP) - Olympiad Exam

What is NSEP – Introduction

NSEP ( National Standard Examination in Physics) is the initial step in selecting Indian students for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). This exam helps the students enter the international platform. IAPT—Indian Association of Physics Teachers organizes this exam. IAPT figures out the right young talents in physics and problem-solving techniques. 

It is a competitive exam conducted at the school level that focuses on physics concepts. This platform provides an opportunity for Indian students to represent their country internationally. 

Event Details

• Organized By: IAPT (Indian Association of Physics Teachers)
• Eligibility: Indian students studying class 11 or 12 and born on or after July 1, 2005.
• Mode: Offline (Pen-and-paper based)
• Exam Duration: 2 hours
• Format: Multiple-choice and integer-type questions
• Medium: English, Hindi & regional languages
• Level: Class 11 and 12 Physics + conceptual understanding

NSEP 2025: Important Dates (Tentative)

Note: Dates may be adjusted based on official announcements from IAPT.

NSEP Syllabus

There is no rigid syllabus, but questions align closely with CBSE Class 11 and 12 Physics. Key topics include:

• Mechanics (Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Work & Energy)
• Waves & Oscillations
• Heat & Thermodynamics
• Electricity & Magnetism
• Optics
• Modern Physics (Photoelectric effect, Atomic Models, Radioactivity)
• Units, Dimensions, and Errors

Questions test conceptual understanding, real-world applications, and creative problem-solving.

NSEP Registration Process

Students can register via their schools or directly through the IAPT website:

• Visit this website 
• Select “Student Registration” under the National Standard Examinations section.
• Fill in the details (Name, School, Date of Birth, Academic Info)
• Pay the registration fee (Approx. INR 200)
• Submit and print the acknowledgment slip.
• Await details of the examination center.

NSEP Exam Centres

NSEP is held across India in centers including:

• Kendriya Vidyalayas
• CBSE/ICSE-affiliated schools
• State government schools
• Private schools affiliated with IAPT

The details about the center will be intimated to the candidates ahead of the exam via email or school noticeboards.

NSEP Exam Pattern

• Total Questions: ~70
• Sections:
  • Part A (Multiple-choice, 1-mark questions)
  • Part B (Integer/numerical-type, 2-mark questions)
• Negative Marking: Only in Part A (generally -1 for incorrect responses)
• Difficulty Level: Higher than board exams; similar to Olympiad/competitive level

Preparation Tips

• Strong command over NCERT Physics Class 11 and 12
• Solve previous years’ NSEP and INPhO question papers.
• Refer to:
  • Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma (both volumes)
  • Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker
  • Problems in General Physics by I.E. Irodov (for advanced practice)
• Focus on:
  • Conceptual clarity
  • Speed & accuracy under time pressure
  • Dimensional analysis and approximation methods
• Join physics discussion forums like AoPS or Indian Olympiad Discord communities.

Results & Selection Process

• NSEP results are declared on this website
• The top ~300-400 students (based on regional and national cutoffs) qualify for INPhO (Indian National Physics Olympiad)
• Selection criteria include:
  • Minimum Admissible Score (MAS)
  • Proportional Representation Clause
  • Merit Index Score (MIS)
• The final selection of the OCSC (camp) and the IPhO team follows the INPhO and Orientation Camp.

NSEP Past Papers with Solutions

Practicing past NSEP papers is crucial for success. It helps students understand:

• The difficulty level of the exam
• Time management strategies
• Types of questions asked.
• How concepts are applied in non-standard ways

Where to find NSEP past papers:

1. IAPT Official Website:
   • Visit this website
   • Navigate to NSE Archives under the “Examinations” section for PDFs of previous question papers.
2. HBCSE Olympiad Corner:
   • Visit this website
   • Go to “Past Papers & Solutions” > Physics section
   • Includes NSEP and INPhO question papers with official solutions.
3. Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) Community:
   • Visit this website
   • User discussions and solutions for past papers and tough questions.
4. Brilliant.org and Physics Forums:

Community-solved questions, concept walkthroughs, and mock test series.