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 Covid19 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. 

A three-hour and two-part examination called as Indian Olympiad Qualifier (IOQ) will be jointly organised by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) and Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research) – HBCSE (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 that has 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 of 1 hr and Paper 2 will be purely subjective of 2 Hrs. Students who clear the cut off for the Paper 1 only their answer sheets will be 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 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 the departure to compete at 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 the 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 hr and Paper 2 will be subjective of 2 hrs. Students will have to clear the minimum cutoff of paper 1 to be eligible for evaluation of paper 2 answer sheets. Only the performance in Paper 2 of the students 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.

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