Your First Step to the International Biology Olympiad – NSEB Explained!

If you’re into biology and love understanding how life works beyond textbooks, then NSEB (National Standard Examination in Biology) is where your Olympiad journey begins. Open to Class 11 and 12 students, it’s held every November and tests how well you truly get biology - not just memorize it. Scoring well here takes you to INBO, and eventually, you could represent India at the International Biology Olympiad.

Over 30,000 students register for NSEB annually, as per IAPT participation records.
Approximately the top 1% of candidates (based on national performance) are selected for INBO.
NSEB is conducted by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), with academic support from HBCSE, TIFR.
It is the first stage of the 5-stage Biology Olympiad program in India, leading up to the International Biology Olympiad (IBO).
The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 2 hours, covering advanced Class 11 and 12 biology.
Top NSEB qualifiers who reach the Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp (OCSC) at HBCSE receive fully funded training, travel, lodging, and meals - no fees are charged at any stage.
Olympiad achievers (including IBO participants/medalists) are eligible for direct admission to top institutes like IIT Kanpur, bypassing the JEE Advanced route with reserved seats in B.Tech and BS programs for Biology, Biological Sciences & Bioengineering, among others .

NSEB 2025 (National Standard Examination in Biology) will be held on Sunday, 23 November 2025, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

NSEB 2025–26 student registration closes on Monday, 14 September 2025 .

Biology Olympiad in India: All 5 Stages Explained

Stage	Event / Full Form	Key Details
Stage 1	NSEB – National Standard Examination in Biology	• Held in November by IAPT. • 2-hour MCQ exam (80 questions) for Class 11 & 12 students. • ~30,000 students appear yearly; top ~1% qualify for INBO.
Stage 2	INBO – Indian National Biology Olympiad	• Conducted by HBCSE in January. • Descriptive theory exam for NSEB qualifiers. • Tests deep conceptual knowledge and analytical skills. • Top ~35 students are selected for OCSC.
Stage 3	OCSC – Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp	• Held at HBCSE, Mumbai (May–June). • 2–3 week residential camp including theory classes, experimental training, and multiple evaluations. • All expenses fully funded. • 4 students were chosen to represent India at IBO.
Stage 4	PDT – Pre-Departure Training Camp	• Short, intensive training before IBO. • Focus on international-level theory and practicals. • Includes mock tests and advanced lab work at HBCSE to prepare the final team.
Stage 5	IBO – International Biology Olympiad	• Annual international competition with 70+ countries. • Rigorous theory and lab exams. • India’s 4-member team competes for gold, silver, or bronze medals. • Gains global academic recognition.

National Standard Examination in Biology - 2025

Recommended Blogs