NSEP / IPhO
National Standard Examination in Physics → International Physics Olympiad
Olympiad
6 Info Sections
NSEP / IPhO — Overview
Overview
NSEP is Stage 1 of the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) pathway. Tests physics aptitude beyond school level.
Journey: NSEP → INPhO → OCSC → PDC → IPhO
Top INPhO performers may also attend Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO).
5-Stage Selection
Stages / Rounds
- NSEP: 300-500 selected.
- INPhO: ~300 examinees, ~30-35 selected. 3 hours.
- OCSC: At HBCSE. 4-6 selected.
- PDC → IPhO: India sends 5 students.
Bonus: ~8 INPhO toppers may attend APhO.
NSEP Exam Pattern
Exam Pattern
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Marks | 216 |
| Section I | 48 Qs — Single Correct (+3, −1) |
| Section II | 12 Qs — Multiple Correct (No negative) |
NSEP 2022 Cut-offs
Cut-off & Marks
- MI Score: 134 / 216
- MAS: 83
- Avg Top 10: 167.6
NSEP Chapter Analysis
Chapter Analysis
Class 11 (48.33%)
- Rotational Motion — 8.33%
- Fluid Mechanics — 6.67%
- Gravitation — 5%
- Work, Energy & Power — 5%
- Laws of Motion — 3.33%
- Thermodynamics — 3.33%
- Waves — 3.33%
Class 12 (51.67%)
- Ray Optics — 11.67%
- EM Induction — 6.67%
- Electrostatic Potential — 6.67%
- Current Electricity — 5%
- Electric Charges — 5%
- Moving Charges & Magnetism — 5%
Preparation Tips
Preparation Tips
- HC Verma minimum: Complete both volumes. Solve every problem.
- Irodov: Problems in General Physics — Olympiad standard.
- Ray Optics (11.67%): Highest-weighted topic. Master it.
- Rotational Motion (8.33%): Second most important.
- Previous years: 10 years of NSEP papers.