International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)

IPhO 2026 – International Physics Olympiad (Complete Guide)

The International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is the world’s most prestigious physics competition for high school students. Established in 1967 in Warsaw, Poland, the IPhO is held annually in different countries, bringing together the brightest young physicists from over 80 nations across five continents. The competition aims to evaluate students’ knowledge, analytical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities in both theoretical and experimental physics through complex problem-solving challenges.

This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information for the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2026), including syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility, selection process, and preparation tips.

IPhO 2026 – Event Overview

IPhO 2026 – Important Dates

Note: National selection processes (like India’s NSEP and INPhO) are conducted in the months leading up to the international event, typically starting in November–December of the previous year.

IPhO 2026 – Syllabus

The IPhO syllabus is specifically designed for students pursuing higher secondary education (Class 11 and 12). The syllabus is divided into three main sections: Theoretical Physics, Experimental Skills, and Required Mathematics.

Theoretical Physics

Experimental Skills

Required Mathematics

IPhO 2026 – Exam Pattern

The IPhO examination consists of two separate components: a theoretical examination and an experimental examination. Both are conducted on different days with at least one full day of rest between them.

IPhO 2026 – Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria to participate in IPhO 2026:

• Education Level: Contestants must be general or technical secondary school students (excluding technical colleges). They must have completed their school examinations in the year of the competition and should not have commenced university studies.
• Age Limit: Contestants’ age should be at most 20 years as of June 30, 2026.
• Nationality: Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the country they represent.
• Selection: Must be selected through the country’s official national physics olympiad program.
• Delegation Composition: Each participating country can send a maximum of 5 students and 2 delegation leaders.

IPhO 2026 – Indian Selection Process

The Indian team for IPhO 2026 is selected through a rigorous multi-stage process conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) in collaboration with the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT).

1. Stage 1: National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP)
   • Conducted by IAPT in November–December of the previous year.
   • Objective-type questions based on Class 12 physics curriculum.
   • Open to all interested students.
2. Stage 2: Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO)
   • Conducted by HBCSE for top performers from NSEP.
   • More challenging theoretical problems requiring deeper understanding.
3. Stage 3: Orientation cum Selection Camp (OCSC)
   • Approximately top 35 students from INPhO are invited to a 3-4 week training camp at HBCSE, Mumbai.
   • Includes theoretical and experimental training, plus several tests.
   • Final selection of 5-member Indian team occurs at the end of this camp.
4. Stage 4: Pre-Departure Training Camp (PDC)
   • The selected team undergoes intensive training to prepare for the international competition.
   • Covers advanced problem-solving, experimental techniques, and past IPhO papers.
5. Stage 5: Participation in IPhO 2026
   • The Indian team travels to Bucaramanga, Colombia, to represent India at the 56th International Physics Olympiad.

IPhO 2026 – Participation Fee

The participation fee covers accommodation, food, local transport, excursions, and all competition-related activities during the IPhO 2026 event period.

IPhO 2026 – Awards and Recognition

Awards are distributed based on the total scores achieved by contestants. The organizing committee establishes minimum point thresholds (minima) for each award category before any discussions with delegation leaders.

All participants receive a certificate of participation. The award ceremony is a highlight of the IPhO, celebrating the outstanding achievements of young physicists from around the world.

IPhO 2026 – Preparation Tips

• Master the fundamentals: Build a strong foundation in all areas of physics using standard textbooks like NCERT, H.C. Verma, Resnick & Halliday, and I.E. Irodov.
• Understand the syllabus thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with the complete IPhO syllabus and ensure you have covered all topics in depth.
• Solve past papers: Practice previous years’ IPhO problems (available at ipho-new.org/documentations) to understand the question patterns, difficulty level, and expected solution quality.
• Focus on conceptual depth: IPhO problems require deep conceptual understanding and creative problem-solving, not just formula memorization.
• Develop experimental skills: Practice laboratory experiments, measurement techniques, data analysis, and error estimation. Hands-on experience is crucial for the experimental examination.
• Master mathematical techniques: Be proficient in calculus, vectors, complex numbers, and other mathematical tools required for physics problem-solving.
• Join training programs: Participate in national training camps, summer schools, and coaching programs offered by HBCSE and other institutions.
• Form study groups: Collaborate with fellow aspirants to discuss problems, share insights, and learn from each other.
• Time management: Practice solving problems under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy.
• Stay motivated: IPhO preparation is a long journey. Maintain consistent effort and stay focused on your goal.

IPhO 2026 – Past Papers and Resources

Previous years’ IPhO question papers, along with solutions, are available on the official IPhO website. Candidates can download them directly from:

Official IPhO Documentation: https://ipho-new.org/documentations

Recommended Books:

• Fundamentals of Physics – Resnick, Halliday & Walker

li>Problems in General Physics – I.E. Irodov

• University Physics – Young & Freedman
• 200 Puzzling Physics Problems – Gnädig, Honyek, Riley
• The Art of Physics – various authors (AAPT publications)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – IPhO 2026

1. When and where will IPhO 2026 be held?
The 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2026) will be held in Bucaramanga, Colombia from July 4 to July 12, 2026.

2. What is the age limit for IPhO 2026?
Contestants must be under 20 years of age as of June 30, 2026.

3. Can university students participate in IPhO?
No. IPhO is exclusively for secondary school students. Students who have commenced university studies are not eligible.

4. How many students can a country send to IPhO?
Each country can send a maximum of 5 students and 2 delegation leaders.

5. How can an Indian student qualify for IPhO 2026?
Indian students must clear: NSEP → INPhO → OCSC (training camp) → PDC → final selection for IPhO team. The process is conducted by HBCSE and IAPT.

6. What is the exam pattern for IPhO?
IPhO consists of two separate examinations: Theoretical (5 hours, 3 problems) and Experimental (5 hours, 1-2 problems). Both are conducted on different days.

7. Are calculators allowed in IPhO?
Yes, approved non-programmable calculators are permitted. No other electronic aids are allowed.

8. What is the syllabus for IPhO?
The syllabus covers Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Oscillations and Waves, Relativity, Quantum Physics, Thermodynamics, Experimental Skills, and required Mathematics up to basic calculus.

9. How are medals awarded at IPhO?
Gold medals are awarded to the top 8% of contestants, Silver to the next 17%, Bronze to the next 25%, and Honorable Mentions to the next 17%.

10. What is the participation fee for IPhO 2026?
A regular delegation (5 students + 2 leaders) pays EUR 3,500. Smaller delegations pay EUR 500 per participant. Observers and visitors pay EUR 2,000 per person.

Important Notes and Disclaimers

• This page is updated for IPhO 2026 based on information from official sources including ipho-new.org, HBCSE, and IAPT.
• The 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2026) will be hosted by Bucaramanga, Colombia from July 4 to July 12, 2026.
• National selection processes and deadlines vary by country. Indian students must follow the schedule announced by HBCSE and IAPT.
• All dates, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Candidates must regularly visit the official IPhO website (https://ipho-new.org) and their national olympiad website for the latest updates.

This page is for informational purposes only. ALLEN Overseas has verified the information from official sources. However, candidates must refer to official notifications from the respective organizing bodies for final confirmation.