Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO)

Quick Fact: Scoring top ranks in the INBO can lead you to the IBO (International Biology Olympiad). 

To all the students who enjoy studying Biology, here is an olympiad for you. The Indian National Biology Olympiad or INBO is an annual competition held among high school students. It is a unique opportunity for every student to gain more knowledge and experience in Biology. You will be able to connect with students from all over India and even from around the world (if you qualify for IBO). The Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO) is conducted by HBCSE (Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education). 

Road to IBO (Until 2020)
 

To help you understand further how the Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO) plays an important role for you, here are the different exams that a student needs to clear/qualify for the International Biology Olympiad (IBO). 

Stage 1: National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB)

Students of Class 11 and Class 12 participate in this examination in the month of November every year. 

Stage 2: Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO)

Students who clear the NSEB (generally top 300 students) appear for the INBO. This exam is organised by HBCSE in 15 centres all across India. Those who clear this examination get a certificate from Association of Teachers in Biological Sciences (ATBS) which is a prestigious achievement in itself. 

Stage 3: Orientation cum Selection Camp (OCSC) in Biology 

The top 35 students are chosen from the examination results of INBO and they are invited to attend an orientation camp at the HBCSE centre. They have to pass several tests here in the camp. 

Stage 4: Pre-Departure Training (PDT) Camp for IBO

5-6 students are selected and given special training for the international olympiad. 

Stage 5: International Biology Olympiad (IBO)

The 5 students along with 2 teachers and 1 scientific observer represent India at the IBO. 

Road to IBO: Introduction of Indian Olympiad Qualifier for Biology (IOQB) (for 2021-2022 session)
 

The above-stated stages were a part of the usual procedure followed until 2020. For the 2021-2022 session, only one qualifier examination was conducted known as the Indian Olympiad Qualifier for Biology (IOQB). The IOQB examination was conducted in two parts. 

• Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Biology (IOQB) was held on 20 March 2022 (Sunday), 14:30 – 18:00 hrs.
• Further selection stages beyond IOQ, namely the Orientation-cum-Selection Camps (OCSCs), were cancelled (the International Olympiad for Biology was scheduled for July-August). Selection for the Indian team in Biology was based on the performance in IOQ Part II. 
• 5 students at the top of the merit list of IOQB Part II were to be selected for the Indian team to the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2022.

Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Biology (IOQB) 2021-2022
 

The Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Biology (IOQB) constitutes two examinations - National Standard Examination (NSEB) and Indian National Olympiad (INBO). In other words:

• IOQB Part I is also known as NSEB 
• IOQB Part II is also known as INBO 

The IOQB is jointly organised by the Association of Teachers in Biological Sciences (ATBS) and Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research) – HBCSE (TIFR). The academic responsibility of Part I: NSEB will be borne by ATBS while that of Part II: INO will be borne by HBCSE. The remaining stages of the Olympiad programme will be carried out by HBCSE.

Eligibility for IOQB 2021-2022
 

The eligibility criteria for Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Biology (IOQB) 2021-2022 include the following: 

• The students must be eligible to hold an Indian passport. 
• The date of birth of the student should be between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2007, both days inclusive. 
• The student must be residing and studying in India since 30 November 2019 or earlier or must be studying in an Indian school system since 30 November 2019 or earlier. 
• The student must be studying in classes 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, and not have completed (or scheduled to complete) class 12 board examinations earlier than 30 November 2021. Must not have commenced (or planning to commence) studies in a university or equivalent institution by 1 June 2022. 
• The student must not be appearing in IOQJS 2021-2022.

INBO Past Papers 
 

How can askIITians help you prepare for INBO 2022-2023?
 

The final dates for INBO 2022-2023 are not yet revealed by HBCSE. But, the students must start preparing for it as the exam is going to be extremely competitive. The askIITians team can help you with the study material required for INBO, previous year papers, sample papers, daily practice worksheets, revision notes and a lot more. Our Biology experts will guide you step by step and help you ace this olympiad. Contact us today for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions 
 

1. What is IOQB? 

For the 2021-2022 session of INBO, only one qualifier examination was conducted known as the Indian Olympiad Qualifier for Biology (IOQB). This examination had two parts: Part 1: National Standard Examination for Biology (NSEB) and Part 2: Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO). 

2. What is INBO? 

INBO or Indian National Biology Olympiad is a qualifying examination for International Biology Olympiad Training Camp. The selected students from the camp appear in the International Biology Olympiad. 

3. Who can help me prepare for INBO? 

askIITians team is here to guide students on how to study effectively for INBO and achieve a higher rank (amongst the top 30). We provide complete study resources for INBO. 

4. When will INBO 2022-2023 be held? 

The dates are not yet revealed by HBCSE. Stay tuned to the askIITians website to know more about INBO 2022-2023. 

5. What will be the process of INBO in 2022-2023? 

There is no clear indication whether the 5-stage process will be followed in the 2022-2023 session or not. We must wait until the final notification arrives from HBCSE.