International Junior Science Olympiad 2022 (IJSO 2022)

Quick Facts: 

• The International Junior Science Olympiad is conducted in 96 countries! These include India, USA, Vietnam, South Korea, Russia, Oman, Iran, Iraq, China, Brazil and many more! 
• India won 6 Gold Medals each in IJSO 2021 and IJSO 2019 respectively! 

Note: The IJSO 2022 is supposed to take place in December 2022 in Ukraine. But the dates have not been finalised yet. So, you will find information based on previous year's olympiads here. 

Do you have an interest in science? Do you like Science experiments and research? Do you want to get the exposure to pursue a career in science one day? If you just said yes, then get ready for the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO). It is a big event and one of the most exciting olympiads conducted at an international level. 

What is the International Junior Science Olympiad? 
 

The International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is an international individual and team competition conducted annually for students who are 16 years old on the 31st of December of the competition year. The main objective of this event is to promote Natural Science knowledge among students. It challenges and provides a platform for gifted students to showcase their talents and further deepen their knowledge. It also lets students from all over the world connect with one another and exchange ideas and knowledge. It also gives students and educators a chance to compare the syllabi being followed by different participating countries and understand the trends in Science education. 

In India, the ISJO is conducted and coordinated by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) in nearly 1400 schools across India. The HBCSE conducts this olympiad programme in 5 stages as given below: 

Stage 1: National Standard Examination (NSE) 

The Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) organises this examination in coordination with the Association of Chemistry Teachers (ACT) and the Association of Teachers in Biological Sciences (ATBS). 

• It is an objective-type test. 
• It includes tests for Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. 
• The syllabus for Junior Science is equivalent to the CBSE Science syllabus up to Class 10.
• The questions are of higher difficulty than the board examination. 
• The NSE is generally held in November. 
• Its registration fee is INR 100. Students can contact their schools to know more about registrations. 

Stage 2: Indian National Olympiads (INOs)

The best-performing students (approximately 300 in each subject) in the NSE are selected for INO. HBCSE organises this olympiad in late January every year in around 18 centres all across the country. The syllabus of INO is the same as that of the NSE. However, it not only includes objective-type questions but also long-answer questions. 

Stage 3: Orientation-cum-Selection Camps (OCSCs)

The top 35 students in each subject are selected for Orientation-cum-Selection Camps (OCSCs) held at the HBCSE from April to June. Students gain theoretical knowledge and experimental skills in this camp. 

• Students develop their problem-solving skills at HBCSE. 
• Students participate in innovative experiments and ignite their curiosities. 
• Students participate in different tests at the camp out of which a few are selected for the international olympiad. 

Stage 4: Training Programme at HBCSE

The students selected in the camps undergo training for the IJSO. 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 5: IJSO 

Finally, the 4-6 top performing students are selected to participate in the International Junior Science Olympiad. The students are accompanied by 2-4 teachers or mentors to the country where IJSO is taking place. 

What is the eligibility criteria for IJSO?
 

1. The student must be eligible to hold an Indian passport.
2. The student should be 16 years old on 31st December of the competition year. 
3. The student must be residing and studying in India since 30 November 2017 or earlier or must be studying in an Indian school system since 30 November 2017 or earlier. 
4. The student must not have completed (or scheduled to complete) the class 10 board examination earlier than 30 November 2019.
5. Must not be appearing in any of NSEA, NSEB, NSEC, or NSEP 2019.

It is the student’s responsibility to determine if he/she satisfies the eligibility norms. If at some later stage it is found that the student does not meet the eligibility norms, he/she may face disqualification from the programme.

What is the syllabus for IJSO?
 

The syllabus for IJSO includes:

1. General science skills 
2. Content Knowledge in Natural Sciences and Mathematics  
3. Laboratory Skills  

The details of the syllabus are given below.

1. General science skills 
   1. Scientific method (use, analysis, and explanation): hypothesis, prediction, experiment plan (methods, controls), conclusions. Use of scientific terminology 
   2. Data in an experiment: representation in tables, diagrams, graphs, biological drawings. Data interpretation. Data validation.  
   3. Precision and accuracy 
   4. SI units, derived units, units and dimensional analysis 
   5. Units (SI) for length, mass, time, temperature, volume, density, pressure, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration, force, potential difference, current, resistance, electrical power, energy, amount of substance 
   6. Significant figures (reading measurements, use in calculations (divisions, multiplications, subtractions, and additions only)) 
   7. Identification of error sources
   8. Scientific notation and rounding 
   9. All non-numerical answers should be in agreement with the SI system provided on the IJSO website

1. Content Knowledge in Natural Sciences and Mathematics  
   1. Particles, waves and matter - Properties of matter, Elements and the periodic table, Gaseous state 
   2. Energy - Chemical reactions in terms of energy, Electricity and chemistry, Energy, work, and power 
   3. Interactions - Calculations in chemistry, Chemical reactions, Chemical bonding, Reaction rates, Equilibrium, Oscillation and waves, Light and optics, Sound, Electricity and magnetism, Heat and mass transfer, Elementary nuclear science 
   4. Structure, properties and functions - Earth, astronomy, space, universe, Biochemistry, Diversity and structure of life, Cell biology, Preventive biology 
   5. Systems - Plant structure and function, animal structure and function, Principles of human biology
   6. Development and Evolution - Genetics, Principles of evolution, Ecology, 
   7. Mathematics skills - Equations, vector algebra, mean values, the transformation of equations to obtain linear relations

1. Laboratory Skills  
   1. Measurement of mass, length, volume, time, temperature, voltage, and current.  
   2. Use of dichotomous keys 
   3. Dissection of plant specimens: roots, stems, leaves, fruits, and flowers.  
   4. Light microscopy, including the preparation of slides 
   5. Preparation of standard solutions 
   6. Titrations   
   7. Spectrophotometry: determination of concentrations of solutions by using Beer-Lambert's law with formula provided 
   8. Basic separation techniques: filtration, simple distillation, crystallisation, thin-layer chromatography, adsorption, centrifugation 
   9. Measurement of pH in liquids 
   10. Measurement of the focal length of thin lens 

What is the exam pattern for IJSO? 
 

Prepare for IJSO with askIITians

Set your pathway to success in the Science stream by preparing for IJSO with the askIITians team. We have the best mentors who will guide you and prepare you for the different stages of the International Junior Science Olympiad. 

• Get previous year's papers for NSEJS, INJSO and IJSO and prepare as per the latest exam pattern. 
• Study from Science experts from IITs and NITs in live classes. 
• Get separate doubt sessions and mock tests to practice well for the olympiad. 
• Access special books focusing on the olympiad syllabus and exam pattern. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

• Where was IJSO 2021 held? 

IJSO 2021 was held in UAE. IJSO 202 was held in Germany. IJSO 2019 was held in Qatar. 

• Where will IJSO 2022 and 2023 be held? 

IJSO 2022 was supposed to be held in Ukraine (not confirmed). IJSO 2023 will be held in Thailand (confirmed). 

• What is the syllabus of IJSO? 

The IJSO syllabus is almost similar to the Class X CBSE Science syllabus. But, students are expected to have advanced knowledge about the Science subject, not limited to the CBSE board. 

• How to participate in IJSO from India? 

You can consult your school authorities. They will guide you about the participation process. Visit the IJSO official website for more information.