Exams · NSEC
NSEC
NSEC 2026-27 Exam: 22 Nov 2026 (official — iapt.org.in). Official site: iapt.org.in.
National Standard Examination in Chemistry
HBCSE/IAPT Stage-1 chemistry olympiad. 80 MCQs in 3 hours — physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry at Class 11+12 level with olympiad-style depth.
Free NSEC mock tests and previous year paper practice — start now.
Full-length mocks with instant scoring and solutions, PYQ-pattern papers, topic-wise tests and Ask Shishya when you're stuck. Your scores and a free day-by-day plan are saved to your account. All free, no credit card. Content is AI-drafted and checked against the official notification.
Updated 27 Sept 2026 ·Vacancy counts change every cycle — always confirm the exact number in the latest official notification before applying.
Sourced
Source: official exam authority notification · refreshed weekly. How this works →
✦ Try a NSEC question — free, no signup
Some Basic Concepts of ChemistryThe molality of a solution containing 5.85 g of NaCl dissolved in 500 g of water is:
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5 questions across the syllabus to see where you stand.
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NSEC eligibility
Verified against the official notification. Source ↗ · last reconciled 2026-05.
- Education
- Currently studying in Class 11 or Class 12 in a recognised Indian school.
- Attempts
- One attempt per cycle.
- Nationality
- Indian citizen, OCI, or studying in Indian schools.
NSEC paper analysis — what actually got asked
Topic-by-topic weightage averaged across 2022-2024 papers. Use this to decide where to invest study hours, not where to skim. Source ↗ · verified 2026-05.
Physical Chemistry
80/240 marks avg
Thermo + equilibrium + kinetics + electrochem + atomic structure
~80 marks(33%)
Organic Chemistry
80/240 marks avg
Reaction mechanisms + stereochemistry + biomolecules + named reactions
~80 marks(33%)
Inorganic Chemistry
80/240 marks avg
Coordination + p-block + d-block + metallurgy + qualitative analysis
~80 marks(33%)
Takeaways for prep planning
- NSEC is harder than JEE Advanced Chemistry. Coverage extends to undergrad-level material (e.g., MO theory, advanced organic mechanisms).
- Use 'University Chemistry' textbooks (Atkins, Clayden, Morrison & Boyd) alongside JEE-level books.
- INChO Stage 2 is descriptive — develops problem-solving stamina, not just knowledge breadth.
NSEC — Frequently asked questions
Is Shishya free for NSEC preparation?
How many NSEC practice questions does Shishya have?
Are NSEC previous year question papers available?
What is the expected cutoff for NSEC?
Is there a full-length NSEC mock test in the real exam pattern?
Can I build a topic-wise NSEC mock test?
How can I prepare for NSEC for free?
Previous year papers
60 questions across all yearsOfficial papers
Question papers and answer keys as the conducting body published them. Each link opens the body's own file.
2025
- Question paper: NSEC 2025 Question Paper, Code 31 ↗ · English · 899 KB
- Answer key: NSEC - 2025 Final Answer Key (codes 31-34) ↗ · English · 444 KB
- Answer key: NSEC 2025 Solution Key (code 31) ↗ · English · 445 KB
2024
- Question paper: NSEC 2024 Question Paper (Delhi NCR sitting, Dec 2024), Code 35 ↗ · English · 1.1 MB
- Question paper: NSEC 2024 Question Paper, Code 31 (held Nov 2024) ↗ · English · 1.7 MB
- Answer key: NSEC - 2024 (NCR) Final Answer Key (codes 35-38) ↗ · English · 446 KB
- Answer key: NSEC - 2024 Final Answer Key (codes 31-34) ↗ · English · 444 KB
2023
- Question paper: NSEC 2023 Question Paper, Code 31 ↗ · English · 1.6 MB
- Answer key: NSEC - 2023 Final Answer Key (codes 31-34) ↗ · English · 336 KB
2022
- Answer key: NSEC - 2022 Final Answer Key (codes 31-34) ↗ · English · 412 KB
2021-22
- Question paper: IOQC 2021-22 Part I (NSEC) Question Paper, Code 31 ↗ · English · 1.7 MB
- Answer key: IOQC 2021-22 Part I (NSEC) Final Answer Key ↗ · English · 600 KB
- Answer key: IOQC 2021-22 Part I (NSEC) Solutions, Code 31 ↗ · English · 576 KB
2020-21
- Question paper: IOQC Part I Question Paper, Code 31 ↗ · English · 1.0 MB
- Answer key: Final Answer Keys IOQC 2020-21 Part I (NSEC) ↗ · English · 197 KB
2019
- Answer key: NSEC - 2019 Final Answer Keys ↗ · English · 211 KB
Published by Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT)
Previous year paper practice: each year is a set of PYQ-pattern questions — freshly worded in the pattern of that year's paper, not the paper itself. Every card shows how many it holds against the real paper's count.
2025
12 PYQ-pattern questions modelled on the 2025 paper (which had 80)
Practise these →2024
12 PYQ-pattern questions modelled on the 2024 paper (which had 80)
Practise these →2023
12 PYQ-pattern questions modelled on the 2023 paper (which had 80)
Practise these →2022
12 PYQ-pattern questions modelled on the 2022 paper (which had 80)
Practise these →2021
12 PYQ-pattern questions modelled on the 2021 paper (which had 80)
Practise these →
Mock tests
Take any mock in your preferred language — use the language picker inside the mock to switch (Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, and 15 more).
NSEC — Quick Practice
SET20 questions · 180 min
Start mock →NSEC — Full-Length Mock (Real Pattern: 80Q · 180 min)
FULL80 questions · 180 min
Start mock →
Practice by subject & topic
Full-length subject tests below — 25 questions each, real exam format, instant scoring.Want to drill a single topic? Open it from the syllabus — a topic that has practice questions has a short quiz on its page.
Chemistry
68 Qs
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Your rank
vs everyone who has taken this examTake a mock to see where you stand on the leaderboard.
Students
4
Mocks taken
6
Average score
48%
Top score
73%
What can I get from NSEC?
Mock-score → expected rank → likely outcome. Use the mocks below to find your current band, then plan how many marks you need to climb.
Top 100 — IChO team zone
97–100% · Rank 100 – 1
- •Almost certain OCSC selection at HBCSE Mumbai
- •Strong contender for 4-member Indian team to International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO)
- •Gold medal probability at INChO
- •Elite national recognition in chemistry olympiads
- •Significant advantage in KVPY interviews and IIT admissions processes
- •Potential for international medals (IChO typically awards medals to top 10% gold, 20% silver, 30% bronze)
- •Direct mentorship from leading chemistry researchers and IChO alumni
Top 500 — OCSC strong contenders
92–97% · Rank 500 – 100
- •Excellent probability of OCSC selection (approximately top 300 invited)
- •Within striking distance of 4-member Indian IChO team
- •Exceptional understanding of olympiad-level chemistry concepts
- •Likely to receive gold/silver medal at INChO
- •Profile significantly enhanced for KVPY fellowships and premium institution admissions
- •Potential for direct interaction with IChO training faculty
Top 1500 — OCSC probable
85–92% · Rank 1,500 – 500
- •Very strong chance for Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC) at HBCSE Mumbai
- •Top 1% nationally in chemistry aptitude
- •Competitive for final team selection to IChO (top 35-50 students invited to OCSC)
- •Recognition in national olympiad circles
- •Strong profile boost for KVPY, JEE Advanced, and undergraduate admissions
- •May receive specialized mentorship from chemistry professors
Top 5000 — Strong INChO contenders
75–85% · Rank 5,000 – 1,500
- •Highly likely to clear INChO with good margin
- •Competitive for top 300 selection to OCSC stage
- •Demonstrates advanced problem-solving in all chemistry domains
- •Strong foundation for International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) preparation pathway
- •May receive recognition from HBCSE (Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education)
- •Eligible for various state and national-level awards
INChO qualification zone
60–75% · Rank 15,000 – 5,000
- •Strong probability of selection for Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (INChO)
- •Eligible for merit certificates in most states
- •Demonstrates solid conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability
- •With focused preparation, competitive for OCSC (Orientation-cum-Selection Camp) in subsequent rounds
- •Access to advanced olympiad training materials and workshops
State-level participation range
40–60% · Rank 30,000 – 15,000
Below qualification threshold
0–40% · Post-based exam (no numeric rank)
AI-curated from historic cut-off patterns. Always verify with the latest official notification before making decisions.
News & timeline
See older updates →Latest news
IAPT has confirmed that the National Standard Examination in Chemistry 2026 will be conducted on Sunday, 22 November 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The exam carries 216 marks with 60 MCQs divided into Part A-1 and Part A-2.
Students in Class 11 and 12 can register for NSEC 2026 from 21 August to 14 September 2026 through the official IAPT portal or registered school centres. Registration fee is Rs. 300.
The Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) has opened the online registration portal for examination centres from 1 August 2026. Student enrolment will begin on 21 August 2026 through iapt.org.in.
Important dates
NSEC 2026-27 Centre Registration End
passedThu, 20 Aug, 2026
Reportedpw.liveNSEC 2026-27 Student Enrolment Start
passedFri, 21 Aug, 2026
Reportedpw.liveStudents can register through registered centres or directly on iapt.org.in
NSEC 2026-27 Student Enrolment Deadline
passedMon, 14 Sept, 2026
Reportedpw.liveRegistration fee Rs. 300 (non-refundable)
NSEC 2026-27 Admit Card (expected)
31 days awayTue, 10 Nov, 2026
ExpectedAdmit cards typically released 1-2 weeks before exam through centres
🏅NSEC 2026-27 Exam
43 days awaySun, 22 Nov, 2026
Officialiapt.org.in ↗Sunday 22 Nov 2026, 11:30 am–1:30 pm (IAPT's NSE 2026 schedule; HBCSE's Science Olympiad 2026-27 page gives the same date and time for NSEC).
NSEC 2026-27 Result (expected)
74 days awayWed, 23 Dec, 2026
ExpectedBased on 2025-26 cycle; result includes MAS and merit list
INChO 2027 Registration (expected)
97 days awayFri, 15 Jan, 2027
ExpectedNSEC qualifiers become eligible for Indian National Chemistry Olympiad
INChO 2027 — Stage II, for NSEC qualifiers
112 days awaySat, 30 Jan, 2027
Officialolympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in ↗Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (stage II): Saturday 30 Jan 2027, 13:30–16:30 (HBCSE, Science Olympiad 2026-27). The list of students selected for the INOs will be published by 15 Jan 2027 on the IAPT website (iapt.org.in); selected students must then register on the HBCSE website to get their INO admit cards.
Syllabus
Tap any topic for its study notes + a 10-question topic test
Chemistry
Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
Mole concept, stoichiometry, empirical and molecular formulas, concentration units.
Structure of Atom
Bohr model, quantum numbers, orbitals, electronic configuration and Aufbau principle.
Classification of Elements and Periodicity
Modern periodic table, periodic trends in radii, ionisation enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy and electronegativity.
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Ionic, covalent, coordinate bonding; VSEPR; valence bond and molecular orbital theories; hybridisation.
States of Matter
Ideal/real gases, kinetic theory, liquefaction; liquid-state properties; solid-state classification, lattices and unit cells.
Chemical Thermodynamics
First law, enthalpy, Hess's law, entropy, Gibbs energy and spontaneity criteria.
Equilibrium
Chemical equilibrium, Kc/Kp, Le Chatelier's principle, ionic equilibria, pH, buffers, solubility product.
Solutions
Concentration, Raoult's law, ideal/non-ideal solutions, colligative properties and van't Hoff factor.
Electrochemistry
Galvanic cells, EMF, Nernst equation, conductance, Kohlrausch's law, electrolysis and batteries.
Chemical Kinetics
Rate laws, order, molecularity, Arrhenius equation, integrated rate equations and collision theory.
Surface Chemistry
Adsorption, catalysis, colloids, emulsions and Tyndall effect.
s-Block Elements
Group 1 and 2 — alkali and alkaline-earth metal trends, anomalous behaviour and important compounds.
p-Block Elements
Groups 13-18 — periodic trends, important compounds, allotropy, oxoacids and noble gases.
d- and f-Block Elements
Transition metals, variable oxidation states, magnetic and catalytic properties; lanthanoids and actinoids.
Coordination Compounds
Werner theory, ligands, nomenclature, isomerism, CFT and applications including chelation.
General Principles of Isolation of Elements
Metallurgical principles — concentration, reduction, refining and thermodynamics of extraction.
Organic Chemistry — Basic Principles
IUPAC nomenclature, isomerism, reaction mechanisms, electron displacement effects and reactive intermediates.
Hydrocarbons
Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic hydrocarbons — preparation, properties and reactions.
Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
Nomenclature, preparation, nucleophilic substitution and elimination of alkyl/aryl halides.
Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
Preparation, physical and chemical properties; acidity of phenols; Williamson ether synthesis.
Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
Carbonyl chemistry, named reactions (Aldol, Cannizzaro, Clemmensen) and acid derivatives.
Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen
Amines, diazonium salts, cyanides/isocyanides, nitro compounds — preparation and reactions.
Biomolecules
Carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, nucleic acids, enzymes and vitamins at NCERT level.
Polymers
Classification, addition and condensation polymers, copolymers and biodegradable polymers.
Chemistry in Everyday Life
Drugs, cleansing agents, food additives — chemical aspects at NCERT level.
Environmental Chemistry
Atmospheric, water and soil pollution; greenhouse effect; ozone layer; green chemistry.
Olympiad-style Problem Solving
Multi-concept numerical problems and analytical reasoning typical of NSEC question style.