InChO (Indian National Chemistry Olympiad), Registration, Eligibility

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InChO offers high school students an exciting opportunity to showcase their chemistry skills through an annual competition. Organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre in collaboration with the Indian Association of Chemistry Teachers, this event is open to students in Classes 11 and 12 who have passed the NSEC examination.

Each year, approximately 3000 students participate in the InChO Olympiad Exam, with only the top 1% advancing. For more information on exam details such as dates, format, and fees, refer to the article below. It also covers useful resources, study tips, and an impartial assessment of the exam’s difficulty level.

InChO (Indian National Chemistry Olympiad)

InChO, or the Indian National Chemistry Olympiad, is an annual test organized by the Indian Association of Chemistry Teachers (IACT). It’s open to Class 11 and 12 students who meet certain eligibility criteria. This exam assesses students’ skills and knowledge in chemistry.

Recognizing its significance in students’ academic journeys, the exam center didn’t overlook its societal duties, even during a national crisis.

In the 2023-24 academic year, the exam took place in the first week of February.

Also Check: IMO

InChO Important Dates

Every year, typically in January or February, the Olympiad takes place. Managed by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), it includes exams like INAO and INPhO. To sit for the InChO exam, students need to clear the NSEC exam first.

After completing 11th and 12th grades, students become eligible for InChO upon passing the initial exam stage. They keep themselves updated through the official website for any important announcements and prepare accordingly.

Understanding the syllabus thoroughly and referring to comprehensive books is crucial. Especially in the COVID era, all information is available online, so staying informed is essential. In the current academic year, 2023-24, the exam was held in the first week of February.

Also Check: IDO

InChO Registration

To begin the enrollment process for the Olympiad, students should follow these steps:

Step 1: Start by accessing the official website of InChO.

Step 2: Navigate to the section dedicated to the Olympiad.

Step 3: Locate and click on the option labeled “Upcoming Events.”

Step 4: Once on the designated page, students will need to input their date of birth, NSE centre code, and roll number as requested.

Step 5: During the registration process, students will be prompted to indicate their preferred exam center from the available options. Make sure to select the one that best suits your convenience and preferences.

Also Check: NSSO

Students have the option to register for NSE exams through their schools if their school is a registered center. They can contact their school principals or administration for assistance in the registration process. If their school is not a registered NSE center, students can register themselves at the nearest NSE center.

It’s important to remember that if a student registers from a state other than where their school is located, they must send scanned copies of their NSE admit card and school email ID to IACT. Failure to do so will result in disqualification of their registration.

InChO Registration Fees

Each student needs to pay an enrollment fee of INR 200 for each subject they register for. This fee must be paid directly to the NSE registration center’s supervisor.

Also Check: IGKO

InChO Exam Pattern

The InChO exam follows a specific exam pattern:

Questions are detailed and need descriptive answers.
The exam is conducted in both English and Hindi. Students can choose their preferred language during registration.
The syllabus aligns with that of senior secondary students, including CBSE Class XII syllabus and NSEC syllabus.
Two hours are provided to finish the exam.

InChO Syllabus

InChO’s syllabus matches the latest CBSE curriculum, so it’s vital to understand Class 11 and 12 materials, like NCERT, to strengthen the basics.

InChO Syllabus
Topics	Sub-topics
Inorganic Chemistry	Electronic configuration of atoms and ions Trends in the periodic table (main groups) Trends in physical properties (main groups) Structures Nomenclature Chemical calculations Isotopes Natural cycles s-Block p-Block d-Block Other inorganic problems
Organic Chemistry	Alkanes Cycloalkanes Alkenes Alkynes Arenes and heterocycles Halogen compounds Alcohols and phenols Carbonyl compounds Carboxylic acids Nitrogen compounds Some large molecules like -styrene, -ethene, -polyamides, etc.
Physical Chemistry	Chemical equilibria Ionic equilibria Electrode equilibria Kinetics of homogeneous reactions Thermodynamics (first law) Thermodynamics (second law) Phase systems
Biochemistry	Amino acids and peptides Proteins Fatty acids and fats Enzymes Saccharides Krebs cycle and respiration chain Nucleic acids and protein synthesis Other biochemical problems like hormones- regulation & feedback, insulin, glucagon, adrenaline, etc.
Experimental Part of IChO	Synthesis of inorganic and organic compounds Identification of inorganic and organic compounds (general principles) The diagnosis of some inorganic and organic compounds (general principles) Special measurements and procedures Evaluation of results

InChO Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the exam, students must meet specific InCho eligibility criteria:

Birthdate: Students must be born between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2010.
Nationality: Only Indian passport holders are eligible.
Exam Limitation: Students cannot sit for both this exam and the NSEJS exam in the 2024-25 academic year.
Residency and Education: Students must reside in India and be studying within the country. They should not have completed their 12th board exams.
University Enrollment: Applicants must not have commenced studies at a university or college.

InChO Admit Card

The admit card is essential for students as it grants them access to the exam venue. It’s mandatory to have it during the exam days.

To get their admit cards, students should visit the official HBCSE website and download them. Once downloaded, they must print out the admit card and take it with them to the exam center each day.

The admit card contains crucial information such as the student’s name, NSE roll number, exam center name, and exam date and time.

Students should keep their admit cards safe until the exam results are announced.

InChO Result

When exam results are out, students are eager to see how they did. If they pass and move to the next round, their names, scores, and performance are posted online. To find out if they made it to the next stage of the InChO exam, candidates should visit the HBCSE website.

The 2023-24 results were released in March, but dates for the following year, 2024, haven’t been announced yet. Keep an eye out for official updates soon.

InChO Preparation Tips

Preparing for the InChO exam requires careful consideration due to its international significance. Students aiming for success in this exam should understand its global nature and plan their study approach accordingly.

To begin their preparation, students should focus on building a strong foundation of knowledge. Participating in local Olympiads organized by their schools, starting as early as classes 7 to 10, can provide valuable insight into the exam’s complexity and help them gauge their proficiency levels.
Engaging in Junior Olympiads during the initial stages of preparation can also be beneficial.
It’s recommended that students commence their preparation early, possibly starting from class 10, primarily focusing on inorganic and physical chemistry. They can then gradually expand their study to cover other subjects in classes 11 and 12.

By starting with NCERT textbooks in class 10 and advancing to more advanced studies in subsequent years, students can solidify their understanding of the basics and prepare effectively for the exam.

Students are advised to strategize their approach and diligently compete in the InChO exam to enhance their chances of success.

InChO FAQs

What is the InChO (Indian National Chemistry Olympiad) exam?

InChO is an annual chemistry competition organized by the Indian Association of Chemistry Teachers (IACT), offering high school students in Classes 11 and 12 an opportunity to showcase their chemistry skills on a national level.

Who is eligible to participate in the InChO exam?

Students must meet specific criteria including being born between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2010, holding Indian nationality, residing and studying in India, and not having completed their 12th board exams. Additionally, they cannot sit for both the InChO and NSEJS exams in the same academic year.

How can students register for the InChO exam?

To register, students need to visit the official InChO website, navigate to the Upcoming Events section, and provide required information such as date of birth, NSE centre code, and roll number. They must also select their preferred exam center. Registration through schools or directly at NSE centers is possible.

What is the exam pattern of InChO?

The InChO exam features detailed questions requiring descriptive answers. It is conducted in both English and Hindi, aligns with senior secondary syllabus including CBSE Class XII, and offers a duration of two hours for completion.

How can students prepare effectively for the InChO exam?

Effective preparation involves building a strong foundation by participating in local Olympiads, starting from classes 7 to 10, and engaging in Junior Olympiads. It's recommended to start preparation early, focusing initially on inorganic and physical chemistry, and gradually covering other subjects using NCERT textbooks and advanced studies. Strategizing and diligent practice are crucial for success.