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Start with school biology. Mark topics you can explain, topics you need to revise and topics that are new.
Books & study resources →National Standard Examination in Biology
NSEB 2026
Know the exam.
Prepare with clarity.
Exam dates, eligibility, syllabus, previous-year papers and focused practice. Everything you need to organise your Biology Olympiad preparation.
The essential information
NSEB 2026 at a glance
Understand the examination before you plan your preparation.
The National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB) is the first examination in India’s Biology Olympiad pathway. It assesses biological understanding, application and scientific reasoning, and leads to the Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO).
60Questions
216Maximum marks
120Minutes
X–XIIEligible classes*
- Single-correct section
- 48 questions · +3 correct, −1 incorrect
- Multiple-correct section
- 12 questions · 6 marks for all-and-only-correct choices
- Birth-date window
- 1 July 2007–30 June 2012, inclusive
- Registration fee
- ₹300 per student per subject for the 2026 cycle
*All age, school, residence and other conditions apply. Check complete eligibility. See the marking scheme before attempting a paper.
Build your subject knowledge
Explore the NSEB syllabus
A practical starting map for senior-secondary biology and experimental reasoning.
01 / FOUNDATIONSCell biology &
Genetics &
Plant & human
Ecology &
Cell biology &
biomolecules
Cell structure, membranes, enzymes, metabolism and cell division.
Explore topics 02 / INHERITANCEGenetics &
evolution
Inheritance, DNA, gene expression, variation and natural selection.
Explore topics 03 / LIVING SYSTEMSPlant & human
physiology
Transport, nutrition, respiration, regulation and reproduction.
Explore topics 04 / INTERACTIONSEcology &
biodiversity
Organisms, populations, ecosystems, classification and conservation.
Explore topicsGo beyond recall.Practise graphs, experimental controls, unfamiliar data and explanations.Open the learning lab
Learn from the examination
NSEB previous-year papers
Use the matching paper code and answer key. Attempt first, then review.
| Examination | Paper details | Question paper | Answer key |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSEB 2025 | Code 21 · updated final answer key | View paper ↗ | View key ↗ |
| NSEB 2024 | Code 21 · main examination | View paper ↗ | View key ↗ |
| NSEB 2024 · Delhi NCR | Code 25 · separate paper and key | View paper ↗ | View key ↗ |
| NSEB 2023 | Code 21 · final key inside PDF | View paper ↗ | View key ↗ |
Paper + answer key + error review = a more useful practice session.How to use past papers
Understand the next stage
The Biology Olympiad pathway
NSEB is the beginning. Each subsequent stage has its own selection requirements.
- 01NSEBNational Standard Examination22 Nov 2026 ↗
- 02INBOIndian National Biology Olympiad31 Jan 2027 ↗
- 03OCSCOrientation & selection campSelection process ↗
- 04Team trainingPreparation for the international stageUnderstand the route ↗
- 05IBOInternational Biology OlympiadThe international stage ↗
Apply what you learn
A daily question.
A stronger understanding.
Test a concept, read the explanation and identify what to revise next.
12 original questions6+ biology themes
Introductory concept practice, not a full NSEB mock. Today’s question rotates through the same set.
Start free practiceTurn information into a routine
Make your preparation more effective
Practise and analyse
Work through a paper under timed conditions. Separate concept gaps from reading errors and scoring mistakes.
Choose a past paper →Review with a plan
Balance concepts, questions and error review. Save a study plan and tick off completed blocks as you progress.
Build your study plan →Quick answers
Common NSEB questions
Clear answers to the questions students ask before they begin.
Browse all FAQsWhat is the full form of NSEB?
NSEB stands for National Standard Examination in Biology. It is the first examination in India’s Biology Olympiad selection pathway. Read the NSEB exam guide.
When is the NSEB 2026 exam?
NSEB 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, 22 November 2026, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm IST. See the complete schedule.
Who can appear in NSEB 2026?
The current class condition is Class X, XI or XII at enrolment, and the birth-date window is 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2012. All other passport, residence and education conditions must also be satisfied. Check every eligibility condition.
Is NSEB registration still open?
No. The extended enrolment deadline for the 2026 cycle was 16 September 2026. No reopening was confirmed in the sources checked on 20 October. Check registration information.
How should I start preparing for NSEB?
Read the syllabus, strengthen school-level biology, and attempt a previous-year paper. Review unfamiliar concepts and practise interpreting data and experiments. Follow the preparation guide.