As per the Latest updates, the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2025) Pre Registration will start in March 2025. The last date for the online payment is May 2025. Pre-registration will begin in January 2025. Students interested in participating can register through the website portal i.e. ipho-new.org, ipho2025.fr. IPhO is an annual competition designed to assess high school student’s understanding and abilities in different areas of physics that includes both theoretical and experimental topics. It provides a platform for students to challenge themselves, compete for medals, and demonstrate their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills at a global level. The event offers a unique opportunity to connect with young physicists from around the world.
Stay tuned to this article page to learn more information regarding IPhO 2025 Registration Date, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, Awards and Recognition, how to apply for the International Physics Olympiad 2025, etc.
IPhO 2025
The main aim of the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is to test the knowledge of students, their problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and critical thinking in both theoretical and experimental physics. Like the Olympic games, the IPhO not only tests student’s abilities but also offers a chance to experience different cultures and make new friends from all over the world. There are also free trips and social activities where students can explore the host country’s culture.
The competition began in Warsaw, Poland, in 1967 and has been held in different countries every year since. During this event, students will show their physics skills and compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals. The event lasts for 8 to 9 days. Each national team consists of two leaders and up to five students. The online registration for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) will begin from March 2024. All interested students can apply for the IPhO from the online portal shared in the below table.
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International Physics Olympiad 2025 Registration Date
| Overview of International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2025 | |
| Name of Competition | International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) |
| Organized By | Ministry of Education / Physical Society / Another Appropriate
Institution of One of Participating Countries |
| Motive | To Assess the Understanding and Abilities of
High School Students in Different Areas of Physics |
| IPHO 2025 Host Country | Paris, France |
| Exam Date | 17th July to 25th July 2025 |
| Article Category | Registration |
| IPHO Registration Date | March 2024 |
| Payment Deadline | May 2024 |
| Official Website | www.ipho-new.org
www.ipho2025.fr |
Eligibility Criteria
If any student wants to take part in the International Physics Olympiad 2025 then they need to meet the following requirements:-
- Applying students who not have started university studies.
- Students must have qualified for their country’s National Physics Olympiad.
- Students should have a strong understanding of Physics concepts.
- If you are applying for the IPhO then the student should not be older than 20 years old by 30 June of the competition year.
- Students have finished their school exams in the year the competition takes place.
- He/She must be a student at a general or technical secondary school, but not a technical college.
IPhO Syllabus
International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2025) syllabus includes topics in theoretical and experimental skills as well as mathematics:-
| Subject | Syllabus |
| Mathematics |
|
| Theoretical Skills |
|
| Experimental Skills |
|
Details Syllabus Here >> IPhO Syllabus 2025
International Physics Olympiad Exam Pattern
The IPhO 2025 is specially meant for students who are studying in class 11 & class 12th or higher secondary education. For the 2025 exam, there are two five-hour tests.
The IPhO exam has both theoretical and practical parts that test students’ physics knowledge. First, students take a theoretical test with multiple-choice questions. After that, they move on to the practical part of the exam.
Duration and Structure:
- Each exam (theoretical and experimental) is held on separate days. There will be at least one full rest day in between.
Theoretical Examination:
- Consists of three theoretical problems to be completed in five hours.
- Total marks 30.
- Covers a minimum of four areas of physics.
- Problems can be solved using typical high school math skills.
Experimental Examination:
- Involves solving one or two tasks over five hours.
- Maximum score: 20
Allowed Aids:
- Students can use drawing tools and approved calculators.
- No other aids are allowed.
Task Preparation:
- Tasks are selected and prepared by the host country.
- The International Board must approve the tasks.
Spare Problem:
- The host country must have at least one backup problem.
- If two-thirds of the International Board rejects one of the first three theoretical problems, the spare problem is used.
- Once a problem is rejected, it cannot be reconsidered.
International Physics Olympiad Awards and Recognition
The organizers set minimum point scores (called minima) for Gold, Silver, Bronze Medals, and Honorable Mentions in order to make sure recognition is fairly given at the Olympiad. The following Thresholds are decided before speaking with delegation leaders and are based on these percentages of all contestants.
- Gold medals will be given to the top 8% (rounded up) of participants.
- Gold or silver medals will be given to the top 25% (rounded up) of participants in total.
- Gold, silver, or bronze medals will be given to the top 50% (rounded up) of participants overall.
- Medals or Honorable Mentions will be given to the top 67% (rounded up) of participants.
About IPhO 2025
The International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) is the top international physics competition that is specially designed for high school students. The main goal of this competition is to acknowledge student’s knowledge, analytical skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking in both theoretical and experimental physics at the highest level.
In 2025, the online registration for IPhO will start from March 2025. The exam has been scheduled to be conducted from 17th July to 25th July 2025. You can register through the online portal given on this web page.
How to Apply for the International Physics Olympiad 2025
You need to follow the simple guide to learn how to apply for the IPhO that’s provided below:-
National Olympiads: – The online registration for IPhO begins by doing well in national-level Physics Olympiads. Each country has its way of selecting students, usually through several rounds of tough exams that get harder as you progress.
Qualifying for the Team:- Only a small group of top students (usually 4-5) from the national olympiad will be chosen to represent their country at the IPhO. To make it, you need to show outstanding skill and a real passion for Physics.
Confirming Participation in IPhO 2025: – To confirm your team’s spot in the IPhO, the team leader or official contact must fill out the pre-registration form. This form will be available soon on the official IPhO website.
IPhO Fees and Costs: – The fees for participating in the IPhO cover things like food, accommodation, excursions, and transportation from 17th July to 25th July 2025.
➼ For a regular team (5 students and 2 leaders): EUR 3500
➼ For smaller teams (less than 5 students or 2 leaders): EUR 500 per participant
➼ For observers and visitors: EUR 2000 per person
➼ This covers all the basics for participating and attending the event.
Proceedings of IPhO and Commemorative Film are available online
IPhO Proceedings [PDF] (9.6MB) IPhO Secretariat Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education Tata Institute of Fundamental Research V. N. Purav Marg, Mankhurd Mumbai, India – 400088Fax: +91 (22) 25568762; +91 (22) 25566803 Twitter This content is Copyrighted by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, TIFR
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much Mathematics is needed for the IPhO?
Ans. If you want to do well in the IPhO, you should have a good understanding of calculus and pre-calculus math. However, you don’t need to be a math expert. What matters more is your ability to understand physical concepts and solve problems in a smart and effective way.
Q. How can I get questions and answers for the International Physics Olympiad?
Ans. You can find past IPhO questions and their solutions on the official IPhO website. Simply go to the site and download the question papers and solutions from previous years.