IBOInternational Biology Olympiad
About IBO
The International Biology Olympiad has been contested since 1990 by four-member national teams and stands as the summit of school-level biology. Its examinations pair heavyweight theory papers — dense with experimental data to interpret — with a full day of laboratory practicals spanning molecular biology to ecology.
India selects its team through the HBCSE pipeline that begins with NSEB each November and narrows through InBO to the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp in Mumbai. Indian teams have brought home medals consistently, and the credential opens doors at research universities in India and abroad.
Accepted by: Medals are recognised worldwide for admission to life-science programmes; Indian team members are routinely courted by leading research institutions
Official websiteIBO eligibility
Secondary-school students per IBO regulations; India’s four-member team is selected via NSEB → InBO → OCSC
IBO exam pattern
Sections
- Two theoretical papers (roughly three hours each; exact timings vary by host year)
- A practical day of laboratory tasks across multiple biology disciplines
Marking scheme: Per the scheme announced by the host each year
IBO syllabus outline
- Cell biology, molecular biology, genetics and evolution, plant and animal anatomy/physiology, ethology, ecology and biosystematics
- Practicals test microscopy, dissection-level morphology, biochemistry technique and statistical treatment of data
- India’s route: NSEB (IAPT, November) → InBO (HBCSE, Jan–Feb) → OCSC Biology camp → team of four
Preparing for IBO?
Olympiads reward deep fundamentals — the same preparation that pays off later in JEE, NEET and other entrance exams. Explore every national and international olympiad, or check the official site for this year's dates and registration.