Indian National Chemistry Olympiad

Introduction to the Indian National Chemistry Olympiad

The Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (INChO) is an annual competition for high school students in India who have a strong interest in chemistry. It is one of the stages in the selection process for forming the Indian team that will represent the country at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), an international competition for chemistry enthusiasts. Here are some key points about the Indian National Chemistry Olympiad:

Objective: The primary objective of INChO is to identify and nurture young talents in chemistry and provide them with an opportunity to excel at the international level.

Eligibility: INChO is typically open to Indian students who are in the 11th or 12th grade, although specific eligibility criteria may vary from year to year. Students must meet certain age requirements as well.

Exam Format: The INChO examination typically consists of a theoretical paper and an experimental or practical paper. The theoretical paper may include multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and more complex problems that test participants' understanding of chemistry concepts. The practical paper assesses their practical laboratory skills.

National Selection: INChO serves as the first stage in the selection process for forming the Indian team for the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO). Top-performing students in INChO are selected to attend a training camp and undergo further evaluation.

Training Camp: After the INChO exam, selected students are invited to participate in a rigorous training camp, where they receive intensive coaching and guidance from experts in the field of chemistry.

International Representation: The students who perform exceptionally well at the training camp are chosen to represent India at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), competing with students from around the world.

Benefits: Participation in INChO offers several benefits, including recognition for academic excellence in chemistry, the opportunity to interact with like-minded students and mentors, and the potential for further academic and career opportunities in the field of chemistry.

Preparation: Preparing for INChO involves a deep understanding of chemistry concepts, problem-solving skills, and practical laboratory techniques. Students often engage in self-study, receive guidance from mentors, and practice with past INChO exam papers.

Promotion of Chemistry Education: INChO plays a significant role in promoting the study of chemistry among young students in India and encourages them to pursue higher education and careers in chemistry-related fields.

Official Body: INChO is organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), which is a national center for research and development in science and mathematics education in India.

Participating in INChO and representing India at the IChO can be a prestigious achievement for students who are passionate about chemistry. It provides a platform to showcase their knowledge and skills in the subject and opens up opportunities for academic and professional growth in the field of chemistry.

Syllabus of INCho

Syllabus for INChO

The syllabus for INChO in 2022 is the same as last year. Students can use this as a starting point for their test preparation.

Students must be experts in the discipline of chemistry to participate in INChO. They must begin with the fundamentals of Class 7 to Class 10 to obtain experience and in-depth understanding. INChO’s curriculum is aligned with the most recent CBSE curriculum. To reinforce the fundamentals, one must have a firm grip on their school study materials from grades 11 and 12, including the NCERT.

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

Exam date of INCho 

Chemistry (INChO):    Saturday, February 03, 2024, 01.30 p.m. – 04.30 p.m