The National Olympiad Programme is a multi-stage competition for Indian students interested in physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and junior science. It identifies and trains talented students to represent India at international Olympiads. The programme consists of several stages, starting with national-level examinations and culminating in international contests where students can win medals and certificates.

Open to Indian students enrolled in Class 1 to 12. Students must qualify through the first stage, the National Standard Examinations (NSEP, NSEC, NSEB, NSEA), which are conducted by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) and Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE). There are no income or category-based restrictions for participation.

Students must register for the National Standard Examinations through their schools or designated centres. Registration details are available on the official programme page. After qualifying the first stage, selected students proceed to further rounds including the Indian National Olympiad (INO) and Orientation-Cum-Selection Camps (OCSC). Final team selection is based on performance in these stages.