STEM Career Program Science Olympiad Test 2026 – Online Apply, Eligibility, Dates & Rewards
The STEM Career Program Science Olympiad Test 2026, jointly organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), is now accepting registrations for the 23rd National Science Talent Contest (NSTC-23). The program identifies talented students in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics and prepares them to represent Pakistan in the International Science Olympiads (ISOs). Top-performing students receive specialized training, mentorship from leading scientists, scholarships, and opportunities for direct admission to selected universities.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 January 2026 |
| Screening Test | 15 February 2026 |
| Training Camp | March–June 2026 |
| International Olympiads | July–August 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the STEM Careers Programme 2026 (NSTC-23), applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Level | Students of Pre-9th, 9th, 10th, or 11th Grade (Matric, O-Level, FSc Part-I, or A-Level Part-I) |
| Minimum Marks | At least 60% marks in core science subjects in the most recent examination |
| Eligible Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics |
| Age Limit | Must be under 20 years of age on 30 June 2027 |
| Nationality | Pakistani students, including overseas Pakistanis, are eligible |
| Not Eligible | Students currently studying in FSc Part-II, A-Level Part-II, or any university degree program cannot apply. |
Additional Information
- Applicants can register for one of the four Olympiad subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics.
- Eligible candidates must pass the National Screening Test to qualify for the next stage of the selection process.
- Shortlisted students receive advanced training from subject experts before the final selection for the International Science Olympiads.
Olympiad Subjects & Training Program
The STEM Careers Programme (NSTC-23) offers talented students the opportunity to compete in four major science subjects. After the nationwide screening test, shortlisted candidates undergo a series of intensive training camps before the final national teams are selected to represent Pakistan in the International Science Olympiads (ISOs).
Olympiad Subjects
- Physics – National Physics Talent Contest (NPTC)
- Chemistry – National Chemistry Talent Contest (NCTC)
- Biology – National Biology Talent Contest (NBTC)
- Mathematics – National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC)
Training Program
The selection and training process includes the following stages:
- National Screening Test (NSTC) conducted in major cities across Pakistan.
- Top 50 students in each subject are shortlisted for a one-week fully residential training camp.
- Students receive advanced training from experienced scientists, university professors, and Olympiad mentors.
- Through a series of additional training camps and evaluations, the group is narrowed down to 4–6 students in each subject.
- The selected students form Pakistan’s official teams for the International Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics Olympiads.
The training program focuses on advanced scientific concepts, analytical thinking, laboratory skills (where applicable), and problem-solving techniques to prepare students for international-level competition.
Selection Process
- Register online for your preferred Olympiad subject.
- Appear in the National Screening Test (NSTC-23).
- Shortlisted students attend advanced training camps conducted by leading institutions.
- The top-performing students are selected to represent Pakistan in the respective International Science Olympiads.
How to Apply Online
Students can apply for the STEM Careers Programme 2026 (NSTC-23) by following these simple steps:
- Visit the official STEM Careers Programme website: www.stem.edu.pk
- Click on the Register or Apply Online option.
- Create your account using a valid email address and personal information.
- Select your preferred Olympiad subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics).
- Complete the online application form with your academic details.
- Upload the required documents and recent photograph.
- Pay the non-refundable application processing fee of Rs. 1,000 through the approved payment method.
- Review your application and submit it before the application deadline.
- Download or print the confirmation page for future reference.
After successful registration, eligible candidates will receive details regarding the National Screening Test (NSTC-23) and subsequent stages of the selection process.
Cash Prizes & Academic Benefits (2026)
Students selected through the STEM Careers Programme (NSTC-23) and representing Pakistan in the International Science Olympiads are eligible for cash awards and several academic incentives.
Cash Prizes
| Achievement | Cash Prize (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Gold Medal | Rs. 500,000 |
| Silver Medal | Rs. 250,000 |
| Bronze Medal | Rs. 100,000 |
| Honorable Mention | Rs. 50,000 |
| International Participation | Rs. 25,000 |
FAQs
1. What is the STEM Careers Programme?
It is a national initiative by HEC and PIEAS to identify talented science students and prepare them for International Science Olympiads.
2. Who can apply for NSTC-23?
Students studying in Pre-9th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grades (Matric/O-Level/FSc-I/A-Level-I) are eligible.
3. What is the last date to apply?
The last date for online registration is 31 January 2026.
4. When will the screening test be conducted?
The screening test is scheduled for 15 February 2026.
5. Which subjects are included in the Science Olympiad?
The Olympiads are conducted in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
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