The same paper, two groups
| Group | Students | INAO target |
|---|---|---|
| A | Class XII as on 30 November 2026 | At least 250 |
| B | Class X or XI as on 30 November 2026 | At least 250 |
Each group has its own top-ten average, Minimum Admissible Score (MAS), Merit Index (MI) and selection list. The target is at least 500 students overall for INAO, subject to the published rules.
MAS is a threshold, not a selection promise
MAS = floor(50% of the group’s top-ten average). Meeting it makes a student eligible for consideration; it does not guarantee a place.
MI = floor(80% of the group’s top-ten average). Otherwise eligible students at or above the MI qualify under the merit rule. Remaining selection uses the published state/UT representation and minimum-number provisions. The rules also provide supernumerary selection of girls towards a 20% target, with MAS still required.
Understand the calculation
Enter a hypothetical top-ten average to see the two thresholds. This does not predict the actual 2026 cutoff.
Check results at the source
Use IAPT’s announcements for NSEA scores, thresholds and shortlists. Then check HBCSE for INAO registration and instructions. Confirm your group and the correct cycle before comparing marks.
Shortlisted students must complete a separate HBCSE registration. The programme lists INAO on 30 January 2027, 9 a.m.–noon; check the final schedule and admit card.
Check IAPT announcementsBeyond INAO
The astronomy OCSC target is 15 students from Group A and 35 from Group B, subject to the published selection provisions. The subsequent programme selects a five-student Indian team for IOAA.
These are selection stages, not benefits automatically awarded to everyone who writes NSEA. There is no admission or scholarship guarantee from this preparation website.