Anyone who has yet to start a Bachelor's degree by 1 August 2026 is allowed to participate.

The NPAE shares some similarities with the F=ma exam in that both test problem-solving and critical thinking in physics. However, NPAE is unique because it emphasizes real-world applications and case studies, rather than focusing solely on Olympiad-style theoretical problems. Round 1 is the most similar of the three rounds to F=ma.

The 2025-2026 fall semester registration deadline is November 1 at 11:59 PM.

Additional registration for finalists (3rd-round qualifiers) is due November 31 at 11:59 PM.

Testing Dates are as follows, for the 25-26 fall semester competition:
Round 1: November 8, 2025
Round 2: November 15, 2025
Round 3: December 5-8, 2025

Round 1 consists of 20 multiple choice questions, containing the concepts of: kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power, momentum, collisions, rotational motion, gravitation, fluids, thermodynamics, etc.

Most questions do not require calculus, and it is very much possible to qualify for round 2 without calculus. These questions primarily test problem-solving ability.

Approximately 15-25% of students qualify for round 2.

Round 2 consists of a mix of multiple choice questions and free-response questions, containing the concepts of: kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power, momentum, collisions, rotational motion, gravitation, fluids, thermodynamics, etc.

Questions may contain Calculus, but it is not required for all questions. Contestants have qualified for round 3 in past years without the use of Calculus (albeit not many).

Approximately 15-25% of round 2 participants will qualify for round 3 (finals).

Round 3 consists of a real-world case study that requires the use of applications of physics. The case study is designed by a panel of 4-7 distinguished physicists each year.

After the initial release of the case study, finalists are given 3-4 days to present their solutions/findings to the case study in a written form (ideally LaTeX - we recommend Overleaf). Submissions are graded by our panel of problem writers.

Our panel of distinguished physicists who serve as problem-writers and submission-graders for round 3 rotate every 2 years.

The NPAE is designed for motivated high school students of all backgrounds. For Round 1, limited specialized preparation is required beyond a standard high school physics course (or equivalent self-study). The questions emphasize problem-solving and logical reasoning.

Round 2 builds on these foundations with more advanced applications and topics, but success still depends more on creativity and critical thinking than on technical formulas.

Round 3 finalists are challenged with case studies and real-world scenarios, where clear reasoning and innovative ideas with the ability to apply physics principles matter most.

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