The NSO (National Science Olympiad) is a national-level Olympiad or scholarship programme that is conducted every year to test the students’ aptitude, understanding and knowledge in science. It encourages students in the field of science education. It is one of the well-known examinations in Asia. The NSO is for students from Class I to XII and is held at two levels- Level 1 and level 2.  Level 1 is conducted at the school level. Candidates appear for the Level 1 exam at their respective schools. Level 2 is for students who pass Level 1. Students who pass Level 2 are awarded the NSO scholarship.

Organizing Body

The SOF (Science Olympiad Foundation) organizes the NSO every year. The Science Olympiad Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to make Science education popular among the students.

Who is Eligible?

Following students are eligible for NSO:

• Students of standard I to XII are eligible for NSO Level 1
• For National Science Olympiad, pupils of standard II to XII are eligible to appear for NSO Level 1.

Students who are eligible for the NSO Level 2 include:

• Top 5% of pupils class-wise, who sit for the NSO Level 1 exam,
• State-wise/zone-wise top 25 rank holders from every class
• Class topper, where a minimum 10 students from a class sit in the exam and obtains a minimum of 50% score

Students of standard I and II do not have to appear for the NSO Level 2 exam. They are ranked on the basis of performance in the NSO Level 1 exam.

Exam Date

The National Science Olympiad (NSO) Level 1 is geld on two dates each year. Registered schools can select any of the 2 dates for exam.

Exam Structure

The NSO exam is a written exam consisting of objective-type questions. The questions are based on various topics of science. There is a separate question paper for each class. The exam is conducted in English only.

Level-Wise Exam Structure

Level 1: The NSO Level 1 is an objective-type written examination.

For Class I to IV: The level 1 for class I to IV has three sections- Logical Reasoning, Achievers Section and Science

• Total duration: 60 minutes
• Total no. of questions: 35
• Total marks: 40

Section 1: Logical Reasoning
Total no. of questions: 10
Maximum marks: 10 (1mark for each question)

Section 2: Science
Total no. of questions: 20
Maximum marks: 20 (1 mark for each question)

Section 3: Achievers Section
Total no. of questions: 5
Maximum marks: 10 (Each question carries 2 marks)

  For Class V to X:  The level 1 exam for class V to X has three sections- Logical Reasoning, Achievers Section and Science.

• Duration: 60 minutes
• No. of questions: 50
• Total marks: 60

Section 1: Logical Reasoning
Total no. of questions: 15
Maximum marks: 15 (1mark for each question)

Section 2: Science
Total no. of questions: 30
Maximum marks: 30 (1 mark for each question)

Section 3: Achievers Section
Total no. of questions: 5
Maximum marks: 15 (Each question carries 3 marks)

For Class XI and XII: The level 1 exam for class XI and XII has three sections- Achievers Section, Mathematics/Biology and Physics/Chemistry.

• Duration: 60 minutes
• No. of questions: 50
• Total marks: 60

Section 1: Chemistry and Physics
Total no. of questions: 25
Maximum marks: 25 (1mark for each question)

Section 2: Achievers Section
Total no. of questions: 5
Maximum marks: 15 (3 marks for each question)

Section 3: Biology or Mathematics
Total no. of questions: 20
Maximum marks: 20 (Each question carries 1 mark)

National Science Olympiad Level 2

The Level 2 exam is for classes III to XII.

For class III to IV: The level 2 exam has two sections- Achievers Section and Science

• Total duration: 60 minutes
• Total no. of questions: 35
• Total marks: 40

Section 1: Science
Total no. of questions: 30
Maximum marks: 30 (1 mark for each question)

Section 2: Achievers Section
Total no. of questions: 5
Maximum marks: 10 (Each question carries 2 marks)

For Class V to X: The level 2 exam for class V to X has two sections- Achievers Section and Science

• Total duration: 60 minutes
• Total no. of questions: 50
• Total marks: 60

Section 1: Science
Total no. of questions: 45
Maximum marks: 45 (1 mark for each question)

Section 2: Achievers Section
Total no. of questions: 5
Maximum marks: 15 (Each question carries 3 marks)

For Class XI and XII: The level 2 exam for class XI and XII has three sections- Achievers Section, Mathematics/Biology and Physics/Chemistry.

• Total duration: 60 minutes
• No. of questions: 50
• Total marks: 60

Section 1: Chemistry and Physics
Total no. of questions: 25
Maximum marks: 25 (1mark for each question)

Section 2: Achievers Section
Total no. of questions: 5
Maximum marks: 15 (3 marks for each question)

Section 3: Biology or Mathematics
Total no. of questions: 20
Maximum marks: 20 (Each question carries 1 mark)

NSO Syllabus

The NSO syllabus includes the curriculum as followed by the ICSE, CBSE and other state boards. For detailed syllabus, visit the official website of SOF-NSO Exam

Applying Ways and Means

Registration only through NSO participating schools is accepted.

Students who wish to appear for NSO exam must register for the same through their school. The registered school have all the required information about the exam. Fill up the application form and submit to the school along with the required amount of fee.  The schools registered with Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) will further send the completed application form to the SOF. A minimum of 10 students must be registered from every school.

NSO Result Date

Result of NSO is declared within eight week of the exam. Results are available online on the official website of SOF and also sent to the respective registered schools.

Awards

A presentation ceremony is organized for giving away the awards to the students selected.  Awards are given on the basis of rankings. Prizes are given every year and include certificates, medal, trophy, etc.

To know the awards at international, state and school level, visit the official website

Tips for Exam Prep

Practice previous year papers to get acquainted with the pattern and type of questions.

Take as many mock tests as possible to improve your weak areas.

Register in an Olympiad Helper. It provides plenty of practice material and sample papers.

Recommended books and other sources for NSO preparation:

• For Class I to X: MTG NSO workbooks class-wise
• Olympiad Skill Development System (OSDS)
• Mobile Apps like SOG Olympiad Trainer’s
• E-Quiz

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