Olympiad Exam

Olympiad is an exam that tests the mental ability of students nationally and internationally. Olympiads are competitive exams performed within a specific academic qualification that provides a platform for students to compete with other students. The primary purpose of these exams is to showcase the hidden talent of students and improve their ability to learn and understand.  

The Olympiad is held at the school level, which helps to build the student’s analytical, problem-solving, and logical reasoning abilities. The main reason to conduct these exams is to improve the sight of students towards mathematics, science, and English. Every school prefers organizing the Olympiad to understand its student’s strengths and weaknesses. 

It improves the annual academic result of students. After studying for these Olympiads, students gain better knowledge about their strengths and weakness related to their studies. Olympiad is considered one of the most challenging exams at national and international levels. The Difficulty levels of the exam allow students to increase their knowledge of subjects and help enhance their skills. Furthermore, these exams help teachers and parents identify their children’s and student’s growing interest in various fields, like scientists, technologists, leaders, aeronautics, etc., at an early age. 

List of the Top Olympiads In India

Details of Some Most Common Olympiads

Numerous Olympiads are held nationally and internationally by different organizations. Some of the top Olympiads related to science, mathematics, and other subjects are discussed below: 

• Science Olympiads

There are various science Olympiads organized by different institutions nationally and internationally. These Olympiads test the students for their knowledge in the field of science. Some of the main Science Olympiads are explained below in brief: 

• InPho (Indian National Physics Olympiad)

Indian association of physics teachers is responsible for conducting the physics Olympiad annually all over India. It is usually organized in June and July. It is scheduled to select students for the second-stage students of physics. Qualifying for this exam eventually led to the student’s selection for the international physics Olympiad. Students of 11th and 12th classes can participate in the national standard examination in physics. After that, they can understand their ability to reason and problems solving in physics. Some students start their careers right after certifying these exams. This exam is held in two sections. The first section has 180 marks and 50 multiple choice questions; the second has 60 marks and 5 to 6 short answers type questions, with all the questions having equal marks. This exam has 5 stages which are given below:

STAGE 1- National standard examination in physics 

STAGE 2 – Indian national physics Olympiad

STAGE 3- Orientation cum selection camp 

STAGE 4 – Pre-departure training camp 

STAGE 5 – International Physics Olympiad

• NSO (national science Olympiad)

NSO (National Science Olympiad) is an exam conducted for the students of classes 1st-12th. It helps students understand their interest in science and its applications. In addition, it helps to take future measures in science, such as scientists, technologists, and information developers. This exam is held in 2 levels. Both levels contain multiple-choice questions. The topmost book to study for the NSO are :

• NCERT books which are given by ICSE/CBSE or state board
• MTG NSO workbooks
• SOF Olympiad trainer 
• OSDS Olympiad skill development system 
• Olympiad reasoning book.

• INBO (Indian national biology Olympiad)

Indian national biology Olympiad is a national-level biology test set up all over the country every year. It is conducted by the Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education (HBCSE). It is for the students of classes 11th and 12th. Before applying for the national Olympiad, students must qualify for the state-level examination in 15 centers in India. It is considered a competitive exam with a tough syllabus and questions. Many students participate in this exam yearly to get scholarships, rewards, and self-recognition. Science stream students can apply for this examination to check their ability and performance in biology. This examination is considered the prime source to boost students’ confidence and provides knowledge at a greater level. It covers the whole biology syllabus of the 11th and 12th grades. Students are appreciated for their outstanding work by the conductors. 

• IOAA( international Olympiad and astronomy of physics)

The international Olympiad and astronomy of physics are physics and astronomy exams organized all over the country and internationally. It is scheduled to improve the growing interest of students in astronomy, astrology, physics, etc. It is believed that it Is one of the most pursued fields by young people. The first IOAA Olympiads were held in December 2007 in China Mai, Thailand. However, in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the international Olympiad and astronomy of physics were replaced by an online competition. As a result, India acquired 3rdrank in the 15th IOAA competition, and the student won 3 gold and 2 silver medals in the year 2022 international Olympiad and astronomy of physics, originally to be held in KYIV, Ukraine but now shifted to Kutaisi, Georgia because of the war in Ukraine. 

• IBO (international biology Olympiad)

The International Biology Olympiad is the broadest scoping Olympiad exam, held twice a year in June and July. The students participate in the base-level completion, and after winning, they are qualified to give this international exam. Science stream students are eligible to apply for this exam. Every country selects the best students and sends them to the competition. It is usually done in groups. The first international biology Olympiad was held in Czechoslovakia in 1990, and this competition played a vital role in identifying, encouraging, empowering, and enhancing the knowledge of new brains. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 32nd international biology Olympiad was canceled. The IBO exam contains both theoretical as well as practical components. The theoretical part contains cell biology, anatomy, genetics, ecology, and biosystematics. 

• INCHO (Indian national chemistry Olympiad)

Indian national chemistry Olympiad is an examination organized for high school students and children who want to pursue chemistry as their career in the future. Therefore, preparing for this Olympiad is helpful. It is celebrated every year and provides plenty of opportunities to the competitors. This exam is held annually and gives a chance to the students to enhance their skills. This exam was organized by the HOMI BHABHA CENTRE with the collaboration of the Indian association of chemistry teachers. The students can appear in this examination after passing the NSEC examination, and 3000 students appear for this exam every year, while INCHO selects only the top 1% among them.

• INAO (Indian national astronomy Olympiad)

The HBCSE organizes India’s national astronomy Olympiad. It is organized at the national level in all the schools in India. Students are acknowledged for their ability to solve reason-based and logical problems. Moreover, it is a great exam where students can measure their knowledge in both theoretical and applications of astronomy. The Astronomy Olympiad program contains 5 stages which are given below :

• National standard examination in astronomy 
• Indian national astronomy Olympiad
• Orientation cum selection camp in astronomy 
• Pre-departure training camp 
• International Olympiad in astronomy 

• IOQJS (Indian Olympiad qualifier in junior science)

Indian Olympiad qualifier in junior science is considered the first level of the international Olympiad. It is the first stage of the international science Olympiad competition and contains 2 levels for three hours each. It is organized by HBCSE and IAPT every year in January. Many students give this exam to test their ability in the science field by participating in worldwide competitions. This exam covers all the core subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, and the mode of this exam is paper and pen-based. Paper 1 contains multiple choice questions, and the duration is 1 hour. The paper 2nd contains subjective type questions, and the time duration for the second exam is 2 hours, and there is a negative marking of -1 for every incorrect response. 

• NSEP (National standard examination in physics)

The national standard examination in physics has been performed in India since 1987. The NSEP is organized by the Indian association of physics Teachers (IAPT). It helps in selecting deserving participants for the international exam. Many students show up for this exam every year. The Indian people prioritize education very much and encourage the students to participate in this competition to enhance their skills. This examination was conducted first time in 1987 and is the toughest examination conducted by the IAPT. 

• NSEC  (National standard examination in chemistry)

The Homi Bhabha center for science education (HBCSE) organizes the national standard chemistry examination every year in November nationally and is considered the base examination for international selection. Through this exam, many students show interest in chemistry and get rewarded with many opportunities. The NSEC examination contains multiple-choice questions, and Chemistry is the main topic of this examination. 

• NSEJS (National standard examination in junior science

The national standard examination in junior science is a science Olympiad organized annually throughout India. It is considered the most challenging exam in the science field. Indian association of physics Teachers ( IAPT) organize this Olympiad. This test provides numerous opportunities for the students to enhance their competitive skills, and the students in the 10thclass  are eligible for this examination. This exam was held in 1st time in 1987 and contained two stages. 

Stage 1- Every year, 80000 students appear in this examination worldwide, and only 300 students got selected for this examination. The qualified students preparing for  the stage 2nd

Stage 2- This is more difficult than stage 1st. The top 35 participants were invited to a two-week program, and after that, 6 students were selected to represent India at the international level. 

• NSEB ( National standard examination in biology)

The national standard examination in biology is an entrance examination for the selection of international participants. It is set up to encourage students to better performance in biology, and it occurs every year all over the country. This exam was conducted by the Homi Bhabha center with the collaboration of the association of teachers in biological services. This Olympiad is held for students of classes 1st-12th, and the knowledge of biology is significant for this test. The primary language of this paper is English, and the duration is 2 hours and contains 80 questions. 

• Mathematics Olympiads

For Mathematics lovers, various Olympiads are held by different organizations at national and international levels. Students can participate in these Olympiads and get recognition and a chance to perform internationally. Some of the main Mathematics Olympiads are discussed below: 

• The IMO (International Math’s Olympiad)

The international math’s Olympiad is hosted by the Science Olympiad foundation. The IMO is an exam that increases students’ ability towards mathematical and analytical understanding and potential. It is organized for 1st-12th class students annually at different places. IMO helps the students to understand their subject properly and solve their mathematical problems at different zonal levels. Moreover, IMO provides rewards and scholarships to deserving students and increases their morale. Mathematics is one of the scoring subjects which require a deep understanding of the concepts, and IMO is one of the great platforms by which students are trained to clear their basic concepts. This exam is conducted at the national and international level and allows the student to deal with numbers, patterns, shapes, measurements, data handling, decimals, algebra and algorithms, and many more.

• RMO (Regional Mathematical Olympiad)

After qualifying for the local exam, the students are promoted to the regional stage. It is a mathematical Olympiad organized by the Homi Bhabha center for science and education. Remo is conducted annually under the surveillance of coordinators. It is a descriptive-based test containing 6 questions students need to solve in 3 hours. The answer sheets and the rough paper are also provided to the students. It is conducted by HBSCE to select the top 30 students in classes 8th, 9th, and 10th and the top 6 from class 11th for the next stage exam. The HBCSR declares the result of this examination on its official website, and the students who qualify for the PRMO exam are eligible for the RMO.

• INMO (Indian National Mathematical Olympiad)

Indian national mathematical Olympiad is held annually all over the country. Before appearing in the INMO, the competitor should have individually qualified in the PRMO and RMO. It is the most famous entrance exam among students in school. It is the last stage for the examination of the international mathematical Olympiad. After certifying, you will directly be able to give the international exam. The HomiBabha center for science education organized this competition. This exam contains six questions, and the allotted time is 4 hours. Many students appeared in this exam, but only 30 deserving students get selection. After getting selected for this exam, the student receives training in the IMOTC (international mathematical Olympiad training camp). The six best students are picked to represent India at the international level. 

• IOQM (Indian Olympiad qualifier in mathematics)

The Indian qualifier in mathematics is organized by the mathematical teachers association of India (MTIA), HBSCE and IAPT mutually. After qualifying for this exam, the students can appear in the international mathematics Olympiad. The Indian Olympiad qualifier in mathematics is a 3-hour examination and is an integer-type exam in which the answer is in a single or two-digit number. This examination occurs in 5 different stages, which are given below:

• Indian Olympiad qualifier in mathematics 
• Indian national mathematics Olympiad
• Orientation cum selection camps
• Pre-departure camp 
• International Olympiad

• PRMO (Pre-regional Mathematical Olympiad)

The PRMO is a mathematical Olympiad set up at the regional level for students of any age group. It is the base round to certify who will qualify for the national examination. The PRMO exam contains 6 stages organized by MTA (mathematical teachers association), and the Homi Bhabha center organizes the remaining rounds. It eliminates the less deserving competitors and provides a path for the remaining students. This exam is usually organized in August every year but has been delayed in 2020 due to COVID-19 Pandemic. The stages of the exam are given below:

Stage1- The pre-regional Mathematics Olympiad

Stage 2- Regional Mathematics Olympiad

Stage 3- Indian national mathematics Olympiad

Stage 4- International mathematics Olympiad training camp 

Stage 5 – Pre-departure camp 

Stage 6- International Mathematics Olympiad

• IOM (International Olympiad of mathematics)

The International Olympiad of mathematics is the Olympiad exam of math’s that occurs after every two years. It takes place nationally and internationally. Every time the students of 1st-12th grade give base-level exams. After qualifying for the local level exams, participants are promoted to the international level. It helps the students to increase their ability in reasoning-based questions. It is the Top international mathematics competition for grade 10th students. The first examination of the international mathematics Olympiad was held in Romania with seven countries and expanded over 100 countries and 5 continents. It is a test that observes the knowledge of the student in mathematics. The international Olympiad of mathematics help student builds a solid foundation in mathematics.  

• Other Olympiads

Other than Science and Mathematics, various other Olympiads are organized for different subjects. Some of the Olympiads of English, Commerce, and General knowledge are discussed below: 

• IEO (International English Olympiad)

IEO is an English Olympiad to measure the knowledge and ability of students in English. It is organized for students of 1st-12th classes. It is an essential exam for students who have passed their English test at the national level. Every year this place provides students a platform to understand their abilities and challenge them at state, national, and international levels. Students get participation according to their previous results and their current linguistic knowledge. Participants should have a complete understanding of their syllabus. Suitable qualification in English helps them acknowledge the more significant matters as it opens their minds to another level. The IEO is a 2-level examination- level1 and level 2. The students who qualify for the second-level exam include:

• TOP 5% of the student from every class who appear for the 1st level exam 
• State-wise, the top 25 rank holder 
• At least 10 students from schools who score above 50% qualifying exam. 

• IGKO (International general knowledge Olympiad)

The international general knowledge Olympiad is organized by the science Olympiad foundation annually. This exam is conducted to check a single student’s overall general knowledge and assertion. It is set up at national and international levels, and worthy students are acknowledged with rewards and scholarships. This Olympiad is only for students who stay updated with current affairs and are aware of the world’s current circumstances. This Olympiad can check the student’s knowledge in different fields like science and technology, environment, life skill, plant and animals, language and literature, sports, and politics. 

• NCO (National cyber Olympiad)

The national cyber Olympiad is organized annually, and students of any age group can participate. It provides a platform for the students to understand their abilities and gain knowledge in their respective fields. It is held in Indian states and union territories and promotes the importance of computer information and cyber ethics. On the occasion of the national cyber day, many institutes provide these free exams and offer prizes and certificates to the leading competitor. For example, the Indian institute of technology Kanpur organized a cyber Olympiad, which was successfully held three times in the years 2009, 2011, and 2016. This test played a vital role in boosting students’ knowledge, encouraging them to participate in academics, and increasing their logical capacity and scientific thinking. 

• ICO (International commerce Olympiad)

This exam is held annually for the 11th and 12th grades. The formation of the ICO was done in 2016. After that, it is organized annually by the science Olympiad foundation and the institute of company secretary mutually. It organizes at the national level for school students. The SOF is an organization that manages scientists and famous personalities to promote science, mathematics, and computer education among students. ICO exam is especially for commerce stream students in which the students deal with the different aspects of business entities, transactions, and trade and commerce.

Benefits of Olympiads

1. The Olympiad exam is essential because it helps improve students’ audacity in a particular subject. In addition, it is a competitive exam that increases students’ knowledge and analytical skills.
2. It shows a path to the children for following their respective fields or interest. Therefore, numerous benefits can help students to create their future in their desired subjects. Furthermore, these Olympiads increase the confidence of participants and allow them to represent themselves in a better way.
3. Participants should take close surveillance of the topics and matters they are dealing with, and this provides clarity to their concepts. In addition, the Olympiad exam helps participants to improve their reasoning ability. 
4. Since students have many chances to appear in these exams, it also helps improve their confidence and helps them learn from their mistakes. Olympiad exams occur every year to deal with the strength and weaknesses of the students.
5. Participants can measure their ability in the areas where they need improvement, while continuous assessment on a particular subject helps clear out all the queries.
6. Olympiads are considered one of the most critical exams held every year, providing many opportunities to students for a better and bright future. 

FAQS related to Olympiad

•   How many questions are asked in Olympiad?

Ans:- Every exam varies from the other, while in most exams, the total duration is 60 minutes, and 35 objective-based questions are asked.

• What is the minimum age limit for Olympiad?

Ans:- The minimum age limit to appear in Olympiad is 12 years.

• What are the qualifying marks in Olympiad?

Ans:- Every school sends almost ten best students to Olympiad, and each team has to score 50% to qualify for the international exam.

• What is the use of Olympiad certificates?

Ans:- It helps to enhance students’ academic performance, and it also grasps opportunities for future preparations.