International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) 2025 – Registration, Syllabus, Dates & Results
ICSO Olympiad 2025 – The National Cyber Olympiad (NCO) is a famous competitive test for pupils in grades 1–10. The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) organizes the event, which is intended to examine and improve students’ knowledge of computers, cyber technology, and logic. In today’s digital world, cyber literacy is critical, and the NCO is a fantastic platform for teaching young minds the principles of computers, programming, and information security.
The exam focuses on computer science principles, encouraging students to develop an interest in technology and creativity at a young age. It enables pupils to acquire problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and knowledge of technological breakthroughs. Students who participate in the NCO can gain experience with real-world technological applications while also improving their computational and reasoning skills.
Unlike traditional school exams, the NCO is intended to assess logical reasoning, mental aptitude, and practical computing abilities using a well-structured syllabus. The competition encourages kids to learn more about cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, networking, and programming, all of which are necessary skills in today’s tech-driven world. By exposing students to international IT education standards, the NCO helps them lay a solid basis for future jobs in computer science, information technology, and engineering.
- ICSO Olympiad 2025 Overview
- ICSO Olympiad 2025 Preparation Tips
- ICSO Olympiad 2025 Dates
- ICSO Olympiad 2025 Eligibility Criteria
- ICSO Olympiad 2025 Registration Process
- ICSO Olympiad 2025 Exam Pattern
- ICSO Olympiad 2025 Syllabus
- ICSO Olympiad Student Awards and Scholarships
- ICSO Olympiad 2025 Sample Papers
- ICSO Olympiad 2025 FAQs
ICSO Olympiad 2025 Overview
The NCO, like other Olympiad tests, emphasizes computer and thinking skills. It is an annual single-level exam held in December or January. By participating, students develop their mental ability, logical reasoning, and analytical abilities.
| Exam Detail | Information |
| Full Exam Name | National Cyber Olympiad |
| Short Exam Name | NCO |
| Conducting Body | Science Olympiad Foundation |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Level | Matriculate |
| Languages | English |
| Mode of Application | Offline |
| Application Fee | ₹125 (including GST) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Exam Duration | 1 Hour |
Aim of NCO
The major purpose of NCO, an online security and computer skills competition, is to raise kids’ cyber awareness and technological aptitude.
- Key objectives include encouraging students to prioritize cyber security and IT skills.
- Improving computer understanding from a young age.
- Preparing students for technical breakthroughs in today’s digital world.
ICSO Olympiad 2025 Preparation Tips
Students preparing for the NCO should follow these guidelines:
- Study according to the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Use books on computer science and technology.
- Solve samples and previous year’s question papers.
- Explore additional reference materials to learn about the latest IT trends.
- Concentrate on logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
To improve your computer fundamentals, choose hands-on learning methods.
ICSO Olympiad 2025 Dates
The National Cyber Olympiad (NCO) exam dates for 2025-26 are as follows
- NCO Level 1 Exam Dates (tentative): November 2025 and December 2025
- Registration Deadline: 15 days before the respective exam date
- Result Declaration: February 2026
- Level 2 Exam time (Tentative): After February 2026
ICSO Olympiad 2025 Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the NCO 2025-26, students must meet the following requirements:
- Students must be enrolled in a SOF-approved school.
- Open to students in grades 1–10.
- Must complete the registration and apply 30 days before the exam date.
- A minimum of five students from each institution must apply for the exam.
ICSO Olympiad 2025 Registration Process
- Schools must register their students together.
- Individual participation is not permitted.
- The registration form can be found on the official SOF website.
- A minimum of ten students per school must enroll.
- Exemptions: Students with severe disabilities and children of defense personnel who died in action are exempt from the fee.
- Schools can charge an additional ₹25 for administrative purposes.
- The regular exam fee is Rs 125.
ICSO Olympiad 2025 Exam Pattern
The NCO exam is structured in three sections:
- Logical Reasoning includes both verbal and nonverbal thinking tasks.
- Computers and IT: Covers both fundamental and advanced computer-related topics.
- The Achiever’s Section includes higher-order thinking questions.
Pattern for Classes 1 – 4
| Units | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| Logical Reasoning | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Computers and IT | 25 | 1 | 25 |
| Achiever’s Section | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Grand Total | 35 | 40 |
Pattern for Classes 5 – 10
| Units | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| Logical Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Computers and IT | 35 | 1 | 35 |
| Achiever’s Section | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| Grand Total | 50 | 60 |
ICSO Olympiad 2025 Syllabus
The syllabus varies by grade level and covers reasoning, computer fundamentals, and modern technological concepts.
| Grade | Syllabus Topics |
| 1 | Patterns, Figure Completion, Measuring Units (Length, Weight, Time, Money), Geometrical Shapes, Odd One Out, Spatial Understanding, Grouping of Figures, Analogy, Ranking Test |
| 2 | Computer Basics, Parts of Computer, Uses of Computer, Keyboard & Mouse, MS-Paint, Latest IT Developments |
| 3 | Coding-Decoding, Analogy & Classification, Mirror Images, Embedded Figures, Alphabet Test, Ranking Test, Geometrical Shapes, Figure Matrix, Days & Dates, Fundamentals of Computer, Input & Output Devices, Storage Devices, Internet Basics, MS-Paint, MS-Word (Basic Features), Latest IT Developments |
| 4 | Alphabet Test, Coding-Decoding, Patterns, Geometrical Shapes, Solids, Direction Test, Mirror Images, Embedded Figures, Ranking Test, Days & Dates, Computer Evolution, Hardware & Software, MS-Word (Formatting, Spell Check, Find & Replace), Windows 7, Computer Networks, MS-Paint, Internet Basics, Latest IT Developments |
| 5 | Logical Reasoning, Mirror & Water Images, Coding-Decoding, Alphabet Test, Puzzle Test, Embedded Figures, Hardware & Software, Memory (Primary & Secondary), Storage Devices, Introduction to Multimedia, MS-Word (Paragraph Formatting, Graphics, Header & Footer), MS-PowerPoint (Slide Show, Presentation Views), Internet & Networking, Windows 7, Latest IT Developments |
| 6 | Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning, History & Generations of Computers, MS Windows, MS Word (Charts, Tables, Page Layout), MS PowerPoint (Animations, Transitions, Slides Pane), QBasic, Hardware & Software, Memory & Storage Devices, Internet & Email, Latest IT Developments |
| 7 | Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning, Computer Fundamentals, Memory & Storage, Windows 7, MS Word (Mail Merge, Macros, Styles), MS PowerPoint (Slide Master, Hyperlinks, Custom Slide Shows), MS Excel (Formatting, Formulas, Sorting & Filtering, Macros), QBasic, Internet & Viruses, Networking, Latest IT Developments |
| 8 | Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning, Fundamentals of Computers, Internet & Viruses, HTML (Headings, Paragraphs, Images, Lists, Links), Flash CS6, MS-Access, Networking, MS-Word (File Tab, Language, Comments, Tracking Changes, Protecting Documents), MS-PowerPoint (Slide Show Tab, Comparing & Protecting Presentations), MS-Excel (Formulas, Functions, Cell Referencing), Cyber Crimes & Laws, Operating Systems (Single User & Multi-User), Latest IT Developments |
| 9 | Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning, Algorithms & Flowcharts, Visual Basic, Animations, HTML (Links, Anchors, Tables), MS-Word, MS-Excel (Formula Auditing, Data Protection, Cell Range), MS-PowerPoint, Flash CS6, Networking & Internet, OS Types (GUI, Real-Time, Distributed), Windows 7, Scratch, Python (2.7.0), Latest IT Developments |
| 10 | Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning, Fundamentals of Computers, Operating Systems, MS Word, Networking, MS PowerPoint, MS-Excel, HTML, Internet, Database Management Systems (Functions, Types, MS Access), Windows 7, Scratch, Python (2.7.0), Latest IT Developments |
ICSO Olympiad Student Awards and Scholarships
The National Cyber Olympiad (NCO) for the 2025-26 academic year offered awards at three levels: international, zonal, and school. The NCO was held for students in grades 1–10, and awards were given based on rank at each level.
International Level Awards
| Rank | Scholarships and Medals | No. of Awards |
| 1st | Rs.50,000 each, plus a gold medal* and a certificate for outstanding performance. | 12 |
| 2nd | Rs.20,000 each, plus a Silver medal* and a certificate for outstanding performance. | 12 |
| 3rd | Rs.10,000 each, plus a Bronze medal* and a certificate for outstanding performance. | 12 |
Gold/Silver/Bronze medals are color-plated as applicable.
Zonal Level Awards
| Rank | Scholarships and Medals | No. of Awards |
| 1st | Rs.5000 each + Gold Medal* + Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 240 |
| 2nd | Rs.2500 each + Silver Medal* + Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 240 |
| 3rd | Rs.1000 each, plus a Bronze Medal* and a Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 240 |
| Rank 4 to 10 | Gifts valued at Rs.1000 + Medal of Distinction + Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 1680 |
| Rank 11 to 25 | Medal of Distinction + Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 3600 |
| Rank 26+ | Participation Certificate | All |
Medals are Gold/Silver/Bronze plated as applicable according to the rule.
School and Teacher Awards
In addition to student awards, schools, principals, and teachers receive recognition. These awards are given at multiple levels, including international, zonal, and district.
International Level Awards for Schools and Teachers
| Category | Awards | No. of Awards |
| Best Principal | Rs.25,000 each + Citation + Trophy | 10 |
| Best Teacher | Rs.10,000 each + Citation + Trophy | 10 |
Zonal Level Awards for Schools and Teachers
| Category | Awards | No. of Awards |
| Best Principal | Rs.10,000 each + Citation + Trophy | 100 |
| Best Teacher | Rs.5,000 each + Citation + Trophy | 60 |
District-Level Awards for Schools and Teachers
| Category | Awards | No. of Awards |
| Best Principal | Rs.2,500 each + Citation + Trophy | 500 |
| Best Teacher | Rs.1,000 each + Citation + Trophy | 300 |
At the school level, principals and teachers in charge are given appreciation mementos/gifts.
ICSO Olympiad 2025 Sample Papers
The National Cyber Olympiad (NCO) provides a platform for students to demonstrate their computer science and cybersecurity skills. It is open to students in grades 1-10 and tests their knowledge of general awareness, logical reasoning, and cyber security. NCO encourages students to succeed by providing awards and scholarships at the international, zonal, and school levels. To prepare, students can access sample papers that will help them improve their understanding and problem-solving skills in these critical areas.
Website link: https://www.sofolympiadtrainer.com/icso-sample-papers.jsp
ICSO Olympiad 2025 FAQs
Q1. How can a student benefit from taking Olympiad exams?
Ans. Olympiad exams allow students to assess their academic performance at the school, city, state, and international levels. Students receive detailed performance reports, rankings, and prizes such as cash, medals, and certificates, which boosts their confidence.
Q2. Mention the main subjects of the National Cyber Olympiad exam.
Ans. The exam includes two main subjects. They are math and computer science.
Q3. Is there a negative marking on the NCO exam?
Ans. No, there is no negative marking on the NCO exam.
Q4. What are the fees for the exam?
Ans. The exam fee for NCO is Rs 125
Q5. I have already competed in the Olympiads when I was in lower school. Can I appear again?
Ans. Certainly. This will allow you to improve your previous rankings, and if you succeed, you will be eligible for certificates and prizes again.
Q6. Can I take more than one Olympiad examination?
Ans. Despite being organized by the same Foundation, NCO, NSO, IMO, IEO, ICSO, and ISKO are four distinct competitions. Students can participate in all six Olympiads each year.
Q7. We have less than ten students in our school who want to participate in an Olympiad. Can we still sign up for the test?
Ans. For schools with fewer than ten students, the Foundation cannot hold the NCO. As a result, a school must enroll at least ten students to become a center.
Q8. Is there any dedicated platform for preparation of the ICSO exam?
- Olympiad Trainer-https://www.sofolympiadtrainer.com/nco-olympiad.jsp
- In addition to the sample papers, students may benefit from subscribing to OSDS – Olympiad Skill Development System (official website www.sofworld.org for details).
Q9. I completed the second level of the Olympiad and learned that I am eligible for an award. I am attending a different school or have graduated and am continuing my education. Will I find out about the date?
Ans. As soon as the committee determines the date and location of the presentation ceremony, the authority notify the schools involved and post the dates on the official website and Facebook page.
Q10. What is the Tentative Exam Time?
Ans. The tentative dates for NCO are – November 2025 or December 2025 for level 1 & After February 2026 For Level 2
Conclusion
The National Cyber Olympiad is an excellent initiative that helps students prepare for the digital world by honing their logical reasoning and computer skills. The NCO, with its structured syllabus and emphasis on technological advancements, provides a solid foundation for students pursuing careers in cybersecurity, software development, and information technology. It instills in young minds the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, preparing them to be technology leaders. Participating in the NCO exposes students to competitive IT learning, preparing them for success in an increasingly digital world.