NSO National Science Olympiad 2025 Apply Online
National Science Olympiad 2025 – The National Science Olympiad (NSO) is a prestigious science competition for Indian school students. The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) organized it to instill a scientific mindset in young students. The NSO encourages students to apply scientific concepts to real-world scenarios, which helps them improve their analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Students from grades 1 through 12 can take this exam, which is held at the school level but provides national and international rankings. This guide will provide a thorough overview of the NSO, including eligibility, exam structure, syllabus, preparation tips, and benefits.
- What is the National Science Olympiad (NSO)?
- National Science Olympiad 2025 Exam Overview
- National Science Olympiad 2025 Eligibility Criteria
- National Science Olympiad 2025 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
- National Science Olympiad 2025 Syllabus
- National Science Olympiad 2025 Preparation Tips
- Benefits of Participating in NSO
- Awards and Recognition
- National Science Olympiad 2025 Registration
- NSO Olympiad 2025 Exam Admit Card
- National Science Olympiad 2025 Important Dates
- National Science Olympiad 2025 FAQs
What is the National Science Olympiad (NSO)?
The National Science Olympiad (NSO) is an annual competition that assesses students’ scientific knowledge, logical reasoning, and application-based problem-solving skills. It seeks to identify and develop scientific talent among students in grades 1-12.
The exam is administered at two levels:
- Level 1: For all registered students.
- Level 2 is for selected students who qualify for Level 1. SOF NSO is a globally recognized program that many schools encourage students to participate in for academic growth and competitiveness.
National Science Olympiad 2025 Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Organizer | Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) |
| Eligibility | Students from Class 1 to 12 |
| Exam Mode | Online or Offline (School-based) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Levels | Two levels (Level 1 & Level 2) |
| Subjects Covered | Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Logical Reasoning) |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes |
| Total Questions | 35 questions (Classes 1-4), 50 questions (Classes 5-12) |
| Marking Scheme | Varies by class and section (details below) |
| Official Website | https://sofworld.org/nso |
National Science Olympiad 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The NSO is open to all students in grades one through twelve. There is no minimum mark requirement for registration, making it an open competition for all science enthusiasts.
- Level 1 is open to all registered students.
- Level 2: Only for students in Classes 3–12 who have qualified at Level 1.
Students qualify for Level 2 based on:
- Top 5% scorers from each class (nationwide).
- Top 25 rank holders from each school (with at least 10 students appearing in the exam).
- State-wise qualifiers based on zonal ranking.
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National Science Olympiad 2025 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The NSO exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into three sections:
| Class Group | Section 1: Logical Reasoning | Section 2: Science | Section 3: Achievers Section |
| Classes 1-4 | 5 Questions (1 mark each) | 25 Questions (1 mark each) | 5 Questions (2 marks each) |
| Classes 5-12 | 10 Questions (1 mark each) | 35 Questions (1 mark each) | 5 Questions (3 marks each) |
- The Achievers Section includes high-order thinking (HOT) questions based on advanced concepts.
- No negative marking is applied.
National Science Olympiad 2025 Syllabus
The NSO syllabus is based on the CBSE, ICSE, and various state boards. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Classes 1-4
| Topics Covered |
| Living and Non-living Things |
| Plants and Animals |
| Our Environment |
| Human Body |
| Air, Water, and Weather |
| Light and Sound |
| Food and Nutrition |
| Logical Reasoning |
2. Classes 5-8
| Physics | Chemistry | Biology | Logical Reasoning |
| Motion and Force | States of Matter | Life Processes | Patterns and Sequences |
| Electricity and Magnetism | Acids and Bases | Microorganisms | Coding-Decoding |
| Sound and Light | Chemical Reactions | Reproduction | Analytical Reasoning |
| Heat and Energy | Metals and Non-metals | Human Body Systems | Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning |
3. Classes 9-12
| Physics | Chemistry | Biology | Logical Reasoning |
| Kinematics | Atomic Structure | Cell Biology | Blood Relations |
| Laws of Motion | Chemical Bonding | Genetics | Data Interpretation |
| Work, Energy, and Power | Thermodynamics | Evolution | Logical Sequences |
| Electromagnetism | Organic Chemistry | Human Physiology | Coding-Decoding |
National Science Olympiad 2025 Preparation Tips
1. Understand the syllabus.
Examine the syllabus and identify important topics for your class. Concentrate on concepts from the NCERT and other school textbooks.
2. Practice with Previous Year’s Papers
Solve previous years’ question papers to better understand the exam format and difficulty level.
3. Improve logical reasoning.
Since NSO has a logical reasoning section, practice puzzles, sequences, and coding-decoding questions.
4. Time Management.
Because the exam is timed, practice answering questions within a specific time frame.
5. Take mock tests.
Enroll in online or offline mock tests to assess your abilities and weaknesses.
6. Refer to additional resources.
Books like SOF Olympiad Trainer, MTG NSO Explorer, and Olympiad Success Workbooks are excellent resources for practice.
Benefits of Participating in NSO
1. Increases scientific knowledge.
NSO enables students to gain a thorough understanding of science and its applications.
2. Improves logical thinking.
The logical reasoning section improves problem-solving abilities, which are useful for competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, and UPSC.
3. Recognized on national and international levels.
Medals, trophies, and certificates are given to high achievers to help them gain academic recognition.
4. Scholarship Opportunities.
Winners are awarded scholarships and cash prizes to encourage further academic pursuits.
5. Boosts confidence.
Performing well in NSO boosts students’ confidence for future competitive examinations.
Awards and Recognition
International and zonal levels (Classes 3–12): Awards for second-level winners.
Classes 1 and 2: First-level winners are eligible for one award, with the highest level of achievement recognized.
International Level Awards:
- 1st: Rs.50,000, Gold Medal, Certificate of Outstanding Performance
- 2nd: Rs.25,000, Silver Medal, and Certificate
- Third place: Rs.10,000, Bronze Medal, Certificate.
Zonal-Level Awards:
- 1st Place: Rs.5,000, Gold Medal, Certificate of Zonal Excellence
- Second: Rs.2,500, Silver Medal, Certificate
- Third place: Rs. 1,000, Bronze Medal, Certificate
- 4th-10th: Gifts worth Rs. 500, Certificate
- 11th–25th: Certificate of Zonal Excellence
- 26th+: Merit Certificate (All Eligible)
School Level Awards:
- Medals are awarded to the top students in their classes.
- Top performers receive distinction medals and certificates.
- All participants are given a Student Performance Report and a Participation or Merit Certificate based on their level.
National Science Olympiad 2025 Registration
How to Register?
The prospectus and application forms are sent to schools that wish to participate in the NSO Olympiad Exam. Schools that are not registered can request a prospectus by contacting the conducting body via e-mail or phone. The duly filled NSO exam application forms and the students’ application fees must be submitted 30 days before the NSO exam date selected by the particular school.
Check out the following process for registering NSO 2025-26.
- Aspirants can register for the National Science Olympiad (NSO) through their current schools.
- The school’s coordinator will take the next steps in allocating student roll numbers by the guidelines that have been issued.
- As instructed by the school, students should submit a copy of their student registration, roll number, and school registration sheets to the foundation’s office.
- Students must pay a nominal registration fee for the NSO exam; the details are explained below.
| Schools in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh | ₹ 125 |
| Schools in other countries | US $9 |
NSO Olympiad 2025 Exam Admit Card
All applicants who complete the registration process receive NSO admit cards. The applicant’s admit card contains all of the candidates’ information, as well as some exam-related information and instructions. The key details about the admit card are provided below for the candidates’ reference:
- Candidates who wish to participate in the SOF-conducted NSO Olympiad exam must obtain the admit card, which is a necessary document; without it, applicants will be unable to take the competitive exam.
- To obtain the admit card, applicants must visit and download it from the university’s official website.
- Applicants must have their admit card with them when taking the entrance exam.
National Science Olympiad 2025 Important Dates
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
| Registration Start Date | July 2025 |
| Last Date for Registration | September 2025 |
| Level 1 Exam | November – December 2025 |
| Result Declaration (Level 1) | January 2026 |
| Level 2 Exam | February 2026 |
| Final Results Announcement | March 2026 |
Why Participate?
The Olympiad is designed to test skills, build confidence, and also highlight the quality that makes someone stand out. Participating in NSO not only enhances scientific knowledge but also fosters critical thinking and innovation. The Olympiad provides young learners with an opportunity to explore their potential, refine their abilities, and prepare for future academic and professional success. Furthermore, students gain exposure to different learning methodologies, improving their ability to tackle real-world scientific challenges.
National Science Olympiad 2025 FAQs
Q1. What is the fee for the National Science Olympiad?
Ans. Schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal must pay an INR 125 registration fee to SOF, while other countries must pay USD 9 (including GST) per student / Olympiad to cover the cost of the examination.
Q2. How do I sign up for the National Science Olympiad?
Ans. Students can only register for the SOF NSO National Science Olympiad at their respective schools. Individual registrations are not accepted.
Q3. Who is eligible for the Olympiads?
Ans. Students in grades 1-12 are eligible to compete in the first-level Olympiads. There are no other eligibility requirements, such as minimum marks. Students that have qualified for the second-level exam include the following-
- The top 5% of students in each class who take the first-level exam.
- Zone-wise top 25 rank holders by class, as well as class toppers from participating schools with at least 10 students who scored 50% qualifying marks.
- Students in classes 1 and 2 are not required to take the second level exam and are ranked according to their performance in the first level exam.
Q4. What is the syllabus for the NSO?
Ans. The NSO follows the syllabus prescribed by the CBSE, ICSE, and various state boards. If you sit for the second level and then move on to the next class, the syllabus will remain the same (that of the previous class). The syllabus details are also available on the Foundation’s website. Link to access the syllabus: https://sofworld.org/nso.
Q5. Are there any special books that participants should use to prepare for the NSO?
Ans. In general, NCERT books/course books prescribed by the CBSE/ICSE/STATE BOARDS can be used for preparation. We also have the following books, test series, and resources for Olympiad preparation:
- MTG Class-wise Workbooks (For Classes 1-12)
- Olympiad Prep-Guides (For Classes 1–10)
- SOF Olympiad Trainer Mobile Apps
- OSDS (Olympic Skills Development System)
- Previous Years Papers
- Olympiads’ Books of Reasoning (to prepare for the reasoning section of Olympiads)
- Scientific Skill Development System
Students in classes XI and XII can also refer to MTG competitive books and magazines such as Chemistry Today, Biology Today, Mathematics Today, and Physics for You.
Q6. I previously competed in 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.
Q7. I will write the Olympiads for the first time. Can I get some sample papers?
Ans. Sample papers are sent to all schools that have registered for Olympiad exams. The SOF website also includes these papers. Sample papers distributed to schools before the first level test are useful and can be used for both levels of the Olympiad exam.
In addition to the sample papers, students may benefit from subscribing to OSDS (Olympic Skill Development System).
Q8. May I participate in more than one Olympiad exam?
Ans. Although organized by the same Foundation, ICSO, NSO, IMO, IEO, ICO, ISSO, IHO, and IGKO are entirely different competitions. Students can register for all Olympiads in a year based on their class eligibility.
Q9. My school does not want to register for the Olympiads, but I am eager to take the exam. Can I complete it on my own?
Ans. SOF does not encourage individual participation. Students must register through their schools only.
Q10. Our school has less than ten kids interested in competing in an Olympiad. Can we still register for the test?
Ans. For schools with fewer than 10 students, the Foundation cannot host the NSO. As a result, a school must have at least ten students to be considered a center.
Conclusion
The National Science Olympiad (NSO) provides an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate their scientific knowledge and reasoning abilities. Students who participate in NSO gain subject expertise while also improving their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students can achieve top rankings and receive national and international recognition with the proper preparation and dedication.
For students who are interested in science, NSO is a stepping stone to a successful academic future. If you want to excel in science, start your NSO preparation now!