A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone – Tyrion Lannister from the famous TV show “Game of thrones”
This couldn’t be more true. Discerning eyes are always looking for something that satiates their thirst for the extraordinary. Similarly, for students who love to study and learn, the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) is that extraordinary destination, which provides a platform to hone their skills in various subjects. It offers competitive exams that include a variety of questions to make children think differently and come up with innovative solutions. Science Olympiads are considered to be a scholarly accomplishment and are valuable all around the world. So, let’s get to know more about these exams to help you ace them effortlessly.
SOF is a Registered Not-For-Profit Organization, based in New Delhi, which promotes science, mathematics, introductory computer education and English language skills amongst school children in India. Although the exams are primarily conducted in India, centres are there in other countries such as Singapore, Oman, Qatar, Nepal, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, U.A.E. and Durban. Specifically designed for students from class I to XII, the results are announced as per the student’s overall rank, state rank, school rank, percentile score, etc. SOF also generates a performance report for all participating schools, as well as awards teachers and principals whose pupils excelled in the exam.
The foundation conducts the following Science Olympiads:
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National Science Olympiad (NSO)
The National Science Olympiad is organized every year to motivate students to strive for better and deeper understanding of scientific facts and data. It helps enhance children’s reasoning, analytical and problem-solving skills. All school students from class 2nd onwards are invited to participate in this unique contest that tests their understanding, level of knowledge, applications and power of reasoning. This is probably the foremost among the various science olympiads conducted in India.
Find all you need to know about this article here.
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National Cyber Olympiad (NCO)
National Cyber Olympiad is now a global search competition that aims at identifying and nurturing cyber talent amongst the youngsters. It is about inspiring the younger generation to enhance their knowledge about issues related to computers and IT. Students of classes 2nd to 12th are eligible to appear for the 1st level NCO. Those who qualify for the 2nd level exam include top 5% of students class-wise, zone wise top 25 rank holders class wise, Class topper where at least 10 students from a class appear in the exam & scores 50% qualifying marks.
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International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)
The International Mathematics Olympiad is a means to identify and encourage the mathematical creativity of children in schools across India and abroad. Students of classes 1 to 12 are eligible to appear for the 1st level IMO. Students have to register for the exam only from their school as it does not accept individual participation of the candidate from any other mode.
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International English Olympiad (IEO)
The International English Olympiad is a one-of-a-kind examination, and the first in the history of English language testing in India. IEO is a joint venture of the Science Olympiad Foundation and The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad. The examination has been developed by a group of testing professionals who constitute the All India English Language Testing Authority (AIELTA) at The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU). This single-level exam is meant for students of classes 1st to 12th.
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International Company Secretaries Olympiad (ICSO)
The exam is open to the students of classes 11 and 12. The ICSO was launched in partnership with The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, a statutory body under an Act of Parliament. Students from Science, Commerce & Humanities stream can participate in the ICSO. The exam is based on subjects like Economics, Accountancy, Business Studies, Quantitative Analysis Reasoning, etc.
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International Sports Knowledge Olympiad (ISKO)
Open to the students of classes 1 to 10, this exam has questions on general awareness, sports, great personalities, national games of different countries, fitness, monuments, tourist places, etc. Prospectus containing the registration forms are sent to all schools registered with SOF. The ISKO is an objective-type test of 60 minutes duration and conducted during school hours for convenience.
I’ve also compiled a list of books that might help you while preparing for ones of these competitive tests:
- MTG NSO class wise Workbooks (For Class 1 to 10)
- MTG NSO class wise Workbooks (For Class 1 to 10)
- SOF Olympiad Trainer Mobile Apps
- OSDS (Olympiad Skill Development System)
- Previous Years Papers
- Olympiad’s Book of Reasoning (for preparation for the reasoning section of NSO)
- E-Quiz
This was a list of the best science olympiads offered by SOF.
NTSE is another prestigious exam for the talented students of India. Find all you need to know about NTSE in this article. Also, read about how to crack it here.
