National Science Olympiad (NSO) – All You Need To Know

What is NSO?

National Science Olympiad (NSO) is a yearly competitive exam conducted for school students. Organized by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), this exam aims at cultivating scientific reasoning and logical ability among the students through a rigorous test. The Foundation primarily envisions the scientific curiosity and vigour in young students through competitive exams. Read on to find out more about NSO.

Can I appear for NSO?

• Age: Students of classes 1 to 12th are eligible to appear for the 1st level Olympiads. Students who qualify for the 2^nd level exam include.

(a) Top 5% of students’ class wise, who appear for the 1st level exam,

(b) State wise top 25 rank holders class wise, and

(c) Class toppers from each participating school where at least 10 students from a class appear in the exam & scores 50% qualifying marks. Students from classes 1 and 2 are not required to appear for the 2^nd level exam and are ranked based on their performance in the first level exam.

• • Year of Attempt: Only students enrolled in classes 1 to 12th are eligible. There is no year restriction as long as the student is enrolled in a school programme.

• No. of Attempts: In a particular academic year, a student is allowed only one attempt.

How do I register for NSO 2017?

• • The NSO is open to the students of classes 1 to 12.

• • Prospectus containing the Registration forms are sent to all schools registered with Science Olympiad Foundation.

• • Schools not registered may also request for prospectus by sending an e-mail at info@sofworld.org/phone-call/fax-0124-4951200.

• • The school’s coordinating teacher will generate the students’ Roll Numbers as per the guidelines given.

• • A copy of these roll numbers along with the Students’ Registration Sheet (SRS) and School Registration Form (SRF) should be sent to the Foundation’s office before the due date of submission of forms.

• • Foundation will register the applicant school and the students and dispatch question papers and guidelines for conducting the examination.

• • Principals / teachers may please note that any school can be registered as a center for NSO.

• • No fee is required from the institution to become a registered examination centre.

• • A minimum of 10 students need to be registered from each school for feasibility reasons.

• • A nominal participation fee is charged from each student.

• Part of it is retained by the school for its expenses as exam center.

What are the NSO Exam Dates?

The Science Olympiad Foundation only releases dates for the current academic year.

• • NSO 2016 exam dates are 15th & 24th Nov, 2016. 

• Tentatively second round to be held in the month of January-February 2017.

What is the syllabus for NSO?

Class 1

• Section – I (Mental Ability):

• Numerals
• Number Name and Number Sense (2 digit numbers)
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Length
• Weight
• Time
• Money
• Geometrical Skills
• Patterns
• Odd One Out
• Series Completion
• Problems Based on Figures.

• Section – II (Science):

• Plants
• Animals
• Human Beings and Their Needs
• Good Habits and Safety Rules
• Air and Water
• Weather and the Sky

Class 2

• Section – I (Mental Ability):

• Numerals
• Number Name and Number Sense (3 digit numbers)
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Time
• Calendar
• Measurement of Weight
• Length and Temperature
• Geometrical Shapes
• Money
• Problems Based on Figures
• Series Completion
• Patterns
• Find Odd Numeral Out.

• Section – II (Science):

• Plants
• Animals
• Human Body
• Family
• Food
• Housing and Clothing
• Occasions and Festivals
• Occupation
• Good Habits and Safety Rules
• Transport and Communication
• Earth and Universe.

Class 3

• Section – I (Mental Ability):

• Numerals, Number Names and Number Sense (4 digit numbers)
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Fractional Numbers
• Multiplication
• Division
• Time
• Straight and Curved Lines
• Calendar
• Measurement of Weight and Capacity
• Geometrical Shapes
• Money
• Patterns
• Problems Based on Figures
• Odd One Out
• Series Completion
• Coding-Decoding
• Mirror Image
• Embedded Figures.

• Section – II (Science) :

• Plants and Animals
• Birds
• Water
• Food
• House and Occupation Transport and Communication
• Human Body
• Earth and Universe
• Human Body
• Matter and Materials
• Light
• Sound and Force.

Class 4

• Section – I (Mental Ability) :

• Number and Numeration (5 digit numbers)
• Place-value
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Division
• Comparison
• Geometrical Shapes
• Symmetry
• Measurement of Length
• Weight and Capacity
• Time
• Money
• Fractional Numbers
• Pictorial Representation of Data
• Roman Numerals
• Multiples and Factors
• Perimeter of Various Shapes
• Problems Based on Figures
• Odd One Out, Series Completion
• Coding-Decoding
• Direction Sense
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Mirror Images
• Embedded Figures
• Patterns
• Conversions
• Number Ranking
• Alphabetical Test.

Section – II (Science):

• Plants
• Animals
• Water
• Transport
• Earth and Universe
• Human Body
• Matter and Materials
• General Activities.

Class 5

• Section – I (Mental Ability) :

• Number Sense
• Regional and Roman Numerals
• Numbers up to Lakhs
• Multiples and Factors
• Fractional Numbers
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Division
• Decimals
• Geometrical Shapes and Angles
• Symmetry
• Measurement of Length
• Time
• Money
• Weight
• Perimeter and Area of Square
• Rectangle and Circle
• Pictorial Representation of Data
• HCF and LCM
• Problems Based on Figures
• Odd One Out
• Series Completion
• Coding-Decoding
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Mirror Images
• Embedded Figures
• Direction Sense
• Patterns
• Number Ranking
• Alphabetical Test.

• Section – II (Science):

• Animals
• Human Body and Health
• Plants and Food
• Water
• Natural Resources and Calamities
• Earth and Univierse
• Matter
• General Science.

Class 6

• Section – I (Mental Ability) :

• Knowing our Numbers
• Whole Numbers
• Playing with Numbers
• Basic Geometrical Ideas
• Understanding Elementary Shapes
• Integers
• Fractions
• Decimals
• Data Handling
• Mensuration
• Algebra
• Ratio and Proportion
• Symmetry
• Practical Geometry
• Logical Reasoning.

• Section – II (Science) :

• Motion and Measurement of Distances
• Light, Shadows and Reflections
• Electricity and Circuits
• Fun with Magnets
• Air and Water
• Sorting and Separation of Materials into Groups
• Changes Around Us
• Living Organisms and Their Surroundings
• Food and its components.

Class 7

 • Section – I (Mental Ability) :

• Integers, Fractions and Decimals
• Data Handling
• Simple Equations
• Lines and Angles
• The Triangle and its Properties
• Congruence of Triangles
• Comparing Quantities
• Rational Numbers
• Practical Geometry
• Perimeter and Area
• Algebraic Expressions
• Exponents and Powers
• Symmetry
• Visualising Solid Shapes
• Logical Reasoning
• Conversions
• Simple Probability.

• Section – II (Science) :

• Heat, Motion and Time
• Electric Current and its Effect
• Winds, Storms and Cyclones
• Light
• Acids, Bases and Salts
• Physical and Chemical Changes
• Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animals
• Fibres to Fabrics
• Nutrition in Plants and Animals
• Respiration in Organisms
• Transportation in Plants and Animals
• Reproduction in Plants
• Natural Resources and Their Conservation.

Class 8

• Section – I (Mental Ability) :

• Rational Numbers
• Exponents and Powers
• Direct and Inverse Variations
• Comparing Quantities
• Algebraic Expressions and Identities
• Factorization of Algebraic Expressions
• Linear Equations in One Variable
• More About Triangles
• Congruent Triangles
• Understanding Quadrilaterals
• Mensuration
• Data Handling
• Visualising Solid Shapes
• Introduction to Graphs
• Playing with Numbers
• Squares and Square Roots
• Cubes and Cube Roots
• Problem Based on Figures
• Odd One Out, Series Completion
• Coding-Decoding
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Analytical Reasoning
• Mirror Images
• Embedded Figures.

• Section – II (Science) :

• Crop Production and Management
• Microorganisms
• Synthetic Fibres and Plastics
• Metals and Non-Metals
• Coal and Petroleum
• Combustion and Flame
• Conservation of Plants and Animals
• Cell
• Reproduction in Animals
• Force and Pressure
• Friction
• Sound
• Chemical Effects of Electric Current
• Some Natural Phenomena
• Light
• Stars and Solar System
• Pollution of Air and Water.

Class 9

• Section – I (Mental Ability) :

• Number Systems
• Polynomials
• Coordinate Geometry
• Linear Equations in Two Variables
• Introduction to Euclid’s Geometry
• Lines and Angles
• Triangles
• Quadrilaterals
• Areas of Parallelograms and Triangles
• Circles
• Constructions
• Heron’s Formula
• Surface Areas and Volumes
• Statistics
• Probability
• Logical (Verbal and Non-Verbal)
• Analytical Reasoning.

• Section – II (Science) :

• Motion, Force and Laws of Motion
• Gravitation
• Work and Energy
• Sound
• Matter in Our Surroundings
• Is Matter Around Us Pure
• Atoms and Molecules
• Structure of Atom
• Cell – The Fundamental Unit of Life
• Tissues
• Diversity in Living Organisms
• Why Do We Fall Ill
• Natural Resources
• Improvement in Food Resources.

Class 10

• Section – I (Mental Ability) :

• Real Numbers
• Polynomials
• Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables
• Quadratic Equations
• Arithmetic Progressions
• Triangles
• Coordinate Geometry
• Introduction to Trigonometry
• Some Applications of Trigonometry
• Circles
• Constructions
• Areas Related to Circles
• Surface Areas and Volumes
• Statistics
• Probability
• Direction Sense Test
• Mathematical operations
• Number Ranking & Time Sequence Test
• Coding-Decoding
• Distance
• Speed
• Time and General Reasoning Based on Prescribed Syllabus.

• Section – II (Science) :

• Chemical Reactions and Equations
• Acids, Bases and Salts
• Metals and Non-Metals
• Carbon and its Compounds
• Periodic Classification of Elements
• Life Processes
• Reproduction in Organisms
• Heredity and Evolution
• Light-Reflection and Refraction
• Human Eye and Colourful World
• Electricity
• Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
• Sources of Energy
• Our Environment and its Management.

Class 11

• Section –I (Mathematics):

• Sets, Relations and Functions
• Mathematical Induction
• Logarithms
• Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations
• Linear Inequations
• Differentiation
• Sequences and Series (A.P. & G.P. Misc.)
• Trigonometry
• Cartesian System of Rectangular Coordinates
• Straight Lines and Family of Straight Lines
• Circles
• Conic Section
• Trigonometry
• Permutations and Combinations
• Binomial Theorem
• Statistics
• Mathematical Logic
• Limits and Derivatives
• Probability
• Introduction to 3-D Geometry
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

OR

• Section –I (Biology):

• Diversity in the Living World
• Structural Organization in Plants and Animals
• Cell – Structure and Functions
• Plant Physiology
• Human Physiology.

• Section –II (Physics & Chemistry):

Physics:

• Units and Measurements
• Mechanics
• Properties of Matter
• Heat and Thermodynamics
• Oscillations
• Waves.

Chemistry:

• Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
• Structure of Atom
• Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
• Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
• States of Matter
• Thermodynamics
• Equilibrium
• Redox Reactions
• Hydrogen
• The s-Block Elements
• The p-Block Elements (Groups 13 and 14)
• Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques
• Hydrocarbons
• Environmental Chemistry.

Class 12

Section –I (Mathematics):

• Sets
• Relations and Functions
• Mathematical Induction
• Logarithms
• Complex Numbers
• Linear Inequations
• Quadratic Equations
• Sequences and Series
• Trigonometry
• Cartesian System of Rectangular Coordinates
• Straight Lines and Family of Straight Lines
• Circles
• Conic Section
• Permutations and Combinations
• Binomial Theorem
• Exponential and Logarithmic Series
• Mathematical Logic
• Statistics & Probability
• Three Dimensional Geometry
• Vectors
• Stocks
• Shares and Debentures
• Average and Partition Values
• Index Numbers
• Matrices and Determinants
• Limits
• Differential Calculus
• Integral Calculus
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
  OR
  • Section –I (Biology):
• Reproduction
• Genetics and Evolution
• Biology in Human Welfare
• Biotechnology
• Ecology.
  • Section –II (Physics & Chemistry):-

Physics:

• Electricity and Magnetism
• Electromagnetic Induction
• AC
• E.M. Waves
• Optics
• Modern Physics
• Solids and Semiconductor Devices
• Communication Systems.

Chemistry:

• The Solid State
• Solutions
• Electrochemistry
• Chemical Kinetics
• Surface Chemistry
• General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
• The p-Block Elements (Group 15 to 18)
• The d and f- Block Elements
• Coordination Compounds
• Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
• Alcohols
• Phenols and Ethers
• Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
• Amines
• Biomolecules
• Polymers
• Chemistry in Everyday Life.

What is the NSO Exam Pattern?

The National Science Olympiad is conducted at two levels:

Level 1: The first level of the test is organized in the respective schools of the participants during school hours.

• • The level 1 competition is an objective-type test of 60 minutes duration comprising 35 objective-type (Multiple Choice) questions for class 1 to class 4 and 50 objective-type (Multiple Choice) questions for class 5 to class 12.

• The question paper consists of three sections:

• For Class 1 to Class 10

• • Section-1: Logical Reasoning

• • Section-2: Science

• Section-3: Achievers Section

• For Class 11 and Class 12

• • Section-1: Physics/Chemistry

• • Section-2: Achievers Section

• Section-3 : Mathematics/Biology

• • There are separate question papers for each class.

• • The medium of the test is English.

• • CBSE, ICSE/ISC and State Board syllabus is followed for setting the test papers.

• The exam is conducted during school hours.

Level 2: The level 2 is conducted for students of class 3 to class 12. The qualifiers to second round would include the following:

• Top 5% of candidates class wise who appear for the 1^st  level exam. Due weightage to marks scored in different sections will be given. Each section is accorded separate weightage.
• Zonewise top 25 rank holders class wise.
• Class topper where at least 10 students from a class appear in the exam & scores 50% qualifying marks.

• • Questions of level-I Olympiad exams will be 60% from the current class syllabus and 40% from the previous class syllabus, e.g. Class-7 NSO exam will have 60% questions from class-7 syllabus and 40% questions from class 6 syllabus.

• • Questions of level-II Olympiad exams will be from current class syllabus only.

• Questions in ACHIEVERS SECTION will be from current class syllabus only.

How should I prepare for NSO?

• Understand the pattern of NSO: You can visit the official website to learn the exam pattern for you corresponding class. Broadly, the exam comprises of 50 questions that are divided into three sections – Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning, Science, and High order thinking questions. It is advised that you know this pattern well to streamline the preparations.
• Understand the standard of questions: If you are appearing for NSO, then expect questions of varying difficulty level. The questions test logical and observational skills of the students besides the conceptual knowledge. There will be no direct questions but rather an application of a previously studied concept is more likely to form the base of a question.
• Know the relevant books: You must thoroughly study course books suggested by your school board (ICSE/ CBSE/ State Board). In addition to this, you can refer to books available for Olympiad preparation to get a good rank in NSO.

The books prescribe for NSO are as follows:

• • 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

Additionally, class XI and XII students can refer to the various publications like Chemistry Today, Biology Today, Mathematics Today and Physics For You and MTG books which contain useful matter including solved and model test papers of various National and International Olympiads.

• Practice sample papers: If you are appearing for the first time or are regulars at NSO, procure previous years papers beforehand. Solving the sample papers will give you a fair idea of the pattern of questions asked. They are also good for improving pace for attempting paper in the given time. The sample papers can be obtained from the official website.

Where can I find previous years’ papers?

Sample Papers are sent to all schools registered for Olympiad exams. SOF website also contains these papers http://www.sofworld.org/nso/nso-exam/sample-papers.html. Sample papers sent to the schools prior to the first level test are helpful and can be used for both levels of Olympiad exams. There are no officially available previous years’ papers.

When do I qualify?

2nd level exam held for Science Olympiads (NSO) for students from class 3 onwards. In case two or more students score same total marks, ranks will be awarded to student scoring higher marks in sections accorded higher priority, as under:

In case two or more students score equally in all sections, they will be accorded same rank.

CRITERIA FOR RANKING IN 2nd LEVEL OLYMPIAD EXAMS:

In case of level 2 exams, ranks will be accorded on the following criteria:

Total Marks scored in level 2 exam. In case two or more students score same number of marks, ranks will be determined on following criteria:

• Marks scored in sections in level two exam accorded higher priority.
• Total marks scored in Level one exam.
• Marks scored in sections, in level one exam, accorded higher priority.

In case two or more students score same marks under all the categories above, they will be awarded the same rank.

CRITERIA FOR RANKING- SINGLE LEVEL OLYMPIAD EXAMS:

For class one & two students appearing in NSO ranks will be accorded on the following criteria.

• Marks obtained in the exam.
• In case two or more students score same number of marks, ranks will be determined on the basis of marks scored in sections accorded more priority.For ICSO, incase of tie, marks scored by a student in class 10 may be considered to determine rank.
• For other olympiads marks scored by a student in previous class may be considered to determine rank.
• In case two or more students score same marks under both the criteria above, they will be awarded the same rank.
• In case of any confusion decision of the Academic Council will be final binding.

How should I discuss my doubts?

Asking doubts and clearing them is important while preparing for NSO. Toppr brings you a community who has survived the test of time and wants to help out a real NSO aspirant. You can head over here and post your doubts and discuss them to get immensely helpful responses.