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NSO

NSO is an annual scholarship exam that aims at cultivating scientific reasoning and logical ability among school students.
  • Field
    Science
  • Eligibility
    Class 1 to 12
  • Subjects
    Science, Maths and Logical Reasoning
  • Applicants
    10 lakh
  • Questions Type
    Objective MCQs
  • Paper Pattern
    35 to 50 Questions in 60 Minutes.
  • Diffi culty Level
    Moderate
  • Time to Prepare
    6 Months
  • When
    November to February

All you need to know about NSO

Sections

Facts, Syllabus & Pattern

  • What is NSO?
  • Syllabus for NSO
  • Exam Pattern for NSO

How to apply for NSO

  • Eligibility Criteria for NSO
  • Registration for NSO

Important Dates

  • Exam Dates for NSO

Results and Cut-off

  • Qualification for NSO
  • Scholarships and Awards through NSO

How to Prepare for NSO

  • Preparation Tips for NSO
  • Study Material for NSO

Facts, Syllabus and Pattern Stroke 396

What is NSO?

The National Science Olympiad (NSO) is a yearly competitive exam conducted for school students.

Organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), this exam aims at cultivating scientific reasoning and logical ability among the students through a rigorous test.

The Science Olympiad Foundation primarily instills scientific curiosity and vigour in young students through competitive exams.

Here’s some more information on NSO.

Here’s a list of competitive exams you can participate in.

Syllabus for NSO

Class 10
mental aptitude Logical Reasoning
  1. Verbal and Nonverbal Reasoning
science Science
  1. Chemical Reactions and Equations
  2. Acids, Bases and Salts
  3. Metals and Nonmetals
  4. Carbon and its Compounds
  5. Periodic Classification of Elements
  6. Life Processes
  7. Reproduction in Organisms
  1. Heredity and Evolution
  2. Light: Reflection and Refraction
  3. Human Eye and Colourful World
  4. Electricity
  5. Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
  6. Sources of Energy
  7. Our Environment and its Management
Class 11
Physics Physics
  1. Units and Measurements
  2. Mechanics
  3. Properties of Matter
  4. Heat and Thermodynamics
  1. Oscillations
  2. Waves
Chemistry Chemistry
  1. Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
  2. Structure of Atom
  3. Classification of Elements and Periodicity in
  4. Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
  5. States of Matter
  6. Thermodynamics
  7. Equilibrium
  8. Redox Reactions
  1. Hydrogen
  2. The s-Block Elements
  3. The p-Block Elements (Groups 13 and 14)
  4. Organic Chemistry - Some Basic Principles and Techniques
  5. Hydrocarbons
  6. Environmental Chemistry
maths Mathematics
  1. Sets, Relations and Functions
  2. Principle of Mathematical Induction
  3. Logarithms
  4. Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations
  5. Linear Inequations
  6. Sequences and Series
  7. Trigonometry
  8. Straight Lines
  1. Conic Sections
  2. Permutations and Combinations
  3. Binomial Theorem
  4. Statistics
  5. Mathematical Reasoning
  6. Limits and Derivatives
  7. Probability
OR
biology Biology
  1. Reproduction
  2. Genetics and Evolution
  3. Biology in Human Welfare
  4. Biotechnology
  5. Ecology
Class 12
Physics Physics
  1. Electricity and Magnetism
  2. Electromagnetic Induction
  3. Alternating Current
  4. Electromagnetic Waves
  1. Optics
  2. Modern Physics
  3. Semiconductor Electronics
  4. Communication Systems
Chemistry Chemistry
  1. Solid State
  2. Solutions
  3. Electrochemistry
  4. Chemical Kinetics
  5. Surface Chemistry
  6. General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
  7. p-Block Elements (Group 15 to 18)
  8. d- and f-Block Elements
  9. Coordination Compounds
  1. Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
  2. Alcohols
  3. Phenols and Ethers
  4. Aldehydes
  5. Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
  6. Amines
  7. Biomolecules
  8. Polymers
  9. Chemistry in Everyday Life
maths Mathematics
  1. Relations and Functions
  2. Inverse Trigonometric Functions
  3. Matrices and Determinants
  4. Continuity and Differentiability
  5. Application of Derivatives
  6. Integrals
  1. Application of Integrals
  2. Differential Equations
  3. Vector Algebra
  4. Three-dimensional Geometry
  5. Probability
  6. Linear Programming
OR
biology Biology
  1. Reproduction
  2. Genetics and Evolution
  3. Biology in Human Welfare
  4. Biotechnology
  5. Ecology
Here’s the entire syllabus for Classes 1 to 12.

Exam Pattern for NSO

Here is the paper pattern for the first level examination.
Classes 1 to 4
Particulars
Details
Subjects
Science, Mathematics and Logical Reasoning
Type of questions
Objective (MCQs)
Mode of examination
Written Test
Exam duration
1 hour
Number of questions
35 questions
Languages
English
Marking scheme
1 mark awarded for each correct answer
(Science and Logical Reasoning)

2 marks awarded for each correct answer
(Achievers Section)
Negative marking
No negative marking
Classes 5 to 10
Particulars
Details
Subjects
Science, Mathematics and Logical Reasoning
Type of questions
Objective (MCQs)
Mode of examination
Written Test
Exam duration
1 hour
Number of questions
50 questions
Languages
English
Marking scheme
1 mark awarded for each correct answer
(Science and Logical Reasoning)

3 marks awarded for each correct answer
(Achievers Section)
Negative marking
No negative marking
Classes 11 and 12
Particulars
Details
Subjects
Physics, Chemistry and Maths/Biology
Type of questions
Objective (MCQs)
Mode of examination
Written Test
Exam duration
1 hour
Number of questions
50 questions
Languages
English
Marking scheme
1 mark awarded for each correct answer
(Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Biology)

3 marks awarded for each correct answer
(Achievers Section)
Negative marking
No negative marking
Here is the marking scheme for the first level examination:
Subject
No. of Questions
Total Marks
Classes 1 to 4
Logical Reasoning 5 (1 mark per
question)
5
Science 25 (1 mark per question) 25
Achievers Section 5 (2 marks per question) 10
Grand Total 35 40
Classes 5 to 10
Logical Reasoning 10 (1 mark per
question)
10
Science 35 (1 mark per
question)
35
Achievers section 5 (3 marks per
question)
15
Grand Total 50 60
Classes 11 to 12
Physics and Chemistry 25 (1 mark per
question)
25
Achievers section 5 (3 marks per
question)
15
Mathematics or Biology 20 (1 mark per
question)
20
Grand Total 50 60
Here is the marking scheme for the second level examination:
Subject
No. of Questions
Total Marks
Classes 3 to 4
Science 30 (1 mark per question) 30
Achievers section 5 (2 marks per question) 10
Grand Total 35 40
Classes 5 to 10
Science 45 (1 mark per question) 45
Achievers section 5 (3 marks per question) 15
Grand Total 50 60
Classes 11 to 12
Physics and Chemistry 25 (1 mark per question) 25
Achievers section 5 (3 marks per
question)
15
Mathematics or Biology 20 (1 mark per
question)
20
Grand Total 50 60

How to apply Stroke 396

Eligibility Criteria for NSO

  • Class:

    You need to be a student in Classes 1 to 12 to be eligible for this exam.

  • Boards:

    You must be a student of SSC, ICSE or CBSE boards.

  • Qualifying for second level examination:

    The top 5% of students (class-wise) who appear for the first level exam.

    The top 25 rank holders state-wise.

    Class toppers from each participating school; where at least 10 students participate and score a minimum of 50%.

  • Year of attempt:

    As long as you’re a student enrolled in any of Classes 1 to 12, you can apply for NSO.

  • Number of attempts:

    You can only attempt NSO once in every academic year.

Registration for NSO

Here is the registration process for NSO:
  1. The prospectus containing the registration forms is sent to all schools registered with the Science Olympiad Foundation.
  2. Unregistered schools can request a prospects by sending an email to [email protected] or making a phone call or sending a fax to 0124-4951200.
  3. Your school's coordinating teacher will generate students' roll numbers as per the guidelines given.
  4. A nominal participation fee is charged from each student in your school.

Important dates Stroke 396

Exam Dates for NSO

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

Here are the dates for NSO 2018:

Dates
Exam
1st and 27th November 2018
First level exam
2nd or 3rd Sunday of February 2019*
Second level exam

Results and cut-off Stroke 396

Qualification for NSO

First level examination

Based on your performance in the first level exam, you are given a rank. This rank determines whether you qualify for the second level exam or not.

If two students score the same marks, ranks are awarded to the student scoring higher marks in priority sections as mentioned below:

Classes 1 to 10
Priority
Section
1
Achievers Section
2
Science
3
Logical Reasoning
Classes 11 and 12
Priority
Section
1
Achievers Section
2
Science
3
Chemistry
4
Mathematics or Biology
If students score the same marks in all sections, they are given the same rank.
Second level examination

In the second level exam, you are ranked on the basis of your total score.

In case two students score the same marks, their ranks are decided on the basis of the below points:

  • Higher marks scored in higher priority sections (second level exam)
  • Total marks scored in the first level exam
  • Higher marks scored in higher priority sections (first level exam)

If two students still score the same marks, they are given the same rank.

Scholarships and Awards through NSO

The following awards will be given out to the winners of this year’s Olympiad.
Awards for the first level exam:
Zonal Level
Rank
Scholarships
No. of Awards
1 to 25
Medal of Excellence + Certificate of Distinction
240
26+
Participation Certificate
All
Awards for the second level exam:
International Level
Rank
Scholarships
No. of Awards
1
Rs. 50,000 Each + Gold Medal* + Certificate of Outstanding Performance
12
2
Rs. 25,000 Each + Silver Medal* + Certificate of Outstanding Performance
12
3
Rs. 10,000 Each + Bronze Medal* + Certificate of Outstanding Performance
12
Zonal Level
Rank
Scholarships
No. of Awards
1
Rs. 5,000 Each + Gold Medal* + Certificate of Zonal Excellence
240
2
Rs.2500 Each + Silver Medal* + Certificate of Zonal Excellence
240
3
Rs. 1000 Each + Bronze Medal* + Certificate of Zonal Excellence
240
4 to 10
Gifts* Worth Rs. 1000 + Medal of Distinction** + Certificate of Zonal Excellence
1680
11 to 25
Certificate of Zonal Excellence + Medal of Distinction**
3600
26+
Merit Certificate
All
Note: For more information regarding awards and scholarships, visit the official website.

How to prepare Stroke 396

Preparation Tips for NSO

  • Understand the standard of questions: If you are appearing for NSO, then expect questions of varying difficulty levels that test your logical and observational skills. There will be no direct questions, but an application of a previously studied concept is more likely to form the base of a question.
  • Practice sample papers: Solving sample papers will give you a fair idea of the pattern of the questions asked. They are also good for improving the pace at which you attempt the paper in a limited amount of time. NSO sample papers can be obtained from the official website.
  • Know the relevant books: You must thoroughly study course books suggested by your school or board (ICSE, CBSE or State Board). In addition to this, you can refer the books available for Olympiad preparations to get a good rank in NSO.

Study Material for NSO

Here are the books prescribed for NSO:

  • 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

If you’re a class 10 or 12 student, you can also refer to publications like Chemistry Today, Biology Today, Mathematics Today, Physics for You and MTG.

These books contain useful information, including model test papers of various National and International Olympiads.

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