What is the Science Olympiad?
The Science Olympiad is a tournament where school students compete in science. It includes many topics like biology, chemistry, physics, and more. Students form teams and work together to win contests in these subjects. They also deal with engineering and technology challenges. The competition is open to kids from elementary to high school. It helps them learn a lot about different science fields by actually doing fun projects and experiments.
NSO Eligibility Criteria:
NSO Level 1 Eligibility Criteria:
- Students from Class 1 to Class 12 are eligible to participate in the Level 1 exams.
- Minimum Marks: There is no minimum marks requirement for eligibility.
NSO Level 2 Eligibility Criteria:
- Only students from Classes 3 to 12 are eligible for the Science Olympiad Level 2 exam.
- Qualification: To be eligible for Level 2, students must qualify for the Level 1 exam.
NSO Eligible Students Include:
- Top 5% Class-wise: The top 5% of students from each class who appear for the Level 1 exam.
- Zone-wise and Class-wise Top 25 Ranks: Students holding the top 25 ranks in their respective zones and classes.
- Class Toppers: Toppers from each participating school where a minimum of 10 students from a class appear in the Level 1 exam and achieve 50% qualifying marks.
Section-wise Registration:
- For section-wise registrations, students with the highest marks, regardless of the section, will qualify for the Level 2 exam.
- Gold medal winners in section-wise registrations do not need to qualify for the Level 2 exam.
Steps to Participate in NSO
- Welcoming participants from grades 1 to 12, the SOF National Science Olympiad (NSO) provides an exciting opportunity for students. To join, students can follow these simple steps:
Accessing Registration Forms:
- Interested students can obtain registration forms from their respective schools, which are registered with SOF.
- The NSO is typically organized through schools. Your school needs to register for the Olympiad with the Science Olympiad Foundation. If your school is not registered, you can encourage them to do so.
- Once your school is registered, the next step is individual registration. The school will provide details on how to register for the NSO. This may involve filling out an application form and paying the required registration fee.
Completing and Returning Forms:
- Ensure that the registration forms are filled out accurately and returned to SOF by the specified deadline. This step is crucial for securing participation in the NSO.
Roll Number Assignment:
- The school's coordinating teacher will generate students' Roll Numbers according to the given guidelines.
- A copy of the roll numbers, along with the Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) and School Registration Form (SRF), should be sent to the Foundation's office before the submission deadline.
Flexible Examination Dates:
- Students enjoy the flexibility of choosing a convenient date for the NSO Level 1 exam, which is conducted on three different dates.
- Each date presents a unique set of questions, adding to the excitement of the competition.
No Individual Registrations:
- It's important to note that individual student registrations are not accepted. Students should register through their respective schools to participate in the NSO.
Registration Fee Details:
- For students in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, a nominal registration fee of Rs 125 (including GST) per student covers the cost of the examination.
- There may be an additional charge of Rs 25 per student for charge's honorarium, teacher remuneration, and related expenses, as decided by the schools.
- Notably, students facing major physical disabilities or those with parents martyred during defense operations are exempt from fees.
- Students from other countries can participate by paying a registration fee of US$9, with an additional US$1, respectively.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Levels of the Olympiad:
- Level 1: Held in respective schools during school hours, featuring objective-type questions. The duration is 60 minutes, with 35 questions for classes 1 to 4 and 50 questions for classes 5 to 12. The question paper includes sections on Logical Reasoning, Science, and an Achievers Section.
- Level 2: Conducted for students from class 3 to class 12, with qualifiers determined by the top 5% of candidates class-wise, top 25 rank holders class-wise and zone-wise, and class toppers where at least 10 students participate, scoring 50% qualifying marks. Tie-breakers consider marks in different sections.
Note: There is no negative marking
Syllabus
The syllabus for the National Science Olympiad (NSO) Class 3 is designed to align with the general science curriculum for students of this class. The NSO aims to assess students' understanding of scientific concepts, logical reasoning abilities, and application of knowledge. While the syllabus is broad, it generally covers the following topics:
- Section 1: Logical Reasoning: Patterns, Analogy and Classification, Alphabet Test, Coding-Decoding, Ranking Test, Grouping of Figures and Figure Matrix, Mirror Images, Geometrical Shapes, Embedded Figures, Days and Dates & Possible Combinations.
- Section 2: Science: Plants and Animals, Birds, Food, Housing, Clothing and Occupation, Transport, Communication and Safety Rules, Human Body, Earth and Universe, Matter and Materials, Light, Sound and Force, Our Environment.
- Section 3: Achievers Section: This section may include questions that are more challenging and aim to test a student's deeper understanding of scientific principles. Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2.
Marking scheme
It's important to note that the NSO syllabus is not confined to the specific textbooks used in schools. The questions are designed to go beyond rote memorization and encourage students to apply their knowledge in novel situations.
To prepare for the NSO Class 3 exam, students should focus on understanding the fundamental concepts in science and practice solving logical reasoning problems. Using additional reference materials and previous years' question papers can also be beneficial for a comprehensive preparation. We've put together a great course to help you get ready for your NSO exam.
Other National Olympiad Exams
Preparation Tips and Tricks for International Science Olympiad (ISO) Class 3
Approaching the Class 3 Science Olympiad may feel challenging, but it's a thrilling opportunity. Consider it more than just a test; see it as an adventure to explore the wonders of science. With enthusiasm and commitment, you can tackle it effectively, enjoying the journey of learning and problem-solving. To assist you on this exciting path, we've prepared some helpful tips and tricks:
Preparation:
- Master the NCERT: It's your foundation! Thoroughly understand the concepts explained in your NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. You can find NCERT books for the preparation here on EduRev app.
- Go beyond the textbook: Foster curiosity and a love for learning by exploring beyond the prescribed syllabus. Dive into reference books, online resources, and science magazines to gain deeper insights and discover advanced concepts that may not be covered in your regular coursework. Find an array of resources on EduRev.
- Active practice is key to success: Regularly solve past Olympiad papers and sample questions to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern. Analyze your mistakes and use them as learning opportunities. To access more sample papers, explore the thoughtfully selected resources available on EduRev, which can further elevate your preparation.
- Embrace curiosity and self-learning: Cultivate a curious mindset and a passion for self-learning. The Olympiad is not just about exams; it's about exploring the fascinating world of science. Stay curious, ask questions, and seek answers beyond the curriculum. Use your natural curiosity as a driving force in your preparation.
Exam Strategies:
- Stay calm and focused: Don't panic! Take deep breaths and read instructions carefully before you begin.
- Divide your time effectively for each section (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) based on your strengths and the number of questions.
- Read carefully: Don't jump to conclusions! Analyze each question clearly before attempting to answer. Look for keywords and hidden meanings.
- Elimination technique: If unsure about an answer, eliminate the options you know are wrong. This increases your chances of guessing the right one.
- Double-check: Before submitting, quickly review your answers to avoid silly mistakes.
Bonus Tips:
- Stay curious: A natural curiosity towards science is your greatest asset! Ask questions, experiment, and explore the world around you.
- Enjoy the journey: Learning science shouldn't feel like a chore. Find fun ways to learn, like watching science documentaries, participating in science fairs, or even conducting simple experiments at home.
- Believe in yourself: Confidence is crucial. Trust your preparation and give it your best shot!
Remember:
- The NOS is a challenging but rewarding experience. Focus on learning and enjoying the process, not just on winning.
- Celebrate your achievements, learn from your mistakes, and keep your passion for science burning bright!