How to Participate in Cyber Olympiad | National Cyber Olympiad Class 8 PDF Download

What is NCO?

The National Cyber Olympiad (NCO) is an exciting competition arranged by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students from grades 1 to 10. It's all about learning internet safety and computer skills while having fun. The competition gives students a chance to grow their confidence and become better at using computers and technology. 

NCO Eligibility Criteria: 

• All students from Classes 1 to 12 are eligible for the IMO Level 1 exam.
• There are no additional eligibility criteria such as minimum marks.
• Students in Classes 1 and 2 are ranked based on their performance in Level 1 and are not required to appear for Level 2.

IMO Level 2 Exam Eligibility Criteria :

• Only Students from Classes 3 to 12 are eligible to participate in the Exam as per the IEO Eligibility Criteria 2023-24.

Steps to Participate in NCO

Welcoming participants from grades 1 to 12, the SOF National Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) 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 NCO is typically organized through schools. Your school needs to register for the Olympiad with the Science Olympiad Foundation(NCO). 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 NCO. 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 NCO.

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 NCO 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 NCO.

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 incharge'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

Pattern

Level 1: Held in respective schools during school hours, the exam features objective-type questions. The duration is 60 minutes, with questions sourced as 60% from the current class syllabus and 40% from the previous class syllabus. For instance, the Class 7 NCO exam will include 60% of questions from the Class 8 syllabus and 40% from the Class 7 syllabus.

Level 2: Only Students from Classes 3 to 12 are eligible to participate in the Exam as per the NCO Eligibility Criteria 2024-25.
Note: There is no negative marking.

Syllabus

Section 1: 
This section consists of questions designed to assess logical thinking and analytical skills. Topics may include Series Completion and
Inserting, Analogy and Classification, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense Test, Logical Venn Diagrams, Alpha-Numeric Sequence Puzzle, Mathematical Operations, Analytical Reasoning, Mirror and Water Images, Embedded Figures, Figure Formation, PaperFolding and Paper Cutting, Cubes and Dice, Dot Situation.

Section 2:
This section covers questions related to Fundamentals of Computers, Algorithms & Flowcharts, HTML & CSS, Flash CS6, MS-Access, Networking, MS-Word, MS-PowerPoint, MS-Excel, Memory & Storage Devices, Number System, Cyber Safety, Operating Systems.

Section 3: 
This section focuses on topics related to Developments in the Field of IT such as AI, Robotics, IT Gadgets, Devices, Apps, Computerization, and other Developments in the Field of IT.

Section 4: 
The syllabus  for this section aligns with the topics covered in Section 2, focusing on higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.
Note: The NCO Class 8 exam comprises a total of 50 questions, and the duration of the exam is 1 hour.

Marking scheme

Other SOF Olympiad Exams

• IEO – International English Olympiad
• NSO - National Science Olympiad
• IGKO – International General Knowledge Olympiad

Preparation Tips and Tricks for NCO:

Embarking on the journey of preparing for the NCO Class 8 exam can be both exciting and daunting. Howeve, with the right approach and dedication, you can navigate through it successfully. Here are some valuable tips and tricks to guide you along the way:

Preparation:

• Master the Basics: Make sure you really understand the basic math ideas you learn in your regular math classes. Get a good grip on numbers, how they work, basic shapes, and simple fractions.

• Explore Outside the Classroom: Stay curious about math! Look for math stuff outside of your regular lessons. Try out math games, websites, and other fun ways to learn more about math and discover cool problem-solving tricks.

• Practice Often: Keep practicing to get better at math. Solve lots of different math problems from books, worksheets, and online. Try timing yourself to work faster and more accurately, like you're in a test.

• Get Help When You Need It: If you're stuck on something, don't be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your teacher, a tutor, or friends. Join math clubs or study groups to learn together and share ideas with other students.

Exam Strategies:

• Keep Calm and Stay Focused: Stay relaxed and focused during the exam. Take deep breaths to calm yourself down and carefully read each question before trying to solve it.
• Manage Your Time Wisely: Divide your time well among the different parts of the exam, considering which areas you're better at and which ones you find harder. Focus more on the difficult questions but don't spend too long on any single question.
• Read Each Question Carefully: Pay close attention to how each question is worded and make sure you understand what it's asking before you start working on it. Look for clues and important words that can help you find the right answer.
• Think logically: Use your logical thinking skills to eliminate answers that are clearly wrong and narrow down your choices when you're not sure about a question. Getting rid of obviously wrong answers improves your chances of picking the correct one.
• Double-Check Your Work: Before you finish, take some time to go over your answers and make sure there are no mistakes. Check that you haven't missed any questions and that your answers are clear and correct.

Bonus Tips:

• Stay Curious: Maintain a curious attitude towards mathematics and embrace the joy of problem-solving. Explore mathematical puzzles, games, and real-life applications of math to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the subject.
• Make Learning Fun: Find enjoyable ways to engage with mathematics, such as participating in math competitions, attending math-themed events, or solving puzzles with friends and family. Incorporate hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences to make math more enjoyable and accessible.
• Believe in Yourself: Have confidence in your abilities and trust in your preparation. Believe that you have the potential to succeed in the IMO exam and approach each problem with a positive mindset.

Remember:

Getting ready for the NCO Class 8 test isn't just about getting top marks; it's also about enjoying math and improving your problem-solving abilities. Enjoy the process of learning, celebrate how far you've come, and keep yourself inspired to achieve your best in math.