How to Participate in Cyber Olympiad | Cyber Olympiad Class 4 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 2023-24 Eligibility Criteria:

• The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) mandates that schools register their students for participation.
• Schools not yet registered can complete the registration process by sending an email to the SOF.
• Eligibility for the NCO is limited to pupils in grades 1 through 10.
• Application forms must be completed and submitted solely through the student's respective school; individual applications are not accepted by the Science Olympiad Foundation.
• Computer and information technology are compulsory subjects for all students intending to participate.
• Participation in the examination is restricted to students from recognized boards such as CBSE, ICSE, and state boards.

Steps to participate in NCO

To take part, students simply need to follow these simple instructions:

Accessing Registration forms:

• Students in classes 1 to 10 are eligible to participate in the SOF NCO.
• Registration forms are given to all the schools that are already part of SOF.
• Schools not yet registered can request prospectuses by emailing info@sofworld.org or making a phone call.

Completing and Returning Forms:

• After all the students have submitted their forms, schools are required to return the registration forms to SOF, completely filled out and in good order, by the specified deadline.

Roll Numbers:

• The school's coordinating teacher is responsible for completing the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) following the provided guidelines.
• These forms should be sent to SOF's office before the designated submission deadline.
• Upon receipt of the Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) from the school, SOF will register the school and students.
• SOF will then generate roll numbers for all participating students.

Registration Fee Details:

• Schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, & Nepal pay a registration fee of Rs 125* (including GST) per student/Olympiad to SOF for the examination.
• An extra charge of Rs 25** per student may be added by schools for in-charge honorarium, teacher remuneration, and other expenses.
• For countries outside India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, & Nepal, the registration fee is US$9 per student/Olympiad*, with an additional US$1** per student for related expenses.
• *Includes GST.
• **Additional charge for related expenses.

Fee Exemption: 

• Students with major physical disabilities or Indian students whose parent was martyred during defense operations are exempt from fees.

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.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Pattern

• The NCO exam comprises three stages for students.
• Section I covers patterns, series, and classifications for grades 1 to 5.
• Section II focuses on computers, information technology, and technical advancements.
• Section III emphasizes high-order thinking questions, with difficulty increasing across grades.
• The question paper includes 35 objective-type questions for Classes 1 to 4 and 50 for Classes 5 to 10.
• Duration: Students have 60 minutes to complete it.

Marking Scheme:

The exam pattern and the marking scheme has been outlined in the table below:

Note: There is no negative marking.

Syllabus

• Logical Reasoning (Section - 1): Patterns, Alphabet Test, Coding-Decoding, Ranking Test, Mirror Images, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Embedded Figures, Direction Sense Test, Possible Combinations, Analogy and Classification, Clock and Calendar. 
• Computers and IT (Section - 2): About Computers (General Information), Evolution of Computers, Parts of Computer, Input and Output Devices, Hardware, Software, MS-Word(Formatting a Word document, Font group, Format Painter, Search using Find and Replace option, Checking Spelling and Grammar using Thesaurus), Using Windows 10, Introduction to Internet and Its Uses, Computer Networks, MS-Paint.
• Achiever Section (Section - 3): Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Sections 2 and 3.  

Benefits

The Benefits of Participating in Olympiad Exams

Olympiad competitions offer cash prizes and various other benefits to participants, which can serve as additional incentives for students to excel. Some of these benefits include:

• Enhances Understanding of Cyber Concepts: Cyber Olympiads focus on building a strong foundation of fundamental cyber concepts and testing students' comprehension and application abilities.
• Develops Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Participation in Cyber Olympiads nurtures skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, and quantitative reasoning, crucial for navigating the digital landscape.
• Boosts Confidence and Lateral Thinking: By gaining clarity in cyber concepts and acquiring new skills, students develop confidence to tackle challenges and foster a mindset for lateral thinking.
• Improves Academic Performance: Cyber Olympiads enhance students' performance in academics by refining their learning processes and facilitating a deeper understanding of cyber concepts.
• Prepares for Future Competitive Exams: Cyber Olympiads provide early exposure to competitive environments, helping students gauge their potential for future exams like cybersecurity certifications or competitive coding competitions.
• Offers a Platform for Recognition: Successful participation in Cyber Olympiads earns students accolades, medals, and certificates, enhancing their academic profiles and potentially opening doors to prestigious universities and careers in cybersecurity.
• Fosters National and International Exposure: Cyber Olympiads offer a platform for students to showcase their cyber talents at various levels, fostering national and international exposure and facilitating personal growth and satisfaction.

These benefits, along with the intellectual growth and personal development that come from participating in Olympiad competitions, make them highly rewarding experiences for students.

Preparation Tips and Tricks

Preparing for the Class 4 Cyber Olympiad may seem difficult, but it's an exciting chance. Instead of just a test, view it as an adventure to discover the world of computers. With enthusiasm and dedication, you can approach it successfully, enjoying the process of learning and solving problems. 

To support you on this journey, we've prepared some useful tips and tricks:

Preparation:

• Understand the syllabus thoroughly and plan to cover topics each day.
• Choose a consistent time and place for studying to maintain regularity.
• Focus on learning with a clear conceptual understanding.
• Take notes while studying, highlighting key points and important topics for easier revision.
• After completing the syllabus, practice chapter-wise questions and mock tests to identify strengths and weaknesses and improve accordingly.
• Once confident with the syllabus, solve previous year's question papers to understand the exam pattern, enhance time management skills, and improve speed and accuracy.

Exam Strategies:

• Stay calm and focused. Take deep breaths and read instructions carefully.
• Effective time management. Allocate time for each section based on strengths and question numbers.
• Careful reading. Analyze questions before attempting answers and identify keywords.
• Utilize the elimination technique. Eliminate wrong options if uncertain about an answer.
• Double-check. Review answers to avoid mistakes before submitting.

Bonus Tips:

• Stay curious! Experiment, ask questions, and explore the world of computers.
• Make Computer fun by watching youtube tutorials, participating in fairs, or exploring computers.
• Believe in yourself. Have confidence in your preparation and give your best effort.

Remember:

• NCO is challenging yet rewarding; focus on learning and enjoying the journey.
• Celebrate achievements, learn from mistakes, and keep your passion alive.