Olympiad 2023 – Benefits, Dates, Exam Structure & Application

Olympiad exams or Olympiads are the means for students to compete with other students on a similar educational level. Such exams promote the learning of skills in subjects like Mathematics, Science, Computer Technology or the English language among students. An Olympiad helps students to analyse their strengths and weaknesses based on their performance in the nationwide or international level examinations. These exams provide an absolute assessment of students’ knowledge and motivate them towards academic improvement. The participating students are judged based on their scientific reasoning and logical ability.

Olympiad exams are conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), a non-profit organisation that works to promote scientific temperament among students. SOF organises several Olympiads including –

• National Science Olympiad (NSO)
• National Cyber Olympiad (NCO)
• International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)
• International English Olympiad (IEO)
• International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO)
• International Commerce Olympiad (ICO)
• International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO)

For over two decades, the organisation has been striving to promote a scientific attitude through innovative activities involving students from across the country.

Olympiad – Overview

Contents Name	Science Olympiad 2023
Provider	Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
Eligibility	Classes 1 to 12
Examination Start Date	21st September 2023
Examination End Date	18th January 2024 (Tentative)
Awards	Up to INR 1,00,000 (one-time)
Official Website	sofworld.org

Olympiad – Key Benefits 

Olympiad exams are beneficial for students in many ways. The examination is open for Classes 1 to 12 students. Olympiads offer the following benefits:

• It boosts students’ reasoning abilities.
• These exams help students assess their capabilities and have a better understanding of their potential to excel in their education and career.
• These exams help students understand their weaknesses and provide the opportunity to work on them.
• It challenges students’ intellect and promotes a deeper understanding of scientific facts.
• These exams also help in sharpening students’ analytical skills and abilities.
• Competing at the national or international level provides students with the opportunity to face new challenges and explore ways to overcome them.

Olympiad 2023-24 – A Detailed Guideline

The Olympiad is conducted by SOF and is designed to test the abilities of students in various academic subjects like Science, Mathematics, History, Geography and others. The general objective of SOF is to use these Olympiads to identify and nurture future scientists, technologists and IT talent at the school level. They strive to create future leaders by facilitating students to participate in different academic challenges.

Focusing on building up a scientific, commercial and IT talent pool, SOF has introduced 7 types of olympiads for students of Classes 1 to 12. Each olympiad level has specific regulations that an applicant needs to follow. Winners are felicitated with prize amount and certificates which motivate them to excel in their academic journey and help in their personal development. Check the detailed information about the entire program listed below.

SOF National Cyber Olympiad (SOF NCO)

The SOF NCO is open to the students of Classes 1 to 10. Below are the details of the National Cyber Olympiad that includes objectives, the exam date, the last date to apply, question paper details and others.

Objective – To help students assess their knowledge of cyber concepts.

Exam Date Details

The SOF NCO exam will be conducted on two different dates. Schools have the flexibility to choose a suitable date to conduct the examinations as per their convenience. The two examination dates will have two separate question papers. It is important to note that the schools cannot change or alter the date for conducting the SOF NCO examination. Registration for the program is exclusively available to students through their affiliated schools. The list of examination dates and the last date to apply is mentioned below:

Exam Date 1 – 28th November 2023

Last Date to Apply – 28th October 2023 (Tentative)

Exam Date 2 – 19th December 2023

Last Date to Apply – 19th November 2023 (Tentative)

Question Paper Details

The examination takes place within the respective regular school hours of the participants. The question paper consists of multiple-choice questions and has a duration of 60 minutes. Students in Classes 1 to 4 will receive a question paper that comprises 35 objective-type questions. For students in Classes 5 to 10, the question paper will consist of a set of 50 objective-type questions. Three significant sections of the question paper are as follows – 

• Logical Reasoning
• Computers and Information Technology
• Achievers Section

The test will be conducted in the English language. The test papers are prepared following the syllabi of the CBSE, ICSE/ISC and State Board.

Awards

At the completion of the competition, winners will be recognised and rewarded at different levels that include international and zonal levels. It is important to note that the winners will receive the awards of the highest level. The specific awards and ranks are determined based on a comprehensive examination. A detailed discussion of the levels, awards, and ranks is mentioned below –

International Level

• A total of 10 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 50,000 each, an international gold medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 10 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 25,000 each, an international silver medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 10 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 10,000 each, an international bronze medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• In case two or more students achieve the same international rank, the first 10 students will receive an equally distributed award amount. Along with this, each of them will also receive a medal and a certificate applicable to the relevant category.
• In case of 11 or more students achieving the same rank, a cash award of INR 1,000 each, a medal, and a certificate will be awarded.

Zonal Level

• A total of 260 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 5,000 each, a zonal gold medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 260 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 2,500 each, a zonal silver medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 260 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 1,000 each, a zonal bronze medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 1820 4th-10th rank holders, gifts worth INR 500 each, a medal of Distinction, and a certificate of Distinction will be awarded.
• A total of 3900 11th-25th rank holders, will receive a medal of distinction and a certificate of distinction.
• All the other participants will receive a participation certificate and student performance report.
• In case two or more students achieve the same zonal rank, the first 5 students will receive an equally distributed award amount.
• In case 6 and more students achieve the same rank, each winner will receive gifts worth INR 1,000 each, a medal and a certificate in the applicable category.

SOF National Science Olympiad (SOF NSO)

The SOF NSO is open to the students of Classes 1 to 12. The test is conducted in two different levels namely level 1 and level 2. Based on this, the selection process, awards and other sections may vary. Below are the details of the National Science Olympiad that includes the exam date, last date to apply, question paper details, and others.

Objective – To cultivate scientific reasoning and logical ability among students.

Exam Date Details

The SOF NSO examination will be conducted on three different dates. Schools are required to select an examination date as per their convenience. The question papers for both exam dates will be different. Under no circumstances the exam dates can be changed to conduct SOF NSO. Students can only register through their respective schools. Check the list of exam dates and the last date to apply below –

Exam Date 1 – 17th October 2023

Last Date to Apply – 17th September 2023 (Tentative)

Exam Date 2 – 21st November 2023

Last Date to Apply – 21st October 2023 (Tentative)

Exam Date 3 – 5th December 2023

Last Date to Apply – 5th November 2023 (Tentative)

Question Paper Details

Level 1 –

The schools of the participants will conduct the level 1 test during school hours. 35 objective-type multi-choice questions for Classes 1 to 4 will be conducted for 60 minutes. For Classes 5 to 10, 50 objective-type multi-choice questions will be asked. The question paper for Classes 1 to 10 will have three significant sections – 

• Logical Reasoning
• Computers and Information Technology
• Achievers Section

The question paper for Classes 11 and 12 will also have three sections – 

• Physics/Chemistry
• Achievers Section
• Mathematics/Biology

The test will be conducted in the English language. The test papers are prepared following the syllabi of the CBSE, ICSE/ISC and State Board.

Level 2 –

This test is conducted for students of Classes 3 to 12. Students who will qualify for the level 1 examination and meet the criteria mentioned below will be eligible for the level 2 examination.

• Top 5% of the candidates of each Class (3 to 12) who would have appeared for the level 1 examination.
• Top 25 rank holders in each class and zone.
• Class topper of each class who has appeared for the level 1 examination with a minimum of another 9 students and scored 50% qualifying marks.

Awards

At the end of the competition, participants will receive recognition and awards at zonal and international levels. Each winner will receive one award for an examination. The winners will only receive the award for the highest level they will achieve. The level 2 winners from Classes 3 to 12 will receive awards in the international and zonal tiers. However, the winners of level 1 will receive the Class topper awards. A detailed discussion of the levels, awards, and ranks is mentioned below –

International Level

• A total of 12 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 50,000 each, an international gold medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 12 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 25,000 each, an international silver medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 12 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 10,000 each, an international bronze medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• In case two or more students achieve the same international rank, the first 10 students will receive an equally distributed award amount. Along with this, each of them will also receive a medal and a certificate applicable to the relevant category.
• In case of 11 or more students achieving the same rank, a cash award of INR 1,000 each, a medal, and a certificate will be awarded.

Zonal Level

• A total of 312 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 5,000 each, a zonal gold medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 312 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 2,500 each, a zonal silver medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 312 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 1,000 each, a zonal bronze medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 2184 4th-10th rank holders, gifts worth INR 500 each, a medal of Distinction, and a certificate of Distinction will be awarded.
• A total of 4680 11th-25th rank holders, will receive a medal of distinction and a certificate of distinction.
• All the other participants will receive a participation certificate and student performance report.
• In case two or more students achieve the same zonal rank, the first 5 students will receive an equally distributed award amount.
• In case 6 and more students achieve the same rank, each winner will receive gifts worth INR 1,000 each, a medal and a certificate in the applicable category.

SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (SOF IMO)

The SOF IMO is open to the students of Classes 1 to 12. The test is conducted in two different levels namely level 1 and level 2. Based on this, the selection process, awards and other sections vary. Below are the details of the International Mathematics Olympiad that includes the exam date, the last date to apply, question paper details, and others.

Objective – To help students test their mathematics skills and mathematics-based knowledge.

Exam Date Details

The SOF IMO will be carried out on three different dates. Each school needs to select a date to conduct the examinations according to their convenience. There will be separate question papers for each examination date. However, schools do not have the flexibility to change the examination date to conduct SOF IMO. Students are required to register through their respective schools. The list of exam dates and the last date to apply is mentioned below –

Exam Date 1 – 31st October 2023

Last Date to Apply – 30th September 2023 (Tentative)

Exam Date 2 – 30th November 2023

Last Date to Apply – 31st October 2023 (Tentative)

Exam Date 3 – 14th December 2023

Last Date to Apply – 14th November 2023 (Tentative)

Question Paper Details

Level 1 –

The level 1 test will be carried out in the respective schools of the participants. The tests will be scheduled during school hours. It is a 60-minute objective-type test comprising 35 objective-type multi-choice questions for Classes 1 to 4 and 50 objective-type multi-choice questions for Classes 5 to 12. The question paper for the examination has four significant sections – 

• Logical Reasoning
• Mathematical Reason
• Everyday Mathematics
• Achievers Section

The test will be conducted in English. The test papers are prepared following the syllabi of the CBSE, ICSE/ISC and State Board.

Level 2 –

Level 2 test is conducted for students of Classes 3 to 12. Students who will qualify for the level 1 examination and meet the below-mentioned criteria will be eligible for the level 2 examination.

• The top 5% of the candidates of each Class (3 to 12) who have appeared for the level 1 examination internationally.
• Top 25 rank holders in each class and zone.
• Class topper of each class who has participated in the level 1 examination with a minimum of another 9 students and scored 50% qualifying marks.

Awards

The Olympiad selection team will select the winners and award them at international and zonal levels. A winner will be entitled to a single higher-level award for an examination. Level 2 winners from Classes 3 to 12 will receive international and zonal awards, while class topper awards will be given to the winner of level 1. A detailed discussion of the levels, awards, and ranks is mentioned below –

International Level

• A total of 12 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 50,000 each, an international gold medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 12 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 25,000 each, an international silver medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 12 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 10,000 each, an international bronze medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• In case two or more students achieve the same international rank, the first 10 students will receive an equally distributed award amount. Along with this, each of them will also receive a medal and a certificate applicable to the relevant category.
• In case of 11 or more students achieving the same rank, a cash award of INR 1,000 each, a medal, and a certificate will be awarded.

Zonal Level

• A total of 312 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 5,000 each, a zonal gold medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 312 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 2,500 each, a zonal silver medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 312 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 1,000 each, a zonal bronze medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 2184 4th-10th rank holders, gifts worth INR 500 each, a medal of Distinction, and a certificate of Distinction will be awarded.
• A total of 4680 11th-25th rank holders, will receive a medal of distinction and a certificate of distinction.
• All the other participants will receive a participation certificate and student performance report.
• In case two or more students achieve the same zonal rank, the first 5 students will receive an equally distributed award amount.
• In case 6 and more students achieve the same rank, each winner will receive gifts worth INR 1,000 each, a medal and a certificate in the applicable category.

SOF International English Olympiad (SOF IEO)

The SOF IEO is open to the students of Classes 1 to 12. The test is conducted in two different levels namely level 1 and level 2. Based on this, the selection process, awards and other sections vary. Below are the details of the International Mathematics Olympiad that includes the exam date, the last date to apply, question paper details, and others.

Objective – To help students assess their English knowledge and usage of the English language.

Exam Date Details

The SOF IEO examination will be executed on three different dates. Every school has to choose an examination date as per their choice. Question papers are distinctive for each date of examination. Under any circumstances, the examination dates are not reschedulable. Students must register themselves through their respective schools before the last date of registration. The list of exam dates and the last date to apply is mentioned below –

Exam Date 1 – 26th September 2023

Last Date to Apply – 26th August 2023 (Tentative)

Exam Date 2 – 12th October 2023

Last Date to Apply – 12th September 2023 (Tentative)

Exam Date 3 – 2nd November  2023

Last Date to Apply – 2nd October 2023 (Tentative)

Question Paper Details

Level 1 –

The level 1 test will be conducted during school hours in the respective schools of the students. The examination pattern consisted of a 60-minute objective-type test. It will consist of 35 objective-type multi-choice questions for students of Classes 1 to 4. Furthermore, a set of 50 objective-type multi-choice questions will be designed for the students of Classes 5 to 12. The question paper for the examination will have four significant sections – 

• Word & Structure Knowledge
• Reading
• Spoken & Written Expression
• Achievers Section

The test will be conducted in the English language. The test papers are prepared following the syllabi of the CBSE, ICSE/ISC and State Board.

Level 2 –

The level 2 test is conducted for students of Classes 3 to 12. Students who qualify for the level 1 examination and meet the criteria mentioned below will be eligible to participate in the level 2 examination.

• The top 5% of the candidates of each Class who have appeared for the level 1 examination internationally.
• The top 25 rank holders in each class and zone.
• Class topper of each class who has participated in the level 1 examination with a minimum of another 9 students and scored 50% qualifying marks.

Awards

The selection team will declare the winners along with awarding them at international and zonal levels. It must be noted that a winner will be entitled to only one award for an examination. Winners will only receive the higher-level award (zonal/international). The winners of Level 2 from Classes 3 to 12 will be eligible to receive international and zonal awards. On the other hand, winners of level 1 will be eligible to receive the Class topper awards. A detailed discussion of the levels, awards, and ranks is mentioned below –

International Level

• A total of 12 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 50,000 each, an international gold medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 12 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 25,000 each, an international silver medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 12 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 10,000 each, an international bronze medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• In case two or more students achieve the same international rank, the first 10 students will receive an equally distributed award amount. Along with this, each of them will also receive a medal and a certificate applicable to the relevant category.
• In case of 11 or more students achieving the same rank, a cash award of INR 1,000 each, a medal, and a certificate will be awarded.

Zonal Level

• A total of 312 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 5,000 each, a zonal gold medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 312 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 2,500 each, a zonal silver medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 312 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 1,000 each, a zonal bronze medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 2184 4th-10th rank holders, gifts worth INR 500 each, a medal of Distinction, and a certificate of Distinction will be awarded.
• A total of 4680 11th-25th rank holders, will receive a medal of distinction and a certificate of distinction.
• All the other participants will receive a participation certificate and student performance report.
• In case two or more students achieve the same zonal rank, the first 5 students will receive an equally distributed award amount.
• In case 6 and more students achieve the same rank, each winner will receive gifts worth INR 1,000 each, a medal and a certificate in the applicable category.

SOF International General Knowledge Olympiad (SOF IGKO)

The SOF IGKO is open to the students of Classes 1 to 10. Based on this, the selection process, awards and other sections vary. Below are the details of the International Mathematics Olympiad that includes the exam date, the last date to apply, question paper details, and others.

Objective – To develop an interest in General Knowledge and current affairs to help a student’s all-round development.

Exam Date Details

The SOF IGKO examination will be conducted on three different dates. All the schools need to select any one of the examination dates as per their convenience. The question paper for each date of examination will be different. No one is allowed to make changes to the dates of conducting the SOF IGKO examination. Students need to register themselves through their respective schools. The list of exam dates and the last date to apply is mentioned below –

Exam Date 1 – 21st September 2023

Last Date to Apply – 21st August 2023 (Tentative)

Exam Date 2 – 10th October 2023

Last Date to Apply – 10th September 2023 (Tentative)

Question Paper Details

The SOF IGKO examination will be conducted at a single level. The respective schools of the students will be conducting level 1 tests during school hours. The examination consists of an objective-type test that contains 35 objective-type multi-choice questions for Classes 1 to 4. The duration of the test is 60 minutes. On the other hand, a set of 50 objective-type multi-choice questions are designed for Classes 5 to 10. The question paper for the examination will have four significant sections – 

• General Awareness
• Current Affairs
• Life Skills
• Achievers Section

The test will be conducted in the English language. The test papers are prepared following the syllabi of the CBSE, ICSE/ISC and State Board.

Awards

The winners will be awarded at different levels such as International and zonal levels. Each winner will be entitled to a single award for each examination. The winners will only receive the higher-level award. International and zonal awards will be awarded to the winners of level 2 belonging to Classes 3 to 10. Class topper awards will be provided to the winners of level 1. A detailed discussion of the levels, awards, and ranks is mentioned below –

International Level

• A total of 10 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 50,000 each, an international gold medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 10 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 25,000 each, an international silver medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 10 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 10,000 each, an international bronze medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• In case two or more students achieve the same international rank, the first 10 students will receive an equally distributed award amount. Along with this, each of them will also receive a medal and a certificate applicable to the relevant category.
• In case of 11 or more students achieving the same rank, a cash award of INR 1,000 each, a medal, and a certificate will be awarded.

Zonal Level

• A total of 260 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 5,000 each, a zonal gold medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 260 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 2,500 each, a zonal silver medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 260 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 1,000 each, a zonal bronze medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 1820 4th-10th rank holders, gifts worth INR 500 each, a medal of Distinction, and a certificate of Distinction will be awarded.
• A total of 3900 11th-25th rank holders, will receive a medal of distinction and a certificate of distinction.
• All the other participants will receive a participation certificate and student performance report.
• In case two or more students achieve the same zonal rank, the first 5 students will receive an equally distributed award amount.
• In case 6 and more students achieve the same rank, each winner will receive gifts worth INR 1,000 each, a medal and a certificate in the applicable category.

SOF International Commerce Olympiad (SOF ICO)

The SOF ICO is open to the students of Classes 11 and 12. Based on this, the selection process, awards and other sections vary. Below are the details of the International Mathematics Olympiad that includes the exam date, the last date to apply, question paper details, and others.

Exam Date Details

The SOF ICO examination will be held on three separate dates. Each school is required to select a date to carry out the examinations as per their choice and convenience. Each examination has a separate and unique question paper. Schools or students cannot request to change the examination date of SOF ICO. Students need to register through their respective schools. The list of exam dates and the last date to apply is mentioned below –

Objective – To prepare students for higher examinations by testing their knowledge in Economics, Business Studies, Accountancy and Quantitative analysis reasoning.

Exam Date 1 – 12th December 2023

Last Date to Apply – 12th November 2023 (Tentative)

Exam Date 2 – 18th January 2024

Last Date to Apply – 18th December 2023 (Tentative)

Question Paper Details

The SOF ICO examination will be conducted at a single level. The test competition will be conducted in the respective schools during school hours. Level 1 is a 60-minute test that comprises 50 objective-type multi-choice questions for Classes 11 and 12. The question paper for the examination has four significant sections – 

• Economics
• Business Studies
• Accountancy
• Achievers Section

The test will be conducted in the English language. The test papers are prepared following the syllabi of the CBSE, ICSE/ISC and State Board.

Awards

The participants will be selected as winners and awarded in levels like International and zonal levels. Each winner will be entitled to one award for an exam. The winners will be entitled to the higher-level award only. According to the different levels and ranks the awards are determined. A detailed discussion of the levels, awards, and ranks is mentioned below –

International Level

• A total of 2 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 1,00,000 each, an international gold medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 2 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 75,000 each, an international silver medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 2 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 50,000 each, an international bronze medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 2 fourth-rank holders will be awarded INR 25,000 each, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 2 fifth-rank holders will be awarded INR 10,000 each, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• In case two or more students achieve the same international rank, the first 10 students will receive an equally distributed award amount. Along with this, each of them will also receive a medal and a certificate applicable to the relevant category.
• In case 11 or more students achieve the same rank, gifts worth INR 1,000 each, a medal, and a certificate will be awarded.

Zonal Level

• A total of 52 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 10,000 each, a zonal gold medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 52 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 5,000 each, a zonal silver medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 52 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 3,000 each, a zonal bronze medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 364 4th-10th rank holders, gifts worth INR 500 each, a medal of Distinction, and a certificate of Distinction will be awarded.
• A total of 780 11th-25th rank holders, will receive a medal of distinction and a certificate of distinction.
• All the other participants will receive a participation certificate and student performance report.
• In case two or more students achieve the same zonal rank, the first 5 students will receive an equally distributed award amount.
• In case 6 and more students achieve the same rank, each winner will receive gifts worth INR 1,000 each, a medal and a certificate in the applicable category.

SOF International Social Studies Olympiad (SOF ISSO)

Exam Date 1 – 12th December 2023

Last Date to Apply – 12th November 2023 (Tentative)

Exam Date 2 – 18th January 2024

Last Date to Apply – 18th December 2023 (Tentative)

Question Paper Details

The SOF ISSO examination will be conducted at a single level. The test competition is carried out in the schools of the participants during their school hours. The question paper for Classes 3 to 5 will have two significant sections –

• Social Studies
• Achievers Section

Classes 6 to 8 will have four significant sections –

• History
• Geography
• Social and Political Life
• Achievers Section

Classes 9 to 10 will have five significant sections –

• History
• Geography
• Political Science
• Economics
• Achievers Section

The test will be conducted in the English language. The test papers are prepared following the syllabi of the CBSE, ICSE/ISC and State Board.

Awards

The participants will be selected as winners and awarded at international and zonal levels. Each winner will receive one award for a single examination. The winners will receive only one award. The different levels and ranks will ensure different awards that are needed to be provided. A detailed discussion of the levels, awards, and ranks is mentioned below –

International Level

• A total of 8 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 50,000 each, an international gold medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 8 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 25,000 each, an international silver medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• A total of 8 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 10,000 each, an international bronze medal, and a certificate of outstanding performance.
• In case two or more students achieve the same international rank, the first 10 students will receive an equally distributed award amount. Along with this, each of them will also receive a medal and a certificate applicable to the relevant category.
• In case 11 or more students achieve the same rank, gifts worth INR 1,000 each, a medal, and a certificate will be awarded.

Zonal Level

• A total of 208 first-rank holders will be awarded INR 10,000 each, a zonal gold medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 208 second-rank holders will be awarded INR 5,000 each, a zonal silver medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 208 third-rank holders will be awarded INR 3,000 each, a zonal bronze medal, and a certificate of Zonal Excellence.
• A total of 1456 4th-10th rank holders, gifts worth INR 500 each, a medal of Distinction, and a certificate of Distinction will be awarded.
• A total of 3120 11th-25th rank holders, will receive a medal of distinction and a certificate of distinction.
• All the other participants will receive a participation certificate and student performance report.
• In case two or more students achieve the same zonal rank, the first 5 students will receive an equally distributed award amount.
• In case 6 and more students achieve the same rank, each winner will receive gifts worth INR 1,000 each, a medal and a certificate in the applicable category.

Olympiad – How to Apply

The eligible students interested in applying for the SOF Olympiads can follow the below steps-

1. A prospectus containing the registration forms will be sent to the schools registered with SOF. Students are required to collect the registration forms from their respective schools.
2. If the school is not registered with SOF, the school authority in charge needs to request a prospectus by contacting SOF by phone (0124-4951200) or email (info@sofworld.org).
3. Students must fill out the registration forms with the required details and submit them to their respective schools.
4. The schools must then return the duly filled registration forms to SOF before the due date.

Note – The applicants will also need to pay a registration fee in the following manner –

• A registration fee of INR 125 (including GST) per student for schools in India.
• A registration fee of USD 9 per student for international schools.
• Schools may collect an additional amount of INR 25 or USD 1 for International school per student towards honorarium of in charge, remuneration to teachers to teach, guide using study material supplied by SOF and other miscellaneous expenses.

Olympiad – Exam Results

Results of Olympiads are declared within 8 weeks of each examination. The results are sent directly to the schools and also made available on the official website of SOF.

FAQs

How are the students ranked in the Olympiad exams?

The ranking of all the participants is done based on marks obtained by them in the examination and their respective performances. On the declaration of results, students are given a Student Performance Report (SPR) and offered a detailed analysis of the student performance.

What is the last date of registration for the SOF examinations?

The last date of registering for the SOF examinations is usually 30 days before the date of each examination.

If a college student is pursuing graduation, is he/she eligible for Olympiad exams?

No. The SOF Olympiad exams are only for school students. Students enrolled in Classes 1 to 12 can participate in the Olympiad. There is no requirement for minimum marks or any other such criterion.

How will a student come to know about the Olympiad details or important dates?

Students can gather the relevant information from their respective schools registered with SOF. Additionally, students can visit the official website of SOF - sofworld.org.

What is the syllabus for Olympiads?

Olympiads are designed based on the syllabus prescribed by the CBSE, ICSE and various state boards. Detailed information can be read in the above article.

Should the participants refer to any particular books for NSO preparation?

NCERT books/course books prescribed by the CBSE/ICSE/state boards can be referred to for preparation. Also, the following can be consulted MTG class-wise workbooks (For classes 1 to 12), SOF Olympiad Trainer mobile apps, Olympiad Skill Development System (OSDS), previous years' papers, Olympiad books of reasoning (for preparation for the reasoning section of Olympiads), 100% real test papers, E-Quiz, and various magazines like Chemistry Today, Biology Today, Mathematics Today and Physics For You.

If a student has already appeared for the Olympiads while he/she was in a lower class? Can he/she appear again?

Yes, students can re-appear for the Olympiad to improve their previous rankings.

If a student is going to write the Olympiads for the first time, can he/she get sample papers?

SOF sends sample papers to all the registered schools. In case, the school couldn’t provide the papers to students, they can also access the same on the website of SOF.

When are the results of the Olympiads declared?

The results are usually declared within 8 weeks of the examination. The same can be found on the SOF website or can be accessed through the respective schools.

Is the NSO conducted in English only?

Yes. English is the only medium of NSO.