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National Science Olympiad 2025: Exam Date, Pattern, Eligibility, Steps to Apply

National Science Olympiad 2025 to be held on 13th, 27th November 2025 and 11th December 2025. Science Olympiad Foundation conducts the NSO Level 1 Exam for classes 1 to 12, here are the eligibility, application, exam pattern details.
authorImageSwati Singh7 Jun, 2025
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National Science Olympiad 2025

National Science Olympiad 2025: Every year, the National Science Olympiad 2025, a science competition is organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students from Classes 1 to 12.

NSO 2025 aims to identify and nurture scientific talent, enhance scientific reasoning, logical ability, and problem-solving skills among young students. National Science Olympiad is a Scholarship Program conducted in two level NSO Level 1 and NSO Level 2.

SOF NSO Registration Process is completed 30 days prior the exam date and candidates can not apply individually for the olympiad, schools are responsible for registration.

 

Also Read: SOF Olympiad Exams 2025

National Science Olympiad 2025

On the official website sofworld.org, the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) has released the NSO Level 1 Exam Dates 2025 to be held on November 13, November 27, and December 11, 2025. Out of the three dates for SOF NSO level 1, school can select any as per the convenience.   

Students from Classes 1 to 12 participate in the National Science Olympiad Level 1 Exam and the candidates who qualified the Level 1 Exam from Classes 3 to 12 are eligible for NSO Level 2 Exam.

The SOF NSO exam comprises various sections, and the number of questions and total scores for every question depending on the class. The National Science Olympiad Syllabus is intended to provide young students a chance to discover and develop their academic skills in science, therefore preparing them for the competitive world at a young age. 

 

Also Read: SOF Olympiad Syllabus 2025

NSO 2025 Overview

Only students from their individual schools are able to register for the SOF NSO test. For SOF NSO, each school must register a minimum of ten students. The National Science Olympiad helps students strengthen their critical thinking, problem-solving, and cognitive abilities.

As prescribed by NEP, it facilitates the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills and cognitive skills in students.

National Science Olympiad 2025 Overview

Exam Conducting Body

Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)

Eligibility

Students from classes 1 - 12, enrolled in a school recognized by SOF 

Application Process

Via Respective School 

Exam Dates

Level 1 Exam Date 1: 13th November, 2025

Level 1 Exam Date 2: 27th November 2025

Level 1 Exam Date 3: 11th December 2025

Exam Mode

Offline

RegistrationFee

Rs. 125/-

Frequency of Conduct

Once a year

Languages

English

Duration

1 hour

Official Website

https://sofworld.org/nso

National Science Olympiad Eligibility 2025

National Science Olympiad (NSO) Eligibility Criteria Level 1: 

The National Science Olympiad (NSO) is open to students in Grades 1 to 12 who attend a SOF-approved institution. A student may only compete in the Olympiad for a specific course if they are enrolled in that course. There are no additional qualifying requirements.

National Science Olympiad (NSO) Eligibility Criteria Level 2: 

The NSO Level 2 exam is only open to students in Classes 3 to 12,  students in classes 1 and 2 are not required to appear in the National Science Olympiad Level 2 Exam. The level 2 test is open to the top 5% of students in each class who take the level 1 test.

Also Read: International Junior Science Olympiad 2025

Steps to Apply for SOF NSO 2025

  • The National Science Olympiad Registration Forms are included in the prospectus, which is sent to every institution that is registered with SOF. By Calling at 0124-4951200 or by emailing at info@sofworld.org, schools that are not registered may also ask for a prospectus.

  • As per the instructions, the school's coordinating instructor should complete the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet (SRS), and then submit them to the SOF's office by the deadline.

  • Registration Fee: The NSO registration fee for each student/Olympiad for Indian, Bangladeshi, Bhutanese, and Nepalese schools is Rs 125/- (GST included), which goes toward the cost of the test. Schools may charge an additional Rs 25/- per student for the honorarium of in charge, remuneration to teachers to teach and guide, and for other costs.

There is no fee for an Indian student whose parents were murdered during defense operations, or for a student with a severe physical impairment.

National Science Olympiad Exam Date 2025

As per the official data the National Science Olympiad Exam Date 2025 for Level 1 Exam for the academic session 2025-26 is going to be organized on November 13, November 27, and December 11, 2025 whereas the NSO Level 2 exam will be held in February 2026. 

We have tabulated below the National Science Olympiad Exam Date 2025 details for Level 1 and Level 2 along with expected result release date.

National Science Olympiad Exam Date 2025 

NSO First Exam Date for Level 1 (Class 1 to 12)

13 November 2025

NSO Second Exam Date for Level 1 (Class 1 to 12)

27 November 2025

NSO Third Exam Date for Level 1 (Class 1 to 12)

11 December 2025

National Science Olympiad Admit Card 2025

A few days before the exam date

NSO Level 1 Result 2025

Within 8 weeks of the examination

NSO Level 2 Exam 2025

February 2025

NSO Exam Pattern 2025

The NSO Level 1 test for National Science Olympiad is organized in the respective schools enrolled by SOF during school hours.

(i) The NSO Level 1 competition consists of 35 objective-type (Multiple Choice) questions for class 1 to class 4 and 50 objective-type (Multiple Choice) questions for class 5 to class 12. Duration of exam is 60 minutes.

(ii) The NSO Level 1 Exam consists of three sections following the CBSE, ICSE/ISC and State Board syllabus

(iii) There are separate question papers for each date of Exam and medium of exam is English Only.

(iv) The exam is conducted during school hours.

NSO Level 1 Exam pattern 2025
Class Sections
For Class 1 to Class 10 Section-1: Logical Reasoning
Section-2: Science
Section-3: Achievers Section
For Class 11 and Class 12 Section-1: Physics/Chemistry
Section-2: Achievers Section
Section-3: Mathematics/Biology

NSO Level 2 Exam Pattern: The level 2 is conducted for students of class 3 to class 12. The qualifiers to second round would include the following:

  • Top 5% of candidates, class wise, who appear in the 1st  level exam. In case of a tie of marks, due weightage to marks scored in different sections will be given. Each section is accorded separate weightage.
  • Top 25 rank holders class wise & Zone wise.
  • Class topper where at least 10 students from a class appear in the exam & scores 50% qualifying marks. In case registration is received section wise, top rank holder, irrespective of section will qualify for the 2nd level. For section wise registrations, winner(s) of gold medal may not necessarily qualify for the second level.

NSO Syllabus 2025

The National Science Olympiad (NSO) Syllabus for classes 1 to 12 is structured to test students' logical reasoning, scientific knowledge, and higher-order thinking skills. 

This detailed NSO Syllabus 2025 framework helps students prepare effectively for the NSO by covering both logical reasoning and scientific knowledge appropriate to their grade level

Strategies for your preparation with an NSO Syllabus PDF for National Science Olympiad so that they can make up their minds to prepare enthusiastically and strategically. 

 

Also Read: NSO Syllabus 2025 (Class-Wise)

National Science Olympiad Awards and Recognition

International & Zonal awards/scholarships will be provided to 2nd level winners from class 3 to class 12. Class topper awards/scholarships and for classes 1 & 2 awards/scholarships will be provided to 1st level winners.

Each winner will be entitled to one award/scholarship for an exam. The winners will be entitled to the higher level award/scholarship only. For e.g., the international top 3 rank holders will be entitled to awards/scholarships based on their International ranks. Awards/scholarships accruing to them for Zonal ranks will be given to the next rank holder. Similarly, class topper award/scholarship accruing to a Zonal award/scholarship winner will be given to the next rank holder.

At International Level
Rank Scholarship
1st Rs.50,000/- Each + International Gold Medal*+ Certificate of Outstanding Performance
2nd Rs.25,000/- Each + International Silver Medal*+ Certificate of Outstanding Performance
3rd Rs.10,000/- Each + International Bronze Medal*+ Certificate of Outstanding Performance
 
At Zonal Level
Rank Scholarship
1st Rs 5000/- Each + Zonal Gold Medal*+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence
2nd Rs 2500/- Each + Zonal Silver Medal*+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence
3rd Rs 1000/- Each + Zonal Bronze Medal*+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence
4th to 10th Gifts worth Rs 500/- Each + Certificate of Zonal Excellence
11th to 25th     

Certificate of Zonal Excellence

Rank 26+ Merit Certificate
At Zonal Level (for Level 1)
Rank Scholarship
1 to 25 Medal of Distinction + Certificate of Distinction + Student Progress Report
Rank 26+    Participation Certificate + Student Progress Report


At School Level

  • Students who obtain 100% Scores
  • Gold Medal of Excellence to top rank holder in class, for five to nine students taking the test or course.
  • Gold Medal of Excellence for the top three students in a class of 10 to 25 students taking the exam/course.
  • Gold Medal of Excellence for the top 10% of pupils in the class if there are more than 25 students taking the exam/class

NSO Sample Papers

For preparing for the SOF National Science Olympiad (NSO), students can access a variety of sample papers designed to help them familiarize themselves with the exam pattern, syllabus, and question types.

These NSO Sample Papers are available for all classes from 1 to 12 and are created by subject experts to provide a reliable practice resource.


Also Read:  NSO Sample Papers

SOF National Science Olympiad Books

SOF NSO books refer to the study materials and workbooks designed for the SOF National Science Olympiad (NSO), which help students prepare for the olympiad test by covering the syllabus comprehensively with explanations and practice questions.

SOF National Science Olympiad Books include chapter-wise multiple choice questions (MCQs), Key concepts and principles are explained in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for students to grasp the information.

Also Read: SOF NSO Books

 

Also Read-

YUva VIgyani KAryakram 2025 International Junior Science Olympiad International Chemistry Olympiad 
Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan 2025 Indian National Earth Science Olympiad 2025 SOF Olympiad Exams 2025

National Science Olympiad 2025 FAQs

Q1. What is the National Science Olympiad Exam Date for the academic session 2025-26?

Ans. The NSO 2025 Exam will be organized in 3 days i.e. to be held on 13th, 27th November 2025 and 11th December 2025 and based on the convenience of school they can select any one of the dates.

Q2. How can I register for the SOF NSO 2025?

Ans. Individual applications are not accepted for SOF NSO 2025, the school's coordinating instructor should complete the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet (SRS), and then submit them to the SOF's office by the deadline.

Q3. Who can take part in the SOF National Science Olympiad?

Ans. The National Science Olympiad (NSO) is open to students in Grades 1 to 12 who attend a SOF-approved institution.

Q4. What is the National Science Olympiad Registration Fee 2025?

Ans. The NSO registration fee for each student/Olympiad for Indian, Bangladeshi, Bhutanese, and Nepalese schools is Rs 125/- (GST included), which goes toward the cost of the test.

Q5. What is the NSO Exam Pattern 2025?

Ans. The detailed NSO Level 1 Exam Pattern and NSO Level 2 Exam Pattern for the National Science Olympiad is provided above
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