National Space Science Olympiad Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025

National Space Science Olympiad Syllabus: National Space Science Olympiad (NSSSO) is a national-level exam that encourages students to learn more about space science and astronomy. It is designed to test students’ scientific thinking and understanding of space-related topics in a structured way.

NSSSO is held once a year and gives students a chance to show their interest and understanding of space, planets, satellites and space missions. Those who perform well in this Olympiad get recognition, rewards and the opportunity to grow their interest in astronomy and science.

National Space Science Olympiad Syllabus 2025 Overview

National Space Science Olympiad (NSSSO) tests students' knowledge of space science, astronomy, and basic physics concepts. 

National Space Science Olympiad Syllabus 2025

To help you prepare better, we have provided the complete syllabus details for the National Space Science Olympiad (NSSSO) 2025.

 This covers both the preliminary and final rounds for all categories.

Junior Category (Grade 5,6,7)

Students in the Junior Category will be tested on basic concepts of science with a focus on space, astronomy, and general awareness about the universe. Here are the topics included:

Preliminary Level (Online Exam)

1. Artificial Satellites & Space Technology

• Kepler’s Laws and planetary orbits

• Different types of satellite orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO, etc.)

• Fundamentals of rocketry

2. Indian Space Program

• History of Indian space research

• Centers and Units of ISRO

• Indian rockets and launch vehicles

• Indian satellites and space missions

• ISRO’s future missions, including human spaceflight

3. Observational Astronomy

• Basics of the night sky

• Rising and setting of celestial objects

• Constellations and asterisms

• Celestial coordinate systems

4. Earth-Moon System

• Tilt of Earth’s axis and seasons

• Moon phases, tidal forces, and tidal locking

• Lunar and solar eclipses

• Formation and evolution of the Moon

Final Level (Offline Exam) – Junior Category

At the final stage, the questions become more application-based, encouraging students to think critically and use their understanding of space science in real-life contexts. 

1. Telescopes and Observatories

• Working of telescopes

• Types of telescopes (Optical, Radio, X-ray, etc.)

• Major observatories in India

• Space-based telescopes and their importance

2. Measuring the Cosmos

• Measurement of distances (Parallax method, Standard Candle method)

• Cosmic scale and units of measurement

3. Stellar Physics

• Atomic spectra and the Doppler effect

• Basics of nuclear physics—fusion in stars, nuclear reactions

• Energy generation in stars

4. Stellar Evolution

• Life cycle of stars—protostars, main sequence, red giants, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes

5. Cosmology and the Universe

• Expanding universe, Hubble’s law

• Big Bang theory, evolution of the universe

• Cosmic microwave background (CMB)

• Dark matter and dark energy

• Large-scale structure of the universe

6. Exoplanets and Future Space Exploration

• Exoplanets and methods of exoplanet detection

• Possibility of life

Senior & Super Senior Category (Grade 8 to 12)

This level focuses on deepening the understanding of core scientific concepts in space science, physics, and astronomy. The exam will emphasize conceptual clarity, application, and analytical thinking.

Preliminary Level (Online Examination)

1. Gravity and Orbits

• Newton’s law of gravitation

• Kepler’s laws and planetary orbits

• Escape velocity and orbital velocity

2. Artificial Satellites & Space Technology

• Different types of satellite orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO, etc.)

• Fundamentals of rocketry

3. Indian Space Program

• History of Indian space research

• Centers and Units of ISRO

• Indian rockets and launch vehicles

• Indian satellites and space missions

• ISRO’s future missions, including human spaceflight

4. Observational Astronomy

• Basics of the night sky

• Rising and setting of celestial objects

• Constellations and asterisms

• Celestial coordinate systems

5. Earth-Moon System

• Tilt of Earth’s axis and seasons

• Moon phases, tidal forces, and tidal locking

• Lunar and solar eclipses

• Formation and evolution of the Moon

Final Level Offline Examination – Senior and Super Senior

The final exam tests students' in-depth understanding of space science concepts, real-world applications and recent developments in astronomy and astrophysics.

1. Telescopes and Observatories

• Working of telescopes

• Types of telescopes (Optical, Radio, X-ray, etc.)

• Major observatories in India

• Space-based telescopes and their importance

2. Measuring the Cosmos

• Measurement of distances (Parallax method, Standard Candle method, Redshift method)

• Cosmic scale and units of measurement

3. Stellar Physics

• Atomic spectra and the Doppler effect

• Basics of nuclear physics—fusion in stars, nuclear reactions

• Energy generation in stars

• Sun and Space Weather

4. Stellar Evolution

• Life cycle of stars—protostars, main sequence, red giants, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes

• HR Diagram

5. Cosmology and the Universe

• Expanding universe, Hubble’s law

• Big Bang theory, evolution of the universe

• Cosmic microwave background (CMB)

• Dark matter and dark energy

• Large-scale structure of the universe

6. Exoplanets and Future Space Exploration

• Methods of exoplanet detection (Transit, Radial Velocity, Direct Imaging)

National Space Science Olympiad Exam Pattern

The NSSO aims to test students' understanding of space science, astronomy, and general scientific reasoning across multiple grade levels. 

The exam is conducted in two levels  Preliminary (Online) and Final (Offline)  with separate patterns for Junior, Senior, and Super Senior categories.

Tips to Prepare for National Space Science Olympiad 

Preparing for the National Space Science Olympiad (NSSO) can be exciting if you follow the right steps. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

• Start by understanding the topics covered for your class level. Focus on space science, astronomy and general science.

• Don’t wait till the last minute. Begin your preparation at least a month in advance.

• Use your school science textbook and extra reading books related to space and planets. They help build strong basics.

• Watch simple videos or documentaries about planets, rockets, astronauts, and the solar system. Learning through visuals makes it fun and easy to remember.

• Solve past year papers and mock tests. This helps you understand the question pattern and improves speed.

• Take part in space-related quizzes online. They are short, fun, and boost your confidence.

• Read small articles or watch short videos about new things happening in space, like ISRO or NASA missions.

• While studying, write down important points. You can revise them quickly before the exam.