Vidyasagar Science Olympiad 2026: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Dates & Awards

The Vidyasagar Science Olympiad 2026 (VSO 2026) is an initiative of the School Education Department, Government of West Bengal, organised by Jagadis Bose National Science Talent Search (JBNSTS), Kolkata. 

It identifies talented students through a three-layer examination process covering Physical Science, Life Science and Mathematics. Students should understand the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, important dates and awards before preparing for the competition.

Vidyasagar Science Olympiad 2026 Overview

The key details of the Vidyasagar Science Olympiad 2026 are given below.

Vidyasagar Science Olympiad Eligibility Criteria 2026

Students must meet the prescribed school and nomination requirements to participate in the Vidyasagar Science Olympiad 2026. The eligibility criteria include:

• Students must be studying in Class IX.

• The top five students from each eligible school are selected based on their Class VIII annual examination performance.

• Nomination must be made by the Headmaster (HM), Assistant Headmaster (AHM) or Teacher-in-Charge (TIC).

• Eligible institutions include government schools under the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, recognised aided and sponsored non-government schools under the board, and D.A.-getting schools under the board.

Students should confirm their school's eligibility and nomination procedure with the school authorities.

Vidyasagar Science Olympiad 2026 Selection Process

The VSO 2026 selection process consists of three layers: intra-unit, intra-district and intra-state.

Layer 1: Intra Unit

The top 10% of students from each unit qualify if they score at least 30% of the total marks. Students scoring at least 50% also qualify for Layer 2.

Layer 2: Intra District

The top 20% of students in each district qualify for Layer 3 if they score at least 40%. Students scoring at least 60% also qualify for Layer 3.

Layer 3: Intra State

Qualified students compete in the final state-level examination.

The selection criteria include both rank-based selection and minimum-score conditions. Students should refer to the official instructions for the applicable qualification requirements. For further information, read about the Vidyasagar Science Olympiad three-stage selection process.

Vidyasagar Science Olympiad Exam Pattern 2026

The examination format varies across the three layers.

Vidyasagar Science Olympiad Subjects and Marks

The olympiad covers three subjects: Physical Science, Life Science and Mathematics. The subject-wise distribution of marks is as follows:

• Physical Science: 40 marks in Layer 1, 40 marks in Layer 2 and 20 marks in Layer 3.

• Life Science: 30 marks in Layer 1, 30 marks in Layer 2 and 20 marks in Layer 3.

• Mathematics: 30 marks in Layer 1, 30 marks in Layer 2 and 20 marks in Layer 3.

The total marks are 100 for each of the first two layers and 60 for the final layer. The supplied information does not include a chapter-wise syllabus, so students should check official instructions for detailed syllabus information, if available.

Vidyasagar Science Olympiad Awards and Scholarships 2026

The Vidyasagar Science Olympiad offers book grants and scholarships to eligible performers at different stages.

• Layer 1: The top three candidates in each unit receive a ₹1,000 book grant, subject to scoring at least 40% of the total marks.

• Layer 2: The top 10 candidates in each district receive a ₹2,000 book grant, subject to scoring at least 40% of the total marks.

• Layer 3: The top 100 candidates across West Bengal receive a scholarship of ₹1,000 per month and an annual book grant of ₹2,500 for two years.

These awards recognise students' performance at the respective stages. Students should check official announcements for any additional terms and conditions.

Vidyasagar Science Olympiad Registration 

The Vidyasagar Science Olympiad Registration 2026 process was conducted online through the official website of the Jagadis Bose National Science Talent Search (JBNSTS). The application window was open from 11 September to 30 September 2026. As the deadline has passed, students should check the official website for any updates regarding an extension or further instructions.

The VSO application form must be submitted by the Head of Institution (HOI), rather than by students independently. Eligible students should contact their school authorities to enquire about the nomination process and confirm whether their applications have been submitted. For official announcements and registration-related information, visit the JBNSTS official website.

Vidyasagar Science Olympiad 2026 Important Dates

Students preparing for the Vidyasagar Science Olympiad should keep track of the important dates to stay informed about the application process and examination schedule. The Vidyasagar Science Olympiad important dates for 2026 are provided below.

The VSO exam date 2026 for Layer 1 is 22 November 2026. Students should check the official JBNSTS website for updates regarding the subsequent examination stages and any changes to the VSO schedule.

Vidyasagar Science Olympiad Official Website and Contact Details

Students and school authorities can use the Vidyasagar Science Olympiad official website to access official announcements and obtain information about the examination. For queries related to the VSO registration process, application submission, or examination schedule, candidates can contact JBNSTS through the details provided below.

For assistance with the VSO application form or other registration-related queries, students should first consult their school authorities. They can also contact the JBNSTS helpdesk through the email address or mobile number listed above for further clarification.

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