NSO Eligibility Criteria 2026

The National Science Olympiad (NSO) 2026 is conducted for students in grades 6 through 12 to evaluate their scientific and academic abilities. There are certain eligibility criteria that must be met to participate in the NSO. This information is crucial for students and parents to register for the exam correctly.

Level 1 – Eligibility for the NSO Exam

All students from grades 1 to 12 can participate in the Level 1 NSO exam. There is no minimum score or percentage requirement for students. To participate in NSO Level 1, students must be enrolled in a school registered with the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF).

Some important points are:

Class: All students from grades 1 to 12 can participate in the exam.
School Affiliation: Students must be in a school affiliated with a recognized national or state board, CBSE, ICSE, or any other state board.
Minimum Score: There is no minimum percentage or academic performance requirement to participate in Level 1.
Registration: Registration is typically done through the studentĶs school, which is registered with SOF.
Exam Dates: There are three possible exam dates for Level 1. Schools can choose a date convenient to them. Therefore, students should contact their school to find out the exact date of their exam.

Level 2 – Eligibility for NSO Exam

Only students who have qualified in the Level 1 exam can participate in the Level 2 exam. The NSO Level 2 exam is for students in grades 3 to 12, and there is no Level 2 exam for grades 1 and 2.

Eligibility to participate in Level 2:

Top 5% of students in each class in the Level 1 exam.
Top 25 rank holders from each zone.
Class toppers from each school, provided at least 10 students appeared in Level 1 and achieved a qualifying score.
In cases of section-wise registration, students with the highest marks in their section will qualify for Level 2.

Thus, the Level 2 exam is for students who performed exceptionally well in the first level.

Key Points for NSO Class 6 Students

Class 10 students can apply directly for NSO Level 1, provided their school is registered with SOF. To qualify for Level 2, they must have performed well in Level 1. This exam helps enhance studentsĶ understanding of science and logical thinking.