Olympiad Exams in India 2026-27: Check Complete List of Maths and Science Olympiads

Olympiad exams give students an opportunity to test their knowledge, problem-solving skills and subject understanding. These exams are conducted at different levels and cover subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, Computer Science, General Knowledge and Commerce.

Students can participate in Olympiads conducted by organisations such as the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), Indian Talent Olympiad, SilverZone Foundation, Hummingbird Education, EduHeal Foundation, CREST and other bodies.

Some Olympiads are designed for school-level participation, while others form part of national or international selection programmes. Students should check the eligibility, syllabus, registration process and exam dates before applying.

Popular Olympiad Exams in India 2026-27

Some of the major Olympiad and talent-search examinations listed in the source include:

The source also includes PRMO and RMO as stages associated with mathematical Olympiad selection, along with several subject-specific Olympiads conducted by different organisations.

IMO – International Maths Olympiad

The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is an internationally acclaimed math competition that is organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF). The SOF IMO is basically a test of the mathematical understanding and capability of the students. Participating in the IMO gives students the chance to test their mathematical capabilities against their fellow students at school, local, zonal, and international levels. This tough competition apart from giving a chance for self-assessment also offers different scholarships and rewards to the participants who score well in the International Maths Olympiad.

IEO – International English Olympiad

The International English Olympiad is a worldwide competition that is open to students who have cleared some international English language exam. The competition offers a series of local, national, and international competitions throughout the year with a challenge to the participants. Students will be asked to give amazing presentations or demonstration on various topics including grammar and pronunciation, in the IEO.

NSO – National Science Olympiad

The National Science Olympiad (NSO) is a science competition that is open to students of grades 1 to 12. The purpose behind the organization of the NSO by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) is to acknowledge and nurture potential scientists, technologists, and individuals gifted with IT.

IGKO – International General Knowledge Olympiad

Conducted annually by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), the International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) tests the general knowledge of the students. Even though the SOF IGKO is a single-level exam, the results are announced at four different levels: school, city, zonal, and international. The participants get the chance to earn various incentives according to their performance at these different levels.

NCO – National Cyber Olympiad

The National Cyber Olympiad is a yearly cyber competition in India that welcomes participation from all ages. It offers the platform for the students of various disciplines to improve their skills and knowledge in the field of cyber security, thus enriching their education. The competition is organized by the Department of Computer Science at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and has successfully been conducted thrice, namely in 2009, 2011, and 2016.

The NCO competition takes place every year on 12th December, referred to as the National Cyber Games Day. It is open to all students in India regardless of their categories or gender based on merit. The NCO is supposed to take place in all the states and union territories according to its guidelines.

ICO – International Commerce Olympiad

The International Commerce Olympiad (ICO) is a single-level exam that is co-sponsored by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. The ICO is offered by SOF for the first time in 2016 and focuses on the higher grades, specifically grades 11 and 12. The administration of the ICO tests is done by SOF in the participating schools where the students are studying.

PRMO – Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad

The Indian Mathematical Olympiad begins with the Pre-RMO, which means Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad. The Pre-RMO is a screening stage to select the participants for Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO). Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) has been entrusted with the responsibility of the exam coordinator by the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM). MTA will conduct and supervise the PRMO exam. NBHM manages all the olympiad related activities. Explore the following articles to know more.

RMO – Regional Mathematical Olympiad

After the first stage, the International Mathematical Olympiad moves onto the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO). The RMO is conducted by regional coordinators supervised by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) situated in Mumbai. The answer sheets of the RMO are carefully evaluated by the regional coordinators appointed by HBCSE and the results are forwarded to HBCSE. Refer to the following articles to know more.

INMO – Indian National Mathematical Olympiad

The Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) is an internationally acclaimed mathematics competition that is held in India. The INMO is the third stage of the selection process for the Indian team for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) conducted by HBCSE. The INMO is an annual competition for high school students and is the second stage of the selection process to identify the best mathematical talents for the Indian team. Every year the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) conducts the INMO exam.

IOAA – International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics

The main purpose of the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) is to create increased enthusiasm for astronomy and allied subjects, especially among the younger people. It also helps in promoting global collaboration towards advancing the study of astronomy and astrophysics in the academic institutions. By way of IOAA it is hoped that many brilliant high school students would develop a keen interest in studying astronomy, to become the future astronomers.

IAO – International Astronomy Olympiad

The International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO) is a scientific and educational event organized as an intellectual competition for the students belonging to the age of 14 to 18 years specifically those in junior high school classes. The main motive behind IAO is to encourage and develop creativity, resourcefulness, and independent thinking among the participants. There is a strong emphasis while conducting the IAO examination in promoting peace, tolerance, and cooperation. While the competition provides an opportunity to the participants to exhibit their skills, it also stresses on interaction, exchanging of ideas, and cooperation among the students, teachers, and scientists of different countries.

IBO – International Biology Olympiad

The International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is an internationally reputed biology competition that is conducted every year in July especially for the secondary school students. Each participating country selects and sends four champions of its National Biology Olympiad to compete in the IBO test. Two leaders also accompany the students who are the members of the International jury during the entire period of the competition. The IBO brings together the brilliant talents of young biologists from all over the world.

INChO – Indian National Chemistry Olympiad

The Indian Chemistry Olympiad (InChO) is a yearly competition for the high school students to demonstrate their abilities in the subject of Chemistry. This annual event is organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre in collaboration with the Indian Association of Chemistry Teachers. InChO provides an opportunity for the students to show off their skills in their favorite subject, that is, Chemistry.

INAO – Indian National Astronomy Olympiad

The Indian National Astronomy Olympiad (INAO), conducted by HBCSE, starts with a nation-wide test being conducted in more than 1400 schools in India. The journey progresses with international Olympiads being conducted in different cities around the world. In the national level, the INAO examination tests the conceptual knowledge, logical thinking, laboratory skills, and most importantly the problem solving abilities of the students in new situations.

InPho – Indian Association Of Physics Teachers

The Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO), organized by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), is an annual event that is conducted in June and July. It is meant for the secondary school students who desire to enhance their knowledge of Physics at an international level. The INPhO gives the students the opportunity to enrich themselves in the subject of Physics at the global arena.

INBO – Indian National Biology Olympiad

The Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO) is a national level competition especially for the students of grades 11 and 12. It is the second stage of the Biology Olympiad Program conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE). The INBO examination is conducted in more than 15 places in India and attracts many students every year.

NSTSE – National Level Science Talent Search Examination

The National Level Science Talent Search Examination (NSTSE) is conducted by the Unified Council and is a skill test to discover and nourish the brightest brains in the field of science. Being a curriculum based test, the NSTSE tests the strengths and weaknesses of a student in various concepts. The aim of NSTSE is to provide a complete evaluation of the student's scientific talent. Know more from the following articles.

NSEB – National Standard Examination in Biology

The National Standard Examination in Biology (NSEB) is a part of the wider National Standard Examination (NSE) which assists national scientific Olympiads. The aim of these Olympiads is to promote talented students and give them a chance to compete internationally. The NSEB is open to students who have not yet completed their Class 12. The examination is in paper form. Learn more about this topic from the following articles.

NSEJS – National Standard Examination In Junior Science

The National Standard Examination in Junior Sciences (NSEJS) is a science Olympiad for the young aspirants. It has been conducted since 1987. The NSEJS is considered to be one of the toughest national scientific examinations conducted by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). The exam includes the subjects of Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology.

NSEC – National Standard Examination in Chemistry

The National Standard Examination in Chemistry (NSEC) is a joint venture of the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education and the Indian Association of Physics Teachers. It is an annual examination that takes place in November in several designated centers. The NSEC aims to highlight the importance of Chemistry as a subject and nurture interest in it among the students. The achievements of the participants are judged on the basis of their performance in the exam and hence they are able to exhibit their achievements in the subject of chemistry.

NSEP – National Standard Examination in Physics

The NSEP (National Standard Examination in Physics) is being conducted in India since 1987. This voluntary test is being conducted by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). The NSEP plays an important role in the selection of the participants representing India in the International Olympiad of Science. The NSEP is conducted regionally involving the participation of various states and UTs of the country.

IOM – International Olympiad of Mathematics

The Silverzone International Olympiad of Mathematics (IOM) is a biennial competition which acts as a platform to showcase the mathematical skills of the participants. The National and International Math Olympiad tests evaluate the analytical reasoning skills of the students in various mathematical concepts taught in schools. Every year students of grades 1 to 12 participate in the IOM to find out and showcase their talent in the subject of mathematics.

IOQJS – Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Junior Science

IOQJS stands for Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Junior Science, which acts as the first stage of the International Science Olympiad. The IOQJS is a three hours exam consisting of two papers that is generally conducted in January. The IOQJS is a combination of the Indian National Olympiad (INO) and the National Standard Examination (NSE) combining both the competitive exams into one. The IOQJS is conducted by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) and the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE).

IOQM – Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics

The IOQM (Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics) is a three-hour exam which is conducted jointly by the Mathematics Teachers Association of India (MTAI), Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), and the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). The IOQM is conducted through a single examination model on the lines of PRMO (Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad) pattern.

Olympiad Exam Dates 2026-27

Schools can choose one date to conduct each Olympiad exam in their school. Once the date is selected, it cannot be changed. Different question papers will be used for different exam dates.

Registrations must be sent at least 30 days prior to the selected exam date. Schools can send registrations for all Olympiad exams at once or send separate registrations for each exam.

1st Level Exams: 2026-27

Schools are required to submit registrations at least 30 days before the selected examination date.

Second-Level SOF Olympiad Exams

According to the source, second level exams are held for certain SOF Olympiads. Second level exams are applicable for Classes 3 to 12 for:

• SOF International English Olympiad (IEO)
• SOF National Science Olympiad (NSO)
• SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)

The other mentioned SOF Olympiads, such as ISSO, IGKO, IHO, and ICSO, are held in one level as per the provided source.

Other Olympiad Exams in India

Apart from SOF, several organisations conduct Olympiad and talent-search examinations in different subjects.

Indian Talent Olympiad

The Indian Talent Olympiad conducts examinations in subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, General Knowledge, English and Social Studies.

Some exams listed in the source are:

• International Science Olympiad (ISO)

• International Computer Olympiad (ICO)

• International Drawing Olympiad (IDO)

• National Essay Olympiad (NESO)

• National Social Studies Olympiad (NSSO)

• International Spell E (ISEO)

UNICUS Olympiads

UNICUS conducts Olympiads in several school subjects, including:

• Unicus Mathematics Olympiad (UMO)

• Unicus Science Olympiad (USO)

• Unicus English Olympiad (UEO)

• Unicus General Knowledge Olympiad (UGKO)

SilverZone Olympiads

SilverZone Foundation conducts Olympiads in areas such as Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, English, General Knowledge and Social Studies.

The listed examinations include:

• International Informatics Olympiad (iiO)

• International Olympiad of Science (iOS)

• International Olympiad of English Language (iOEL)

• Akhil Bhartiya Hindi Olympiad (ABHO)

• Smart Kid GK Olympiad (SKGKO)

• International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO)

• International Reasoning and Aptitude Olympiad (IRAO)

Hummingbird Olympiad Exams

Hummingbird Education conducts Olympiad and talent-based examinations in different subjects. These include:

• Hummingbird Mathematics Olympiad (HMO)

• Hummingbird Science Olympiad (HSO)

• Hummingbird English Olympiad (HEO)

• Hummingbird Cyber Olympiad (HCO)

• Hummingbird General Knowledge Olympiad (HGO)

• Hummingbird Hindi Olympiad (HHO)

• Hummingbird Commerce Competency Olympiad (HCC)

• Hummingbird Talent Search Examination (HBTSE)

• Hummingbird Aptitude & Reasoning Olympiad (ARO)

• Hummingbird Multiple Intelligence Test (HMIT)

EduHeal Foundation Olympiads

The EduHeal Foundation conducts Olympiads in areas such as Mathematics, Biotechnology, Science and Space Science.

The exams listed include:

• National Interactive Maths Olympiad (NIMO)

• National Biotechnology Olympiad (NBTO)

• National Space Science Olympiad (NSSO)

• National Interactive Science Olympiad (NISO)

ASSET Olympiads

ASSET conducts Olympiads in:

• ASSET English Olympiad

• ASSET Maths Olympiad

• ASSET Science Olympiad

CREST Olympiads

CREST Olympiads focus on conceptual understanding and application-based learning. The listed exams include:

• CREST Mathematics Olympiad (CMO)

• CREST English Olympiad (CEO)

• CREST Science Olympiad (CSO)

• CREST Reasoning Olympiad (CRO)

• CREST Cyber Olympiad (CCO)

• CREST International Spell Bee (CSB)

• CREST International Spell Bee (CSBW)

National-Level Science Olympiad Examinations

Students interested in competitive science examinations can also explore the National Standard Examination series and related Olympiad programmes.

These include:

• NSEB – National Standard Examination in Biology

• NSEC – National Standard Examination in Chemistry

• NSEP – National Standard Examination in Physics

• NSEJS – National Standard Examination in Junior Science

• INBO – Indian National Biology Olympiad

• INChO – Indian National Chemistry Olympiad

• INPhO – Indian National Physics Olympiad

• INAO – Indian National Astronomy Olympiad

These examinations assess subject knowledge, conceptual understanding, reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Why Should Students Take Olympiad Exams?

Olympiad exams can help students test their understanding beyond regular classroom assessments. They focus strongly on concepts, analytical thinking and problem-solving.

Participating in these examinations can help students:

• Strengthen their conceptual understanding.
• Improve analytical and logical reasoning.
• Identify academic strengths and weak areas.
• Gain experience with competitive examinations.
• Compare their performance with other students.

Olympiads can be useful for students who enjoy solving challenging problems and want to explore a subject in greater depth.

How to Prepare for Olympiad Exams 2026-27?

Preparation for Olympiads must start by comprehending the examination pattern and syllabus. The students should identify the subjects/topics they have to prepare for and then develop a realistic preparation plan.

Following are some of the useful steps that a student can follow for preparation:

• Syllabus and exam pattern analysis: Know about the subjects/topics, type of questions asked and time allotted in the exam.
• Conceptual clarity: Concentrate on grasping concepts rather than learning answers.
• Good study material: Use study materials that are related to the syllabus of the examination.
• Practice regularly: Practice by solving sample papers and past questions to increase the speed and accuracy level.
• Mock test: Take mock tests in order to get accustomed to the examination environment.
• Analyze the mistakes: Analyze your errors and find out which topics need extra practice.
• If required, take help from teachers and subject matter experts.
• Balanced approach: Go on with regular school studies and also take appropriate rests while preparing for the exams.

The students should always verify the official website of the organization organizing their desired Olympiad for registration, eligibility, syllabus, schedule, and fees in 2026-27.

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