Science and Astronomy Olympiad Programs in India

Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), which is the nodal agency for the Science Olympiad Program in the country, conducts the program in close collaboration with Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), Association of Chemistry Teachers (ACT), and the Association of Teachers in Biological Sciences (ATBS). The first stage of the Olympiad examinations is conducted by IAPT, while the later stages are the responsibility of HBCSE.

AIM OF SCIENCE & ASTRONOMY OLYMPIADS

• To promote excellence in science among pre-university students and selecting teams of students to represent India at the International Olympiads in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Junior Science and Astronomy.
• To assess the conceptual understanding, logical reasoning, laboratory skills, and above all, ability to apply problem-solving skills to novel situations, both theoretical and experimental.
• To provide a stimulus to begin a career in science and to undertake a lifelong journey into the realms of exciting intellectual challenges.
• To serve as the meeting places of the brightest young minds of the world, and help in forging many friendships to form the seeds of scientific collaboration later in life.

Therefore, we can say that the scientific community of India recognizes the need for a national Olympiad programme in basic sciences, which would lead to participation of Indian students in the International Olympiads. Let’s now understand the stages of this program.

THE FIVE STAGES OF SCIENCE OLYMPIADS

SCIENCE & ASTRONOMY OLYMPIADS AT A GLANCE

INDIA SURGING AHEAD IN INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE OLYMPIADS

Indian students have excelled at all the International Science Olympiads ever since participation started in 1998. Almost every student has won a gold, silver, bronze medal or an honorable mention. Over the years, several Indian students have also won special awards for best performances in theoretical or experimental components.

(source: HBCSE)

OLYMPIADS: AN INSPIRATION FOR A CAREER IN SCIENCE

These performances & unique experiences of the Olympiads inspire young students to continue their fascinating journey with Science. Most of the Olympiad students choose academic careers and begin their careers in reputed universities and research institutions in India and abroad.

With the first stage of NSEs to be conducted on 17^th November and 24^th November 2019, this year will bring with itself new success stories and milestones to be etched in the name of deserving candidates. So, good luck to all the NSE aspirants of classes IX-XII who have taken their first step towards broadening their horizons in the mysterious world of Science and Astronomy.