The NSO full form is the National Science Olympiad. Every year, the Science Olympiad Foundation conducts the Olympiad for school students. Students from classes 1 to 12 participate in the SOF NSO exam to test their scientific understanding and problem-solving skills.
How are NSO Awards Given?
Awards in the NSO Olympiad are not limited to one category. Different types of recognition are given based on performance level. Some awards are given at the international level. Others are given at the zonal or school level.
Not every student receives a cash prize. However, every student who appears for the exam receives official recognition in some form.
For NSO Level 2, awards are mainly divided into:
- International-level awards
- Zonal-level awards
School-level awards are usually based on Level 1 participation and performance.
Also Read: Check Out NSO Result
International Level Awards for NSO Level 2
International awards are the highest awards given in the SOF NSO exam. These are awarded to top-ranked holders across all zones.
| Rank | Award Details |
| 1st | ₹50,000 cash prize, International Gold Medal, Certificate of Outstanding Performance |
| 2nd | ₹25,000 cash prize, International Silver Medal, Certificate of Outstanding Performance |
| 3rd | ₹10,000 cash prize, International Bronze Medal, Certificate of Outstanding Performance |
If there is more than one student having the same international rank, then the award money would be distributed equally. The student still gets that medal and certificate. For ranks shared by 11 or more students, SOF awards gifts of ₹1,000 each in place of cash prizes.
This situation occurs occasionally and is part of the official award rules.
Zonal Level Awards for NSO Level 2
Zonal awards are given to students who perform well within their respective zones. These awards recognise regional performance.
| Zonal Rank | Award Details |
| 1st | ₹5,000 cash prize, Zonal Gold Medal, Certificate |
| 2nd | ₹2,500 cash prize, Zonal Silver Medal, Certificate |
| 3rd | ₹1,000 cash prize, Zonal Bronze Medal, Certificate |
| 4th to 10th | Gifts worth ₹500, Medal of Distinction, Certificate |
| 11th to 25th | Medal of Distinction, Certificate |
When two to five students secure the same zonal rank, they will share the prize. For ranks shared by more than five students, SOF gives gifts worth ₹1,000 in place of cash rewards.
School-Level Medals and Certificates
In addition to Level 2 awards, SOF offers school-based recognition. The majority of these awards are associated with Level 1. School-level medals are awarded on the basis of the number of students who appear from each class.
- If 5-9 students write the exam, the top rank holder will get a Gold Medal of Excellence.
- If 10 to 25 students write the exam, then the top 3 rank holders win Gold Medals of Excellence.
- If over 25 students write the exam, the top 10% of participants receive Gold Medals of Excellence.
- A Gold Medal of Excellence is awarded to a student for achieving 100%, regardless of the participation count.
All participants receive a Certificate of Participation. A Merit Certificate is issued to students qualifying for NSO Level 2.
Student Performance Report
Every student who appears for the NSO exam receives a Student Performance Report, also called SPR.
The SPR contains:
- Marks obtained
- School rank
- Zonal rank
- International rank
- Section-wise analysis
This report is useful only if it is read properly. Many students ignore it.
Awards for Teachers and Schools
SOF also recognises schools and teachers for their contribution.
| Level | Category | Award |
| International | Best Principal | ₹25,000, Trophy, Citation |
| International | Best Teacher | ₹10,000, Trophy, Citation |
| Zonal | Best Principal | ₹10,000, Trophy, Citation |
| Zonal | Best Teacher | ₹5,000, Trophy, Citation |
| District | Best Principal | ₹2,500, Trophy, Citation |
| District | Best Teacher | ₹1,000, Trophy, Citation |
These awards are based on student participation and performance in the NSO exam.
Related NSO Pages
- NSO Answer Key
- NSO Cut-Off
- NSO Exam Date
- NSO Application Form
- NSO Syllabus
- SOF NSO Level 2 2026: Exam Dates, Syllabus & Pattern
- NSO Level 2 Exam Revision Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
- NSO Level 2 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme 2026
- How to Qualify NSO Level 2 Exam 2026?
Conclusion
The NSO Olympiad’s full form is indicative of what it stands for – nurturing Science among young minds. By awarding at various levels of student participation, such as international, zone and school, the exam encourages students to strive for improvement. Students who excel in NSO Level 2 are awarded with medals, certificates and NSO scholarship that recognise their exceptional academic performance. Every student who participates also gets a comprehensive report of their performance, allowing them to train for the next battle.
FAQs
Q1 What is the NSO Olympiad’s full form?
It stands for National Science Olympiad. It is conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF).
Q2 Who gives medals and scholarships in NSO?
The Science Olympiad Foundation gives medals of gold, silver and bronze along with scholarships and certificates to the students.
Q3 Are scholarships given in NSO Level 1?
No. Cash scholarships are mainly linked to NSO Level 2 results.
Q4 Do all students receive certificates?
Yes. Every participant receives a certificate and a performance report.
Q5 Are teachers also awarded in SOF NSO?
Yes. SOF provides awards to teachers and principals based on participation and results.
