NSO Cut Off 2025-26: Check Category-wise Marks & Expected Cutoff

NSO Cutoff 2025-26: The National Science Olympiad (NSO), conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), is one of the most prestigious school-level science competitions in India. Students from Class 1 to Class 12 participate to showcase their science and reasoning abilities. One of the most anticipated aspects after the exam is the NSO Cut Off, which determines qualification for the second level or higher accolades.

This article provides a detailed and helpful guide on the NSO 2025-26 Cut Off, along with expected category-wise cutoffs based on previous years’ trends.

What is the NSO Cut Off?

The NSO cut off marks are the minimum marks that a student needs to score to be eligible for Level 2 (for Class 3 to 12) or to qualify for zonal and international ranks. The cutoff varies every year based on:

• Difficulty level of the exam
• Number of students appearing
• Overall performance

NSO 2025-26 Exam Overview

NSO Cut Off 2023-24 – Class-wise Breakdown

Here is the official NSO 2023-24 cutoff for the Top 5% of candidates, which helps determine eligibility for Level 2.

NSO 2025-26 Expected Cut Off (Based on Trends)

While the exact cutoff for NSO 2025-26 will be announced post-exam, the expected cutoff can be projected using the past 3 years’ data.

Expected NSO Cut Off 2025-26 – Class-wise

Note: These are not official figures. Actual cutoffs will be released by SOF.

NSO 2025-26 Cutoff – Key Points to Remember

• Top 5% qualifiers from each class and zone qualify for Level 2.
• The cutoff includes section-wise minimum marks as well as overall score.
• No negative marking, but accuracy is crucial.
• Students scoring equal to or above the cutoff in their class are eligible.

How NSO Cutoff is Calculated?

SOF uses the following method to determine the cutoff:

• Total Marks Scored = M1 + M2 + M3 (+ M4 for Classes 11 and 12)
• Weightage of Sections:
  • M1: Logical Reasoning
  • M2: Science
  • M3: Achievers Section (Higher Order Thinking Questions)
  • M4: Subject-specific section for higher classes (Maths/Biology)

The Achievers Section (M3) is often given more weightage while preparing the final ranks.

How to Check NSO Cut Off 2025-26?

Once the results are declared, students can check the official cutoff list by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit https://sofworld.org

Step 2: Navigate to the Results section.

Step 3: Choose NSO 2025-26 Level 1 Result.

Step 4: Enter your Roll Number in the format – School Code-Class-Roll No.

Step 5: The scorecard and cutoff marks will be displayed.

NSO Awards and Qualification

Students qualifying Level 1 can appear for Level 2 (Classes 3 to 12). Here’s what top scorers get:

Preparation Tips to Clear the NSO Cut Off 2025-26

• Understand the Exam Pattern – Focus on Science, Logical Reasoning, and Achievers section.
• Solve Previous Year Papers – Analyze the types of questions asked.
• Refer to NSO Sample Papers – Available on the official site and from coaching platforms.
• Time Management – Practice solving within time limits.
• Focus on Accuracy – NSO has no negative marking, but careful solving increases scores.

Related NSO Pages

• 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?
• SOF NSO Level 2 Awards, Medals & Scholarships

Read To Know More About NSO:

• NSO Exam Date
• NSO Application Form
• NSO Syllabus

Conclusion

The NSO 2025-26 cutoff is an essential benchmark that determines qualification for the next level. Understanding class-wise and section-wise expected cutoffs will help students set a realistic goal for preparation. As the official cutoffs are yet to be released, students can rely on previous years’ data to align their study strategy.

Keep checking the SOF official website for updates, and make sure to practice well using NSO sample papers and mock tests.

NSO 2025-26 Cut Off FAQs

Q1. When will the NSO 2025-26 Cutoff be released?
Answer: The official cutoff will likely be released in January 2026 along with Level 1 results.

Q2. What is the cutoff for NSO Level 2 eligibility?
Answer: Students in the top 5% in their class are eligible for Level 2. Class-wise cutoffs will be shared by SOF.

Q3. Is the Achievers section important for the cutoff?
Answer: Yes, marks in the Achievers section (M3) are critical and often prioritized in case of tie-breaking.

Q4. Are there different cutoffs for each class?
Answer: Yes, NSO cutoffs are class-specific and section-wise.

Q5. Is there any category-based cutoff (like SC/ST)?
Answer: No, SOF does not release category-wise cutoffs. All cutoffs are uniform across categories.