Did you know who invented the principle of competition among students? It was Marcus Verrius Flaccus, a Roman teacher who was famous in the late 1st century BC and had used this technique as an educational aid.
As the demands of the society changed, its culture changed, and consequently, its educational practices. There is no doubt that education is the secret key to human success and the roots of education lie in competition. Competitive exams for school students sit at the core of the Indian education system. The gateways to some of the best courses and institutes in the country, they are indeed an unbiased way of choosing worthy applicants without the risk of peddling, favouritism or cultural influences.
In this article, we are going to list out the most important competitive exams for school students for classes 8th, 9th and 10th.
To make it simpler, here’s a quick look at the exhaustive competitive exams for school students, before we get started with the details. Enjoy reading this informative piece, guys.
Competitive Exams for School Students (Class 8, 9 and 10)
1. National Talent Search Examination or NTSE
A national-level examination cum scholarship program, it is one of most prestigious competitive exams for school students. NTSE’s genuine endeavour is to identify students who have high academic talent and exceptional intellectual ability. The students who qualify for this two-tier exam receive cash scholarship for the complete academic year.
For more information, check out their official website.
Subjects: Science, Mathematics, Social Science, Mental Ability and General Awareness
Conducting Body: National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
2. National Level Science Talent Search Exam or NLSTSE
This diagnostic test identifies talented students from classes II to XII. What’s unique about these exams? They include interesting questions that require thinking, not simply recalling as per the traditional techniques. NSTSE provides a detailed skill-wise feedback, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of students.
For more information, check out their official website.
Subjects: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, General Questions
Conducting Body: Unified Council
3. Indian National Olympiad (INO)
Financially supported by the Government of India, Olympiads involve a five-stage procedure. The first stage of the Indian National Olympiad is NSE (National Standard Examination), which is held for each subject and is overseen and organized entirely by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). However, all the remaining four stages are conducted by HBCSE.
The five stages are:
Stage I: National Standard Examination (NSE)
Stage II: Indian National Olympiad
Stage III: Orientation cum Selection Camp (OCSC)
Stage IV: Pre-departure Training Camp (PDT)
Stage V: Participation in International Olympiad
For more information, check out their official website.
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy and Junior Science
Conducting Body: Jointly conducted by Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) & Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)
4. Science Olympiad Foundation
This non-profit organization established by leading academicians, scientists and media personalities conducts competitive exam for students of classes I to XII. The foundation organises separate exams for subjects like Computer (National Cyber Olympiad), Maths (International Maths Olympiad), Science (National Science Olympiad) and English (International English Olympiad).
For more information, check out their official website.
Subjects: Science, mathematics, computer education, English, sports and professional courses
Conducting Body: Science Olympiad Foundation
5. GeoGenius
Isn’t it surprising that many students can’t even locate India on a blank map of the world? So, GeoGenius has embarked on a mission to spark student interest in Geography and increase public awareness about it. Students from Class II to XII are eligible for these exams. Geography Olympiad; however, does not provide an entry to the International Geography Olympiad, which is conducted separately.
For more information, check out their official website.
6. Silverzone Olympiads
Silverzone Foundation is an NGO, which aims at promoting competitive awareness of academics in school children in India and abroad. It is conducted for classes I to XII in various subjects and ensures that the students succeed not only on professional or career counts but also on social parameters. These exams also develop creative thinking and enhance problem-solving skills
Subject: Computer, Mathematics, Science and English Language
Conducted body: Silverzone Foundation.
For more information, check out their official website
7. National Interactive Maths Olympiad or NIMO
With a vision to remove the fear of maths from students’ minds, this national-level exam is for students of classes V to XII. It tests their mathematical skills and mental ability. NIMO promises to make math more fun by introducing interactive activities like interactive Olympiad, workshops, and seminars.
For more information, check out their official website.
Subjects: Math
Conducting Body: Eduheal Foundation
8. National Biotechnology Olympiad or NBO
This particular exam comprises of 50 questions for 50 marks and allows I to XII students from all streams to participate. Besides annual e-newspapers, its Biotechno Activity Books & Work Books have been widely appreciated by schools. It wants to inspire the younger generation to enhance their knowledge about Biotechnology issues and create awareness among them.
For more information, check out their official website.
Subjects: Math
Conducting Body: Eduheal foundation
9. Asset (Assessment of Scholastic Skills Through Educational Testing)
A scientifically-designed, skill-based assessment test, it breaks free from the concept of rote learning. Meant for students of classes III-X, it measures how well have children understood the underlying school syllabus These exams are based on the CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE, and state board’s curriculum.
For more information, check out their official website
Subjects: English, Mathematics and Science (Social Studies and Hindi – Optional)
Conducting Body: Educational Initiatives Pvt. Ltd.
10. Kishore Vigyan Protsahan Yojana or KVPY
It is a national level competitive exam in Basic Sciences and conducted by the Department of Science and Technology for students of classes XI and XII. The selected students become eligible for admission to the five-year integrated MS program at the Indian Institute for Science Education and Research. The objective of the program is to identify students with talent and aptitude for research.
For more information, check out their official website
Subject: Basic Science
Conducting Body: Department of Science and Technology of the Government of India
11. International Olympiad of English Language (iOEL)
The International Olympiad of English Language (iOEL), a test of competence and knowledge in the English Language, is held annually at the national and international levels based on the syllabus prescribed by the CBSE/ICSE and the State Boards. ESEL recommends the competition for each and every student who is studying the English Language as their subject in the school. A student between classes 1st to 12th can participate in iOEL through his/her school only. The language medium is English.
Subject: English
Conducting Body: CBSE/ICSE and the State Boards
12. SKGKO – SmartKid General Knowledge Olympiad
The Smart Kid General Knowledge Olympiad, a test of competence and proficiency in General Knowledge, (based on subjects like History, Geography, General Science, Current affairs and sport etc.) is held annually at the national level. It is based on the syllabus prescribed by CBSE/ICSE and the State Boards. It is meant for the students of classes 1-10.
Subject: History, Geography, General Science, Current Affairs and Sports.
Conducting Body: CBSE/ICSE and the State Boards
For more information, check here
13. iSSO – International Social Studies Olympiad
The International Social Studies Olympiad, a test of competence and proficiency in History, Geography and Civics, is held annually at the National and International levels. It is based on the syllabus prescribed by CBSE/ICSE and the State Boards.
Subject: History, Geography and Civics
Conducting Body: CBSE/ICSE and the State Boards
14. The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
IMO (International Math Olympiad) exam is a scholarship exam organized by the prestigious Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for the students of class 1 to 12. The Math Olympiad exam aims at identifying and promoting mathematical abilities in the school-going students across India and abroad. Its first-stage exam is conducted in the school premises, and successful students can appear for the city, state, national and international-level examination. Good scholarships, awards, medals and certificates are presented to students based on their rankings at various levels.
Subject: Maths
Conducting Body: Science Olympiad Foundation
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