Olympiad Exam 2026-27: Explore Vedantu Courses for Grades 3-12: Level Up for IMO, NSO, IEO, IGKO and More

Olympiad Exams in India split into two types: school-level competitions (open to all, conducted in school, awarded on merit) and national selection pathways (multi-stage pipelines ending in India's international team). The Stage column below tells you which is which.

Note: The Olympiad exam dates mentioned on this page are based on the latest official notifications available for the respective examinations. Dates may be revised by the conducting authorities. Students are advised to regularly check the official website of the respective Olympiad or visit this page for the latest updates on registration, admit cards, exam schedules, and results.

Olympiad Exams in India 2026–27: Complete List, Dates and Eligibility

Olympiad exams are competitive, concept-based tests that go beyond the school syllabus and reward reasoning over rote learning. In India they fall into two broad families: school-level olympiads run by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), and the national olympiad programme run by HBCSE, IAPT, MTA(I) and IARCS that selects India's teams for the international olympiads.

This guide covers every major olympiad for Classes 1–12 - what it is, who conducts it, eligibility, stage in the selection chain, and the latest 2026–27 dates.

SOF IGKO – International General Knowledge Olympiad

The IGKO tests awareness of the world around us: current affairs, life skills, environment, science and everyday logic. It is one of the easiest entry points into competitive olympiads for young students.

• Conducted by: Science Olympiad Foundation

• Eligibility: Classes 1–10

• Stage: Single level (no second round)

• Leads to: Awards, medals and scholarships

• Exam date 2026: 22 September 2026

Read More:

• IGKO Sample Papers

• IGKO Important Question Papers

• IGKO Syllabus

• IGKO Admit Card

• IGKO Exam

• IGKO Exam Eligibility

• IGKO Exam Pattern

• IGKO Exam Date

• IGKO Exam Registration

• IGKO Exam Result

• IGKO Mock Test

SOF ICSO – International Computer Science Olympiad

The ICSO assesses computer fundamentals, logical reasoning, IT tools, internet basics and emerging technologies. Useful for students building early digital and coding literacy.

• Conducted by: Science Olympiad Foundation

• Eligibility: Classes 1–10

• Stage: Single level

• Leads to: Awards, medals and scholarships

• Exam dates 2026: 24 September or 17 December 2026 (school-wise slot)

SOF IMO Level 1- International Mathematics Olympiad

The most popular school maths olympiad in India. Level 1 is a school-based objective paper testing logical reasoning, mathematical reasoning and an achievers section. Top performers move to Level 2.

• Conducted by: Science Olympiad Foundation

• Eligibility: Classes 1–12

• Stage: Level 1

• Leads to: SOF IMO Level 2 (Classes 3–12)

• Exam dates 2026: 23 October, 26 November or 10 December 2026

Read More:

• IMO Sample Papers

• IMO Mock Tests

• IMO Syllabus

• IMO Previous Year Question Papers

• IMO Important Questions

• IMO Exam Dates

• IMO Eligibility Criteria

• IMO Exam Registration

SOF ISO Level 1 – International Science Olympiad (formerly NSO)

Renamed from NSO, the ISO tests scientific concepts, application and reasoning across physics, chemistry and biology topics appropriate to each class.

• Conducted by: Science Olympiad Foundation

• Eligibility: Classes 1–12

• Stage: Level 1

• Leads to: SOF ISO Level 2 (Classes 3–12)

• Exam dates 2026: 30 October, 19 November or 3 December 2026

Read More:

• NSO Previous Year Papers

• NSO Sample Papers

• NSO Important Question Papers

• NSO Syllabus

• NSO Exam

• NSO Mock Test

• NSO Exam Date

• NSO Exam Registration

• NSO Exam Pattern

• NSO Exam Result

SOF IEO Level 1– International English Olympiad

The IEO evaluates spoken and written English: grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and practical usage in real-life contexts.

• Conducted by: Science Olympiad Foundation

• Eligibility: Classes 1–12

• Stage: Level 1

• Leads to: SOF IEO Level 2 (Classes 3–12)

• Exam date 2026: As per the official SOF schedule released to registered schools

Read More:

• IEO Previous Year Papers

• IEO Sample Papers

• IEO Important Question Papers

• IEO Syllabus

• IEO Mock Test

• IEO Exam Date

• IEO Exam Registration

• IEO Exam Pattern

• IEO Exam Eligibility

• IEO Exam Result

SOF Level 2 – Second Level Exam for IMO, ISO and IEO

Level 2 is the qualifying round for SOF's three flagship olympiads. It is tougher, held at designated centres, and decides the international, zonal and class-level rankings.

• Conducted by: Science Olympiad Foundation

• Eligibility: Classes 3–12 qualifiers from IMO, ISO and IEO Level 1

• Stage: Level 2 (final round)

• Leads to: Final awards, cash prizes and international rankings

• Exam date: Tentatively February 2027; dates to be announced by December 2026

SOF ISSO – International Social Studies Olympiad

The ISSO covers history, civics, geography, economics and general social awareness, with an emphasis on application rather than memorisation.

• Conducted by: Science Olympiad Foundation

• Eligibility: Classes 3–10

• Stage: Single level

• Leads to: Awards, medals and scholarships

• Exam window: Conducted through January 2027

SOF IHO – International Hindi Olympiad

The IHO tests Hindi grammar (व्याकरण), vocabulary, comprehension and literary appreciation — ideal for students strengthening their Hindi language foundation.

• Conducted by: Science Olympiad Foundation

• Eligibility: Classes 3–10

• Stage: Single level

• Leads to: Awards, medals and scholarships

• Exam window: Conducted through January 2027

SOF ICO – International Commerce Olympiad

Designed for senior commerce students, the ICO tests accountancy, business studies, economics and commercial awareness.

• Conducted by: Science Olympiad Foundation

• Eligibility: Classes 11–12

• Stage: Single level

• Leads to: Awards, medals and scholarships

• Exam window: Conducted through January 2027

Read More:

• ICO Sample Papers

• ICO Important Question Papers

• ICO Syllabus

IOQM – Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics

IOQM is the gateway to India's official mathematics olympiad programme. It is a 3-hour subjective-answer paper (integer answers) with 30 questions of rising difficulty.

• Conducted by: MTA(I) in collaboration with IAPT and HBCSE

• Eligibility: Classes 8–12

• Stage: Mathematics Stage 1

• Leads to: Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO)

• Exam date: 6 September 2026

Read More:

• IOQM Sample Paper 1

• IOQM Sample Paper 2

• IOQM Sample Paper 3

• IOQM Sample Paper 4

• IOQM Sample Paper 5

• IOQM Answer Key and Paper Solutions

RMO – Regional Mathematical Olympiad

RMO is the second stage of the maths olympiad chain, a proof-based paper conducted region-wise. It demands rigorous written arguments in algebra, geometry, number theory and combinatorics.

• Conducted by: HBCSE through regional coordinators

• Eligibility: IOQM qualifiers

• Stage: Mathematics Stage 2

• Leads to: Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO)

• Exam date: Scheduled after IOQM results are declared

Read More: 

• RMO Sample Papers

• RMO Mock Tests

• RMO Syllabus

• RMO Previous Year Question Papers

INMO – Indian National Mathematical Olympiad

INMO is the national-level proof-writing round. Roughly 50–60 top scorers are declared INMO awardees and invited for training.

• Conducted by: HBCSE

• Eligibility: RMO qualifiers

• Stage: Mathematics Stage 3

• Leads to: INMO Training Camp (IMOTC)

• Exam date: January 2027

Read More: 

• INMO Sample Papers

• INMO Mock Tests

• INMO Syllabus

• INMO Previous Year Question Papers

• INMO 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria

• INMO 2026-27 Exam Pattern

• INMO 2026-27 Exam Result

• INMO 2026-27 Syllabus

• INMO Registration 2026-27

IMOTC – INMO Training Camp

A residential camp at HBCSE, Mumbai where INMO awardees undergo intensive training and selection tests. The Indian teams for IMO, APMO and EGMO are chosen from here.

• Conducted by: HBCSE

• Eligibility: INMO awardees

• Stage: Mathematics Stage 4

• Leads to: IMO, APMO and EGMO team selection

• Dates: To be announced by HBCSE

NSEJS – National Standard Examination in Junior Science

NSEJS is the first stage for junior students aiming at the International Junior Science Olympiad. It covers physics, chemistry and biology at an integrated level.

• Conducted by: IAPT in association with HBCSE

• Eligibility: Classes 8–10

• Stage: Junior Science Stage 1

• Leads to: INJSO

• Exam date: 22 November 2026, 2:30–4:30 PM

Read More:

• NSEJS Previous Year Papers

• NSEJS Exam Eligibility Criteria

• NSEJS Exam Result

• NSEJS Exam Pattern

• NSEJS Exam Counselling

• NSEJS Exam Date

• NSEJS Mock Test

• NSEJS Exam Sample Papers

• NSEJS Syllabus

INJSO – Indian National Junior Science Olympiad

INJSO is the national round for junior science, with tougher analytical and experimental-reasoning questions across all three science subjects.

• Conducted by: HBCSE

• Eligibility: NSEJS qualifiers

• Stage: Junior Science Stage 2

• Leads to: Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp (OCSC)

• Exam date: To be announced by HBCSE

NSEP – National Standard Examination in Physics

NSEP is the entry point for the physics olympiad pathway, testing conceptual depth and problem-solving well beyond board-level physics.

• Conducted by: IAPT

• Eligibility: Classes 10–12

• Stage: Physics Stage 1

• Leads to: INPhO

• Enrolment window: 21 August – 14 September 2026

Read More:

• NSEP 2026-27 Exam Sample Paper 2

NSEC – National Standard Examination in Chemistry

NSEC screens students for the chemistry olympiad chain, covering physical, organic and inorganic chemistry with an application focus.

• Conducted by: IAPT

• Eligibility: Classes 10–12

• Stage: Chemistry Stage 1

• Leads to: INChO

• Enrolment window: 21 August – 14 September 2026

Read More:

• NSEC Previous Year Question Paper 

NSEB – National Standard Examination in Biology

NSEB is the first filter for the biology olympiad route, emphasising reasoning in genetics, physiology, ecology and cell biology.

• Conducted by: IAPT

• Eligibility: Classes 10–12

• Stage: Biology Stage 1

• Leads to: INBO

• Enrolment window: 21 August – 14 September 2026

Read More:

• NSEB 2026-27 Exam Sample Paper 2

• NSEB 2026-27 Exam Sample Paper 1

NSEA – National Standard Examination in Astronomy

NSEA tests astronomy and astrophysics fundamentals along with the physics and mathematics needed to solve them.

• Conducted by: IAPT

• Eligibility: Classes 10–12

• Stage: Astronomy Stage 1

• Leads to: INAO

• Enrolment window: 21 August – 14 September 2026

INPhO – Indian National Physics Olympiad

INPhO is the national physics round, featuring long-form analytical problems that reward strong derivations and physical intuition.

• Conducted by: HBCSE

• Eligibility: NSEP qualifiers

• Stage: Physics Stage 2

• Leads to: OCSC

• Exam date: To be announced by HBCSE

Read More:

• InPhO Previous Year Question Paper

• InPhO 2026-27 Exam Date

• InPhO 2026-27 Exam Pattern

• InPhO 2026-27 Result

• InPhO 2026-27 Sample Paper

• InPhO Syllabus 2026-27

INChO – Indian National Chemistry Olympiad

INChO is the national chemistry round and the last written stage before selection camp, combining theory with data interpretation.

• Conducted by: HBCSE

• Eligibility: NSEC qualifiers

• Stage: Chemistry Stage 2

• Leads to: OCSC

• Exam date: To be announced by HBCSE

Read More:

• INCHO Sample Papers

• INCHO Syllabus

• INCHO Previous Year Question Papers

INBO – Indian National Biology Olympiad

INBO tests advanced biological reasoning, experiment analysis and interpretation of research-style data.

• Conducted by: HBCSE

• Eligibility: NSEB qualifiers

• Stage: Biology Stage 2

• Leads to: OCSC

• Exam date: To be announced by HBCSE

Read More:

• INBO Sample Papers

• INBO Syllabus

• INBO Previous Year Question Papers

INAO – Indian National Astronomy Olympiad

INAO is the national astronomy round, with questions on celestial mechanics, observational astronomy and astrophysical estimation.

• Conducted by: HBCSE

• Eligibility: NSEA qualifiers

• Stage: Astronomy Stage 2

• Leads to: OCSC

• Exam date: To be announced by HBCSE

Read More:

• INAO Sample Papers

• INAO Syllabus

• INAO Previous Year Question Papers

OCSC – Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp

OCSC is a residential camp at HBCSE where qualifiers from INPhO, INChO, INBO, INAO and INJSO receive theory and laboratory training. Final Indian teams are selected here.

• Conducted by: HBCSE

• Eligibility: Qualifiers of the Indian National Olympiads

• Stage: Science Stage 3

• Leads to: IPhO, IChO, IBO, IOAA and IJSO team selection

• Dates: To be announced by HBCSE

ZIO / ZCO – Zonal Informatics Olympiad and Zonal Computing Olympiad

ZIO is a pen-and-paper algorithmic reasoning test requiring no coding, while ZCO is a programming contest. Either route qualifies a student for INOI.

• Conducted by: IARCS (Indian Association for Research in Computing Science)

• Eligibility: Open to school students

• Stage: Informatics Stage 1

• Leads to: INOI

• Dates: To be announced by IARCS

INOI – Indian National Olympiad in Informatics

INOI is a national programming contest focused on algorithms and data structures, with solutions written in C++ or similar languages.

• Conducted by: IARCS

• Eligibility: ZIO/ZCO qualifiers

• Stage: Informatics Stage 2

• Leads to: IOI Training Camp (IOITC)

• Date: To be announced by IARCS

PLO – Panini Linguistics Olympiad

PLO is India's linguistics olympiad, where students decode unfamiliar languages using pure logic. No prior knowledge of any language is required.

• Conducted by: Language Development Centre, IIIT Hyderabad

• Eligibility: School students

• Stage: Linguistics Stage 1

• Leads to: Selection for the International Olympiad in Linguistics (IOL)

• Dates: To be announced by the organisers

IPhO – International Physics Olympiad

IPhO features theoretical and experimental papers of exceptional difficulty. The five-member Indian team is chosen at OCSC.

• Level: International

• Participants: Indian team

• Selection route: NSEP → INPhO → OCSC

• Event: July 2027

IChO – International Chemistry Olympiad

IChO combines a demanding theory paper with a full laboratory examination, testing practical skill alongside conceptual mastery.

• Level: International

• Participants: Indian team

• Selection route: NSEC → INChO → OCSC

• Event: July 2027

IBO – International Biology Olympiad

IBO evaluates theoretical biology and practical laboratory work, from molecular biology to ecology and biosystematics.

• Level: International

• Participants: Indian team

• Selection route: NSEB → INBO → OCSC

• Event: July 2027

IOAA – International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics

IOAA includes theory, data analysis and an observational round conducted under the night sky or in a planetarium.

• Level: International

• Participants: Indian team

• Selection route: NSEA → INAO → OCSC

• Event: To be announced by the organisers

Read More:

• IOAA Sample Papers

• IOAA Mock Tests

• IOAA Syllabus

• IOAA Previous Year Question Papers

IJSO – International Junior Science Olympiad

IJSO is the flagship international contest for students under 16, with integrated theory, multiple-choice and practical examinations.

• Level: International

• Participants: Indian team

• Selection route: NSEJS → INJSO → OCSC

• Event: December 2027

IOI – International Olympiad in Informatics

IOI is the premier global programming olympiad, contested over two competition days of algorithmic problem-solving.

• Level: International

• Participants: Indian team

• Selection route: ZIO/ZCO → INOI → IOITC

• Event: To be announced by the organisers

IOL – International Olympiad in Linguistics

IOL challenges teams to analyse rare and historical languages through individual and team problem sets built purely on logic.

• Level: International

• Participants: Indian team

• Selection route: PLO → IOL selection

• Event: To be announced by the organisers

APMO – Asian Pacific Mathematics Olympiad

APMO is a regional mathematics contest written in participants' home countries, often used as additional training and selection data for IMO.

• Level: International (Asia-Pacific region)

• Participants: Indian team

• Selection route: INMO awardees / IMOTC participants

• Event: March 2027

EGMO – European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad

EGMO is a proof-based olympiad for girls, with India fielding a four-member team selected through the INMO and IMOTC pipeline.

• Level: International

• Participants: Indian team (girls)

• Selection route: INMO → IMOTC

• Event: April 2027

Which Olympiad Should You Choose?

• Classes 1–5: Start with SOF olympiads — IGKO, IMO, ISO and IEO build early exam confidence.

• Classes 6–8: Continue SOF olympiads and begin IOQM and NSEJS preparation from Class 8.

• Classes 9–10: NSEJS and IOQM are the highest-value options; ZIO/ZCO suits coding enthusiasts.

• Classes 11–12: Focus on NSEP, NSEC, NSEB, NSEA and IOQM for the national olympiad pathway.

Preparation tip: national olympiads reward depth over syllabus coverage. Past papers, NCERT mastery and standard reference books (HC Verma, Irodov, Pathfinder, Challenge and Thrill of Pre-College Mathematics) matter far more than coaching volume.

Result Highlights: Our Students' Latest Olympiad & Competitive Exam Achievements

The success of Vedantu Olympiad School students reflects the effectiveness of a strong conceptual foundation, expert mentoring, and consistent practice. Here are some of our latest achievements across prestigious national and international Olympiad and entrance examinations.

What Sets Our Vedantu’s Olympiad Courses Apart?

Most Olympiad coaching hands students a formula sheet and a stack of past papers. That works until the paper puts up a question nobody has seen before - which is precisely what IMO, IOQM, RMO and NSEJS are designed to do. Vedantu Olympiad School is built around teaching methods that train the thinking itself, so students can attack unfamiliar problems instead of hunting for a memorised template.

Puzzles and Math Games in Every Class

Every session opens with a short puzzle or math game before the main concept begins.

• Warms up logical reasoning and pattern recognition - the two skills Olympiad papers lean on hardest

• Builds Olympiad-style thinking in low-pressure form, so students associate hard problems with curiosity rather than anxiety

• Keeps younger learners in Grades 3–7 fully engaged through a full live class

• Introduces genuine Olympiad concepts - parity, invariants, counting, symmetry - through play, long before they appear as formal theory

We Focus on the "Why", Not Just the "How"

Our Master Teachers derive results rather than dictate them, so students understand where every formula comes from.

• Concepts stick because students know the logic behind them, not just the steps

• Reduces the "I understood it in class but froze in the exam" problem that comes from rote learning

• Makes tough IOQM, RMO and NSEP questions feel manageable, since students can rebuild a forgotten result from first principles

• Builds the conceptual depth that ISI, CMI and JEE Advanced actually reward in their subjective and proof-based papers

One Problem, Many Angles

We deliberately solve the same problem several different ways.

• Shows students that a geometry question might yield to coordinates, pure synthetic reasoning, trigonometry or vectors

• Builds flexibility - when the first approach stalls in an exam, the student has three more to try

• Develops the ability to pick the fastest method under time pressure, a decisive advantage in IMO and NMTC

• Trains students to evaluate and compare solutions, which is the core habit of every strong Olympiad performer

Our Features: Everything Included in Your Vedantu Olympiad Course

Every Vedantu Olympiad course is a complete preparation system - live teaching, printed study material, regular testing, and a support structure that keeps both students and parents in the loop.

LIVE Classes by India's Top Olympiad Master Teachers

• Fully live, two-way interactive classes - never pre-recorded lectures

• Taught by Vedantu Master Teachers with specialist Olympiad and competitive-exam experience

• Students ask questions, attempt problems on screen, and get corrected in real time

• Class recordings available afterwards for revision or missed sessions

Instant In-Class Doubt Solving

• Doubts are resolved during the class, not queued for days

• Teachers work through the exact step where a student is stuck, on the spot

• Prevents small gaps in a topic like number theory or rotational motion from compounding into a weak chapter

Assignments After Every Class with Video Solutions

• A graded assignment follows every single session, so practice stays consistent

• Detailed video solutions explain the reasoning behind each answer, not just the final result

• Difficulty is calibrated to the target exam - SOF-IMO and Math Kangaroo level for juniors, IOQM and RMO level for seniors

Printed Books Delivered to Your Home

• Physical study material and previous-year question compilations shipped to the student's address

• Covers IOQM, NMTC, NSEJS, NSEP and JEE-level Maths and Physics problem sets

• Pen-and-paper practice mirrors real exam conditions and reduces screen fatigue

LIVE Quizzes, Leaderboards and Handwritten Notes

• In-class live quizzes turn revision into a timed, competitive exercise

• Leaderboards give students a healthy sense of where they stand against their peers

• Teachers' handwritten notes are shared after class, so students follow the reasoning as it was actually worked out

Test Analysis and Actionable Insights

• Every test comes with a breakdown by topic, accuracy and time spent per question

• Identifies whether marks are being lost to conceptual gaps, silly errors or poor time management

• Turns each test into a specific action plan instead of just a score

Monthly Report Cards and Parent-Teacher Meetings

• Monthly report cards show subject-wise performance and month-on-month progress

• Scheduled PTMs let parents speak directly to the Master Teacher about their child's preparation

• Parents stay informed without having to sit in on classes or chase updates

Dedicated Student Telegram Group for Discussions

• A faculty-moderated group where students discuss problems and share approaches between classes

• Peer learning that continues outside class hours

• Announcements about exam dates, registrations and deadlines reach students immediately.

Vedantu Olympiad School provides a structured learning pathway for students preparing for Mathematics and Science Olympiads, as well as advanced entrance exams such as IOQM, RMO, NSEJS, NSEP, ISI, CMI, and JEE. With live interactive classes, expert guidance, regular assessments, targeted practice, and detailed performance analysis, students develop the conceptual clarity and problem-solving ability needed to approach challenging questions with confidence.

The programs are designed not only to improve exam performance but also to build logical reasoning, analytical thinking, accuracy, and academic discipline. Vedantu Olympiad School offers the right support at every stage. Join the program to strengthen your fundamentals, sharpen your competitive skills, and progress confidently towards long-term academic success.