CSO 2025 Exam Pattern, Eligibility & Registration Process
The CREST Science Olympiad (CSO) is an international online science competition for students, offering a unique platform to benchmark conceptual and practical science skills. Organized by CREST Olympiads, CSO emphasizes analytical reasoning, innovative thinking, and real-world application of science knowledge. This CSO 2025 guide will help you understand eligibility, important dates, syllabus, exam pattern, registration process, results, and preparation strategies, integrating official facts and best practice resources.
CSO CREST Science Olympiad Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Start | Open Now (for 2025-26 session) |
| Practice Test Dates | (Tentative) November 4 & 8, 2025 |
| Level 1 Exam Dates | (Tentative) December 6 & 16, 2025 |
| Level 2 Exam Dates | (Tentative) February 3 & 4, 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | (Tentative) Before November 2025 |
| Answer Key Release (Practice) | (Tentative) November 12-13, 2025 |
| Answer Key Release (Level 1) | (Tentative) December 19-20, 2025 |
| Answer Key Release (Level 2) | (Tentative) February 9-10, 2026 |
| Results Announcement (Level 1) | (Expected) Within 4 weeks after last answer key date |
| Results Announcement (Level 2) | (Expected) Within 4 weeks after last answer key date |
CSO CREST Science Olympiad Eligibility Criteria
CREST Science Olympiad (CSO) is open to all students from Kindergarten to Grade 10. Any student enrolled in CBSE, ICSE, State, or International boards can participate. Both Indian and international students are eligible. Exams for lower grades are conducted at a single level, while higher grades (3-10) take part in Level 1 & Level 2 exams. Participants can apply independently or through their school.
CSO CREST Science Olympiad Syllabus & Subjects
The CSO syllabus is carefully curated to align with national (CBSE/ICSE/State) and international boards. It covers essential science topics appropriate to each grade, ensuring strong conceptual foundations and problem-solving through practical and application-based questions.
- KG–Class 2: Living/Non-Living, Human Body, Plants, Animals, Earth, Water, Simple Machines, Everyday Science
- Class 3–5: Plants & Animals, Human Health, Air, Water, Light & Shadow, Food Chains, Environment, Daily Science
- Class 6–8: Nutrition, Disease, Motion, Force, Materials, Electricity & Magnetism, Environment, Practical Science
- Class 9–10: Atoms/Molecules, Physics (motion, energy), Chemistry (reactions), Biology (genetics, cell), Environmental Science, Technology, Advanced Problem-solving
For detailed, grade-wise topics, download official sample papers and syllabus PDFs from the CSO Olympiad website.
CSO CREST Science Olympiad Exam Pattern
The CSO exam features Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), focusing on both practical science and higher-order thinking. The structure varies for junior and senior classes, but the emphasis on conceptual clarity and application remains.
| Grade Group | Number of Levels | Sections | Question Type | Duration | Assistance | Medium | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KG, 1, 2 | Level 1 | Practical Science, Achievers | MCQs | KG: 45 mins; 1-2: 60 mins | Parent/Teacher help for KG, 1 | English | Online (Webcam required) |
| 3–10 | Level 1 + Level 2 | Practical Science, Achievers | MCQs | 60 mins per level | No assistance allowed | English | Online (Proctored) |
- Section 1: Core Practical/Application Questions
- Section 2: Achievers (Analytical/Higher Order)
- Earphone audio support for KG & Grade 1
- 2 free practice/mock tests for all participants
- Exams only via computer/tablet (no mobiles allowed)
CSO CREST Science Olympiad Registration Process
- Visit the official CREST Olympiads CSO page for the latest updates and registration link.
- Select either "Student Registration" (individual) or register via school if your school is a CREST Olympiad partner.
- Fill in details: name, grade, school, parent contact (email/phone), and country.
- Choose exam(s), review schedule, and pay the required fee online (Indian and country-specific international fees available on the website).
- On successful submission, you will receive confirmation and instructions for practice tests, exam slots, and login.
If your school is not registered, you can send a request to the organizers to participate as a school.
CSO CREST Science Olympiad Preparation Tips
- Thoroughly study every topic in the official CSO syllabus for your grade to ensure strong fundamentals.
- Create a time-bound study schedule and maintain detailed revision notes for last-minute review.
- Take two official practice/mock tests available before the main exam for familiarization and strategy.
- Solve as many previous year CSO papers and sample questions as possible.
- For advanced practice and doubt clarification, explore exclusive science worksheets and mock tests by Vedantu.
- Join online discussion groups or mentorship programs for guidance from past toppers and experts.
CSO CREST Science Olympiad Details Mentioned in the Admit Card
- Student’s Name and Registration Number
- Exam Date and Time Slot (as allotted)
- Examination Level/Grade
- Exam Instructions and Login Details
- Allowed device, webcam and ID requirements
CSO CREST Science Olympiad Results & Cut-Off Announcement
CSO results for both levels are generally released within 4–6 weeks after the last answer key date. Results, scorecards, and overall merit are declared on the official portal. All participants receive digital certificates, and the highest scorers get medals, trophies, and international/national recognition. For the latest updates, refer to the CREST Olympiad results page.
What to Do After the CSO CREST Science Olympiad Exam
- Download and review the answer keys for your session, available soon after the exam dates.
- Check results using your official login once announced.
- Download digital certificates and view your ranking or merit on the results page.
- For top performers, claim medals and confirm postal addresses for trophy dispatch (if relevant).
- Students aiming for next-level olympiads can explore guides like NSEJS – National Standard Examination in Junior Science and compare with other science olympiads via the SOF NSO Guide.
The CREST Science Olympiad (CSO) offers a global benchmarking platform for conceptual and practical science learning. This guide provides verified insights into the CSO syllabus, eligibility, registration, exam pattern, results, and winning strategies, with direct resource and preparation links to help students and parents stay updated and excel in the exam.
FAQs on CREST Science Olympiad (CSO) 2025 Guide for Students
1. What is the CREST Science Olympiad (CSO)?
CREST Science Olympiad (CSO) is an international-level competitive science exam organized by CREST Olympiads for students from KG to Grade 10. The exam focuses on practical science, conceptual understanding, and real-life application. It features application-based multiple-choice questions, offers global benchmarking, and awards top performers with medals and certificates.
2. Who can participate in CSO 2025?
All students from Kindergarten (KG/Prep) to Grade 10 in CBSE, ICSE, State, or International boards are eligible to participate in the CREST Science Olympiad (CSO). Both Indian and international students can register either individually or through their schools for the 2025-26 session.
3. When is the last date to register for CSO 2025?
The last date to register for CSO 2025 is usually in mid to late 2024 for Level 1. The exact deadline will be announced on the official CREST Olympiads website. Students should register early to ensure participation and timely receipt of practice materials.
4. What is the exam pattern of CSO?
The CSO exam contains multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with the following structure:
- KG-Class 2: Single-level exam, 45–60 mins, parent/teacher help allowed for KG and 1
- Classes 3–10: Two levels (Level 1 & Level 2), 60 mins each, independent attempt, proctored online
- Sections: Practical Science & Achievers Section (higher order thinking)
- Medium: English, Computer/Tablet (not mobiles)
5. How is the CSO syllabus aligned with school boards?
The CSO syllabus is fully mapped to CBSE, ICSE, and major state/international boards. It covers:
- KG-Class 2: Living & Non-Living Things, Plants, Animals, Water, Earth, General Science
- Class 3–5: Plants, Animals, Machines, Human Body, Weather, Environment, Daily Life Science
- Class 6–8: Nutrition, Health, Reproduction, Motion, Force, Energy, Electricity, Magnetism, Environmental Science
- Class 9–10: Molecules, Chemical Reactions, Genetics, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science, Technology, Advanced Applications
6. How can I find CSO previous year papers and answer keys?
CSO previous year papers and answer keys for all classes are available online. Students can download official sample papers, previous years’ question sets, and answer keys directly from the CREST Olympiads website to practice and check solutions before the exam.
7. What are the awards and recognition in CSO?
Participants and top achievers in CREST Science Olympiad (CSO) receive:
- Medals (International, National, Zonal) for top scorers
- Digital participation certificates for all students
- Special awards for school, district, and state toppers
- Global recognition for academic excellence and profile building
8. Is CSO only theoretical or does it test practical knowledge?
CSO assesses both theoretical concepts and practical, real-life application of science. Questions are designed to test deduction, logical reasoning, and scientific skills rather than rote memorization, especially in the 'Practical Science' and 'Achievers' sections.
9. Can I take the CSO on a mobile phone?
No, CSO exams must be attempted using a computer, laptop, or tablet with a functioning webcam. Mobile phones are strictly not permitted for exam access or submission.
10. How does CSO compare with SOF NSO and other Science Olympiads?
The CREST Science Olympiad (CSO) is similar to exams like SOF NSO and SilverZone in promoting science skills, but stands out for:
- Online, proctored platform with global benchmarking
- Application-based and practical-oriented MCQs
- Clear syllabus mapping and instant result transparency
- Open participation for international and Indian students
11. What happens if you win the Science Olympiad?
Winning the CREST Science Olympiad (CSO) brings valuable recognition and:
- Medals and digital certificates from CREST Olympiads
- Profile enhancement for school/college applications
- Preparation for advanced science olympiads
- Motivation to pursue science with greater passion
12. When are the CSO results declared?
CSO results are generally announced 4–6 weeks after the exam date. Participants can check their results and download certificates from the official CREST Olympiads results page within this window.
