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Olympiad Examination: Meaning, Benefits, Top Olympiads in India, & Preparation Tips
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Every child is blessed with a unique talent that needs to be explored and nurtured. Our modern education system strives to help students discover their inherent interests by giving them opportunities that go beyond classroom learning. One such opportunity comes as the Olympiad examinations, organized to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students.
Still not aware of the Olympiads? Fret not! This blog will help you understand the meaning of Olympiad exams, their purpose, types, and preparation tips. The right knowledge will help you prepare your little ones for these competitive tests. So, let's start:
What is an Olympiad?
An Olympiad is a competitive exam that tests knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities in kids. They are usually held at regional, national, or international levels organised by educational or government entities. The main subjects covered in this exam are Mathematics, Science, Computers, and Languages.
Olympiad exams are inclusive and are conducted for students belonging to various age groups, classes, and boards. These tests provide learners an opportunity to go beyond their curriculum, enhance their conceptual knowledge, and also earn rewards for good scores. Besides revision, you can give an Ayurvedic memory booster syrup to support their Olympiad preparations.
Read the next section to discover the various benefits of participating in an Olympiad exam.
The Benefits of Top Olympiad Exams for Kids
Participation in the various Olympiad exams in India offers the following perks to kids:
1. Improve learning
Kid Olympiads are an excellent way to put student’s knowledge to the test. These examinations involve concept-based questions that focus on the application of the learnings rather than cramming. To score well in Olympiads, learners must delve deeper into concepts to develop a good understanding. Don’t forget to add Shankhpushpi Syrup to your kid’s routine to give sharper memory, improved retention, and a calm mind.
2. Develop Problem-Solving Skills
Generally, Olympiad questions are designed to test logical reasoning and critical thinking in kids. By solving such problems, students learn to address problems systematically and analytically. They start understanding concepts and their application rather than mugging up.
3. Develop Competitive Spirit
Olympiads are competitive examinations that witness participation from students belonging to different schools, states, and boards. Competing in these tests helps create a healthy competitive will in children. They understand their strengths and weaknesses, ensuring self-improvement and confidence.
4. Build Confidence
When kids score good marks or rank in Olympiads, it boosts their self-esteem and confidence. Active participation in these national-level examinations helps students learn skills like time management, patience, positive thinking, composure, etc. These exams are the stepping stones to help prepare students for future challenges.
5. Provide Recognition and Rewards
Olympiads reward participants with various awards like certificates, medals, scholarships, and cash prizes. These rewards recognise their hard work and work as motivation for them. Good performance in Olympiads often opens up opportunities for scholarships and admissions to prestigious institutions. The scores attained in online olympiad tests can also be valuable additions to a student’s resume.
List of Top Olympiad Exams in India
Excited to know about the most popular online olympiad tests and offline Olympiads for students? Here are some of the exams that you must know about to ensure you don’t miss them.
1. National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)
NTSE is a well-known national-level scholarship exam by the Government of India. It is organised every year in two levels: Stage 1 and Stage 2. Individual states conduct the first stage, while the NCERT manages the second stage. This exam is open for the students of class X. The questions test student's knowledge in subjects like Science, Mathematics, and Social Science.
2. National Science Olympiad (NSO)
This is a scholarship exam conducted annually by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in classes 1 to 12. It is organised in Level 1 and Level 2. The students who clear Level 1 are qualified to sit for the Level 2 exam. However, kids from classes 1 and 2 are exempted from appearing in Level 2. The exam tests students learning in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
3. National Mathematics Olympiad (NMO)
NMO tests the competence and knowledge of students in mathematics. This annual examination is held at the national and international levels and based on a syllabus given by STATE/CBSE/ICSE/and the State boards. Besides this, the exam has questions on mental ability and reasoning. Students from classes 1-12 can participate in this olympiad.
4. Indian National Olympiad
It is a series of national-level competitive exams. Students participate in this Olympiad to qualify for the International Olympiads. The test is held for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, and Junior Science. If your child is preparing for INO 20
5. International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO)
ICSO is conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation to test a student’s knowledge of computer science and the IT field. There are three primary sections in the exam focused on logical reasoning, computers, and IT.
The test involves participation from students in classes 1 to 10. Boost their preparations with a regular intake of Shankhpushpi syrup. This memory booster Ayurvedic syrup supports their learning and aids their preparation.
6. International English Olympiad (IEO)
This reputed exam is for students of classes 1 to 12 and is organised by the Science Olympiad Foundation. It tests students’ proficiency in English Language and Grammar. The syllabus is set to enhance communication skills and grammar usage in learners.
7. International Commerce Olympiad (ICO)
The Science Olympiad Foundation and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India jointly organise ICO. It is for students of classes 11 and 12. The questions asked in the exam are related to core commerce subjects like Economics, Accounts and Business Studies.
8. International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO)
This annual exam is organised by the Science Olympiad Foundation for the students in classes 1 to 10. IGKO is conducted on a single level and contains questions based on current affairs and general awareness.
9. Biology Olympiad Programme
It is a series of stages that students take part in to compete in the International Biology Olympiad. The first stage is the National Standard Examination in Biology, the second stage is the Indian National Biology Olympiad, the third stage is the Orientation cum selection camp, the fourth stage is the pre-departure training camp, and the fifth stage is the International Biology Olympiad.The Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education organises it.
10. International Social Studies Olympiad
The International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) is conducted annually by the Science Olympiad Foundation for students in classes 3-10. It tests the knowledge of students in the field of social studies. Pair your child’s Olympiad preparations with Shankhpushpi syrup to ensure their mind is active and calm.
Preparing for Top Olympiad Exams: Tips Students Must Know
Appearing for top Olympiad exams requires dedication, will, and straightforward strategies to score well. Here are some tips that can help you succeed:
1. Understand the exam pattern
Students must familiarise themselves with the syllabus and format of the exam to improve their performance. They can practice past year papers to understand the difficulty level, type of questions asked, and most important topics, and then plan their studies accordingly.
2. Focus on the basics
As mentioned above, Olympiad exams are conducted to test the critical thinking and logical reasoning of kids. The best way to ace these exams is to work on strengthening your basic concepts. With a better understanding of the core, they can solve any question easily.
3. Practice is the key
Practice makes a man perfect. To ace Olympiads, you can practice past year papers, take mock tests, or enrol in online classes. Regular practice will help you understand the exam format and try different types of questions. Plus, it teaches patience, time management, and handling exam pressure.
4. Create a healthy routine
The best way to tackle negative thoughts and exam fear is to follow an active routine. Participate in physical activities, play sports, meditate or do yoga, or start journaling. Plus, eat a balanced diet and get proper sleep. This brings mental clarity and ensures improved focus.
5. Do revisions
Once you are done completing your syllabus and creating notes, it is time to start revisions. Plan out a revision timetable to cover all the subjects in a limited time. Don’t forget to include breaks in between your study hours to keep yourself refreshed. Revise formulas, main concepts, charts, tables, etc., every day to ensure they are at your fingertips.
Wrapping up
Olympiad examinations are an excellent tool to help your child find their interests, scale up their skills, and gain in-depth knowledge. These competitive tests ensure students learn to think critically and develop a problem-solving approach to tackle the modern education space. Also, visit our blog to learn some effective stress management tips for your kids appearing for Olympiads or any other exam.
As parents, you must encourage your little ones to participate in such exams and pave a path for their success. Trust me, these exams will not only improve their learning but also boost their confidence.
FAQs
1. Are Olympiads computer or pen-paper-based exams?
Olympiad exams are conducted both ways, computer and pen-paper. However, online olympiad tests have become more popular in the past few years.
2. Is the Olympiad exam important for students?
Participating in Olympiads strengthens the knowledge base of students. It prepares them for other competitive exams.
