The National Science Olympiad was conducted on Oct 17, Nov 21, and Dec 5, 2023. It is a two-level exam for students of classes 1 to 12 pursuing their studies under India's recognized education boards. The SOF NSO Syllabus is framed concerning students' respective classes. NSO was the first olympiad conducted by SOF and it has been live since 1996.
Table of Contents
- SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 Highlights
- SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 for Classes 1 to 12
- SOF NSO Sample Papers
- SOF NSO 2023 Exam Pattern
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 Highlights
The Science Olympiad Foundation authorities have framed the SOF NSO Syllabus under the prescription and reference from recognized education boards in India, i.e., CBSE, ICSE and State Board.
The highlights of the National Science Olympiad conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation have been tabulated below.
| SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 Highlights | |
| Exam | NSO Exam |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Subjects |
Mathematics Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) Logical Reasoning |
| Exam Duration | 1 Hour |
| Mode of Examination | Written |
| No. of Questions |
Class 1-4: 35 Questions Class 5-10: 50 Questions Class 11-12: 50 Questions |
| Marking Scheme (Science and Logical Section) | One mark for each correct answer |
| Marking Scheme (Achiever Section) |
Class 1-4: 2 marks for each correct answer Class 5-12: 3 marks for each correct answer |
| Negative Marking | No |
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 For Class 1 to 12
SOF NSO Syllabus comprises 60% of concepts from the current class syllabus and 40% from the previous class syllabus. Therefore, the SOF NSO Syllabus for the NSO achievers sections will be the same as the science section with high-level difficulty. Note that the NSO Syllabus for Level 2 and question pattern will also be the same as the NSO Syllabus for Level 1.
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 for Class 1
SOF NSO Syllabus for class 1 consists of basic NSO syllabus topics that include science in daily life. Students can find the list of the NSO Syllabus for Class 1 covered in all the three sections below:
| Section | SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 |
| 1 |
Spatial Understanding Grouping Measuring Units Analogy Geometrical Shapes Patterns Odd One Out Ranking Test |
| 2 |
Living and Non-living things, Plants, Animals, Human Beings, and their needs Good Habits and Safety Rules Air, Water, Weather, and the Sky |
| 3 | Higher Order Thinking Questions (SOF NSO Syllabus as per class 1 section 2) |
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 for Class 2
SOF NSO Syllabus consists of topics that reflect science in their daily life, similar to the class 1 syllabus. The list of topics covered in the NSO Syllabus for Class 2 is given below:
| Section | SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 |
| 1 |
Patterns, Measuring Units, Odd One Out, and Series Completion Geometrical Shapes, Ranking Test, and Grouping of Figures Coding-Decoding Embedded Figures |
| 2 |
Plants, Animals, Human Body, Food, Housing, and Clothing Family and Festivals Good Habits and Safety Rules Transport and Communication Air, Water, Rocks, Earth, and the Universe |
| 3 | Higher Order Thinking Questions (Syllabus as per Section 2) |
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 for Class 3
The SOF NSO Syllabus for class 3 covers three sections: logical, core, and achiever, covering mathematics and science subjects. Here is a list of the NSO Syllabus for Class 3 that needs more preparation.
| Section | SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 |
| 1 |
Patterns, Analogy, and Classification Coding-Decoding Mirror Images, Embedded Figures, Alphabet Test, Ranking Test, Grouping of Figures, Figure Matrix, and Geometrical Shapes Days and Dates Possible Combinations |
| 2 |
Plants and Animals Birds, Food, Housing, Clothing, and Occupation Transport, Communication, and Safety Rules Human Body, Earth, and Universe Matter and Materials Light, Sound, and Force |
| 3 | Higher Order Thinking Questions (Syllabus as per Section 2) |
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 for Class 4
The SOF NSO Syllabus for class 4 covers two subjects reflecting logical ability and everyday science topics. Here is a list of topics that should be given more importance in the NSO Syllabus for Class 4.
| Section | SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 |
| 1 |
Patterns, Alphabet Tests, and Coding-Decoding Mirror Images Embedded Figures Geometrical Shapes and Solids Ranking Test and Direction Sense Test Days and Dates Possible Combinations, Analogy, and Classification |
| 2 |
Plants, Animals, Food, and Digestion Human Needs, Matter, and Materials Force, Work, and Energy Our Environment, Earth, and Universe |
| 3 | Higher Order Thinking Questions (Syllabus as per Section 2) |
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 for Class 5
The SOF NSO Syllabus for class 5 covers the topics of the human body and natural resources. Here is the list of topics of the NSO Syllabus for Class 5 below:
| Section | SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 |
| 1 |
Patterns and Alphabet Test Coding-Decoding Mirror Images Embedded Figures Geometrical Shapes and Solids Ranking Test and Direction Sense Test Days and Dates Possible Combinations, Analogy, and Classification |
| 2 |
Animals, Human Body, and Health Plants, Natural Resources, Pollution, and Calamities Earth and Universe Matter, Force, Work, and Energy |
| 3 | Higher Order Thinking Questions (Syllabus as per Section 2) |
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 for Class 6
The SOF NSO Syllabus for class 6 covers topics from basic physics and chemistry subjects. Here is a list of important topics for the NSO Syllabus for Class.
| Section | SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 |
| 1 | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| 2 |
Motion and Measurement of Distances Light, Shadows, and Reflections Electricity and Circuits Fun with Magnets Our Environment (Water, Air Around us, and Garbage in Garbage out) Sorting and Separation of Materials Changes Around Us Characteristics of Living Beings and Plants Body Movements in Animals and Adaptation Food and its Components Fibre to Fabric |
| 3 | Higher Order Thinking Questions (Syllabus as per Section 2) |
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 for Class 7
SOF NSO Exam Syllabus also covers topics from environmental issues, consisting of fundamental physics and chemistry subjects.
Here is a list of important topics for the NSO Syllabus for Class 7:
| Section | SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 |
| 1 | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| 2 |
Motion and Measurement of Distances Light, Shadows, and Reflections Electricity and Circuits Fun with Magnets Our Environment (Water, Air Around us, and Garbage in Garbage out) Sorting and Separation of Materials Changes Around Us Characteristics of Living Being Body Movements in Animals Food and its Components Fibre to Fabric |
| 3 | Higher Order Thinking Questions (Syllabus as per Section 2) |
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 for Class 8
The SOF NSO Syllabus for class 8 consists of plant reproduction, physical movements, different metals, and chemical effects.
Here is a list of important topics that should be covered in the NSO Syllabus for Class 8:
| Section | SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 |
| 1 | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| 2 |
Crop Production and Management Microorganisms, Synthetic Fibres, and Plastics Metals and Non-metals Coal and Petroleum Combustion and Flame Conservation of Plants and Animals Cell, Reproduction, and Endocrine System Force and Pressure Chemical Effects of Electric Current Some Natural Phenomena, Light, and Stars Solar System Pollution of Air and Water |
| 3 | Higher Order Thinking Questions (Syllabus as per Section 2) |
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 for Class 9
The SOF NSO Syllabus for class 9 is framed from plant and animal organisms, sound effects, and food resources.
Topics that need more concentration for the NSO Syllabus for Class 9 are:
| Section | SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 |
| 1 | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| 2 |
|
| 3 | Higher Order Thinking Questions (Syllabus as per Section 2) |
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 for Class 10
The SOF NSO Syllabus for class 10 covers topics from chemical equations and properties, periodic elements, the human body, and evolution.
Here is a list of important topics for the NSO Syllabus for Class 10.
| Section | SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 |
| 1 |
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| 2 |
Chemical Reactions and Equations Acids, Bases, and Salts Metals and Non-metals Carbon and Its Compounds Periodic Classification of Elements Life Processes: Control and Coordination Reproduction in Organisms Heredity and Evolution Light-Reflection and Refraction Human Eye and Colorful World Electricity and Magnetic Effects of Electric Current Sources of Energy, Our Environment, and Its Management |
| 3 | Higher Order Thinking Questions (Syllabus as per Section 2) |
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 for Class 11
In the SOF NSO Syllabus for class 11 Science Olympiad, students must be thorough in their Organic Chemistry and Human and Plant Physiology.
Here is a list of important topics to be covered in the SOF NSO Syllabus:
| Section | Subjects | SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 |
| 1 | NSO Syllabus Physics |
Units and Measurements Mechanics and Properties of Matter Heat and Thermodynamics Oscillations and Waves |
| NSO Syllabus Chemistry |
Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry Structure of Atom Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure States of Matter, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, and Hydrogen The s-Block Elements and The p-Block Elements (Groups 13 and 14) |
|
| Organic Chemistry |
Some Basic Principles and Techniques Hydrocarbons Environmental Chemistry |
|
|
2 |
Higher Order Thinking Questions (Syllabus as per Section 1) |
|
| 3 | NSO Syllabus Mathematics |
Sets, Relations, and Functions Principle of Mathematical Induction, Logarithms, and Complex Numbers Quadratic Equations and Linear Inequations Sequences and Series Trigonometry Straight Lines Conic Sections Permutations and Combinations Binomial Theorem, Statistics, and Mathematical Reasoning Limits and Derivatives Probability |
| NSO Syllabus Biology |
Diversity in the Living World Structural Organization in Plants and Animals Cell: Structure and Functions Plant Physiology Human Physiology |
|
SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 for Class 12
In the SOF NSO Syllabus for class 12 National Science Olympiad, students must cover all topics from Organic and Inorganic chemistry, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics, and Human and Plant Physiology.
Here is a list of important topics for the class 12 SOF NSO Syllabus:
| Section | Subjects | SOF NSO Syllabus 2024 |
| 1 | NSO Syllabus Physics |
Electricity and Magnetism Electromagnetic Induction Alternating Current Electromagneic Waves Optics Modern Physics Semiconductor Electronics Communication Systems |
| NSO Syllabus Chemistry |
Solid-State and Solutions Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, and Surface Chemistry General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements p-Block Elements (Group 15 to 18) and d- & f-Block Elements Coordination Compounds Haloalkanes and Haloarenes Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids Amines, Biomolecules, and Polymers Chemistry in Everyday Life |
|
| 2 | Higher Order Thinking Questions (Syllabus as per Section 1) | |
|
3 |
NSO Syllabus Mathematics |
Relations and Functions Inverse Trigonometric Functions Matrices and Determinants Continuity and Differentiability Application of Derivatives, Integrals, Application of Integrals, and Differential Equations Vector Algebra, Three Dimensional Geometry, Probability, and Linear Programming |
|
NSO Syllabus Biology |
Reproduction Genetics and Evolution Biology in Human Welfare Biotechnology Ecology |
|
SOF NSO Sample Papers
Students must go through the NSO Sample Papers that are based on the SOF NSO syllabus and practise them thoroughly. Solving the SOF NSO sample test papers and NSO practice questions will give students a fair idea of the expected questions from the SOF NSO syllabus. Additionally, practice helps in improving the pace of attempting the paper in time.
- SOF NSO Sample Paper - Class 1
- SOF NSO Sample Paper - Class 2
- SOF NSO Sample Paper - Class 3
- SOF NSO Sample Paper - Class 4
- SOF NSO Sample Paper - Class 5
- SOF NSO Sample Paper - Class 6
- SOF NSO Sample Paper - Class 7
- SOF NSO Sample Paper - Class 8
- SOF NSO Sample Paper - Class 9
- SOF NSO Sample Paper - Class 10
- SOF NSO Sample Paper - Class 11
- SOF NSO Sample Paper - Class 12
Also Check: NSO Sample Paper 2023
SOF NSO Exam Pattern
The SOF NSO Syllabus includes three sections: logical, science, and achievers section. Moreover, these three sections cover topics from mathematics and science subjects for a total of 50 questions for 60 marks. Students must go through the exam pattern and marking schemes for higher and lower classes that concern the SOF NSO Syllabus.
SOF NSO Exam Pattern (Class 1-4)
National Science Olympiad exam patterns for classes 1 to 4 based on the SOF NSO Syllabus are given in the table below.
| Sections | Total Marks |
| Logical Reasoning | 5 |
| Science | 25 |
| Achievers Section | 10 |
| Grand Total | 40 |
SOF NSO Exam Pattern (Class 5 to 10)
National Science Olympiad exam patterns for classes 5 to 10 based on the SOF NSO Syllabus are given in the table below.
| Sections | Total Marks |
| Logical Reasoning | 10 |
| Science | 35 |
| Achievers Section | 15 |
| Grand Total | 60 |
SOF NSO Exam Pattern (Class 11 and 12)
National Science Olympiad exam patterns for classes 11 and 12 based on the SOF NSO Syllabus are given in the table below.
| Sections | Total Marks |
| Physics & Chemistry | 25 |
| Achievers Section | 15 |
| Mathematics/Biology | 20 |
| Grand Total | 60 |
Students are advised to go through the important topics and the marks associated with them to prepare for the exam accordingly.
