Science Olympiad Foundation

The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) is an educational foundation and a non-profit organisation which promotes Science, Computer Science, Mathematics and English in India and other places like Singapore, Oman, Qatar, Nepal, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, U.A.E. and Durban. Every year, it organises four Olympiads in each of these places, namely the National Cyber Olympiad (NCO), the National Science Olympiad (NSO), the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) and the International English Olympiad (IEO). The students participating in the Olympiads are given inspiring prizes. It is important to note that SOF does not encourage individual participation. Students have to register through their schools only.

SOF has also started conducting the DPS Science and Mathematics Talent Examination (DPS SMTE) in collaboration with the Delhi Public School Society, for students of class 9 studying in Delhi Public School.

Science Olympiad Foundation Logo

Alt text

SOF Final Poster 2011-12

Mission and Sphere of activities

SOF Mission

The key to having a large, exclusive scientific and IT talent pool for the future is seeking out, identifying young geniuses and providing them with a unique competitive platform where they can prove themselves. To further this cause SOF endeavors to:

• Identify and nurture future scientists, technologists and IT talent at school level.
• Encourage students' participation in national/international science and IT competitions/ programmes/events
• Instill a feeling of belonging to national and global science and IT fraternity.
• Infuse a healthy competitive spirit through reward based Contests/Olympiads.
• Bring about a transformation in the classroom approach to science and IT to make it more interactive, practical and innovative.
• Disseminate knowledge and information on the latest developments in science and technology.
• Project SOF as a Centre of Excellence that could cater to different schooling institutions in the areas of methodical research, new educational tools, special publications and expert advice.

Sphere of activities

All activities of the Foundation invariably aim at making learning an interesting and interactive process in which the learner is actually able to put his / her skills, memory, talent and knowledge to test.

For this the Foundation conducts workshops, seminars and science/IT competitions for students of different classes and age groups. Science workshops have already become a great success in several schools. The National Science Olympiad has proved to be a highly motivating and rigorous aptitude testing platform with special and exclusive focus on Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mental Ability. The National Cyber Olympiad focuses on logical reasoning, analytical skills and IT. The International Mathematics Olympiad is a mean to identify and encourage the mathematical creativity of children through problem solving. The International English Olympiad assesses and imparts proficiency in English language and communication.

International Olympiads

National Cyber Olympiad

The NCO (National Cyber Olympiad) is a global search competition that aims at identifying and nurturing cyber talent amongst the youngsters. The students from classes 2 - 12 are eligible for appearing in it. It is conducted in two levels. In the 1st level, there are 15 questions in Section-I (Mental Ability), 15 questions in Section-II (Logical and Analytical Reasoning) and 20 questions in Section-III (Computers and IT). The students are required to answer a total of 50 questions in 60 minutes, with each question carrying one mark and no negative marking for incorrect answers. They are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) type and the students are required to supply their responses on OMR answer sheets. The 2nd level is generally an online test held at Reliance World outlets throughout Asia, where candidates are required to answer 30 questions in 30 minutes, and the time taken by the student to submit the final answers are also taken into consideration while ranking. All students participating in NCO (1st level) get a Cyber Quotient (CQ), giving their Score, School Rank, City Rank, State Rank, International Rank and Percentile, as well as a Certificate of Participation. SOF also generates a performance report for all participating schools, known as School Cyber Quotient (SCQ). On the basis of the 1st level exam, a School Whizkid Medal is awarded to every class topper (with minimum 10 enrollments in the class concerned) in each participating school. Selected students appear for a 2nd level examination and according to these 2nd level ranks, the prizes are given. The criteria for selection to the 2nd level are as follows: the student should have secured International Rank from 1 - 500 (both inclusive) and/or State Rank from 1 - 10 (both inclusive) and/or School Rank 1 (where minimum 10 students have appeared). All students participating in NCO (2nd level) are also given a Certificate of Merit. The respective school of each student with International Rank from 1 - 3 (both inclusive) is awarded a Cyber Intellect Trophy (CIT) for having the winning students on their rolls. The 11th NCO will be held on September 8, 2011. From the 11th NCO onwards, the 2nd level awarding scheme for NCO is as follows:

International Rank	Prizes for classes 2 - 6	Prizes for classes 7 - 12
1	Laptop	Rs. 1,00,000/-
2	Laptop	Rs. 50,000/-
3	Laptop	Rs. 25,000/-
4 - 10	Rs 5,000/-	Rs 5,000/-
11 - 20	Rs. 2,500/-	Rs. 2,500/-
21 - 50	Rs. 1,000/-	Rs. 1,000/-
51 - 500	Educational CDs	Educational CDs

National Science Olympiad

The NSO (National Science Olympiad) is one of the most prestigious science competitions in Asia. The students from classes 1 - 12 are eligible for appearing in it. It is conducted in two levels. For classes 1-10, the format of both levels is as follows: there are 15 questions in Section-I (Mental Ability) and 35 questions in Section-II (Science). For classes 11-12, the format of both levels is as follows: there are 20 questions in Section-I (Mathematics OR Biology) and 30 questions in Section-II (Physics and Chemistry). The students are required to answer a total of 50 questions in 60 minutes, with each question carrying one mark and no negative marking for incorrect answers. They are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) type and the students are required to supply their responses on OMR answer sheets All students participating in NSO (1st level) get a Science Quotient (SQ), giving their Score, School Rank, City Rank, State Rank,International Rank and Percentile, as well as a Certificate of Participation. SOF also generates a performance report for all participating schools, known as School Science Quotient (SSQ). On the basis of the 1st level exam, a School Topper Medal is awarded to every class topper (with minimum 10 enrollments in the class concerned) in each participating school. Selected students appear for a 2nd level examination and according to these 2nd level ranks, the prizes are given. The criteria for selection to the 2nd level are as follows: the student should have secured International Rank from 1 - 500 (both inclusive) and/or State Rank from 1 - 10 (both inclusive) and/or School Rank 1 (where minimum 10 students have appeared). All students participating in NSO (2nd level) are also given a Certificate of Merit. The respective school of each student with International Rank from 1 - 3 (both inclusive) is awarded a Science Intellect Trophy (SIT) for having the winning students on their rolls. The 14th NSO will be held on November 17, 2011. From the 14th NSO onwards, the 2nd level awarding scheme for NSO is as follows:

International Rank	Prizes for classes 1 - 6	Prizes for classes 7 - 12
1	Laptop	Rs. 1,00,000/-
2	Laptop	Rs. 50,000/-
3	Laptop	Rs. 25,000/-
4 - 10	Rs 5,000/-	Rs 5,000/-
11 - 20	Rs. 2,500/-	Rs. 2,500/-
21 - 50	Rs. 1,000/-	Rs. 1,000/-
51 - 500	Educational CDs	Educational CDs

International Mathematics Olympiad

The IMO (International Mathematics Olympiad) is a mean to identify and encourage the mathematical creativity of children in schools across India and abroad. The students from classes 1 - 12 are eligible for appearing in it. The format of both levels is the same: there are 20 questions in Section-I (Logical Reasoning), 20 questions in Section-II (Mathematical Reasoning) and 10 questions in Section-III (Everyday Mathematics). The students are required to answer a total of 50 questions in 60 minutes, with each question carrying one mark and no negative marking for incorrect answers. They are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) type and the students are required to supply their responses on OMR answer sheets.All students participating in IMO (1st level) get a Math Quotient (MQ), giving their Score, School Rank, City Rank, State Rank, International Rank and Percentile, as well as a Certificate of Participation. SOF also generates a performance report for all participating schools, known as School Math Quotient (SMQ). On the basis of the 1st level exam, a School Math Genius Medal is awarded to every class topper (with minimum 10 enrollments in the class concerned) in each participating school. Selected students appear for a 2nd level examination and according to these 2nd level ranks, the prizes are given. The criteria for selection to the 2nd level are as follows: the student should have secured International Rank from 1 - 500 (both inclusive) and/or State Rank from 1 - 10 (both inclusive) and/or School Rank 1 (where minimum 10 students have appeared). All students participating in IMO (2nd level) are also given a Certificate of Merit. The respective school of each student with International Rank from 1 - 3 (both inclusive) is awarded a Math Intellect Trophy (MIT) for having the winning students on their rolls. The 5th IMO will be held on December 8, 2011. From the 5th IMO onwards, the 2nd level awarding scheme for IMO is as follows:

International Rank	Prizes for classes 1 - 6	Prizes for classes 7 - 12
1	Laptop	Rs. 1,00,000/-
2	Laptop	Rs. 50,000/-
3	Laptop	Rs. 25,000/-
4 - 10	Rs 5,000/-	Rs 5,000/-
11 - 20	Rs. 2,500/-	Rs. 2,500/-
21 - 50	Rs. 1,000/-	Rs. 1,000/-
51 - 500	Educational CDs	Educational CDs

International English Olympiad

The IEO (International English Olympiad) is a one-of-a-kind examination, and first in the history of English language testing in India. IEO is a joint venture of the Science Olympiad Foundation and The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad. The format of both levels is the same: there are 25 questions in Section-I (Word and Structure Knowledge), 15 questions in Section-II (Reading) and 10 questions in Section-III (Spoken and Written Expression). The students are required to answer a total of 50 questions in 60 minutes, with each question carrying one mark and no negative marking for incorrect answers. They are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) type and the students are required to supply their responses on OMR answer sheets. The students from classes 1 - 12 are eligible for appearing in it. All students participating in IEO (1st level) get a English Quotient (EQ), giving their Score, School Rank, City Rank, State Rank, International Rank and Percentile, as well as a Certificate of Participation. SOF also generates a performance report for all participating schools, known as School English Quotient (SEQ). On the basis of the 1st level exam, a School English Scholar Medal is awarded to every class topper (with minimum 10 enrollments in the class concerned) in each participating school. Selected students appear for a 2nd level examination and according to these 2nd level ranks, the prizes are given. The criteria for selection to the 2nd level are as follows: the student should have secured International Rank from 1 - 500 (both inclusive) and/or State Rank from 1 - 10 (both inclusive) and/or School Rank 1 (where minimum 10 students have appeared). All students participating in IEO (2nd level) are also given a Certificate of Merit. The respective school of each student with International Rank from 1 - 3 (both inclusive) is awarded a English Intellect Trophy (EIT) for having the winning students on their rolls. The 2nd IEO will be held on January 19, 2012. From the 2nd IEO onwards, the 2nd level awarding scheme for IEO is as follows:

International Rank	Prizes for classes 1 - 6	Prizes for classes 7 - 12
1	Laptop	Rs. 1,00,000/-
2	Laptop	Rs. 50,000/-
3	Laptop	Rs. 25,000/-
4 - 10	Rs 5,000/-	Rs 5,000/-
11 - 20	Rs. 2,500/-	Rs. 2,500/-
21 - 50	Rs. 1,000/-	Rs. 1,000/-
51 - 500	Educational CDs	Educational CDs

Awards Functions 2010-11

SOF prize distribution functions to felicitate the top 3 International Rankers in the final round of 10th National Cyber Olympiad, 13th National Science Olympiad, 4th International Mathematics Olympiad and 1st International English Olympiad, as well as teachers and principals. The Award Functions are being held in Delhi, Punjab and Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha

Other Talent Examinations

DPS Science and Mathematics Talent Examination

The DPS SMTE (DPS Science and Mathematics Talent Examination) is conducted by SOF in collaboration with Delhi Public School Society, for students of class 9, studying in any of the branches of Delhi Public School all throughout India and elsewhere. It is conducted in two levels. The format of the both levels is the same, with 20 questions in Section-I (Physics), 20 questions in Section-II (Chemistry), 20 questions in Section-III (Biology) and 40 questions in Section-IV (Mathematics). The students are required to answer a total 100 questions in 2 hours, with each question carrying one mark and no negative marking for incorrect answers. They are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) type and the students are required to supply their responses on OMR answer sheets. All students participating in DPS SMTE (1st level) are get their Student's Performance Report, giving their Score, School Rank, Inter DPS Rank and Percentile, as well as a Certificate of Participation. Selected students are allowed to appear for the 2nd level examination. The criterion for selection into the DPS SMTE (2nd level) is as follows: the student must have secured Inter DPS Rank from 1- 500 (both inclusive). All students participating in DPS SMTE (2nd level) get a Certificate of Merit. The DPS SMTE 2011-12 will be held in October, 2011. From the DPS SMTE 2010-11 onwards, the 2nd level awarding scheme for DPS SMTE is as follows:

Inter DPS Rank	Prizes for class 9
1 - 3	Rs. 10,000/- & chance to attend academic camp
4 - 100	Rs. 4,000/- & chance to attend academic camp

Girl Child Scholarship Scheme

As part of its corporate social responsibility, SOF has launched the Girl Child Scholarship Scheme (GCSS). GCSS is aimed to provide financial assistance to girls form the economically weaker section, to enable them continue then school education. 75 needy girls will be provided with an education scholarship amount to Rs. 18,000/- each for their education for a full year. Girls will be selected form nomination received form schools in India.

Singapore Computing Camp

SOF entered into an agreement with National University of Singapore, whereby top performing students from India were sent to Singapore to attend a Computer Programme organized by NUS. The camp was held from December 13 to 17, 2010 at Singapore. SOF selected 29 academically brilliant students from 16 schools from across the country. The group consisted of 13 girls and 16 boys from classes 9, 10 and 11 – selected after a rigorous process of evaluation of their rank in Olympiads and consistency in academic performance. The group landed in Singapore on December 12, 2010 and left on December 19, 2010 for Mumbai en-route to Delhi. The students attended 5 days of rigorous classes conducted by the professors of NUS, followed by computer lab sessions each day at the campus. The students were also taken for sightseeing in the evenings and visited Science Center, Inox theatre, Sentosa – Songs of the Sea, Universal Studio, Little India, Orchard Road and other leading tourist attractions of Singapore. The next camp is expected to be held in December 2011.

External links

• SOF site