How can I prepare for Olympiad or competitive exams while studying Class 7?

Preparing for Olympiads in Class 7 is actually a great idea because it builds habits that will help you later in bigger exams. The trick is not to treat it as “extra pressure” but as a fun challenge beyond schoolwork.

Start with NCERT first. Your Class 7 syllabus is the foundation. Olympiad questions are usually based on the same topics, just asked in a tricky way. So if your basics are strong, you’re already halfway there.

Practice a little every day. I used to set aside just 20–30 minutes for Olympiad questions after homework. It’s easier than trying to cram before the exam.

Use Class 7 sample papers and past questions. They show you the style of tricky questions and help you get used to thinking differently.

Focus on concepts, not just answers. Olympiads test whether you understand the “why,” not just the “what.” For example, in Maths, don’t just memorize formulas try to understand how they’re derived.

Keep it fun. Treat it like solving puzzles. I remember solving Maths Olympiad problems with friends and racing to see who got it first. It felt more like a game than study.