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Students who pass the National Standard Examination of Astronomy (NSEA) can enter the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad (INAO) organized by HBCSE (Homi Bhabha Center For Science Education). The exam usually takes place towards the end of November. Only those who clear the initial stage, NSEA, can participate in the Olympiad Exam.
The Olympiad is a global contest primarily based on school syllabi. It motivates students to prepare for national-level exams they may face later. Aspiring candidates should understand the exam’s format and the various stages leading up to INAO. Let’s explore some of these stages in detail below.
Also Check: InChO (Indian National Chemistry Olympiad)
INAO (Indian National Astronomy Olympiad)
Candidates who successfully pass the National Standard Examination of Astronomy (NSEA) are eligible to participate in the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad (INAO), managed by the HBCSE (Homi Bhabha Center For Science Education). Typically held towards the end of November, the INAO is the second stage, accessible only to those who clear the NSEA.
To familiarize themselves with question formats, candidates should practice sample papers and previous year’s questions. Understanding the syllabus thoroughly is crucial before attempting the exam. Regularly checking the official website for updates is essential.
Also Check: IMO
We offer a convenient platform for candidates to access all necessary information about the exam, including eligibility criteria, question patterns, important dates, and examination procedures.
Olympiads are international exams aligned with school curricula, motivating students to prepare for future national-level exams. Following a consistent study routine, engaging in doubt-clearing sessions, and taking weekly mock tests on platforms like Infinity Learn (IL) are recommended to cover the syllabus comprehensively and assess progress effectively.
Before participating in the INAO, candidates should understand the examination’s structure and the stages involved in the selection process. Let’s explore these stages further.
Also Check: IDO
INAO Important Dates
Check the important dates related to INAO in the table below:
| INAO Important Dates | |
| Event | Date |
| Last date for registration | 2nd week of January |
| INO exams | 1st week of February |
| Release of solutions | Few days after the exam |
| Deadline for comments on solutions | 2nd week of February |
| Announcement of final solutions and INO scores | 3rd week of February |
| Deadline for re-evaluation requests | 4th week of February |
| Issuance of final scores, certificates, and OCSC lists | 1st week of March |
Also Check: NSSO
INAO Registration
The exam registration costs 150 rupees per candidate, payable through online banking or credit/debit cards. Remember to watch for the release of admit cards, which must be presented at the exam venue on the exam day.
Without the printed admit card, candidates will not be permitted in the exam hall. COVID-19 precautions will be detailed in the admit card, so it’s important to follow them closely.
Also Check: IGKO
INAO Exam Pattern
Below are the details of the INAO Exam pattern:
| INAO Exam Pattern | |
| Conducting Body | Homi Bhabha Center For Scientific Education (HBCSE) |
| Time Allotted | 3 hours |
| Type of Question | Part- 1 (NSEA): Objective
Part 2- (INAO): Subjective |
| Medium of Examination | English and Hindi |
| Maximum Marks | 100 |
| Total No. of Questions | 7 questions |
The Astronomy Olympiad Program consists of five stages:
Stage 1: National Standard Examination in Astronomy (NSEA).
Stage 2: Indian National Astronomy Olympiad (INAO).
Stage 3: Orientation cum Selection Camp in Astronomy (OCSC).
Stage 4: Pre-departure Training Camp (PDT) for IOAA.
Stage 5: International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA).
Candidates who pass the National Standard Examination in Astronomy (NSEA) qualify for the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad (INAO).
INAO Syllabus
The INAO doesn’t have a detailed syllabus released by the conducting authority. However, it generally covers topics related to Physics, Mathematics, and Elementary Astronomy, similar to what’s taught in CBSE Class 12.
| INAO Syllabus | ||
| Physics | Mathematics | Elementary Astronomy |
| Capacitance, energy stored in a capacitor, parallel plate capacitors | Number Theory and Complex Numbers | Astronomy |
| Circular motion and kinematics of circular motion | Lines, Triangles, Solid shapes and Conic Sections | Gravitation |
| Current electricity and its temperature dependence | Circles, Ellipse, Parabola and Hyperbola | Escape Velocity |
| Kirchoff’s current law and voltage law | Orthogonality, Parametric equations, Quadratic Equations | Kepler’s Law |
| Electromagnetic waves, electrostatic field, electric field and electric potential | Integration and Differentiation | Miscellaneous |
| Measurement errors and maximum permissible error | Permutations and Combinations | Gravitation |
| Geometrical optics, Plane and Spherical Mirrors, Optical Instruments and Eye defects | Straight Lines, Equation of Lines, Trigonometric Identities, Sine and Cosine Values | |
| Kinematics, Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory of Gasses | Nature of Roots, Sequences and Series | |
| Fluid Mechanics and Archimedes Principle | Statistics and Probability | |
| Heat Transfer, Steffen’s and Wien’s Law | Lines, Triangles, Solid shapes and Conic Sections | |
| Force and Newton’s Laws of Motion | ||
| Heating, Magnetic and Chemical effects of electric current | ||
| Projectile Motion, Relative Motion in one and two dimension | ||
| Surface Energy and Surface Tension | ||
| Units and Dimensions of Physical Quantities | ||
| Circular motion and kinematics of circular motion | ||
INAO Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for participating in the Astronomy Olympiad of INAO are as follows:
- Students must be Indian nationals born between July 1, 2004, and June 30, 2009, and should be in Class XII or lower during the 2023-24 academic year. Graduated Class XII students are not eligible.
- Candidates must have been studying in the Indian school system since November 2021 or earlier.
- They should not have plans to start university studies or equivalent institutions by June 1, 2023.
- Students must not have passed their Class XII board exams or equivalent before November 30, 2022.
- They should not be appearing for the NSEJS 2023 examination.
- Candidates must be eligible to hold an Indian passport. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) candidates cannot be selected for the Indian team in International Olympiads as per the Madras High Court order. However, they can participate in all prior stages up to and including OCSC (stage III) if they meet all other eligibility criteria.
Books Recommended for INAO
The top recommendations of Books for INAO is given in the table below:
| Books Recommended for INAO | |
| Book Name | Author Name |
| Collection of Experimental Problems in Physics | Rajesh B. Khaparde, H. C. Pradhan |
| Experimental Problems in Chemistry | Savita Ladage, Swapna Narvekar and Indrani Sen |
| Indian National Physics Olympiad – Theory Problems (1998 – 2005), | Vijay A. Singh and Shirish R. Pathare |
| Indian National Physics Olympiad – Theory Problems and Solutions (2006 – 2009) | Vijay A. Singh and Praveen Pathak |
| Problems and Solutions of International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (2007 -2014), | Dr Aniket Sule |
| Training in Experimental Physics Through Demonstrations and Problems | Rajesh B. Khaparde, H. C. Pradhan |
INAO Result
The day when INAO results are announced is eagerly awaited by students. From the pool of test-takers, 250 students will advance to stage II of the INAO. This selection process will ultimately lead to 500 students being chosen.
However, only 35 individuals will be selected from this group to participate in the Orientation and Selection Camp. After completing the exam, you can find the INAO results on the official website of HBCSE.
INAO Preparation Tips
Preparing for the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad (INAO) requires dedication and strategic planning. Here are some effective tips to help you excel in the exam:
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the INAO syllabus to focus your study efforts effectively. Identify key topics and allocate time accordingly.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is crucial. Solve past papers and sample questions to get acquainted with the exam pattern and improve problem-solving skills.
- Strengthen Basics: Build a strong foundation in fundamental concepts of mathematics and science. Clear understanding of basics will help tackle complex problems with ease.
- Time Management: Practice time-bound tests to improve your speed and accuracy. Manage your time wisely during the exam to ensure you cover all sections adequately.
- Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs and latest developments in science and mathematics. Stay curious and explore beyond textbooks to broaden your knowledge horizon.
INAO FAQs
What is the eligibility criteria for participating in INAO?
To participate in INAO, students must be Indian nationals born between July 1, 2004, and June 30, 2009, and should be in Class XII or lower during the 2023-24 academic year. They should also have been studying in the Indian school system since November 2021 or earlier.
What are the stages involved in the Astronomy Olympiad Program?
The Astronomy Olympiad Program consists of five stages: National Standard Examination in Astronomy (NSEA), Indian National Astronomy Olympiad (INAO), Orientation cum Selection Camp in Astronomy (OCSC), Pre-departure Training Camp (PDT) for IOAA, and International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA).
How can I prepare effectively for INAO?
Effective preparation for INAO involves understanding the syllabus, practicing regularly, strengthening basics in mathematics and science, managing time efficiently during the exam, and staying updated with current affairs and developments in science and mathematics.
Where can I find the INAO results?
After completing the exam, you can find the INAO results on the official website of HBCSE (Homi Bhabha Center For Science Education).
What are some recommended books for preparing for INAO?
Some recommended books for INAO preparation include Collection of Experimental Problems in Physics by Rajesh B. Khaparde and H. C. Pradhan, Experimental Problems in Chemistry by Savita Ladage, Swapna Narvekar, and Indrani Sen, and Indian National Physics Olympiad – Theory Problems by Vijay A. Singh and Shirish R. Pathare, among others.
