Table of Contents
Overview
NCO Olympiad full form is National Cyber Olympiad (NCO), it is a prestigious competition that tests students’ knowledge and skills in the field of cybersecurity and computer science. This Olympiad aims to promote digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities among students. Participants engage in challenging tasks that assess their understanding of cyber concepts, coding, and information technology. The NCO Olympiad provides a platform for students to showcase their talents, enhance their technological proficiency, and prepare for the digital challenges of the future.
Important Details of NCO Olympiad
| NCO Olympiad | |
|---|---|
| Full Exam Name | National Cyber Olympiad |
| Short Exam Name | NCO |
| Conducting Body | Science Olympiad Foundation |
| Frequency of Conduct | Once a year |
| Exam Level | Matriculate |
| Languages | English |
| Mode of Application | Offline |
| Application Fee (General) | 125 Rs [Offline] |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Exam Duration | 1 Hour |
Eligibility of NCO Olympiad
The National Cyber Olympiad (NCO) is open to students from classes 1 to 12 studying in schools recognized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF). To be eligible for the NCO exam, students must meet the following criteria
- The student must be enrolled in a school recognized by SOF.
- Students from classes 1 to 12 are eligible to participate in the NCO.
- The student must have completed and submitted the application form along with the fees at least 30 days before the exam date.
- A minimum of 5 students from each school must apply for the NCO.
- There is no minimum marks requirement or eligibility based on performance in school exams.
The NCO exam aims to identify and nurture students’ talents in the fields of computer science, information technology, and analytical thinking. By participating in this Olympiad, students can assess their strengths, weaknesses, and progress compared to their peers at the school, city, state, and international levels.
NCO Olympiad Registration Process
The National Cyber Olympiad (NCO) registration process involves filling out the registration form on the official SOF website or through schools. A minimum of 10 students per school must register, with a fee of INR 125 for students. Schools may charge an additional fee of Rs. 25 as a token of appreciation for teachers. Students with specific exemptions can register, and the exam dates are typically announced on the SOF website.
NCO Olympiad Exam Fees
The NCO 2024 fees are INR 125 per student, including GST, for schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Additionally, schools may collect an extra INR 25 per student for miscellaneous expenses and teacher remuneration.
NCO Olympiad Dates 2024-25
The National Cyber Olympiad (NCO) exam dates for 2024-25 are as follows
- NCO Level 1 Exam Dates: November 28, 2024 and December 19, 2024
- Registration Deadline: 15 days before the respective exam date
- Result Declaration: February 2025
Exam Pattern of NCO Olympiad
The National Cyber Olympiad (NCO) exam pattern is as follows
Exam Structure
- The NCO exam is conducted in two levels: Level 1 and Level 2.
- Level 1 is further divided into three sections
- Section I: Logical Reasoning
- Section II: Computers & IT
- Section III: Achievers’ Section
Question Paper Composition
- For Classes 1-4, the question paper consists of 40 objective-type questions.
- For Classes 5-10, the question paper consists of 60 objective-type questions.
- There is no negative marking in the exam.
Marking Scheme
- For Classes 1-4
- Section I: 5 questions of 1 mark each
- Section II: 25 questions of 1 mark each
- Section III: 5 questions of 2 marks each
- For Classes 5-10
- Section I: 10 questions of 1 mark each
- Section II: 35 questions of 1 mark each
- Section III: 5 questions of 3 marks each
Exam Duration
- The duration of the NCO exam is 1 hour.
Exam Level
- The Level 1 exam tests students’ knowledge of computers, IT, logical reasoning, and mental ability.
- The Level 2 exam is more advanced and tests students’ higher-order thinking skills.
NCO Olympiad Syllabus 2024-25
The National Cyber Olympiad (NCO) syllabus for 2024-25 covers the following topics for classes 1 to 10:
Classes 1-4
- Section I: Patterns, Odd One Out, Measuring Units, Geometrical Shapes, Spatial Understanding, Grouping, Analogy, Ranking Test, Problems based on Figures
- Section II: Basic Computer Knowledge, Input/Output Devices, Storage Devices, Operating Systems, MS Office, Internet and its Applications
- Section III: Higher Order Thinking Questions
Classes 5-10
- Section I: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Section II: Computer Science and IT, Latest Technological Developments
- Section III: Higher Order Thinking Questions
The syllabus is based on the CBSE/ICSE and state board curricula, and students are advised to study their textbooks thoroughly to prepare for the Olympiad
NCO Olympiad Result 2024-25
The NCO Olympiad Result for 2024-25 is expected to be declared around February 2025. Students can check their results on the official Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) website by entering their roll number and solving a math puzzle in the captcha. The results will include the student’s basic information, zonal, state, and international rank, and a participation certificate will be provided to each participant.
NCO Olympiad Exam Awards
The NCO Olympiad Exam Awards include a range of scholarships, medals, and certificates for students who excel in the competition at zonal and international level.
At International Level
| Rank | Scholarships | No. of Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Rs.50,000 each + Gold Medal* + Certificate of Outstanding Performance | 12 |
| 2nd | Rs.25,000 each + Silver Medal* + Certificate of Outstanding Performance | 12 |
| 3rd | Rs.10,000 each + Bronze Medal* + Certificate of Outstanding Performance | 12 |
At Zonal Level
| Rank | Scholarships | No. of Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Rs.5000 each + Gold Medal* + Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 240 |
| 2nd | Rs.2500 each + Silver Medal* + Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 240 |
| 3rd | Rs.1000 each + Bronze Medal* + Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 240 |
| Rank 4 to 10 | Gifts Worth Rs.1000 + Medal of Distinction + Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 1680 |
| Rank 11 to 25 | Medal of Distinction + Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 3600 |
| Rank 26+ | Participation Certificate | All |
FAQs on NCO Olympiad
Which subject is NCO?
The National Cyber Olympiad (NCO) tests students on IT, computer knowledge, logical reasoning, and mental ability across three sections.
How to study for NCO?
Study your textbooks thoroughly, practice sample papers, understand the syllabus, and focus on logical and analytical thinking to prepare effectively for the NCO exam.
What is NCO in Olympiad?
The National Cyber Olympiad (NCO) is a cyber concepts and knowledge competition for students from classes 1 to 12, aiming to nurture IT talent and analytical skills at the school level.
What is the fees of NCO exam?
The NCO exam fees are INR 125 per student, including GST, with additional charges for schools to cover teacher expenses and honorarium.
Who is eligible for National Cyber Olympiad?
Students from classes 1 to 10 studying in recognized schools by the Science Olympiad Foundation are eligible to participate in the National Cyber Olympiad (NCO).
