About the Examination
The Royal Aptitude Olympiad (RAO) is a national talent examination that measures how well students think, reason and solve problems under time. It assesses verbal and non-verbal reasoning, pattern recognition and quantitative aptitude — skills that sit at the heart of every competitive examination.
By training students to work accurately at speed and to spot logical structure in unfamiliar problems, the Olympiad builds mental agility that benefits them across all subjects and future assessments.
Who Can Participate
The RAO is open to all school students from Class 1 to Class 10. Separate, age-appropriate question papers are set for each class, so every student is assessed against peers at the same level.
- Individual papers for each class from 1 to 10.
- Students register through their school as the nodal centre.
- No qualifying round — every enrolled student may appear.
Structure & Marking
Objective, multiple-choice format. The Achievers Section carries higher weight to distinguish top performers.
| Section | Questions | Marks / Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Total | 40 | — | 45 |
Duration: 60 minutes · Mode: School-based (offline) or supervised online.
Syllabus by Class Group
Classes 1–2 Foundation
Patterns, sequences, odd one out, shapes and simple counting logic.
Classes 3–4 Primary
Series, analogies, basic coding, and direction sense.
Class 5 Upper Primary
Number series, mirror images, classification and logical sequences.
Classes 6–7 Middle
Coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense and figure series.
Class 8 Middle
Syllogisms, data arrangement, puzzles and non-verbal reasoning.
Classes 9–10 Secondary
Logical deduction, data interpretation, critical reasoning and speed accuracy.
Key Dates 2025–26
- 31 Aug 2025Registration OpensSchools begin enrolling students for the session.
- 15 Oct 2025Registration ClosesLast date for schools to submit participant lists.
- 22 Nov 2025Level 1 ExaminationConducted at respective school centres.
- 10 Jan 2026Results DeclaredScore reports shared with schools and students.
- Feb 2026Awards CeremonyFelicitation of national and state rank holders.
Rewards for Excellence
National Rank Holders
Cash prizes, laptops, medals and certificates of national merit.
State & Zonal Toppers
Trophies, gift vouchers and certificates of excellence for regional leaders.
Every Participant
A certificate of participation and a detailed performance report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration is handled through the school. Once your school partners with ROF, the coordinator enrols interested students and shares exam details. Schools can register with us on the School Registration page.
No. There is no negative marking in the RAO, so students are encouraged to attempt every question.
Students need their admit card, a pen or pencil and standard geometry instruments where applicable. Calculators are not permitted.
Free syllabus and sample papers are available on our Question Papers page, and a timed Mock Test helps students practise the format.
Give Your Students a National Stage
Register your school for the Royal Aptitude Olympiad and unlock certificates, scholarships and rewards for your students.