About the Examination
The Royal Science Olympiad (RSO) is a national talent examination that assesses how well students understand the world around them. It moves beyond textbook definitions to reward experimental reasoning, observation and the ability to apply scientific principles to real-life situations.
Spanning physics, chemistry, biology and environmental science in age-appropriate proportions, the Olympiad nurtures curiosity and a scientific temperament that serves students well in higher studies and competitive examinations.
Who Can Participate
The RSO 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Science Reasoning | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Everyday Science | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| 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
Living and non-living things, plants, animals, our body, food, water and weather.
Classes 3–4 Primary
Plants and animals, human body, matter, light, air, and the world of water.
Class 5 Upper Primary
Human body systems, states of matter, force and energy, and the environment.
Classes 6–7 Middle
Nutrition, motion, heat, light, cells, and natural resources.
Class 8 Middle
Force and pressure, sound, chemical effects, cell structure and microorganisms.
Classes 9–10 Secondary
Atoms and molecules, laws of motion, tissues, chemical reactions, electricity and life processes.
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 RSO, 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 Science Olympiad and unlock certificates, scholarships and rewards for your students.