National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India is the Authorized National Representative (Astronomical) Organization (ANRAO) for organising the  Junior Astronomy Olympiad Programme in India. The Council is responsible for selecting a team of 3 students to represent India at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr.). This will be done through the Indian National Junior Astronomy Olympiad (INJAO) programme.

About NCSM

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) is an autonomous scientific body functioning under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It administers 25 Science Centres/Museums spread all over India. To know more about NCSM, please click here.

Selection Process / Stages of Astronomy Olympiad (Junior):

The National Science Olympiad starts with an examination held at schools across the country. Training is included from the third stage of the programme i.e. OCSC and the first two stages do not necessarily require any specialised coaching outside the regular school system. Every year the selection process involves FIVE stages as follows:

Stage –I: The first stage examination, the National Standard Examination (NSE) is the organisational responsibility of the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) conducted by IAPT is the first stage for the Indian National Junior Astronomy Olympiad.  Indian students, residing and studying in India since 30 November 2020 or earlier, of Class X or lower as of November 30, 2023, born between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010 are eligible for the test. For more details, click here.

Stage – II: The best-performing students from the NSEJS qualify for the second stage — the Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO). Candidates for INJSO 2024 are automatically eligible for consideration for the next stages of selection of the Indian team for the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr.) 2024. The selection for the next stages of this programme will be based on performance in INJSO-2024 among candidates who express their interest in this programme during INO registration. The responsibility of the programme from this stage onwards lies with NCSM.

Stage – III: Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC)

The list of students selected for OCSC-Junior-Astronomy-Olympiad (JAO). The list is final and there is no waitlist. The roll numbers are in numeric order.

Venue of INJAO OCSC: Nehru Science Centre, Dr E Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai – 400 018
Date: 15^th May to 4^th June, 2024

The selected students will be communicated through the registered email ID and post shortly with further details.

At the camp, students will be oriented for Olympiad-level theoretical and observational tasks. Emphasis will be on developing conceptual foundations and problem-solving skills, and students will be trained in the basics of astronomy and night sky observation. Several theoretical and observational tests will be held during the camp. Based on the performance in these tests, 3 students will be selected to represent India at the 3^rd IOAA-Jr.-2024. Resource persons from different institutions across the country will be invited to the training camps as mentors.

Stage- IV: The selected Indian team undergo a rigorous training programme at one of the science museums/centres of NCSM in theoretical & observational astronomy to brush up on their knowledge received at OCSC for the final preparation prior to their departure for the 3^rd IOAA-Jr.-2024.

Stage – V: The Olympiad programme culminates with the participation of the 3 Indian students in the 3^rd International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr.) 2024, to be held at Kathmandu, Nepal, from October 3 to 10, 2024. The students will be accompanied by Team Leaders and/or Scientific Observer. Almost every Indian student who has participated in the International Astronomy Olympiad has returned with a medal.

The final 21 students selected for the final Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC) may contact the following for any details: –

Address for communication:

Nehru Science Centre, Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 018

Email: jr.astro.olympiad.ncsm@gmail.com

Telephone Landline: +91 22 2084 4335, 2490 0518, 2492 0482, 2496 9568

Contact Person: Dr. Anindita Mondal (+91-22-2084 4335 – Ext 204)

Web: https://nehrusciencecentre.gov.in/