Humming Bird Cyber/Computer Olympiad (HCO)
by Humming Bird Education Ltd.
₹50,000 International Cash Prize
A national competition for students in Classes 1-12 to test their skills in computer science, AI, and cybersecurity.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
₹150
Participation format
Individual
Duration
The competition consists of two levels, held on separate dates.
Time needed
50-minute exam
Eligibility
Age: 6-18 years (Classes 1-12). Open to students from all recognized boards (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards). This is a nationwide competition with no location restrictions.
- Grade level
- Grade 1 to 12
- Age range
- 6 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution.
- Prerequisites
- No specific prerequisites are required, but familiarity with the respective class-level computer science syllabus is recommended.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Up to ₹50,000 Cash Prize
Top 3 international rankers receive cash prizes of ₹50,000, ₹25,000, and ₹10,000 respectively. Zonal toppers also receive cash prizes and gifts.
Prizes
Medals, Tablets & Watches
International and Zonal winners are awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. Other prizes for top rankers have included tablets and branded wrist watches.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation/Merit
All participants receive a Certificate of Participation. Top performers at the international, zonal, and school levels receive a Certificate of Merit or Excellence.
Opens doors to
Achievement in a national-level Olympiad adds significant value to a student's academic profile, strengthening applications for admission to top universities for technology and engineering courses.
Recognition
International & National Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Aug 2025
- Registration closed
- 31 Oct 2025
How to apply
- 1Students can register through their schools, where the school coordinator manages the process.
- 2Individual registrations are also accepted directly through the official Humming Bird Education portal.
- 3Upon registration, participants receive a free book and access to a learning app with study materials.
Rules and guidelines
- The competition is conducted in two levels.
- Top performers from Level 1, based on cutoff scores, are eligible for Level 2.
- The exam is based on multiple-choice questions.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Participants must adhere to the exam schedule and guidelines provided by the organizers.
- The exam consists of multiple-choice questions with no negative marking.
- Use of unfair means or external assistance during the exam is strictly prohibited.
Technology requirements
- A stable internet connection is required for online participation.
- Participants must have access to a computer or laptop for the exam.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee is ₹150 per student for participants within India. For international students, the fee is 8 USD.
Refund policy
Fees once paid are non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances.
About this opportunity
The Humming Bird Cyber Olympiad (HCO) is a national-level competition designed to test and promote digital literacy and technological skills among students. It covers key areas like computer science, AI, and cybersecurity, providing a platform for students to benchmark their knowledge against peers across India.
Open to students from Class 1 to 12 of all recognized boards, the HCO offers a two-level examination format. Top performers receive national recognition, medals, and cash prizes, while all participants get a certificate and a detailed performance analysis report to aid their learning journey.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 60
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Language
- English
Rounds and format
Level 1 is the initial round for all students, held at the school or online. Students who score above a certain cutoff (e.g., 75% or are in the top 10 state-wise) qualify for Level 2, which is the final, more advanced round.
How entries are judged
Ranking is based on the marks obtained in the exam. In case of a tie, preference is given to students with higher marks in specific sections of the paper, followed by time taken to complete the exam.
Selection process
Qualification for Level 2 is based on achieving a score of 75% or higher in the Level 1 exam, or being a state-wise top 10 rank holder for the respective class.
How to prepare
- A free book is provided to every participant upon registration.
- Students get access to a mobile application with audio and video tutorials.
- Sample papers and mock tests are available on the official website and app.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus is aligned with CBSE, ICSE, and State Board curricula, with an emphasis on applying concepts to solve problems.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tie-breaking criterion if multiple students score the same marks?
In case of a tie, ranks are determined by giving preference to marks obtained in specific, higher-priority sections of the exam. If a tie persists, the time taken to complete the test is considered.
How does the HCO syllabus differ from the regular school curriculum?
The HCO syllabus is based on the curricula of major boards but focuses more on application, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, often including topics from emerging technologies.
What are the technical requirements for taking the online exam?
Participants need a computer or laptop with a functioning webcam and a stable internet connection. It is recommended to use an updated web browser like Chrome or Firefox for the best experience.
How can participants best prepare for the intelligence-based questions?
The intelligence-based section tests higher-order thinking. Regular practice with puzzles, logical reasoning exercises, and previous years' papers can help improve performance in this section.
What benefits do participants receive besides awards?
Every participant receives a certificate and a detailed Performance Analysis Report, which helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, providing valuable feedback for academic growth.
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