Humming Bird English Olympiad (HEO) for Classes 1-12
by Humming Bird Education Ltd.
₹50,000 Cash Prize
An international English language competition for students of Classes 1-12 to assess and enhance their grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
₹150
Participation format
Individual
Duration
60 minutes
Time needed
50-minute exam
Eligibility
Eligibility: Students from Class 1 to 12. Requirements: Must be enrolled in a school affiliated with any recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards). Location: Open to all students across India.
- Grade level
- Grade 1 to 12
- Age range
- 6 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be enrolled in a school affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, State Board, or any other recognized board.
- Prerequisites
- No specific prerequisites are required, other than being a student in the eligible classes.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹50,000
The top international ranker is awarded a cash prize of ₹50,000. The second and third international rankers receive ₹25,000 and ₹10,000, respectively. Zonal toppers also receive cash prizes.
Prizes
Medals & Free Book for All
Top 3 rankers at the school, zonal, and international levels are awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. Every participant receives a free preparatory book worth ₹100.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation/Merit
All participants receive a Certificate of Participation. Winners and Level 2 qualifiers are awarded a Certificate of Merit to recognize their achievement.
Opens doors to
Performance in an international-level Olympiad can strengthen a student's academic profile for university admissions, showcasing their linguistic skills and competitive spirit. It also builds a strong base for exams like CUET, IELTS, and TOEFL.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Aug 2025
- Registration closed
- 31 Oct 2025
- Competition
- 6 Nov 2025 to 6 Dec 2025
How to apply
- 1Registration is conducted through the student's school.
- 2Schools must register as a Humming Bird Olympiad test center.
- 3The school coordinator collects student details and fees for submission to Humming Bird Education Ltd.
Rules and guidelines
- The exam is based on a multiple-choice question pattern.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers or unanswered questions.
- The school where the student is enrolled serves as the examination center for Level 1.
- Students must adhere to the exam schedule and guidelines provided by the organizers.
Technology requirements
- Computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee is ₹150 per student. An optional concept-building workbook is available for an additional ₹120. For international students, the fee is $8.
Refund policy
Fees once paid are non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The Humming Bird English Olympiad (HEO) is an international-level competition that evaluates the English language proficiency of students from Class 1 to 12. It provides a platform for students to test their skills in grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and written expression against national and international peers.
This Olympiad is open to students enrolled in schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, or any other recognized educational board across India. Participation helps students identify their linguistic strengths and weaknesses through a detailed performance analysis report, fostering continuous improvement.
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 participants, conducted at their respective schools. Students who score 75% or more, or are in the top 10 state-wise rank holders, qualify for Level 2. Level 2 is the final round to determine the international and zonal winners.
How entries are judged
Ranking is based on the marks obtained in the exam. In case of a tie, preference is given to the student who has scored higher in sections with higher-order thinking questions. Further tie-breaking is based on previous class scores and, if needed, telephonic interviews.
Selection process
Qualification for Level 2 is based on achieving a score of 75% or higher in the Level 1 exam, or being among the top 10 rank holders in their respective state and class.
How to prepare
- A free book worth ₹100 is provided to every participant upon registration.
- Free online tutorials and access to a mobile application with audio and video content.
- Optional concept-building workbooks are available for purchase.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus is aligned with the curricula of CBSE, ICSE, and major State Boards. A detailed, class-wise syllabus is provided in the free book given to all participants after registration.
Frequently asked questions
How do students typically manage competitive pressure during the Olympiad?
Students can manage competitive pressure by focusing on their individual learning journey and preparation rather than solely on ranks. Practicing mindfulness, maintaining a balanced study schedule, and ensuring adequate rest can significantly reduce stress and improve performance.
What are the common mistakes participants make during preparation and how can they be avoided?
Common mistakes include rote learning without understanding concepts, neglecting weaker areas, and insufficient practice with timed mock tests. Avoiding these requires a structured study plan, regular revision, and analyzing performance reports to identify and address weaknesses proactively.
How does participation in HEO contribute to a student's long-term academic profile?
Participation in HEO enhances a student's academic profile by demonstrating strong English language proficiency and competitive spirit. It provides a recognized certificate and can be a valuable addition to university applications, showcasing a commitment to academic excellence beyond regular curriculum.
What strategies can students employ to improve their reading comprehension skills for the Olympiad?
To improve reading comprehension, students should regularly read diverse texts, practice identifying main ideas and supporting details, and work on vocabulary building. Techniques like active reading, summarizing paragraphs, and answering questions immediately after reading can be highly effective.
How are tie-breaking situations handled in the event of equal scores among participants?
In case of a tie, preference is given to the student who has scored higher in sections with higher-order thinking questions. Further tie-breaking is based on previous class scores and, if necessary, telephonic interviews to ensure fair and accurate ranking.
What is the recommended preparation timeline for the Olympiad?
Students are advised to begin preparation at least 3-4 months before the exam. This allows ample time to cover the syllabus, practice with mock tests, and revise concepts thoroughly without last-minute stress.
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