Humming Bird Social Science Olympiad (HSSO)
by Humming Bird Education Ltd.
₹50,000 Cash Prize
A national Social Science Olympiad for Classes 1-12, testing knowledge in History, Geography, and Civics to foster societal understanding.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
₹150
Participation format
Individual
Duration
The competition consists of two levels spread across the academic year.
Time needed
50-minute exam
Eligibility
Open to students in Classes 1-12 from schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, or other recognized Indian boards. Individual and school-based registrations are accepted.
- 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 school.
- Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of social science concepts (History, Geography, Civics, Political Science, Economics) relevant to their grade level curriculum.
- Familiarity with the school curriculum for Social Science subjects.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹50,000 Cash Prize
The top three rankers at the international level are awarded cash prizes. The 1st rank holder receives ₹50,000, the 2nd rank holder receives ₹25,000, and the 3rd rank holder receives ₹10,000.
Prizes
Tablets, Medals & More
Top 3 international/national rank holders receive a tablet. Ranks 4 to 10 are awarded branded wristwatches. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded to top performers at the school, state, and zonal levels.
Certificate
Certificate for All Participants
All participants receive a participation certificate. Qualifiers for Level 2 and students with outstanding performance at various levels are awarded a Merit Certificate.
Opens doors to
Achievement in a national-level Olympiad adds significant value to a student's academic profile, which can be beneficial for admissions into humanities and social science streams in higher education. It also helps in preparation for competitive exams like CUET and NTSE.
Recognition
International 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 school by submitting their details to the coordinating teacher.
- 2Individual participants can register directly on the official Humming Bird Education website.
Rules and guidelines
- The competition is held at two levels: Level 1 and Level 2.
- Participants must adhere to the exam schedule and guidelines provided.
- Use of any unfair means during the examination will lead to immediate disqualification.
Technology requirements
- A stable internet connection for registration and accessing resources.
- A computer or laptop with a webcam may be required for online proctoring if taking the exam individually.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee is ₹150 per student for participants within India. Schools may charge an additional amount for administrative purposes.
Refund policy
Fees once paid are non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The Humming Bird Social Science Olympiad (HSSO) is a national-level examination designed to evaluate and enhance students' understanding of social sciences. It covers key subjects like history, geography, and civics, aiming to build a strong foundation for students to become well-informed citizens.
This competition is open to students from Class 1 to 12 enrolled in schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, or any other recognized board in India. Participants gain valuable experience in competitive exams, with top performers receiving awards, medals, and certificates that add significant value to their academic profiles.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 50
- Duration
- 50 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Language
- English, Hindi
Rounds and format
Level 1 is the initial round conducted for all participants. Students who score 75% or more, or are in the top 10 state-wise rank holders, qualify for the Level 2 exam.
How entries are judged
Evaluation is based on scores from multiple-choice questions, assessing in-depth knowledge, factual understanding, conceptual clarity, reasoning, logical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Selection process
Students qualify for Level 2 based on achieving 75% or more marks in Level 1, being among the top 10 students state-wise in their class, or being school toppers. Awards are given to top performers at national, zonal, and school levels.
How to prepare
- Official study guide
- Experiential Olympiad Books
- Past year papers
- Online mock tests
- Video tutorials
- E-books
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus is based on the curriculum of CBSE, ICSE, and major State Boards, ensuring relevance to students' school studies.
Frequently asked questions
How can a student best prepare for the competitive format of the HSSO?
Students should focus on a thorough understanding of their school syllabus, practice with past papers and mock tests, and develop time management skills to confidently answer MCQs under exam conditions.
What factors determine a student's ranking in the Olympiad?
Rankings are primarily based on the score obtained. In case of a tie, preference is given to students with higher scores in specific, higher-order thinking sections of the paper, followed by faster completion time.
How should parents support a child's participation without adding pressure?
Parents can provide encouragement, ensure a conducive study environment, and help the child create a balanced preparation schedule. The focus should be on learning and participation rather than solely on winning.
Beyond medals and prizes, what is the long-term benefit of participating in HSSO?
Participation helps students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and exam temperament. It provides a platform to benchmark their knowledge at a national level, which is valuable for future competitive exams.
How are the Level 1 and Level 2 exams different in terms of difficulty?
Level 1 tests the core concepts from the school curriculum. Level 2, for qualified students, typically involves more application-based and higher-order thinking questions to identify the top performers.
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