Humming Bird Tamil Olympiad (HTO)
by Humming Bird Education Ltd.
₹50,000 Cash Prize
A national-level competition for students in Classes 1-12 to assess and showcase their proficiency in the Tamil language.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
₹150
Participation format
Individual
Duration
The Level 1 exam is 50 minutes long.
Time needed
50-minute exam
Eligibility
Age: 6-18 years. Grades: 1 to 12. Location: Open to students across India. Requirements: Must be enrolled in a school affiliated with any recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards).
- 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 in India.
- Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of the Tamil language corresponding to the student's grade level.
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 rank holder receives ₹25,000, and the third rank holder receives ₹10,000. In case of a tie, the prize money is distributed equally among the winners.
Prizes
Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded to the top three rankers at the School, Zonal, and International levels.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation for all
All participants receive a Certificate of Participation. Qualifiers for Level 2 receive Merit Certificates, and top rankers are awarded Certificates of Outstanding Global Performance.
Opens doors to
Recognition in a national-level Olympiad demonstrates linguistic talent and academic commitment, which can strengthen a student's profile for college and university applications.
Career pathways
Strong proficiency in the Tamil language, validated by a national competition, is a valuable asset for careers in translation, content creation, journalism, teaching, and cultural studies.
Recognition
National Level Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Aug 2025
- Registration closed
- 31 Oct 2025
- Competition
- 25 Nov 2025
How to apply
- 1Students can register for the Olympiad through their respective schools.
- 2Individual registrations are also accepted directly through the Humming Bird Education website.
Rules and guidelines
- The exam must be completed within the specified duration of 50 minutes.
- Participants must use their unique registration number to access the exam and results.
- No negative marking is applied for incorrect answers.
- The decision of the Humming Bird Education jury on ranks and awards is final.
- Any form of malpractice during the exam will lead to immediate disqualification.
Technology requirements
- A computer, laptop, or mobile device with a stable internet connection is required for the online version of the exam.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee is ₹150 per student. An optional experiential Olympiad book can be purchased for ₹125.
Refund policy
Fees once paid are non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The Humming Bird Tamil Olympiad (HTO) is a national academic competition that assesses students' proficiency in the Tamil language. It provides a platform for students to showcase linguistic talents and deepen their understanding of Tamil grammar and literature.
Open to students from Class 1 to 12 of all recognized Indian school boards, top performers receive medals, cash prizes, and certificates. All participants get a certificate and a detailed performance analysis report.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 50
- Duration
- 50 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Language
- Tamil
Rounds and format
Level 1 is the initial round for all participants. Students who score 75% or more, or are in the state-wise top 10 ranks, qualify for Level 2.
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 finished the exam in a shorter time.
Selection process
Selection 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 their class.
How to prepare
- Free e-books are provided to registered students.
- Access to mock tests and video tutorials is available through the student dashboard.
- Optional preparatory books can be purchased separately.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus is based on the curriculum of CBSE, ICSE, and various State Boards, tailored to each grade level.
Frequently asked questions
How can a student best prepare for the competitive format of the HTO?
Consistent practice with official sample papers and mock tests is key. Focusing on time management and understanding the question patterns helps build confidence and improves performance under exam conditions.
What is the significance of the Performance Analysis Report provided to all participants?
The report offers a detailed breakdown of the student's strengths and weaknesses across different topics. It's a valuable tool for identifying areas that need improvement for future academic competitions.
How are rankings determined in case of a tie in scores?
If multiple students achieve the same score, the ranking is decided based on the time taken to complete the exam. The participant who finished in a shorter duration is given a higher rank.
Beyond medals and prizes, what are the long-term benefits of participating in this Olympiad?
Participation helps in building a strong academic profile, which is beneficial for higher education applications. It also develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and a competitive spirit from an early age.
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