India AI Olympiad (INAIO)
by ACM India (Association for Computing Machinery)
Admission Pathways to IITs and Other Universities
The India AI Olympiad (INAIO) is a national competition by ACM India for school students (Classes 1-12) to showcase AI skills and qualify for the International Olympiad in AI (IOAI).
Mode
Online
Fee
₹1,200
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Varies by stage (e.g., 1-3 hours per test)
Eligibility
Open to all school students across India, from any school board, up to Class 12 during the academic year. No lower age limit. Indian citizens residing abroad are also eligible. Direct entry to Stage 2 is possible for top performers from other national Olympiads.
- Age range
- 14 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be a student registered in a school up to Class 12 during the academic year. Students who have completed Class 12 are not eligible.
- Prerequisites
- Familiarity with Python programming
- Basic understanding of Probability and Statistics
- Basic understanding of Linear Algebra
- Basic understanding of Optimization
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Potential Scholarships
Participants may become eligible for significant scholarships from various educational institutions for higher studies in AI and Computer Science, including full tuition and hostel fee waivers for top performers in related international Olympiads.
Certificate
Certificates from ACM India & IOAI
Certificates of recognition are provided by ACM India and the International Olympiad in AI (IOAI) for participants and top performers, acknowledging their achievement in a national and international context.
Opens doors to
Admission Pathways to IITs and Other Universities
Career pathways
Enhanced Career Prospects
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration closed
- 31 Dec 2025
- Competition
- 18 Jan 2026 to 19 Jan 2026
How to apply
- 1Online registration on the official INAIO website
- 2Appear for preliminary online tests
- 3Shortlisted candidates participate in subsequent rounds and camps
Rules and guidelines
- Students are expected to work individually and solve questions independently without assistance from others during online tests.
- Decisions made by the INAIO organizing committee are final.
Technology requirements
- Reliable internet connection
- Computer/laptop for online tests
- Access to tools like ChatGPT, Google, online calculators, and Python notebooks (optional for some stages)
- Laptop or desktop computer with a functional webcam and microphone for proctored exams (if applicable).
- Updated web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Individual: Rs 1,200. Bulk (min 10 students): Rs 1,000/student (non-JNV), Rs 500/student (JNV). Registration for Stage 2 is free for qualified students.
Refund policy
Registration is governed by Explara policy and ACM India Terms and Conditions, as well as Privacy and Refund Policies.
About this opportunity
The India AI Olympiad (INAIO) is a prestigious national competition organized by ACM India in partnership with ACM IKDD. Its primary goal is to identify and nurture young AI talent across India, encouraging innovation and preparing students for future advancements in artificial intelligence. The INAIO serves as the official selection platform for the International Olympiad in AI (IOAI), providing an unparalleled opportunity for Indian students to compete on a global stage.
The Olympiad aims to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills through challenging questions and hands-on activities related to AI. It also promotes digital literacy and a deeper understanding of AI's technical aspects and real-world applications. Participation offers numerous benefits, including international recognition, potential scholarships, and advantages for higher education admissions, as many prestigious institutions offer direct admissions or bonus points to students excelling in certified international Olympiads.
The competition typically involves multiple stages, including online tests and in-person camps for final team selection. The syllabus covers fundamental AI concepts, machine learning, data handling, coding fundamentals (primarily Python), neural networks, and digital ethics, with an emphasis on computational thinking and logical reasoning. The INAIO is designed to be a rigorous yet rewarding experience, pushing students to explore the cutting edge of AI and develop skills crucial for future careers in technology and research.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 80
- Duration
- 90 minutes
- Format
- Multiple-choice questions and multi-part questions. Stage 1 includes 10 questions worth 2 points each and 4 multi-part questions worth 15 points each. Bonus marks awarded for questions where AI tools might make errors.
- Language
- English
Rounds and format
Stage 1: Online test (1.5 hours) assessing problem-solving and AI basics. Stage 2: Further selection round (details not fully specified, but involves direct entry for top performers from other Olympiads). Stage 3: Online training lectures for selected students. Stage 4: In-person camp for final selection of teams representing India at IOAI.
How entries are judged
Evaluation based on problem-solving skills, AI basics, and potentially original thinking for bonus marks.
Selection process
Top performers from Stage 1 qualify for Stage 2. Direct entry to Stage 2 is also offered to students who performed exceptionally well in related Olympiads (Linguistics Olympiad, Informatics Olympiad, Math Olympiad, Bebras). Final selection for the IOAI team occurs after an in-person camp.
How to prepare
- Online lectures
- Study materials
- Sample tests
- IOAI website tasks
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The curriculum covers fundamental AI concepts, machine learning, data handling, coding fundamentals (Python), neural networks, and digital ethics. It emphasizes computational thinking, logic building, and problem-solving. Later stages delve into advanced topics like Supervised Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Deep Learning, Transformers, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Computer Vision.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively manage competitive pressure during the Olympiad?
Students can manage competitive pressure by focusing on their individual learning journey and preparation, rather than solely on outcomes. Practicing mindfulness techniques and maintaining a balanced routine with adequate rest and recreation can also be beneficial.
What are common mistakes participants make during AI competitions and how can they be avoided?
Common mistakes include misinterpreting problem statements, neglecting to test code thoroughly, and poor time management. Participants should carefully read instructions, develop robust testing strategies, and allocate time wisely across different sections of the exam.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
Unified Cyber Olympiad (UCO) Online
by Unified Council
The Unified Cyber Olympiad (UCO) is a national online competition for students in Grades 2-10, designed to assess and enhance their computer science knowledge, logical reasoning, and mental ability skills. Participants can win laptops, cash prizes, and certificates.
What your child could gain:
International GENIUS Coding Olympiad by Terra Science and Education
by Terra Science and Education
International GENIUS Coding Olympiad, organized by Terra Science and Education, highlights the power of coding and computational thinking in solving global challenges.
What your child could gain:
The STEAM Cup
by Confederation of Kerala Sahodaya Complexes
A national innovation challenge for students from Grade 1 to 12, encouraging creative projects in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app