Indian National Olympiad in Informatics (INOI)
by Indian Association for Research in Computing Science (IARCS)
Admission Pathways to Top Universities
250 participants
The Indian National Olympiad in Informatics (INOI) is a national programming contest for school students. It is the second stage of the Indian Computing Olympiad (ICO) and helps find and train young talent in algorithms and C++ for global competitions.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹472
Participation format
Individual
Duration
3 hours
Eligibility
Open to all school students in India must be a school student up to Class 12, regardless of school board. Participants must have qualified through the Zonal Computing Olympiad (ZCO) or Zonal Informatics Olympiad (ZIO). There is no lower age limit, but students must not have completed Class 12.
- Grade level
- Grade 1 to 12
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be a school student up to Class 12. Requires school-level mathematics and basic understanding of algorithms. Students who have completed Class 12 are not eligible.
- Prerequisites
- Qualification from Zonal Computing Olympiad (ZCO) or Zonal Informatics Olympiad (ZIO)
- Basic understanding of algorithms
- School level mathematics
- Proficiency in C++ programming
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals
Top-performing participants are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals based on their national ranking in the competition.
Certificate
Certificate of Merit from IARCS
Certificates of merit are awarded to participants based on their performance, recognizing their achievement at a national level.
Opens doors to
Gold and Silver medalists may get direct admission to Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI). Qualifiers for the IOI Training Camp (IOITC) are eligible for admission through the Olympiad category at IIIT Hyderabad and IIT Gandhinagar. IIIT Delhi offers bonus points for INOI qualifiers. Amrita University offers a fully funded B.Tech CSE program for high performers, and Scaler School of Technology offers scholarships up to 100%.
Recognition
National Recognition in Informatics
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 31 Oct 2025
- Registration closed
- 19 Dec 2025
- Competition
- 14 Feb 2026
How to apply
- 1Students qualify for INOI based on their performance in the Zonal Computing Olympiad (ZCO) or Zonal Informatics Olympiad (ZIO).
- 2Registration for the initial Zonal rounds (ZIO/ZCO) is typically done online through the Indian Computing Olympiad website (iarcs.org.in). A nominal registration fee of approximately ₹472 (₹400 + GST) applies for the initial round.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must adhere to the specified programming language, C++.
- Use of mobile phones and other electronic devices is prohibited during the competition.
- Any form of malpractice will lead to immediate disqualification.
- Participants must bring their admit cards for verification.
- Queries about problem statements should be asked in a Yes/No format.
Technology requirements
- Proficiency in C++ programming language
- Familiarity with a competitive programming environment (e.g., CodeChef platform)
- Knowledge of basic programming concepts like input/output, arrays, and functions
- Understanding of standard template library (STL) in C++ is highly recommended.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Participation in INOI is based on qualification from ZIO/ZCO. A nominal registration fee of approximately ₹472 (₹400 + GST) applies for the initial Zonal rounds (ZIO/ZCO).
Refund policy
Registration fees for the Indian Computing Olympiad (ICO), which includes the Zonal rounds, are generally non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The Indian National Olympiad in Informatics (INOI) is a prestigious national-level programming competition organized by the Indian Association for Research in Computing Science (IARCS). It serves as the second stage of the multi-tiered Indian Computing Olympiad (ICO), which ultimately selects India's team for the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). Participants in INOI are challenged with advanced algorithmic problems, requiring strong problem-solving skills and proficiency in C++ programming. The competition is held offline at various centers across the country to ensure accessibility for students without reliable internet connectivity at home.
This competition is designed for school students up to Class 12 who have a keen interest in computer science and programming. It provides a rigorous platform for students to test their abilities against peers nationwide, fostering a competitive spirit and deep understanding of computational thinking. Success in INOI can open doors to further opportunities in higher education and career paths in computer science, including special admission procedures at top Indian universities.
INOI questions are similar in style and difficulty to those found in the International Olympiad in Informatics, preparing students for global challenges. The top performers from INOI are invited to a specialized training camp, where they receive intensive coaching from leading computer scientists to represent India on the international stage. Approximately 30 students are selected for this training camp.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 300
- Duration
- 180 minutes
- Format
- Algorithmic programming problems
- Language
- C++
Rounds and format
The INOI is a single programming competition round where students solve algorithmic problems.
How entries are judged
Solutions are evaluated based on correctness, efficiency (time and memory limits), and adherence to problem constraints. Points are awarded for correctly solving subtasks.
Selection process
Approximately 30 students are selected from INOI based on their performance to attend the International Olympiad in Informatics Training Camp (IOITC).
How to prepare
- Past INOI question papers and solutions available on IARCS and CodeChef websites
- ICO Online Study Material (Basic Topics and IOI syllabus)
- Competitive programming platforms for practice
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The syllabus for INOI is aligned with the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) syllabus, covering advanced topics in algorithms and data structures. This includes topics like dynamic programming, graph algorithms, sorting, searching, and more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way for students to prepare for the INOI competition?
Students should focus on consistent practice with algorithmic problems, thoroughly review past INOI and IOI papers, and master C++ programming. Utilizing online competitive programming platforms and studying advanced data structures and algorithms are highly recommended for comprehensive preparation.
How does the INOI competition contribute to a student's overall academic development?
The INOI competition significantly enhances a student's logical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and computational thinking skills. It provides a rigorous platform to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of computer science concepts and preparing students for advanced studies.
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