ITO National Social Studies Olympiad (NSSO) Offline
by Indian Talent Olympiad (ITO)
₹1,00,000 Cash Prize
The ITO National Social Studies Olympiad is a national-level competition for students in Classes 1 to 10, testing their knowledge in history, geography, and civics, with significant awards for top performers.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹175
Participation format
Individual
Duration
45 minutes per exam
Time needed
65-minute exam at school
Eligibility
Open to students in Classes 1-10 (ages 6-15) from any recognized board across India. Students can register individually or through their school. For school registrations, a minimum of 40 students per school is required. No specific gender or financial criteria apply.
- Grade level
- Grade 1 to 10
- Age range
- 6 to 15 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be studying in Class 1 to Class 10 under CBSE, ICSE, State Board, or any other recognized board.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹1,00,000 Cash Prize
National Rank 1 winners receive ₹1,00,000. National Rank 2 winners receive ₹40,000. State Rank 1-10 winners receive scholarships (e.g., ₹4,000 for NSSO). Scholarship amounts for national ranks 1 and 2 are disbursed over certain years.
Prizes
Laptops, Tablets & Medals
Top national rank holders are awarded laptops and tablets. Medals are also given to high-achieving students.
Certificate
Certificate of Excellence
All participating students receive a printed certificate with their name and rank details. Certificates of excellence are awarded to top performers. Special recognition certificates with rank details and student report booklets are also provided.
Opens doors to
Participation and high ranks in national-level Olympiads like NSSO enhance a student's academic profile, which can be beneficial for admissions to prestigious higher education institutions.
Career pathways
Provides a competitive edge in future academic and professional pursuits by fostering strong analytical and problem-solving skills. It lays a foundation for careers in civil services, research, education, and other fields requiring a deep understanding of society.
Recognition
National & State Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Jul 2026
- Registration closes
- 10 Nov 2026
- Competition
- 6 Oct 2026 to 8 Jan 2027
- Results
- 28 Feb 2027
Last Date for School Registration
Schools must complete their registration by this date to enroll students for the offline Olympiad.
Exam Set B
Second of three school exam dates
Round 2 Registration Deadline (Tentative)
Tentative deadline for students who qualify Round 1 to register for the second round of the Olympiad.
Round 2 Exam Date (Tentative)
Tentative date for the second round of the Olympiad exam for qualified students.
How to apply
- 1Schools must register with ITO. Students then enroll through their school coordinator by providing their name and roll number.
- 2Individual registration is also available online on the ITO website.
- 3The registration fee must be paid at the time of application.
- 4Schools can choose between online and offline exam modes and dates.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must be students of Class 1 to 10.
- Students can participate individually or through their schools.
- A minimum of 10 students per class per subject is required for class-wise medals.
- Late submissions for registration will not be accepted.
- In case of a tie, marks in specific sections and negative marking (0.25) may be used as tie-breakers.
- For school registrations, a minimum of 40 students per school is required.
Technology requirements
- For online exams, a stable internet connection and a compatible device (computer, laptop, or tablet) are required.
- The ITO Mobile App can be used for online exams.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Individual registration fee is ₹240 per subject. For school registrations, the fee is ₹175 per student per subject (₹150 to ITO, ₹25 retained by school).
Financial support
Scholarships are awarded to National Rank 1 and 2 winners, and State Rank 1-10 winners. The scholarship amount for national ranks 1 and 2 is disbursed over certain years. For State Rank 1-10, the scholarship amount for NSSO is ₹4,000.
Refund policy
Details regarding refund policy are not explicitly stated; it is advisable to check with ITO directly.
About this opportunity
The Indian Talent Olympiad (ITO) annually conducts the National Social Studies Olympiad (NSSO) to assess and enhance students' understanding of social sciences. This competition is designed for students from Class 1 to Class 10 across India, covering subjects like History, Geography, and Civics. The NSSO aims to foster critical thinking, reasoning ability, and a deeper understanding of societal functions and systems. It encourages young minds to make informed decisions and become responsible citizens. The syllabus is aligned with the school curriculum, including CBSE, ICSE, and various state boards, ensuring that students can prepare alongside their regular studies. The Olympiad features a two-round format, with the first round typically conducted offline within school premises. Top performers receive national and state-level recognition, including cash prizes, laptops, tablets, medals, and certificates, motivating them for future academic challenges. ITO, established in 2012, has seen participation from millions of students across over 31,573 schools nationwide, making it a prominent platform for talent identification and academic improvement. The exam helps students prepare for other competitive exams and enhances their critical thinking skills, making them better orators in the future.
Exam format
- Duration
- 45 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Language
- English
Rounds and format
The exam is conducted in one round for social studies.
How entries are judged
Marks scored in different sections of the exam and time taken to complete the exam. Tie-breaking criteria include marks in priority sections and negative marking.
Selection process
NSSO is based on total score, accuracy, time taken, and section-wise performance, with top scorers receiving awards and certificates.
How to prepare
- ITO Social Studies workbooks
- Previous year's question papers
- School textbooks (CBSE, ICSE, State Board)
- Online sample papers and mock tests provided by ITO
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus is based on the school curriculum (CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards) for Classes 1 to 10. It includes subjective questions, High Order Thinking (HOT) questions, and logical reasoning sections. Topics cover culture, people, time, places, environment, development, power, authority, governance, production, distribution, science, society, and technology.
Frequently asked questions
How do students best prepare for the competitive nature of the NSSO?
Consistent preparation using the school syllabus, solving previous years' papers, and taking mock tests are key. Focusing on understanding concepts over rote memorization helps in tackling application-based questions. A structured study plan is highly recommended.
What are common mistakes participants make during the NSSO exam?
Common errors include improper time management, not reading questions carefully, and making blind guesses. Practicing with timed sample papers can help students develop a better exam-taking strategy and improve accuracy.
How are the final rankings and tie-breakers determined in the Olympiad?
Rankings are based on the total score. In case of a tie, marks in specific high-priority sections are considered. If a tie persists, other criteria such as negative marking (0.25) may be used as a deciding factor.
Beyond the syllabus, what skills does the NSSO competition aim to develop?
The NSSO fosters critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. It encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of societal structures and become more informed and responsible citizens.
What is the difference between individual and school registration for the NSSO?
Individual registration is done directly by students online, while school registration is facilitated by the school coordinator. School registration often has a lower per-subject fee and requires a minimum number of participants from the school.
Are there different rounds for the NSSO, and how does one qualify for them?
Yes, the NSSO typically has two rounds. Students who perform exceptionally well in Round 1 qualify for Round 2. Specific qualification criteria are announced after Round 1 results.
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